Tips for Designing Your Landscape: Assess your needs, draw up a plan By Michele Dawson

Landscaping isn't just about good looks—it can increase the value of your home, make it sell more quickly, and even reduce your energy bill.

The right landscape can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, allowing you to recoup 100 to 200 percent of your investment, according to the Association of Landscape Contractors of America.

And if you're selling your house, or know you will be in the near future, a good-looking landscape is a contributing factor to good curb appeal because it is one of the first things a prospective buyer will notice. A 1998 study conducted by the University of Florida reveals that attractive landscaping makes a home sell faster.

That's not all. The U.S. Department of Energy says landscaping is the best long-term investment for reducing heating and cooling costs. And according to the American Public Power Association, landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent.

American Forests has developed a way of measuring energy conservation benefits from trees, and reports that trees can reduce temperatures by as much as nine degrees Fahrenheit. A single urban tree can provide up to $273 a year in air conditioning.

The National Association of Home Builders recently reported that sales of new homes in July increased 6.7 percent over the June rate, reaching record levels. With so many new homes popping up—usually with little or no landscaping—it's important for new-home owners to maintain and improve their landscape to increase their home's value, reduce energy bills, and someday sell at top dollar.