Planting shrubs is an excellent way to enhance your landscaping. Not only are these woody plants beautiful, but they can also benefit your property in more ways than you might expect. If you're thinking about adding some bushes around your yard, these are some positive changes you may experience.

1. Improved Air Quality

Planting shrubs around your home is an excellent way to improve air quality. According to Green America, these plants are capable of filtering out pollutants in the surrounding air. A shrub can serve as a natural air purifier, trapping dust, pollen, and other contaminants. If members of your household suffer from allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions, planting bushes around your home could potentially reduce their symptoms.

In addition to filtering out pollutants, shrubs can absorb carbon dioxide. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. If you've been searching for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, planting a shrub or two could be a great solution.

2. Reduced Soil Erosion

Over time, water and wind can carry away soil. This process can remove nutrients from the soil and can even damage nearby waterways. Since shrubs have large root systems, planting them can anchor the soil and keep it in the proper place.

According to Scienceline, erosion deprives the soil of many nutrients that plants need, including potassium and phosphorus. Once you add shrubs to your yard, you may discover it's easier to grow other types of plants. Over time, you'll be able to build a beautifully landscaped yard filled with plants nourished by your healthy soil.

3. Lower Energy Costs

Depending on where you decide to plant your shrubs, they could potentially lower your energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, shrubs can reduce energy costs by as much as 25%. Since shrubs provide shade, they can keep your home cool during the summer, making you less reliant on air conditioning. In the winter, shrubs can shield your home from the wind.

If you're concerned about heat, plant shrubs on the side of your house that the sun faces. Add protection to the north side of your home if you're worried about windchill. You may see more dramatic results if you opt to plant bushes all around your home.

4. Increased Curb Appeal

People sometimes say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but first impressions have a big impact when people are looking at homes. If your home has great curb appeal, others will find it more attractive. Selling homes with plenty of curb appeal is easier, and these properties often sell for more.

Shrubs are a wonderful way to add curb appeal to your home, especially if you choose flowering bushes or plants that change color in the fall. If you're looking for attractive shrubs to add to your yard, options worth considering include hydrangeas and juniper bushes. Find out which shrubs are native to your area and plant something sure to thrive!

5. Extra Privacy

You deserve to feel secure when you're in your own backyard, and taller shrubs can give you the privacy you're looking for. These plants are an excellent alternative to fencing, providing a natural barrier that keeps others from peeking into your yard. Since these bushes tend to be dense, they can even filter out noise from nearby.

What kinds of shrubs should you plant for privacy? Tall, multi-stemmed shrubs, like mountain laurel, are usually a good option, as are low-maintenance plants like boxwood. You may also want to consider evergreen plants. That way, the bushes you plant will offer you protection throughout the year.

6. More Birds and Pollinators

Birds are drawn to shrubs because they provide food and shelter. When you attract birds to your yard, they can eliminate common garden pests and help you keep weeds under control, making it easier to maintain a healthy and attractive yard. Having lots of songbirds on your property could even boost your property values.

Besides drawing in all kinds of birds, shrubs appeal to pollinators like bees. Pollinators fertilize plants, allowing them to produce flowers, fruits, and seeds. Since pollinators play a critical role in the ecosystem, they must be present in your yard if you want your plants to thrive.

While most plant types offer benefits to any yard, shrubs are a particularly great option. Whether you opt for flowering bushes or choose something evergreen, you'll be glad to have these plants on your property. Call Wagner Nursery Inc today to learn more about different types of shrubs so that you can find the best ones to plant around your home.