Landscaping adds value to your home and your neighborhood. The right landscaping can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, allowing owners to recoup 100 to 200 percent of the cost of the planting. On average, a well-designed landscape provides enough energy savings to return your initial investment in less than 8 years. September and October are the best months to plant here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Soil temperatures are warm to promote healthy root development and rainfall is usually plentiful, which minimizes transplant stress.

Proper selection and placement of plant material can lower heating and cooling cost by as much as 20%. During summer months, one large tree can absorb as much heat as several window air conditioners and can lower temperatures by 10 degrees. There are three ways in which trees and shrubs cool the air: by providing shade from solar radiation, by reducing air temperature through evaporation and transpiration and by absorbing heat. This reduces the need for air conditioning which allows for less carbon dioxide to be emitted from electric generating facilities. A single tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, which equals 11,000 miles of car emissions. Having just three trees shading your home can save $100-$250 in energy costs each year. Deciduous trees planted on the South side of your home will shade your house in the summer but allow the winter sun to warm that side of your home. In winter, evergreen trees planted on the side of prevailing winds can lower heating costs by 10-15% in our area.

Consider reducing the size of your lawn by planting more trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs generally take less water and maintenance than turf areas. For those expanses of emerald green that you want to keep, try raising the height of your mower. Mowing high--that is, keeping your lawn a bit long--will produce stronger, healthier grass with fewer pest problems. Longer grass has more leaf surface to take in sunlight. This enables it to grow thicker and develop a deeper root system, which in turn helps the grass survive drought, tolerate insect damage, and fend off diseases. Longer grass also shades the soil surface keeping it cooler, helping it retain moisture, and making it difficult for weeds to germinate and grow.

A lawn's ideal length will vary with the type of grass, but many turf grass species are healthiest when kept between 2-1/2 and 3-1/2 inches. It's best to mow often, because grass adjusts better to frequent than infrequent mowing. The rule of thumb is to mow often enough that you never cut more than one-third of the height of the grass blades. Save some time and help your lawn and the environment by leaving short clippings on the grass--where they recycle nitrogen--rather than sending them in bags to the landfill.

By using plant material appropriately, you can make any living or work environment a healthier, greener place to be.