The positive impact of landscaping on the home’s value is a known and proven fact. However, there are multiple factors that affect the value, which we discuss later in this article. Landscaping has the first visual impact on visitors, so it’s worth investing in it, as it will bring a return on investment (ROI) in the future. The primary concern of homeowners is how landscaping increases home value, which part of the outdoor area should be worked upon, and many similar concerns. This article focuses on the relationship between the landscape and its impact on home value.
Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?
Landscaping is a combination of outdoor elements such as flowers, trees, gardens, fountains, paved paths, decks, patios, and many more. Whether landscaping increases the home’s value depends on various factors, such as the potential buyer's preference and the extent of maintenance required in the upgraded landscape. It also depends on the return on investment and the accuracy with which the landscaping project is accomplished.
These factors decide if it’s worth investing in landscaping. Some landscaping projects, like expanding living space or beautifying, can be financially worthwhile.
Tips for Landscape Improvements
Before initiating the landscaping project, it’s important to consider a few tips for flawless implementation.
Adopt Simple Ways
Keep the landscaping simple, clean, and streamlined because sometimes, “less is more” works well. A few colorful annuals or a trellis can do wonders.
Avoid Personalized Landscaping Style
When you are interested in adding value to the home, avoid extending a personal touch to the landscape because the potential buyer’s choice may differ from your preference.
Install Lights
Adding spotlights to the landscape makes a huge difference in the visual appeal of the external space, which can be done with lighting.
Explore Options for Material
There’s no need to opt for costly materials to upgrade the landscape; rather, exploring good quality materials at affordable prices works. Compare the prices of different material providers and shortlist the affordable ones.
Seek Help From a Local Nursery
Professional landscapers may charge hefty fees, so it’s advisable to seek help from a local nursery when designing the landscape.
List of Landscaping Projects to Increase the Home’s Value
Not all investments in landscaping projects ensure high returns. Here is a list of projects that can increase a home's value.
A Lush Green Layer of Grass in the Garden
Lush green grass in the garden feels like a natural carpet for kids and pets to roll on and spend joyful moments. It also elevates the curb appeal of the home.
ROI
217%
Maintenance tips and cost
Fertilize and weed the lawn regularly for a healthy and beautiful lawn that will attract potential buyers. Lawn fertilization costs between $218-$544 per application for quarter-acre land, and Weed control costs between $65-$165 per treatment for quarter-acre land.
Routine Landscape Maintenance
As the name suggests, it’s general landscape maintenance, such as lawn mowing, pruning shrubs, trees, and bushes, planting beautiful flowers, and mulching near the trees. Routine maintenance not only attracts potential buyers but also increases the market value of the property.
ROI
104%
Maintenance tips and cost
Prune shrubs and bushes as they grow, add mulch around the trees, and mow the lawn. The professional mowing cost is between $36-$205 per mow, mulching costs between $20-$45 per cubic yard, and shrub pruning costs between $6-$15 per bush.
Upgrade the Front Walkway
The front walkway leaves the first visual impression on potential buyers. Many buyers presume that if the front space is not attractive, the indoor space is not worth examining.
ROI
100% (if combined with mulch, flowers, and planters)
Maintenance tips and cost
It’s worth spending money on the front walkway by maintaining the decorative planters, mulch, and vibrant and eye-catching flowers along it. Keep a watch on their upkeep. Natural flagstone walkways cost between $2 and $6 per square foot.
Plant Trees
Planting trees is one of the simplest and affordable options to add value to the property. However, the value increases manifold only when trees are grown fully. As a homeowner, you should be mindful of the distance of trees from the septic system, driveway, or any home structure. A wrong placement can decrease the price.
ROI
4%-20%(based on the size of the tree)
Maintenance tips and cost
Be careful when planting the trees to prevent structural damage to the home’s foundation. Regular upkeep is vital for robust growth. The investment in trees varies depending on the type of plant selected.
Invest on Lighting
Installing landscaping lighting has a dual benefit: It ensures security and adds value to the home. The right lighting solution highlights the landscaping at night and attracts potential buyers.
ROI
50%-60%
Maintenance tips and cost
Check the lawn for damaged lights or non-functional bulbs. It’ll help maintain a functional lighting system around the landscape. A standard 600w transformer installation costs around $5000.
Build a Firepit
Building a firepit is an affordable option to enhance the property's curb appeal and boost its worth. A firepit can attract potential buyers who prefer to enjoy the cool weather outdoors. There are DIY options to make the firepit at an affordable price. However, it depends on your expertise and confidence to accomplish the DIY project.
ROI
56%
Maintenance tips and cost
Check the firepit regularly for wear and tear to keep it clean and updated. The average cost to build a firepit ranges between $300 and $1400, depending on the materials and labor used.
Irrigation System
Installing an automated irrigation system is essential for hassle-free lawn maintenance of plants and trees. The latest irrigation systems have sensors to monitor soil and weather conditions. It also makes it easy to water the plants.
ROI
83%
Maintenance tips and cost
Check the workings of the automated irrigation system to ensure uninterrupted watering of plants and trees in the lawn. The average cost varies between $0.29 and $0.48 per square foot.
Build a deck
A deck in the lawn is another landscaping idea to increase the financial worth of the home. Many potential buyers prefer decks as they give them a separate living space to enjoy with friends and family.
ROI
89%
Maintenance tips and cost
The maintenance depends on the material used to build the deck (PVC, vinyl, or wood). However, on average, the cost of building a deck ranges between $4,100 and $11,200.
Conclusion
This article includes landscaping ideas that can surely boost the value of the home. However, it depends on your expectations in terms of ROI. Other factors also hugely impact the value addition of the home after landscaping. Make a comparative analysis of the ROI, consider tips for successful landscaping, and conclude the options.
