According to a March 3, ‘03 article by Chris Taylor entitled "Fertile Ground" on SmartMoney.com, academic studies are proving that landscaping can add dollars to a home's value. "A study by Clemson University and the University of Michigan found that consumers value a landscaped home up to 11.3% higher than its base price. And one Quebec survey found that hedges raised property values by 3.6%, a landscaped curb by 4.4% and a landscaped patio by a staggering 12.4%."

If you're wondering whether landscaping adds value to your home we've compiled a few websites that will hopefully answer that question for you. Here is a sampling of what we found:

Seattle, WA

Scope: Terracing of site, design and installation of new garden
Services provided: Custom landscape
design & installation
Special features: Three custom-built fountains
Date: 2004
Length of project: 3 months

Distinctive Gardens re-graded and terraced a one-acre, sharply sloped site abutting Lake Washington Boulevard, and designed a garden that includes nine native plant species and three custom designed fountains. The installation focuses on the owner's desire for a semi-private place to relax and for foliage that would visually buffer their home from the boulevard.

"It's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me."
-- Dina Homeowner, 35-year resident of Leschi