7 Financial Benefits of Green Space

Did you know that the living landscapes in our yards, neighborhood parks, and community green space have financial benefits? It turns out that the trees, plants, grass, and shrubs in our neighborhoods can increase property values, reduce utility bills and more.

Over 90% of respondents in a recent U.S. survey said landscaping has an impact on their decision to buy or rent a home. In the same survey, three in four millennials said they will still consider buying an outdated or rundown home if the yard is already landscaped.

Nearly three-quarters of Americans overall (72%) say a spacious yard would be at the top of their wish list if they were looking for a new home, according to a survey conducted by the TurfMutt Foundation in collaboration with The Harris Poll. Additionally, according to another poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted by The Harris Poll, 92% of Canadians believe having a yard increases a home’s value.

Here are just 7 financial benefits of the green space in our backyards and neighborhoods:

• According to the U.S. Forest Service's Northern Research Station, the nation's urban canopies, which are home to an estimated 5.5 billion trees, provide roughly $18 billion in annual benefits through the removal of pollution from the air ($5.4 billion), carbon sequestration ($4.8 billion), reduced emissions ($2.7 billion), and improved energy efficiency in buildings ($5.4 billion).
• A beautiful landscape improves curb appeal, which can increase home values by as much as 7%. Among Realtors®, 94% have suggested sellers improve curb appeal before listing a home for sale. 99% of REALTORS® believe curb appeal is important to a potential buyer.
• Each front yard tree adds 1% to a homeowner’s sale price, while large specimen trees can add 10% to property values.
• According to the Urban Forest Coalition, 100 million mature trees around U.S. residences save approximately $2 billion annually in reduced energy costs.
• Strategically placed trees save up to 56% on annual air conditioning costs. In the wintertime, evergreens that block winter winds can save 3% on heating.
• In tree-lined commercial districts, people shop more frequently, take longer shopping trips, and are willing to spend 12% more for goods.

To learn more about the many benefits of the green space around us, download the TurfMutt Foundation’s International Backyarding Fact Book here.

For more, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show on Saturday mornings.