WHO SAYS MONEY CAN'T GROW ON TREES?

By Howard Supnik

Let's talk landscape - after all, spring is soon upon us and we will all be glad for some warmth, color and socializing with family and friends. But let's face it; we are in tough economic times. The outdoor environment, in which we live - not nature but the designed landscapes that surround us every day - is typically one of the last things we think about as we look to our new administration to lead us out of our country's economic woes. Here in our northeast winters, it's the cold weather and the lack of color that puts the landscape design issue even further from our minds. But in fact, now is precisely the time we could enjoy our outdoor spaces and its mood inspiring possibilities.
The colorful flowers of winter witchazel and the red berries of winterberry can boost spirits in an otherwise bleak and frigid winter. A well placed hedgerow is a simple addition that can buffer the winter winds while blocking objectionable views. This proves that even a few small changes in your landscape can make a significant impact. What better way to feel good about spending when spending wisely? Now is not only a time we can be appreciating the views out our windows, but also a time when we should be planning for the spring. With more people choosing "staycations" over vacations, where better than your home to spend a few dollars? As a design professional, I see just as many people who simply need a few hours of advice, as those who need a plan, so design fees can be minimal. For those people who do want a plan to avoid making costly mistakes, they recognize that they are in control. They can choose not only which portions of the plan are implemented but also the choice of details within that plan. Ultimately, then, the homeowner controls their budget and project costs.
There is always one place for growth in a bad economy and that is in your landscape. Many are spending less on what they might think of as frivolous decorations outside of their home, but there are just as many who are renovating their outdoor environments and seeing growth in numerous ways. Of course the most obvious and visual growth is in the plant material itself. Each year invested brings exponential returns, but more importantly is that the value of the property jumps especially as the economy bounces back. For those who pushed forth through the economic downturn, they will see a greater value more quickly than those who continue to wait for the economy to turn around. Especially in a bad economy, people tend to look for value more often than when the economy is strong. Needless to say, it is crucial to get advice from a designer before doing even the smallest thing. It is difficult for people to recognize value when we are so focused on needs versus wants, and that is where a designer can objectively help review all the options. I enjoy helping my clients solve tough problems and it makes me feel good when I can suggest something that may not cost a lot but makes a huge impact, or recommending something that saves them money in the long run.
There are other ways designers can be useful as well. Aesthetics and the "curb appeal" factor can attract potential buyers to a property and even help to increase the bid on the asking price of a home. Well-placed shade trees help to reduce the energy bills by providing a cooling effect on the house, and help make the scale of the architecture more harmonious. Also, more people today are concerned with being ecologically responsible in our environment and are teaching our children the importance of stewardship of the land. While "green" or "sustainable" have become the buzz words of today, the practice of responsible living has been with us for centuries. Money can be saved by using recycled products and harvesting roof runoff for irrigation, and of course it doesn't harm the environment. The trick is making it work and still look good. A savvy designer's input will help you to make decisions about your property, and lead you to the goal of a functional, attractive and cost-effective landscape.
In this economy, the bottom line is that ...maybe money does grow on trees.

Howard Supnik is Principal of Howard Jay Supnik Landscape Architect in Lititz, Pennsylvania. His work can be found at www.howardjaysupnik.com

back  |  printer-friendly version