You can determine the livability of any community by using a couple of factors, but it is mainly a subjective exercise. It means how attractive an area is, based on how many trees and parks are around. It can also indicate how many good schools are in the area, what the public transportation is like, and how environmentally conservative the neighborhood is.
Livability simply means how livable and comfortable a community is for the residents. People who live in urban settings may have different livability standards than those who live in rural communities. If you’re interested in improving the livability of your property with trees and landscaping, we can help.
Below are some tips for improving your properties’ livability and what kinds of landscaping practices can make everything look more attractive.
Why Is Livability Important?
Considering the livability of a property is crucial because it’s somewhere you’re going to spend a lot of time. If it’s the perfect home but it happens to be a long commute from work each way, maybe living there won’t be very nice after a while. Additionally, if it’s the perfect home but the landscaping is ugly, that is something you can fix later on.
These are essential factors to consider before moving into a new space. You can fix many things about a new home to make it more attractive and comfortable, including adding trees and foliage with a residential landscaping company. However, you can’t change a house being too far from the other vital parts of your life.
Trees Play a Critical Role
Trees don’t just look nice– they also play a very critical role within your property. They provide shade, shelter and contribute to a more sustainable environment. If you have large trees planted around your house, you will be getting free shade during the hot summer months and direct sunlight during the cooler months when the leaves have fallen. This can reduce heating and cooling bills significantly and is also better for the environment.
Trees also have a positive impact on our overall health. They can help filter out air pollution like smog and reduce the severity of illnesses like asthma and hypertension. They also provide a calm and serene setting for recreation, which is crucial for remaining happy and healthy.
Trees Increase Property Values
In addition to being visually appealing, adding trees to your property can increase its value substantially. Independent studies have shown that more trees in a neighborhood directly correlate with a 5-15% increase in real estate values.
Trees can also increase your property value by blocking noise from the surrounding area or busy streets. A well-placed tree in the front yard can prevent noise by up to 40%. In addition to lowering sound pollution, trees can also protect your home from wind, rain, and other weather-related storms.
Which Trees Increase Livability the Most?
Now that you know the critical role trees play in an environment, you’re probably wondering which ones would be the best to plant to maximize your property’s livability. The answer depends on where you live and what kind of aesthetic you’re going for. If you live somewhere that experiences seasons, you shouldn’t plant palm trees or anything tropical.
If you live somewhere with a cooler climate, consider planting maples, oaks, and beeches, to name a few. These are deciduous trees, which means they shed their leaves in the autumn months and regrow them in the spring.
If you live in a warmer climate, consider planting magnolias or fruit trees like cherry, citrus, or apple. Fruit trees would increase the livability of a property drastically because they tend to be bright and fragrant.
Trees You Should Be Careful With
You should take advantage of the shade provided by big trees, but it’s essential to ensure you don’t plant too many around your house. Too much foliage can block the sun from entering entirely, making everything dark all day, which is unpleasant.
You should also be cautious about planting willows, elms, and hybrid poplar trees. They can all add a dramatic and stunning visual to any property, but if they’re grown too close to a house, their sprawling roots can affect the foundation and plumbing.
This same thing also applies to landscaping in general– it’s essential to keep things properly cleaned up with a regular tree service or landscaping company. If your property becomes too overgrown with foliage, that can affect its livability and values.
Landscaping For Livability
You can do a lot with the landscaping around your property to improve its livability, but it is all very subjective and personal to each person. If you want more privacy around your home, consider planting landscaping that acts as a fence or barrier from neighbors. Grow things that are relatively low maintenance if you don’t want to spend lots of money on the upkeep, but it’s always a good idea to employ a landscaping company to keep things tidy without you having to worry.
Any yard is similar to the inside of your home. Use trees and other plants to create focal points. Add outdoor seating to expand your space and make it a gathering place. The more creative you get with your trees and landscaping, the more livable your property will be.
Trees can increase your property value, save you money on heating and cooling bills, prevent noise pollution from sneaking in, and add peace and serenity to any area. As long as you don’t plant them too close to your home, you will enjoy having them around on your property immensely.