OCR Text |
Show An Investment That Grows A tree in your yard can be like money in the bank. Several studies in recent years have shown that well landscaped homes will not only sell more quickly, but will go for a higher price. As much as 20 percent more, according to one U.S. Forest Service study. Smart landscaping can enhance the value of your property. The financial advantages don't stop there, either, say the experts at the American Association of Nurserymen, called "the green survival people." The high cost of heating and cooling homes has brought a great deal of attention to ways to reduce energy consumption. Reliable Reli-able studies have shown that winter fuel use can be cut as much as 30 percent and more when a wind-barrier wind-barrier of evergreen trees protects a home on the north and west sides. Vines growing on the same sides of a home will insulate the walls much like storm windows win-dows and save valuable heating costs. Savings in summer can be realized by using shade trees on the south and west sides to shield the walls and windows win-dows from direct rays of the sun. Another advantage in this is that windows can often be left open longer during the day to allow the tree-cooled breezes into the home. Add to all this the pleasure plea-sure that comes from living in beautiful surrpundings, the joy of outdoor recreation recre-ation at home, the healthful activity that results from installing and caring for the living plants, and more and it's easy to see that a nice looking yard enhances the value of a home. |