Landscaping can be a challenge for new construction homes. Soil types, topography, available resources, and personal taste can affect how you landscape. And landscaping can play a huge role in how buyers feel about your homes. Here are a few landscaping ideas for new-construction homes you can consider.
Amend the Topsoil
The biggest challenge for landscaping around new construction is dealing with the aftermath of new construction. Digging, grading, compacting, and soil replacement tend to damage or destroy native topsoil. This can make growing a lush lawn extremely challenging.
One way to address this problem is by amending the topsoil. During construction, native soils often lose key nutrients. By mixing in organic matter, such as compost, you can revitalize the topsoil, making it healthier and better for growth.
Water Properly
New landscapes often require more water than established landscapes to survive. So, for the first few months after installing new landscaping, you and your buyers will need a steady supply of water to help root systems establish themselves.
However, it’s also important to avoid overwatering. Overwatering can cause fungal diseases, soil erosion, and even foundation problems in the worst cases.
In areas where appropriate, you may consider installing an irrigation system. In addition to helping buyers regulate water use, they can add value to the home.
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Plant Native Trees
Properly placed native trees can reduce energy costs, provide shade that protects grasses and other plants, and increase property values over time.
Additionally, planting native trees can help address issues brought about by drought. This is important in areas like the South and West, where booming demand and lacking water resources can create problems for new-construction buyers.
Native plants in these areas can better tolerate drought. This can reduce the likelihood of expensive water bills and wasting water, with the added bonus of displaying how beautiful a stereotypically barren land can be.
Consider Xeriscaping
Large parts of the United States are currently stuck in a historic drought. Drought-stricken areas have begun embracing two strategies to conserve water.
- Banning or limiting thirsty turf grasses
- Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant native shrubs, grasses, and pollinators instead of grass. Plants like succulents, milkweeds, and sages can add color and attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
(Note that xeriscaping is different from zeroscaping. Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants in place of grass and can be beautiful and striking. Zeroscaping simply uses rocks, gravel, and dirt in place of grass.)
Giving Your Buyers What They Want
A strong, workable landscape is important to many buyers. By taking steps to give your buyers what they’re looking for, you can position yourself for more future success, referrals, and third-party validation.
Another way to fulfill your buyers’ wants is by enrolling your homes in the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10) New Home Warranty Program. A 2-10 New Home Warranty includes industry-leading protection against structural defects, which can provide peace of mind.
Additionally, when you cover all of your home with a 2-10 New Home Warranty, you can protect your profits, promote your quality, and plan for the future by controlling what’s behind you.
