That Will Add Value to Your Home

Even though the real estate market is booming and home prices are already at record highs, it doesn't hurt to increase the value of your property, especially if you want to list it for sale. One way to add value to your home is to invest in a well-chosen landscaping project. Choose an upgrade that will appeal to potential buyers and entice them to pay a little more to seal the deal.

"When it comes to getting the best price for your home, you can't ignore the power of landscaping to increase your home's value," says Beatrice de Jong, broker and consumer trends expert at Opendoor. "First impressions are everything, and curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers notice...it signals to buyers that they can expect the same from the interior and exterior of the home."

Additionally, data repeatedly shows that curb appeal goes a long way in the form of attractive landscaping. De Jong says sellers with a well-maintained landscape can get a 5% to 12% higher value for their home (depending on where the property is located). Here are 10 landscaping projects that professionals say are worth the investment to increase your home's value.

1. Plant trees.

One word: trees. Planting trees is a landscaping project that almost every professional recommends to increase home value. "Trees can add up to $9,000 to your home's value, but be sure to grow them away from septic systems, driveways and the home to prevent potential interference," recommends Brian McKenzie, co-founder of Bumper Crop Times. "Otherwise, your home's value could be reduced because buyers can expect expensive complications."

Placing trees is important because of root damage, falling branches, or other problems with the home's foundation. However, wisely placed trees have consistently proven to be a sound investment, says Don Beaulieu, real estate agent, contractor and founder of Burlington House Buyers. "Almost everything you buy depreciates. The exception is wood," explains Beaulieu. "Mature trees add value to a home. The sheer presence of large trees increases property prices in an area by 4% to 20%."

2. Spruce the front walkway.

Your driveway is part of a potential buyer's first impression. So, spend some time making your walkway and entryway picture-perfect. "If the walkway is well-decorated, it immediately creates a good atmosphere for the home," says Don Templeton, a real estate broker and owner of Idaho-based Templeton Real Estate Group. "Plant flowers on both sides of the sidewalk and light the sidewalks properly. It creates dramatic beauty." Stylish planters (try this Better Homes & Gardens Laurie White Resin Planter, $28, Walmart) elevate the look of inexpensive flowering annuals.

3. Invest in a well-maintained lawn.

Another important aspect of curb appeal that you should never underestimate is the power of a well-maintained lawn or front yard. A well-maintained front yard has a huge impact on the overall appeal of your home. "My general rule of thumb for landscaping is that the house should be at least as beautiful as its neighbors," de Jong says. "At the very least, home sellers should mow the lawn, prune the trees, pull the weeds and spruce up the garden with some colorful seasonal flowers because curb appeal is essential to selling a home."

On the other hand, an unkempt lawn isn't just a curb appeal deterrent; That sends a red flag to potential buyers who haven't taken care of the home, de Jong adds. The good news when it comes to lawn care? It's not a budget killer, says Dino Tinenna, real estate broker and owner of South Carolina-based Hilton Head Realty. "Lawn maintenance is quick, relatively inexpensive, and gives you a big return on your investment. A well-kept lawn pleases buyers," explains Tinenna. "A lawn is a resting place for adults and a playground for children."

The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Landscape Professionals estimate that annually mulching, mowing about 2,800 square feet of lawn, trimming shrubs, and planting perennials for about 60 years or so costs $3,000 — but the investment is 100% return is available. "Ignoring your lawn is like leaving money on the table. My team and I always recommend to our clients who want landscaping tips to increase their home's value, basic yard maintenance is a great plan to tackle before selling," adds Tinenna.

4. Install landscape lighting.

Attractive landscape lighting not only increases security around your home, but also increases the value of your property.

"A well-lit yard automatically improves the home's overall appearance and therefore increases its value," says Beaulieu of Burlington House Buyers. "Solar-powered and LED lighting solutions have emerged in recent years as viable alternatives to traditional hard-wired lighting. They light up your lawn at night, shade your trees, prevent tripping and deter thieves." Many potential buyers are drawn to LED lighting (Better Homes & Gardens Beacon Solar Powered LED Bath Lights, $20, Walmart), which can increase your property's value by 1% to 3%, says Beaulieu.

