Plants As An Investment

The average family is always looking for a solid investment; as secure a place as possible to put their extra money. Most prefer a solid long-term arrangement with good payout along the way.

Stocks, bonds, gold, certificates of deposit; which have the best returns? Perhaps more importantly, which are most reliable?

Most families, and probably even more financial analysts have overlooked one sure-fire way to get more from their money - plants. Not only do trees and well-landscaped properties increase in value over the years, they also provide aesthetic and functional benefits in the here and now.

When comparing home decorating costs, landscaping is a more certain investment. For example, if you buy a couch, it begins to decrease in value the moment it leaves the store because of wear and tear, and has slim chances of resale. On the other hand, a tree increases in value the moment it leaves the nursery, and continues to increase as it matures.

One word of caution - just buying a tree and planting it will not guarantee that it will increase in value. This is dependant upon how it fits into the total landscape, and the care it is given.

Think of landscaping as a total investment portfolio or mutual fund. Your overall return will do much better if all your plants work together within a comprehensive plan.

The International Society of Arboriculture has a system for evaluating and establishing the dollar values of trees and plants, but you will more than likely find your return on investment in other ways.

Shade trees planted on the west side of a property can reduce air conditioning costs by blocking the strong rays of the hot summer sun. Screening the southwest and northwest of your property will reduce heating bills, because snow and wind generally come from these directions during Ohio winters.

When you finally do sell your property, it will sell much faster with the improved curb appeal. A well landscaped home can mean the difference between selling it in ten days as opposed to six months.

Planned landscapes can also increase the actual monetary value of your home. It could create the difference between a $100,000 home and a $125,000 home.

You may discover after investing money and energy in a plant's beauty and value that you may not want to cash in on your increase at all. You may opt to simply enjoy and appreciate your investment for many years to come, which is the route most plant investors take.

Plants are not for the short term, quick fix investor. You won't make a million in trees overnight. They take time and tender care if you're to reap the returns.

However, with the financial markets as skittish as they have been, consider investing in a comprehensive landscape plan for your property. You will reap both monetary and aesthetic benefits.