The natural way to improve your portfolio

The landscape is an important element in your real estate portfolio. Really.

It defines the look of the outside of your home—and for most Americans, their home is their greatest investment.

When considering new landscape, a lot of factors weigh in. The climate, for one thing. The preservation of our natural resources is another big factor.

Tony Nickerson of A Better Landscape & Sprinkler Company in Denver advises homeowners to choose plants that will thrive in their surroundings instead of something you have to fight to keep alive. “The amount of water that will be required to maintain the yard is important consideration. Saving water is not only the best solution for our environment, but it will significantly help your pocketbook if you plan ahead,” Nickerson says.

The Denver Water Board promotes water conservation through Xeriscape™, a phrase the water department trademarked. This sustainable landscape conserves water and thus saves money.

When landscaping using Xeriscape, Nickerson advises:

Assess what you already have and come up with a blueprint of the layout of your property. Indicate how much sun or shade each section of the yard receives. The difference between traditional landscaping and sustainable landscaping is the priority of traditional landscaping is generally to focus on the aesthetic layout first and then you devise a plan for how you will care for your new yard and sustainable landscaping inverts this process by evaluating the conditions first and then selecting the elements based on what will thrive in those conditions. Sutainable landscaping can be more visually appealing than traditional landscaping because the vegetation will continue to look healthy because it is selected based on its optimal habitat.

Also take in to consideration that another way to cut costs on heating and air conditioning is to insulate your house by strategically planting various trees or shrubs to provide windbreak and shade. Trees and shrubs that are positioned to screen the afternoon sun from the south side of your home will reduce the amount of air conditioning you may need to deploy inside. By the same token, protective trees on the north will keep your house warmer in the winter when snow is blowing hard.

Establish goals with your landscaping venture, says Nickerson who has been caring for clients yards for decades at a Mile High.

The very grass you choose makes a difference in the amount of water needed to keep your lawn green, Nickerson advises. For example, Buffalograss can save you 60 to 80 percent of the water required for Kentucky Bluegrass. Buffalograss, common on the great plains, can endure draughts and extreme temperatures. It prefers clay rich soil and moderate to low precipitation and because of that, it will grow in Colorado. However, it will not grow well in shade and it is not suited for high-traffic areas. Nickerson recommends that you consider creating a path of mulch and stepping-stones in the high traffic areas.

Divide the blueprint of your yard into areas of high and low water access. Water will naturally drain toward the low areas of the yard or close to drain spouts. That’s where you should position plants that require more water. Position plants that require less water in the dry, sunny areas of your landscape plan.

For a professional look, clump plants of similar water and sunlight needs together. That way, you will be less likely to overwater or underwater them.

Nickerson’s favorites for the high sun low water zones are geraniums, roses, the yellow trumpet vine or Russian sage. This is also a good place if you are thinking about installing other backyard features like a patio or pool.

Shady areas are a good home for the Russian Hawthorn bush or the Rocky Mountain’s favorite flower, the columbine.

When come to A Better Landscape Denver with what you’re looking for and you explain to us the specific conditions of your yard, we can help you to create a custom landscape that will be best for your tastes and your home while conserving water and money. Contact 720-314-2009 for an estimate.