Does Landscaping Increase Home Value? Key Insights and Tips

January 17, 2025

When considering ways to improve your home's overall value, landscaping is often an area that’s overlooked. However, landscaping can have a significant impact on your property's appeal and market value. In this blog, we'll explore the question: Does landscaping increase home value? and answer other important questions like how much does landscaping add to home value, what percentage of the property value should be spent on landscaping, and more.

1. Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?

Yes, landscaping can definitely increase your home’s value. Well-maintained landscaping enhances your home's curb appeal, which is the first thing potential buyers see. Attractive landscaping makes your property more inviting, sets the tone for the interior, and can make your home stand out in a competitive real estate market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), landscaping can yield a return on investment (ROI) of up to 150%, depending on how well it is designed and maintained.

A well-thought-out landscape creates a welcoming environment, improves the overall aesthetic, and provides an impression of care and attention to detail. Whether it's a beautifully manicured lawn, strategic placement of trees, or colorful flower beds, landscaping can make a lasting impact.

2. How Much Does Landscaping Add to Home Value?

How much does landscaping add to home value depends on several factors, including the quality of the landscaping, its design, and how it complements the overall style of the house. On average, landscaping can add around 5% to 15% to the home’s value. According to some real estate experts, a well-landscaped home can increase the sales price by as much as 10-12% compared to similar properties without landscaping. In highly competitive real estate markets, landscaping may even yield higher returns.

For example, if your home is valued at $300,000, a solid landscaping investment could increase its value by $15,000 to $45,000. It's important to keep in mind that the specific improvements made (such as the addition of outdoor living spaces, hardscaping, or irrigation systems) will also influence how much value you can expect.

3. What Percentage of the Property Value Should Be Spent on Landscaping?

The general recommendation is to spend between 5% and 10% of the home’s value on landscaping. This percentage will vary depending on your budget, location, and the scale of the landscaping improvements you wish to make. In areas where landscaping is a key factor in home sales, such as suburban neighborhoods with lots of outdoor space, you might want to invest a little more into creating a beautiful landscape that complements your home.

Keep in mind that it's important to strike the right balance. Over-improving your landscaping can lead to diminishing returns, especially if it’s out of place with the rest of the neighborhood or the design of your home. Ideally, landscaping should enhance the property's overall appearance without exceeding the expectations of potential buyers in your area.

4. How Much Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?

The amount landscaping increases home value varies widely based on the types of improvements you make and the local real estate market. In general, well-executed landscaping improvements—such as adding a new lawn, planting trees and shrubs, or installing outdoor lighting—can boost a home’s value by up to 10%. The return on investment for landscaping depends on the scope of the project and how well the changes align with buyer preferences in your area.

Landscaping improvements that often provide the best returns include:

  • Lawn and Planting Improvements: A healthy, green lawn is one of the most important aspects of curb appeal, making it an easy win for increasing home value. Adding trees, shrubs, and colorful flower beds enhances the appearance of your yard and contributes to the overall aesthetic.
  • Outdoor Living Spaces: Adding a deck, patio, or pergola is a great way to improve the value of your home. Buyers are often drawn to homes with well-designed outdoor living spaces for entertaining or relaxing.
  • Water Features and Landscaping Design: Thoughtful landscaping that incorporates water features (like fountains or ponds) or attractive stonework can dramatically increase a home’s curb appeal and perceived value.
  • Irrigation and Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Installing an efficient irrigation system or opting for low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants can be an attractive selling point for buyers who want a beautiful landscape without the effort.

5. Landscaping Value

The value of landscaping extends beyond simply increasing your home’s price. Landscaping can improve the quality of life for homeowners by creating a pleasant outdoor environment, providing spaces for relaxation, and increasing privacy. Landscaping also helps to conserve water, reduce erosion, and even improve air quality through the strategic planting of trees and shrubs.

Additionally, landscaping value can be measured by its ability to reduce energy costs. For example, strategically placed trees can offer shade in the summer, reducing cooling costs. In colder months, evergreens can act as windbreaks, lowering heating bills. These energy savings, combined with aesthetic improvements, add both functional and financial value to your home.

How to Get the Best Return on Landscaping Investment

If you want to ensure your landscaping investment pays off, here are some tips to maximize the return:

  • Focus on Curb Appeal: The first impression is key. Keep your lawn green, trim shrubs and trees, and plant colorful flowers. A neat, tidy appearance can make a big difference.
  • Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Not only do low-maintenance plants save you time and effort, but they’re also more appealing to buyers who want to avoid constant upkeep.
  • Add Functional Features: Outdoor living spaces such as patios, fire pits, and seating areas enhance the usability of your yard and increase its value.
  • Make Small, Impactful Changes: Even simple improvements like painting your front door, adding a new mailbox, or installing attractive outdoor lighting can create a dramatic effect.
  • Consult a Landscape Professional: If you're unsure where to start, a landscape designer can help create a plan that adds value and complements your home’s architecture.

By Bourne Brothers Landscaping