Curb Appeal Plant Selection for Western Washington Homes
As a Realtor and a Landscape Architect I want to share with you my professional advice on Curb Appeal for homes in the San Juan Islands. While many home sellers focus on the interior of their homes when preparing for sale, the first impression potential buyers will have is actually based on the outside. From the landscaping to the paint color, there are several ways to increase your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers.
In the Pacific Northwest, there are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting plants for your home. First, consider the climate. Western Washington is known for its wet winters and dry summers, so you’ll want to choose plants that can withstand both extreme conditions. Second, think about the amount of sunlight your home gets. South-facing homes will get more sun than north-facing homes, so you’ll want to choose plants accordingly. Finally, don’t forget about the deer! In areas like the San Juan Islands, deer are prevalent and can wreak havoc on your landscaping. Choose plants that deer don’t like to eat or consider installing a deer-proof fence.
Keep reading for more tips on increasing your home’s Curb Appeal.
Improving your home’s curb appeal is an important part of selling your home. A home with strong curb appeal can set it apart from other homes in the area and make a strong first impression on potential buyers. A beautifully landscaped yard can also increase the value of your home. The goal of curb appeal is to draw in potential buyers and show off the beauty of your home, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
Climate and Soil Considerations: As mentioned above, climate is one of the most important considerations when selecting plants for your home. Do your research and choose plants that are native to the Pacific Northwest. There are some species of plants that thrive in the wet winters and dry summers of Western Washington, such as evergreen shrubs, flowering perennials, and trees like ornamental cherry or crabapple trees. You’ll also want to consider the soil type in your area. Clay-based soils need a different kind of plant than sandy soils, so choose accordingly.
Selecting the Right Plants:
When researching and selecting plants, your consideration is essential. What kind of maintenance do they need? Are they drought-tolerant or drought-sensitive? Will they thrive in full sun or partial shade? Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you’ll want to think about how to group your plants. Certain plants pair better together than others and certain groupings can create desired shapes and forms. Choosing where to purchase your plant material is also important. My favorite nursery’s are Christensen’s Nursery & Greenhouse in Mt Vernon and Lorna’s, Driftwood Nursery, in Eastsound.
Incorporating Other Design Features: Once you’ve selected the plants for your landscaping, think about adding other features to your yard. Wildlife-friendly features like bird baths, bat boxes, and insect houses can be attractive to birds and other wildlife. You can also add outdoor furniture, a water feature, or a stone pathway for a more personalized touch. Make sure to choose features that complement the plants you’ve chosen.
Once you’ve planted your landscaping, maintaining it is essential. If you don’t have the time or the skills to do so, consider hiring a landscaping company. They can provide more intensive care for your plants and ensure that they thrive and look their best. Also, make sure to remove any dead plants or weeds as soon as possible. Otherwise, they can become breeding grounds for pests that can damage your landscaping.
Creating attractive landscaping for your home can help to significantly increase your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to potential buyers. When choosing plants for your yard, you’ll want to consider the climate and the soil type in your area and choose plants that will thrive in those conditions. You can also add features like decks, patios, a fire pit, outdoor furniture, and water features to add year-round appeal. Last but not least, make sure to maintain your landscaping and remove any dead plants or weeds. With the right plant selection and maintenance, you can create a stunning landscape that will help to increase your home’s value.
Would you like a list of tested ornamental plants for the San Juan Islands? Send me an email and I’ll send you my list.
