Curb Appeal in a College Town: Landscaping for Value in Ames, IA
The real estate market in Ames, IA is unique. Driven by the university, the hospital, and a growing tech sector, the demand for high-quality housing is constant. Whether you are selling your home next month or planning to stay for decades, "curb appeal" is a major factor in your property's value. In a town where first impressions matter—whether for a potential buyer or a visiting professor—professional landscaping is the most effective way to elevate your home's status.
The "7-Second" Rule
Real estate experts often cite the "7-second rule": a buyer forms an opinion about a home within seven seconds of pulling up to the curb. If the lawn is patchy, the bushes are overgrown, and the walkway is cracked, they assume the interior of the home has been neglected as well.
In Ames, IA, landscaping trends are shifting toward low-maintenance, high-impact designs. Homeowners are busy; they want a yard that looks manicured without spending every Saturday weeding. This is achieved through the use of high-quality mulch, strategic rock beds, and native plants that thrive in the Iowa climate without constant babying.
Structuring the Front Yard
A great landscape design guides the eye to the front door. In many Ames, IA neighborhoods, builder-grade landscaping often consists of a single tree and a few yew bushes. A landscape renovation can add depth and color.
· Layering: We place taller shrubs in the back and colorful perennials in the front to create a tiered effect.
· Texture: Incorporating boulders and ornamental grasses adds texture that persists even in winter.
· Lighting: Low-voltage landscape lighting is a game-changer. By uplighting trees and illuminating the front walkway, you increase safety and make the home look warm and inviting after dark.
Hardscaping the Welcome
The path to your door says a lot about your home. A narrow, concrete sidewalk feels utilitarian. A wide, paver walkway with gentle curves feels welcoming. In Ames, IA, replacing a concrete entry walk with pavers is one of the highest ROI (Return on Investment) projects you can undertake. It instantly modernizes the look of the home and differentiates it from the rest of the block.
Commercial Curb Appeal
Curb appeal isn't just for residential homes. For businesses in Ames, IA, the exterior of your building is your handshake with the community. A well-landscaped storefront suggests success and attention to detail. Conversely, dead plants and weeds suggest carelessness.
Commercial landscaping in Ames requires a different approach. It must be durable enough to withstand high foot traffic and salt from snow plows. Hardscaping elements like retaining walls and raised planters are effective for defining spaces and protecting plant material in commercial zones like Campustown or the Lincoln Way corridor.
Seasonal Color Rotation
To keep a property looking fresh, seasonal color is essential. In Ames, IA, this means tulips and daffodils in the spring, vibrant annuals in the summer, and mums and kale in the fall. A professional landscape maintenance plan ensures that these transitions happen seamlessly, so your property never looks "in-between" seasons.
Conclusion
Your home is likely your largest financial asset. Investing in landscaping is one of the few home improvements that actually appreciates over time as trees mature and plants fill in. For homeowners in Ames, IA, Larkin Landscape and Design offers the expertise to transform a generic yard into a stunning landscape that commands attention and adds real value to your property.