Did you just buy a home in Colorado Springs that needs some serious landscaping? Maybe you are preparing to sell and want to maximize curb appeal? Or are you a long time, forever resident of Colorado Springs wanting to update your yard? Regardless of your reasoning, this article is for you!
As real estate agents, yards and landscaping are always topics of discussion when it comes to homes—especially in Colorado Springs. Because Colorado is a semi-arid state, homeowners, buyers, and sellers always want to know: should I xeriscape or landscape? Here are some questions to help make the decision:
How Much Time Do You Have?
How often are you home? And how much time do you want to spend on yard maintenance? These two questions are of the utmost importance when deciding between xeriscaping and landscaping. While gardens, lawns, flowers, and plants make for a beautiful yard, they also require care. On the other hand, xeriscaping allows for a more flexible schedule. If you don’t have time to mow, water, trim, and care for your vegetation, it may not be the best option for you.
How Much Do You Want to Pay?
Green grass and lawns originated in Europe as a status symbol for the wealthy before being brought to the United States. The typical American home has most often been associated with a small patch of grass in the front yard, and most suburb homes are designed with grass as part of the landscape. Grass not only improves curb appeal, but it is often desired by families with dogs or small children who play in the yard.
On the other hand, grass, as well as all vegetation, require maintenance and a lot of water. In Colorado Springs, it can be expensive to install irrigation, as well as pay the monthly bill.
Gravel, mulch, or pavers, while more expensive up front, can save money in the long run, especially in a semi-arid state like Colorado. Xeriscaping not only cuts back on water use but requires little maintenance. With many landscapers specializing in xeriscape design, curb appeal can be maintained with proper placement of arid plants, pavers, and gravel—especially for mid-century homes.
Additionally, artificial grass, while not as visually pleasing, is an option for a soft, kid-friendly surface in the backyard.
How Long Do You Plan to Be In Your Home?
One important factor when deciding between xeriscaping or landscaping is how long you plan to live in your home. As real estate agents, we always tell homeowners to make home decisions with the future in mind. If you plan to sell in the next few years, curb appeal and the desires of the standard buyer should be at the forefront of your mind (think a simple, clean design, and a well-cared for yard). If you plan on living in your home forever, go crazy! Feel free to install that Koi pond of your dreams or xeriscape with a variety of cacti. Make the yard your own since you plan to live there forever.
Whatever you decide, whether it be xeriscape or landscape, choose the option that works best for you and your lifestyle. And if you are planning on selling in the near future, our real estate team is happy to discuss options with you personally in preparation for selling your home.