Landscape Systems

Most of us have favorite memories from childhood somehow related to our neighborhood’s landscape features; skating on a frozen pond, playing football in a cleared field, building forts in the woods, or learning to ride a bike on a tree lined street. These landscape features from our childhood influence the characteristics that we value in neighborhoods as adults. When planning a new neighborhood with affordable starter homes, consider preserving or incorporating landscape features that will mature over time and enhance the neighborhood’s value and livability. With careful site design and use of cost-effective landscaping, neighborhoods with starter homes can be both affordable and attractive.

 
 
Transforming a "ponding" requirement into a neighborhood amenity.
 
Vegetation increases curb appeal.
  
         

Strategies to Reduce Costs

 

Strategies to Add Value

  • Incorporate Natural Controls - Use landscape elements as alternatives to costly infrastructure.

 

  • Plan Compact Neighborhoods - Plan compact neighborhoods to preserve open space.

  • Preserve unique Natural Features - Inventory significant landscape features and incorporate them into plans for the new neighborhood.

  • Expand Access and Views - Allow the whole neighborhood to benefit from nearby landscape amenities.

  • Include landscaping - Include landscaping to increase the neighborhood’s curb appeal and to create natural habitat.