Green light: Get landscape plans started with a budget

Put your dreams of warmer weather to work by planning landscaping projects while there's still snow on the ground, says Lucy Hershberger, owner of Coralville-based landscaping company Forever Green. The first step is determining a budget. While crunching numbers, consider the return on investment, a long-term plan and how your landscape suites your lifestyle.

Return On Investment

Landscaping can add between 7 to 15 percent to a home's value, according to The Gallup Organization.

'Any house with good landscaping is going to sell better and for more money,” Hershberger says.

At some point, though, you'll max out on how much you'll get back from your investment, she adds.

For example, a $30,000 project might pay off on a $300,000 home, but a more modest project may make sense for a $100,000 home.

Future Planning

If funds are limited in the near future, consider staggering projects over time. Create a plan now, and decide what elements are priorities or need to be tackled first.

Consider how much time and money you are willing to spend on future maintenance.

Landscape For Your Lifestyle

If you spend a lot of time outside, investing in landscaping may make more sense than someone who rarely uses their yard.

'You need to really think about how you use your yard and what is important to you,” Hershberger says. 'If you want a beautiful yard but prefer spending time indoors you will make different choices than someone who considers pulling weeds relaxation time.”

125 Forevergreen Road, Coralville; (319) 626-6770 | Forevergreengrows.com

Forever Green's trained, certified and experienced staff creates landscapes that suit your needs, reflect your lifestyle and blend with the environment. Visit the garden center for plants, supplies and advice for DIY projects.