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When you are preparing to sell your DC home, some of the top staging tips include improving the curb appeal of your property. Plant some colorful flowers, the experts say, or at least put out a few pots of plants or flowers. This approach may save the day for a property that is basically well-groomed, but it begs the question of how to best show off a yard.  

It comes down to a basic question: Should you "plant" or should you "landscape"? Planting implies a certain amount of impulsiveness; landscaping requires planning.  

A landscape is a planned artistic design that considers the size and shape of your yard and lifestyle. You start with a concept (rustic, formal, or Japanese, for example) and outline the large areas as if you were sketching the basic design of a house. Include any plantings or structures that you intend to keep in the new design. If you want terraces or decorative pools, these should be the first new items added to the design.

Plan for new trees and shrubs in appropriate places that will not impede how you plan to use the yard.  Finish up with the plans for lawns, flower beds and vegetable gardens. Then fill in the all-important details: terrace planters, birdhouses and baths, seating, whimsical touches, and outdoor lighting (in the ground and under the eaves).  

The words "landscape design" can start the mental cash register ringing, but planning can be simple. A good plan will be long term, so even if you are moving into your first home and have little to spend outside, you can add plantings in increments. Most people love nice yards, but not all homeowners enjoy yard work or have the time or money to maintain it. Landscaping should be a manageable part of your life. The plan need not be oppressive.  

Ideally, plants and shrubs will be selected for their size, height, zone, and growth season. The idea is to have taller plants in the back and have a variety of species that bloom at different times in the growing season so that your home always looks nice.  

Most people landscape their homes for their own enjoyment. Beautiful front yard landscaping is attractive to both you and visitors. Flowers and plants can provide all season color and interest. If you plan right, you can be as whimsical and creative as you please without creating havoc. If you love climbing roses, great. They can be added to your yard as part of your design - not because the garden center was selling them out or you fell in love with them when you were shopping.  

Aside from improving the aesthetics of your home, landscaping adds value. Money Magazine determined that landscaping offers an excellent return on investment and ranks this type of home improvement spending highly in a study done by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Sellers can recover 100% to 200% of landscaping costs. The Society of Real Estate Appraisers also feels a landscaped home adds value, 99% agree that it actually causes homes to sell faster.  

Some people feel that simply planting beautiful flowers, trees, and gardens adds just as much value as professional landscaping--and it can if done right. Trees make a home more comfortable with shade, break the cold winds to lower heating costs, and provide food for wildlife. However, misplaced trees or ones that have sprouted up too close to the house can be viewed as trouble by the next buyer. As for gardens and flowers - those too can increase curb appeal and attract more potential buyers to your home when you are ready to sell - but unruly, mismatched, overgrown plantings are a turnoff. Regardless of your budget, planning is key.  Landscape, don't just plant!  

If you're new to the area or thinking about "planting" yourself here, call Rachel Valentino, DC's "Best Real Estate Agent", as voted by Washington City Paper, for a no-pressure consultation. Rachel is on top of DC's real estate scene and active in all avenues of the market - including private residences, new construction, the luxury market, and the condo and co-op community.