We are surrounded by nature everywhere we go. Unfortunately, few of us are able to truly appreciate that fact; we’re too busy with our jobs, families, and other details of our lives to consider the enriching aspects of being constantly exposed to natural beauty. Rather than continue to take this loveliness for granted, we can take an active role in its continuation; investing in landscape improvements — especially in our own backyards — comes with a wealth of benefits that we can fully appreciate on a day-to-day basis. Let’s take a look at three of these benefits.
- Economic: If you own a commercial property, investing in its external appearance can have a positive impact on your business. In addition to creating a natural branding experience, high-quality landscaping has been proven to attract visitors and residents; researchers have found that commercial offices with exceptional landscaping experience 7% higher rental rates. At the same time, productivity can often be boosted by natural beauty.
- Social/Cultural: There’s a reason so many people take solace in natural environments. Being surrounded by trees and flowering plants tends to calm and relax many individuals, and can act as a form of natural therapy. This, in turn, can improve quality of life and even potentially lead to a sort of spiritual awakening. At the very least, the bold colors and sweet smells emanating from various flowers can give your mind a break.
- Ecological: If you’re extremely committed to nature, you can turn your own backyard into a faux conservatory. A wide array of plants and animals are at risk due to the destruction of their habitats; by planting certain flowers or trees, you can do your part to lessen the impact. For example, honey bees — a very important pollinator — are at risk of going extinct; by cultivating plants that they enjoy and favor, you can play a small role in keeping them alive.
Landscapes and landscaping features are important because they contribute significantly to our wellbeing and quality of life. In addition to offering an aesthetically pleasing environment, they can provide a broader context within which we live our lives; whether your landscape improvements involve cedar chips or the cultivation of plants that will support the honey bee population, the peace of mind that nature brings will be palpable.