Matt Ward, Realtor and board president of Tennessee-based The Matt Ward Group, says lighting can help boost your property's curb appeal, allowing you to really see all the landscaping work you've invested in in no time. “Lighting fixtures are one of the more popular ideas for homeowners to add a nice boost to their home's value,” explains Ward. "Lamping has quickly become one of the most desired outdoor landscaping features for home buyers."

5. Set up a fire pit.

Fire pits gained popularity when we were all stuck at home during the Covid pandemic, and built-in and free-standing fire pits (Better Homes & Gardens 37-Inch Round Propane Fire Pit, $339, Walmart) have taken center stage among outdoor natural attractions. It increases property value. "A fire pit is arguably a universally loved home feature, perfect for families, young couples and anyone who likes to entertain guests," says de Jong.

According to Angie's Home Advisor, the average cost to build a fire pit is about $700, and if you maintain a budget for this type of project, you can get a substantial return on investment. “When built using low-cost materials…homeowners can increase the ROI of a fire pit by more than 80% and recover 78% of the cost,” de Jong says.

6. Create privacy.

Providing a sense of privacy is usually an important selling factor for homes. Thoughtfully designed landscaping is one way to achieve this desirable goal. "Homes with large windows are one of the most sought-after homes," says Templeton of Templeton Real Estate Group. "But large windows mean people can see into the house from the outside. If the house has large windows, planting shrubs or hedges will complement the house while providing privacy."

7. Add a water feature.

Adding a backyard pool or other water feature can also help increase your home's market value, says Liz Hutts, co-owner of Cash Home Buyers NC in North Carolina. "It creates a positive image in the buyer's mind when they're making a decision. A backyard pool adds a unique touch to your home," Lutz explains.

When adding a pool or other water feature, think about where it's located on the property, its size and how it's decorated, Lutz continues. "Adding accent lighting to each end of the pool can help increase its aesthetic appeal," says Lutz, who estimates that the average six-foot to eight-foot backyard pool costs about $9,000.

8. Install an irrigation system.

Most people like the look of landscaping, but few people like to spend time doing the necessary watering. That's where an irrigation system comes in, which can be a huge value add for potential buyers.

"If you're busy with your day-to-day activities, you may want to maintain your yard uninterrupted. The same goes for your prospective buyers; some of them may be tired of watering their plants for an hour," says Edwards. Jones, managing editor and founder of home improvement and garden publication HomeCareHo. "Install an automatic irrigation system that waters your plants when needed. No more guessing about how much water your lawn needs. It's an efficient way to manage and protect your investment."

As an added bonus, automated irrigation systems can significantly reduce lawn irrigation and costs, says Bumper Crop Times' McKenzie. “It has an ROI of about 85%, making it a great project to increase the value of your home,” McKenzie says.

9. Spread fresh mulch.

Perhaps one of the easiest landscaping projects you can start is laying down new mulch. It can help give a dull yard fresh, eye-popping appeal while making landscaping more economical, says Nicholas McMillan, founder and owner of Hire Realty LLC, a New York-based real estate firm that specializes in residential and commercial sales. "Adding fresh mulch around shrubs and plants helps reduce evaporation, inhibit weed growth, moderate soil temperatures, and prevent erosion," says McMillan. "Organic matter and aerated soil will improve the soil's ability to hold enough water." McMillan says you can expect more than your investment in this kind of simple project.

10. Switch to eco-friendly landscaping.

In California and other western states, drought-tolerant patios, or geriscaping, are in great demand. These types of landscapes often eliminate the need for irrigation, which is a definite draw at a time when water prices are rising. In addition to saving homeowners money on water bills, this type of landscape requires very little daily maintenance.

"Drought-friendly landscaping is a cost-effective and sustainable way to add greenery to one's home," says de Jong. "If you live in an area with a warm climate, consider native plants that are environmentally friendly and require low maintenance, such as pest control and fertilizer."