A close-up of a bumblebee on a purple and yellow lupine flower, surrounded by green leaves and blurred blossoms in the background.

The bee floated amongst the flowers, hovering and bouncing between the blooms, landing and lingering upon only the most appealing.  He made several passes, returning to some, while ignoring others.  He seemed discerning in his quest, much like today’s home buyer.

Potted purple flowers sit on a walkway under a canopy, overlooking a lush green garden with tall grasses, shrubs, and trees on a sunny day.

Landscaping, or the lack thereof, can help or hurt the sale of a home.  In fact, studies have shown that professionally landscaped homes sell quicker, and often for more money.

A landscaped front yard with green bushes, blooming flowers, a brick pathway, a lamp post, and a brick house partially visible in the background. Sunny weather with dappled light on the plants.

Curb Appeal

Most people are initially drawn to the exterior of the home, and its general outward appearance.  Professionally landscaped yards, in addition to their beauty and appeal, offer the potential home buyer a glimpse into the possibilities. Even if perhaps the color palette or plant choices aren’t  their exact cup of tea, they can envision adding their own touches, and making it their own.  Additionally, landscapes can help further complement the style of a home, giving it added personality (i.e. Italian Villa, Irish Cottage, Lakehouse, etc.).

A well-maintained front yard with green grass, neatly trimmed bushes, and a curved sidewalk leading to the wooden front door of a light brick house.

Overall Impression

In addition to the landscape’s aesthetic appeal, professionally landscapes yards and well-maintained lawns give the buyer the sense that the home has been lovingly cared for and maintained.   This is an incredibly powerful and valuable message.  Landscaping can also help accent certain areas of the home, soften edges, or help cover unsightly areas or views.  It can also help make the house stand out from others, further maintaining the buyer’s interest, so it is not easily forgotten.

Yellow and green maple leaves cover tree branches, creating a dense canopy. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a mix of light and shadow. Some trees with green foliage are visible in the background.

Energy Efficient/Eco Friendly

Utilities are no joke, and with rising inflation can sway a buyer’s budget.  Well sited trees and shrubs can provide shade and wind breaks to mitigate energy costs.  Well-maintained lawns can also help reduce energy costs while producing oxygen, capturing rainfall, and assisting with soil erosion, etc. Native plants can also be used, which generally require little maintenance, or supplemental watering and chemical intervention.

A garden with tall yellow flowers, a yellow tent, white Adirondack chairs, trees, and two houses in the background on a sunny day.

Simply put, professionally landscaped yards and healthy, well-maintained lawns add considerable value to a home, and have been proven to sell quicker.  Thinking of selling or enhancing your home?  Reach out to Sweeney’s today, and we’ll help you develop a plan within your budget to make your dreams come true. We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

A cluster of vibrant orange-red coneflowers with dark centers grows among dense green leaves in a garden bed.

Sombrero® Flamenco Orange Coneflower

Striking, large, bright reddish-orange flowers with center brown cones bloom June – October on sturdy, upright stems.  Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 18-24″ tall and 18-24″ wide.  Attracts wildlife, butterflies, and other pollinators.  Deer resistant.

“I don’t divide architecture, landscape and gardening; to me they are one.”

-Luis Barragan

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney