Landscaping R.O.I. | Return on Investment
More Bang for the Buck
almost PERFECT Landscaping
APLNJ - of bergen county
So you want to sell your house? All real-estate agents make it a priority to stress upon you, the seller, that in the end, curb appeal matters. Survey results show that landscape expenditures significantly increase perceived home value and often results in a higher sale price that home with minimal landscaping.
The overall design sophistication and size of plant materials were landscaping factors that effected home value the greatest. This resulting increase in “curb appeal” also helps differentiate your home from other similar home styles in subdivisions; thus attracting a greater number of buyers to your property.
This house in Emerson NJ had a real problem. Potential buyers all had the same concern: THE BACKYARD. The problem was the view of the recently built storage facility that was an eye sore from every window in the rear of the house.
Although the facility installed a number of Norway Spruces to create a beautiful privacy screening, it was not happening now and wouldn’t until the trees reached middle age when their growth would block these views. Screening can be accomplished in many different ways however.
Fast growing Green Giant Arborvitae could be one choice; but then the cost of each 10ft plant could and usually is way out of the budget. Being the fence and building was all viewed as one linear line something was needed to soften and distract the eye from looking directly into the storage facility. What we came up with is the installation of six (six) fourteen feet tall clump birch trees.
Betula nigra ‘Heritage (clump)’ has amazing peeling bark in colors of white, brown and tan, and creamy white providing winter interest in the landscape. This clump birch has chartreuse catkins in early spring with dark green foliage throughout the seasons. Its pointy leaves turn a vibrant orange yellow in the fall.
Heritage River Birch (clump) will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, preferring to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils.
It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. We utilized black mulch on this landscaping project in Bergen County.
With the planting of this privacy screening the building becomes less viewable and easier to look at. Proper planting procedures are the guidelines to assist a plant for a long happy life. By making the holes 1/3 bigger than the actual root ball of the plant allows the feeder roots to grow into the ground easier allowing it better nourish itself.
We often use a root hormone called Superthrive to give all newly planted material the best possible start. Superthrive encourages the natural building blocks that plants normally make themselves under optimum conditions, so it gives plants a better chance of achieving their full potential. When transplanting trees and shrubs, stress can occur which can impact the health of the plant in negative ways. Superthrive helps to reduce and treat shock during transplanting.
