Although it depends on the price of the property and the condition of the existing landscape, Realtor Dante Drummond of Coldwell Banker in Palo Alto thinks good landscaping helps when a home is about to go on the market since it plays a key part in providing a well-rounded look.

"Landscaping helps, but I don't think a huge expense is warranted to get the yard in shape. Sod makes a big difference. Tanbark can make a big difference in the flowerbeds, along with planting some color," said Drummond.

Realtor Mary Prochnow of Mary Prochnow Realtors in Los Altos believes that landscaping is one of the most overlooked but one of the most important aspects of a property. Prochnow said landscaping can change the outlook of a home and may be a more economical improvement than some of the other areas that might need fixing.

"Think about driving by a property with a dead lawn. That could take $50,000 off the price of the home. Then think about the price of water. If a yard is overgrown with weeds, the cost of cleanup doesn't compare to the potential loss in the market value of the home," said Prochnow.

Prochnow said it's easy to clean up areas that are overgrown by clipping and trimming trees and bushes to lighten things up and bring in the sunshine.

She noted that it's important to take an objective look at the home to determine what needs improving. Since many yards were planted 30 or more years ago, Prochnow recommends taking a photograph of the house and yard to get a more realistic view of the current status.

"Landscaping can date the house," said Prochnow. "Junipers are on the bottom of the list today. Yank them out and put in perennial flowerbeds. Wavy pathways are in and the old patch of grass on either side of a straight path to the front door is out."

Today, plants have softer lines and not such a formal, topiary look, said Prochnow. English cottage style gardens are popular. Planting flowers that attract butterflies or hummingbirds and developing scent gardens or herb gardens are also ways to brighten up landscaping.

"Doing a new landscaping plan isn't as expensive as it seems. It's important to think of the visual impact as well as the practical aspect. There is a move toward water conservation. Drip systems and choosing native plants for a yard are ways to save resources," said Prochnow.

Outdated landscaping or energy-sapping trees, shrubs or bushes can make a difference in not only how the house looks, but also in how the energy bills add up.

As a long-term investment that reduces heating and cooling costs, a well-designed landscape can cut both summer and winter energy use and reduce consumption of water, pesticides and fuel for landscaping and maintenance. A good landscape can also protect a home from winter and summer elements and help control noise and air pollution.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper tree placement can save up to 25 percent of a household's energy consumption for heating and cooling and can save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. Additionally, a well-designed landscape can provide enough energy savings for a return on the initial investment in less than eight years.

When comparing a deciduous tree with the cost of buying an awning for one large window, planting a tree can ultimately save hundreds of dollars in cooling costs in the summer while still letting the winter sunshine in to reduce heating and lighting costs.

Taking an inventory of energy problems and landscaping possibilities is a good first step toward minimizing any problems. Tips from the U.S. Department of Energy on landscaping for energy efficiency can be found at www.eren.doe.gov.

Shading is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce solar heat gain and cut air conditioning costs. Studies by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory found that in tree-shaded neighborhoods, summer daytime air temperatures were three to six degrees cooler than in treeless areas.

Trees, shrubs and groundcover can shade the ground and pavement to reduce heat radiation and cool the air before it reaches walls or windows. A large bush or row of shrubs can shade a patio, driveway or sidewalk, while a trellis with climbing vines can make a patio cooler.

In addition, some species of trees, bushes and grasses use less water than others, while some species are naturally more resistant to pests, therefore requiring less pesticide. Some grasses, such as buffalo grass and fescue, only grow to approximately six inches, which reduces fuel and water consumption while saving the time it takes to mow the lawn, trim branches and water. Air pollution is also reduced by curbing the use of gasoline-powered mowers, edge trimmers and leaf blowers.

Developing a landscaping plan is necessary before attempting to plant or change the focus of an existing yard. There is often a tendency to over-plant when a home is new, so understanding growth and placement factors is important. Landscape professionals can assist with this kind of planning. Nurseries can also share their expertise on plant selection and use.

Finally, knowing what kind of maintenance is required will keep everything thriving while conserving energy. Landscaping can make a significant difference in the value of a home and save valuable resources at the same time.