Landscaping Effect: How Much It Can Increase Your Property Value
Most homeowners will go to great lengths to improve their home’s market value. For most, the first thought that comes to mind is costly fixes. Talk about kitchen renovations, bathroom upgrades, or adding square footage.
However, one of the most overlooked and cost-effective methods to boost property value lies just outside the front door – landscaping. Be it simple lawn maintenance or extensive garden design, landscaping can significantly impact a property’s value, appeal, and marketability.
But how much does landscaping increase property value? And why is it so effective?
Why Landscaping Matters
Several reasons, either simply for aesthetics, or more crucial for improving your home’s resale value. Here are some of the most important ones;
1. Curb Appeal
The first impression can make or break the deal for you. Landscaping is the first thing a potential buyer sees when approaching your property. A well-maintained lawn, trimmed hedges, seasonal flowers, and tidy walkways contribute to a powerful visual impression.
Ever heard of “curb appeal”? This is it. A study by Michigan State University found that homes with high curb appeal sell for 5% to 11% more than similar homes with unattractive exteriors.
2. Perception of Maintenance
Buyers often associate a well-kept landscape with a well-maintained home. If the exterior looks neglected, they are highly likely to assume the interior has also been poorly maintained.
Conversely, a lush, green lawn and neat garden can signal care and attention to detail, helping to build buyer confidence. In turn, this will most likely fetch you a better price overall.
3. Functional Outdoor Spaces
Modern homebuyers are increasingly valuing outdoor living spaces. Talk about patios, decks, fire pits, and gardens. All these create an extended living area and add lifestyle value. Features like outdoor kitchens, pergolas, and seating areas are going to be a solid selling point for you.
These not only look attractive, but they also suggest more usable square footage. Yes, even if it’s outdoors, it still counts. So, what exactly should you focus on when it comes to landscaping?
Key Landscaping Elements That Boost Value
There’s no one-fits-all landscaping upgrade. Some features offer a better return on investment, while others can be meh. But if it serves the right purpose and doesn’t break the bank for you, it’s worth it. Here are the top landscaping enhancements that significantly increase property value:
1. Lawn Care and Maintenance
A green, healthy lawn is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your property. Make sure you do regular mowing, fertilization, aeration, and pest control. If you want that inviting greenery without the ongoing upkeep, go the artificial grass roll route and watch the smiles on buyers’ faces.
These will make your lawn look lush and inviting. According to a study by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, basic lawn care offers a 267% return on investment.
2. Trees
Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and create a sense of maturity and permanence. A study by the University of Washington found that large trees in yards and neighborhoods can increase home values by up to 15%. That’s a significant boost for something as simple and natural as a tree!
There’s more, trees can lower cooling costs by blocking sunlight and improving energy efficiency. Even then, your trees should also be well maintained. Trimming any branches that overhang on your roof is crucial. Also, remember to keep the base of the tree clear of any unnecessary undergrowth.
3. Landscape Design
A professionally designed landscape plan can yield high returns. Elements such as plant diversity and defined walkways count. This is hard to achieve if you do it the DIY way. Well, unless you’re a professional landscaper yourself.
Besides, layered planting (combining trees, shrubs, and flowers) creates visual depth and harmony. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), investing 5% to 10% of your home’s value in landscaping can yield an ROI of 150% or more.
4. Irrigation Systems
This is not something you’ll find in most typical homes. But you don’t want your home to be an ordinary one, especially when thinking about bumping the resale value, right?
Well, that’s where automated irrigation systems come in. They help to ensure that lawns and gardens remain healthy, even without manual effort. These systems are particularly attractive in areas with hot climates or water restrictions. And one thing you can bet on… they enhance the appeal of a “turnkey” property.
5. Outdoor Lighting
Beauty, safety, and security… that’s what a potential buyer sees when they step into a home with strategic outdoor lighting. Besides, it highlights architectural features, creates ambiance, and deters intruders. It gets even better; landscape lighting can also extend the use of outdoor spaces well into the evening hours.
To Wind Up…
To wrap it up, when going in to transform your home with top-of-the-bar landscaping, don’t forget to avoid these rookie mistakes.
Do not over-personalize the design. Instead, go for classic, versatile designs that are likely to captivate a broad audience.
Leave no stone unturned. Make sure not to neglect any overgrown hedges, dead plants, dry patches on the lawn… etc. And yes, fix any mishaps on the drainage, fence, and walkways too.
Avoid invasive plant species. Pretty as they may look, invasive or non-native plants can turn out to be a nightmare to control. And if they are non-native, they may not work out well; consider going for native options instead.
