5 Landscape Strategies to Boost Home Value
Landscape improvements are a sound investment. An attractive, well-executed landscape can increase property values, so whether you’re planning to sell in the near future or you intend to stay put, investing in upgrades makes good sense.
There’s no precise way to pinpoint how much value can be directly attributed to landscaping. Expert estimates vary widely (they range from 5% to 28%), so a fairly conservative figure would be 10% to 15%. To add value to your home, consider these proven strategies:
Softscaping
Trees. Mature trees are a significant bonus. They serve as a focal point for the landscape and convey stability and solidity. If your lot doesn’t have mature trees you can more quickly gain an established look by planting specimens that are 4 to 6 inches in diameter about a foot above ground level. Investing in larger trees offers additional advantages since they tend to settle in, gain height and fill out more quickly.
Shrubs & Bushes. Real estate experts recommend planting low shrubs and flowers around your lot. They add depth, dimension and texture, break up expanses of lawn and fill out a sparse landscape. For the maximum bang for your buck, opt for those that offer year-round interest, such as evergreen shrubs that also bloom in spring or early summer.
Flowers & Plants. For a vibrant pop of color that energizes the landscape, invest in mass plantings of flowers or brightly colored plants. Talk with your landscaper to determine which plants best suit your immediate and long-term goals as well as your home, climate and care requirements.
Hardscaping
Patios & Decks. An inviting outdoor space makes any home look, feel and live larger. Patios and decks immediately create functional outdoor escapes, so both add value. Paved patios look and feel more permanent and tend to require less care, so they generally offer a greater return on investment when it’s time to sell.
Walkways. Installed paths and walkways are inviting and practical. They’re also one of the most effective strategies for solving pesky landscape challenges. Replacing struggling turf with a simple gravel path turns a densely shaded spot into a feature instead of an eyesore or transforms a neglected side yard into an attractive, purposeful space.
As soon as you decide you’re planning to sell your home, contact your landscaper. Together, you can create a plan for improving your landscape to boost curb appeal and attract potential buyers.
Do the same if you’re planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future. Working together, you can develop a cohesive design to guide sequential improvements, then plan to tackle one or two major enhancements each year.
Either way, the bottom line is clear: Landscaping is an effective way to add value to your home.