Assessing the Impact: Landscaping Projects That Boost and Dampen Your Home’s Value

In the midst of the current housing market, homeowners may wonder if landscaping can increase the value of their homes. While it is well-known that the real estate industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, it is important to note that certain renovations can greatly enhance property value. Many experts believe that focusing on outdoor improvements can be particularly beneficial when it comes to resale. To improve your home’s value and enhance its curb appeal, consider implementing these seven landscape design ideas.

Can Landscaping Increasing the Value of a Home?

Indeed, landscaping holds the potential to significantly elevate a home’s value. When hardscaping and softscaping projects are executed thoughtfully, they enhance a home’s overall charm and allure, making it increasingly attractive to potential buyers. Whether you decide to tackle these endeavors on your own or seek assistance from a professional local landscaper, it is crucial to assess the specific landscaping initiatives that can substantially enhance your property’s value. Thoughtful planning and meticulous execution are key factors in ensuring that your landscaping efforts yield the desired impact on your home’s overall worth and market appeal.

Landscaping Projects That Can Boost the Value of Your Home

General Landscaping Maintenance

Engaging in fundamental landscape maintenance tasks can significantly transform the overall look of your property. Even modest actions such as refreshing mulch, pruning shrubs, eliminating dead plants, and eradicating weeds can vastly boost your home’s curb appeal, potentially leading to an increase in its value by as much as 7%. The expenses associated with landscaping ventures usually fall between $1,300 and $6,000 for most homeowners. While this might appear as a considerable initial cost, it often proves to be a worthwhile investment. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homeowners can typically anticipate a 104% return on investment (ROI) when they focus on maintaining their landscape, making the expenditure highly advantageous in the long run.

A Healthy, Manicured Lawn

It’s crucial to recognize that potential buyers attach significance to the condition of the grass beyond the property line. If not properly tended to, grass can deteriorate over time. The encouraging news is that investing in lawn maintenance proves to be a worthwhile venture. On average, the expenses for maintaining a lawn hover are around $140 per project, covering activities like mowing, trimming, pesticide application, aeration, and fertilization. Additionally, if reseeding becomes necessary, the cost may vary from $400 to $1,600. Despite the relatively higher expense, this investment is often deemed highly valuable. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homeowners can anticipate an impressive 217% return on investment for a lush and healthy lawn.

Enhancing the Front Walkway

The presentation of your front yard holds significant sway over potential buyers. A well-kept and appealing front yard can substantially improve the likelihood of a successful sale. There’s a common belief that if the exterior of a property lacks appeal, the interior might also be lacking. Fortunately, enhancing your walkway landscaping doesn’t have to be a complicated or costly endeavor.

Choosing natural flagstone for your walkways proves to be a budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $2 to $6 per square foot. When coupled with other landscaping elements like mulch, flowers, and decorative planters, it can yield a 100% return on investment. While hiring a professional hardscape for walkway design can be expensive, opting for do-it-yourself methods can result in even higher returns.

Planting Trees

If you’re seeking a simple way to improve your landscaping, think about planting a tree. The Council of Tree and Landscaping Appraisers asserts that a mature tree can elevate your property’s value by anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. However, the advantages don’t end there. By strategically positioning trees, you can also cut down on heating expenses. As per the U.S. Department of Energy, properly placed trees have the potential to reduce up to 25% of a typical household’s energy usage. Moreover, trees can enhance your yard’s charm by providing added privacy. Since it takes years for a tree to reach maturity, it’s wise to plant one sooner rather than later. To ensure that your tree integrates seamlessly with your landscape design as it grows, you might want to consider enlisting the services of a local tree trimming company.

Installing Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting seamlessly combines both style and functionality, making it a valuable enhancement to any outdoor area. When installed correctly, it not only elevates the overall aesthetic of your property but also ensures a secure environment for nighttime activities. The options are diverse, ranging from intricate landscape designs provided by professional outdoor lighting companies to straightforward DIY solar lighting solutions that can be effortlessly placed along your walkway.

As per the National Association of Realtors (NAR), investing in landscape lighting can potentially increase your home’s value by around $2,500. Typically, homeowners can anticipate a return on investment (ROI) of 59%, although the exact percentage might vary based on the type of lighting and its associated costs. LED lights, in particular, tend to offer the most significant advantages in this regard.

Firepit

In 2020, there was a noticeable increase in real estate agents’ interest in outdoor living spaces. While constructing a full outdoor kitchen might not be feasible for every homeowner’s budget, installing a firepit presents a cost-effective way to enhance property value and create a similar outdoor ambiance.

Building a firepit typically costs between $300 and $1,400, offering an average return on investment (ROI) of 56%. Many homeowners choose to hire a professional landscape designer to help create their ideal outdoor space. However, opting for a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach and utilizing affordable materials can significantly boost the ROI to over 80%. Additionally, taking the DIY route might lead to savings on other hardscaping expenses by tackling additional projects independently.

Constructing a Patio or Deck

Landscaping is commonly associated with garden design, but it’s essential to recognize that decks and patios can significantly enhance a property’s appeal to potential buyers. Building a deck typically costs between $4,100 and $11,200, with homeowners often recouping around 89% of the expenses upon selling. Similarly, the average patio expenditure for homeowners is about $3,500, and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that sellers can recover approximately 95% of these costs.

Landscaping Projects That Can Lower the Value of Your Home

While certain landscaping projects might seem appealing initially, they may not always resonate with prospective buyers when selling your home. Factors such as high maintenance requirements or overly specific designs can potentially decrease your property’s value.

Artificial Grass

Although artificial grass requires minimal upkeep, it may not appeal to potential buyers. The prospect of eventual replacement, which costs between $2 and $8 per square foot, can be daunting. Many buyers prefer the natural look and feel of real grass and might be hesitant to invest in a property requiring turf replacement, potentially dissuading them from making an offer.

Irregular Design Choices

Personalizing your home is great, but considering curb appeal is crucial. Inconsistent designs can result from landscaping without a clear plan. Overly personalized touches might confuse or put off visitors, affecting their perception of your property.

Seasonal Plants

Seasonal plants can enhance your home’s appearance at their peak, but if your house remains on the market until these plants wither away, it may not leave a favorable impression. Fresh plants contribute to better curb appeal and create a welcoming atmosphere. Opting for plants with a short lifespan may discourage buyers.

Excessive Concrete

While concrete can be useful in landscaping, moderation is key. An excessive amount of concrete can give your yard an industrial look, which may not appeal to potential buyers. It’s vital to create a welcoming atmosphere in your yard, allowing buyers to envision their future home.

Koi Ponds

Koi ponds add beauty but require regular maintenance. Potential buyers might be hesitant to take on the responsibility and cost of maintaining a clean pond with fish, which can amount to around $2,000 annually. This factor could discourage them from considering your property for purchase.