When it comes to curb appeal, green is the color that draws home buyers the most. A Clemson University study found that homes with "excellent" landscaping sold for about 6% more than homes with "good" landscaping. And those homes with "good" landscaping fetched about 5% more than comparable homes with "average" landscaping. With "planned growth" a common buzzword on the lips of municipal leaders and developers, many new developments are preserving trees and shrubs. Existing communities can take similar steps, preserving open land, planting trees and creating gardens. Well-placed trees not only beautify homes - they can also reduce utility bills. Trees and shrubs can also improve privacy. A properly planted selection of the correct species - connifers, narrow-leaf evergreens and broad-leaf evergreens - can creat an architectural barrier and a beautiful property boundry.