Does Landscaping Increase Your Home’s Value?

man rolling out sod on dirt

If you’re staring down a to-do list full of DIY and landscaping projects, well, there’s no better time to start! Investing in the outside of your home does a few things for you. Some projects can bring more literal value to your home when it comes time to sell, but other upgrades and fixes will have buyers imagining themselves in your manicured backyard garden.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got the answers.

Types of Landscaping

There are so many ways you can make your yard look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. Whether you’re into one trend or another, a well-maintained yard is key. Plan and decorate your yard in a way that will make it easy for you to care for. Start with deciding what kind of landscaping you want in your yard.

Xeriscaping

Sometimes people call this hardscaping. You know, cause most things in the yard are solid, non-living beings. Here are a few things you might find in a hardscape yard.

  • Patios
  • Wider walkways
  • Retaining walls
  • Drought resistant plants
  • More areas covered with small rocks
  • Large rock features
  • Small pools/ponds
  • Fountains

If you live in a hot, dry climate, you might want to explore xeriscaping. This allows you to cut down on water use and you don’t have to worry about maintaining anything lush and green.

Softscaping

Softscaping is the opposite of hardscaping. This is the yard you imagine when you think of a traditional home with a white picket fence. Grass, shrubs, trees, flowers, all of these things usually make up a softscape yard. For this type of yard, you’ll want to be aware of your climate and surrounding wildlife. If you live in an area with all four seasons, either option will be good for you. That just depends on whether or not you want to bring your lawn and plants back to life after winter. You should also be aware of what local animals might wander into your yard. Deer are notorious for eating plants, so think about deer proofing if you have to.

The Cost of Changing Landscaping

Initial cost for both types of yards will likely be similar. As with anything, it will depend on how much you want to do. With a softscaped yard, you can trim a topiary elephant. With a hardscaped yard, you can add more bricks and stones for patios, or perhaps install a fancy fountain or pond. However, if you aren’t intent on going wild, the initial cost will likely be well within reach.

Bring it to the Front (Yard)

When it comes to landscaping, the front yard is the grand showcase. It has to hit the mark with a solid dose of curb appeal. If your goal is to add value to your home, you’ll want to spend most of your time here.

What should happen in the front yard to make it a great attraction? The first thing to do is plan what you want the yard to look like with your soft or hardscaping. Take into consideration the space you have to work with and how hard it will be to get to the areas you need to maintain regularly. If you want your sun-loving flowers to get the rays they need, think about crafting or buying a planter you can place in an optimal area, or set up a beautiful flower bed that’s not in the shade of large trees.

Seeing Green

If you have mature trees and plants, think about transplanting them over removing them entirely. If you’re looking to sell in the near future, many buyers love vegetation that is already done growing so they know what to expect.

Pathways and curbing through the yard can create a unique look for your yard, but be thoughtful about where you’re placing them. They can create issues with lawn mowing, weeding, and sometimes walking.

Bring it to the Back (Yard)

While the front yard does the job of drawing people in, you don’t want to shortchange the backyard. While the front yard attracts buyers, the backyard can win them over. Many buyers want to hang out and host gatherings in the backyard. Design the back landscaping to be comfortable and full of fun, while still functional.

Shade is a key factor for many homeowners. Since backyards are a top hangout spot, you’ll want to make sure there are shaded areas to take a break in. Try picking trees that get large enough to create these spaces but not so large they take over. This is an especially important factor if you don’t have a covered deck or patio.

Should You Get a Pool?

To pool or not to pool? That is the question. Not all yards are made for a pool. You don’t want to walk into a backyard that looks like a water park. Not to mention, this leaves no room for entertaining. Ask around the neighborhood and see if pools are a popular choice in the area. This will help you determine whether or not pools are in demand.

Keep in mind that planning for kid-safety is a must if you’re going to own a pool. There’s far more to it than just putting up a fence. If you see a hazard in your backyard, a potential buyer likely will too.

Take Inspiration Where You Can Find It

At the end of the day, spending time and a little money improving your yard will add value to your home, even if it’s not necessarily monetary. It’s the curb appeal that will attract people to take another look. Make sure potential buyers realize at first glance that indeed the grass is greener in your yard. If you’re ready to put in the work to improve your home’s landscape, or you already have, contact Homie if your next step is to sell!