LANDSCAPE Page 15
that these features have been
evaluated by a professional
who understands the health
and potential issues of these
outdoor spaces,” Sheehan said.
A landscape inspection can also
include drainage, retaining
walls, walkways, playground
areas, fencing, patios, pools
and spas, outdoor kitchens,
water features and fire pits.
The results of a landscape
inspection will give homeowners
a clearer understanding of the
property’s outdoor features and
the upkeep and maintenance
they will need in the near
future, Sheehan said.
“While many homeowners
are familiar with home
inspections, many are unaware
of the value their landscapes
provide. ‘Home sweet home’
applies to every inch of
property new homeowners
purchase,” Sheehan said.
Outdoor hazards
A landscape inspection
is something many
people overlook.
“People tend to be tree blind.
A visual inspection starts from
the ground up. If you see a
problem at the base, chances are
the tree has more significant
issues at the top,” Sheehan said.
Trees located next to or
near a home naturally cool the
house or act as wind blockers,
but trees located too close also
pose safety risks. A tree or a
limb could fall on the home or
damage the home’s foundation.
“You don’t want to move to
a house that makes you feel
unsafe. Check out the condition
of the trees around the house
and make sure they are healthy
and well,” Sheehan said. “A
tree that is about to fall down
is a major hazard. It’s not
only a danger to your property
but also the inhabitants.”
A heads-up on costs
A professional landscape
inspection will provide potential
homeowners with an estimate
of the costs they may be facing
in the future to repair or
maintain their landscape.
“This can come in handy as
a bargaining tool to negotiate
over the price,” Sheehan said.
“Acting on recommendations
from the landscape inspection
will not only keep trees and
the outdoor area safe, but it
also will decrease property
maintenance costs in the long
run. Proactively treating trees
and hazards is much more
cost-effective than dealing
with them later,” he said.
“A landscape inspec-
tion takes ground-
covers, trees, shrubs
and irrigation into
consideration, giving
homeowners the peace
of mind that these
features have been
evaluated by a profes-
sional who under-
stands the health and
potential issues of
these outdoor spaces.”
Kevin Sheehan
All products here are sold by the farmers that
produce them.
Saturdays 9-2, Depot Park
October 28 is the last outdoor market.
SAVE THE DATE
for the RCFM Christmas Show on Nov. 30 th 10am-6pm
and Dec. 1 st 9am-4pm at the College of St. Joseph
EBT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Judy Dark (802) 773-4813
www.rcfmvt.org
16 • 2018 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car