Award Winning Landscape Designer, Annie St. Claire’s Top Tips For Increasing Property Value

Landscape designer Annie St. Claire talks about how homeowners can increase the value of their home up to 20% with landscape design
By: Espada-Zimmatore PR
 
March 31, 2008 - PRLog -- For more information contact:
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Los Angeles, California – Award winning landscape designer Annie St. Claire, featured on HGTV’s Landscaper’s Challenge gives her ideas on how landscaping can add 20% to property value and save up to 25% in heating and cooling costs. (http://www.throughthewoodsdesign.com)  With Earth Day approaching, we are reminded of the need to provide eco friendly landscaping and at the same time balance our desire to increase property value.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends that homeowners invest 10 % of the property value in landscaping.  Because of the boom in home renovation and improvement, home owners are making the connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Unfortunately, some homeowners take a peacemeal approach to landscaping and end up with a disorganized yard and awkward look.   Landscape Designers like St. Claire come into play to guide home owners and help then not only in deciding what kinds of trees and plants are appropriate for the area but her expertise also extends to placement of ponds, patios, fences and pools.

From her garden in Los Angeles, Annie St. Claire explains: “I have often wondered why people seldom go directly to a landscape designer  to plan their dream garden.   Instead, they choose contractors whose job is to build but not design a complete garden.  Designers work with homeowners to create a garden based on the client's needs with the end product being a comfortable, inviting space to enjoy living in.   We design gardens with the idea that it should look like it belongs in that space.  It should feel natural and right. We can work with Architects, Interior Designers and clients to develop the whole project together. “

About increasing property value with landscaping St. Claire says:

1. “ Plant pots and if you can, drip irrigate them. They always look fabulous and go with everything. They're inexpensive, easy to create, always look fabulous and go with every type of garden design.  Potential homebuyers are attracted to these.”
 
2. “Home buyers will always buy a house if it is nicely landscaped as opposed to a house that might not have much curb appeal.  Even if you don't install a pool, or decking as those are the most expensive items, it helps to have a garden that’s beautiful and inviting.”

3. “By some reason we never think of pruning a tree. Since trees can reduce heating and cooling costs, they should not be overlooked.  You want to ensure the health and longevity as well as the character of your tree. When trees are not pruned correctly, this can leave room for bugs to invade and ultimately kill the tree which would potentially disrupt the garden’s current ecosystem.”  

4. “Have your garden evaluated at least once a year with a landscape designer who will tell you what needs to be pruned or taken out and will provide the services to do so. This will enhance your garden’s production and keep it up to date.”

5. “Regardless of size, create a beautiful oasis within your garden. Avoid the clutter of old chairs, hoses, bric-a-brac, and miscellaneous items which detract from your garden’s natural beauty. Gardens have their own ecosystems and proper care and maintenance will ensure that balance.”  

6. “Gardens have their own ecosystems.  Proper care and maintenance will ensure that balance.”

7. “Consult a Landscape Designer before calling your contractor or gardener to assist you in planning your garden needs. Professional advice could save you money in the long run.”

Annie St Claire is a UCLA graduate in Landscape Architecture and the winner of the 2007 La Canada Valley Beautiful Award to Allen Lund Company for Outstanding Landscape, the South Pasadena Beautiful, Inc., Golden Arrow Award to Simon and Charlotte Harrison, March 2003, (Landscaping) Hollywood Design House in 2000 and the Pasadena Showcase House 2000 and 2001.  She has been featured numerous times on HGTV.  She resides and designs in Los Angeles, California.

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Tags:Landscape Design, Annie St Claire, Home Improvement, Better Homes And Gardens, Garden Design, Landscaping
Industry:Landscape design
Location:Burbank - California - United States
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