You've probably heard a lot of talk about protecting  the environment.  How  does protecting the environment benefit you? In more ways than you might think.  Besides preserving open space and Biodiversity, protecting plants, animals, and ecosystems on your property can  increase its value and save you money.

Strong selling and buying points for a property are privacy, heating and cooling costs and landscaping. Preserving or  restoring the ecological integrity of the site can save you money or increase the value of your property. Consider that a treeless or de-vegetated lot or home site is much more vulnerable to wind and sun.  This results in increased heating and cooling costs. There is also a lack of    privacy.  New landscaping is expensive and often done with non-native trees and shrubs.  These plants require more water and care than native plants, and are often more prone to insect and disease  problems.  Think of how much work a lawn is. Non-native plants  also offer  little in the way of habitat or wildlife value.   Some even create problems by disrupting   surrounding  ecosystems.  Native plants by contrast are already adapted to your climate, and grow without pampering.  By preserving  mature stands of native trees, shrubs and perennials  you can reduce the size of areas that will need to be seeded as lawn and mowed. This can save the contractor money, and the homeowner time, while adding to the value of the property.  These low   maintenance areas also provide privacy for people , and important habitat for birds , butterflies and small mammals. These plants and natural areas provide food, shelter and nesting sites.   

Wild areas are rapidly disappearing. Open space and environmental conservation are important to the majority of Americans.  Almost 70% of Americans like to feed and observe birds and other wildlife. Many of us have fast paced hectic lifestyles that are the source of our stress. Watching wildlife and cultivating plants also helps reduce stress levels and helps us to reconnect to the natural world that we are a part of.  So whether you're buying, building or developing, consider the  benefits of  preserving or restoring the ecology of the site: