Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?

Absolutely! Beautiful, well-designed landscaping doesn’t just make your home look good—it can also significantly increase your property value. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, professional landscaping can boost a home’s resale value by as much as 15% to 20%, making it one of the smartest improvements you can invest in.

From lush greenery and carefully chosen plants to elegant stonework and lighting, the right landscape design can enhance curb appeal, create inviting outdoor spaces, and spark an emotional connection with potential buyers.

So, does landscaping increase home value? Yes. How much it adds depends on factors like project type, quality of execution, and your local market. Let’s take a look at how landscaping impacts home value, which features make the biggest difference, and how to get the best return on your investment.

How Does Landscaping Improve Home Value?

Picture this: a potential buyer drives up to a house with a vibrant, green lawn, elegant stone walkways, and mature trees framing the entrance. Even before they step inside, they’re already forming a positive impression. That’s the power of landscaping.

Here’s how good landscaping adds both tangible and perceived value:

Enhanced curb appeal: A home that’s visually appealing from the street stands out instantly. Curb appeal is often the first (and sometimes only) chance to impress buyers.
Functional outdoor living space: Patios, decks, and cozy seating areas effectively expand your living space. Buyers love the idea of dining al fresco or hosting a firepit gathering.
Signals pride of ownership: A well-maintained yard suggests the rest of the property is equally cared for, which reassures buyers.
Helps buyers visualize their lifestyle: A beautifully designed yard is a blank canvas for future BBQs, garden parties, or lazy summer afternoons.
Perceived luxury: Landscaping done well can make even modest homes feel high-end.
Competitive advantage: In a crowded housing market, landscaping can be the tie-breaker between your property and the one down the street.

How Bad Landscaping Choices Can Devalue Your Home

Unfortunately, not all landscaping projects increase value. Some can even send buyers running. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

High-maintenance features: Exotic plants requiring constant care, or water-heavy lawns, can feel like chores rather than perks.
Safety concerns: Cracked walkways, unstable retaining walls, or poorly lit areas can raise red flags.
Landscaping that fights the climate: Planting non-native species that struggle in local conditions is costly and impractical.
Outdated or overgrown landscaping: Untrimmed shrubs and dated design elements suggest neglect.
High upkeep costs: Buyers don’t want to inherit a yard that requires constant attention or expensive maintenance.

How Much Does Landscaping Add to Home Value?

How much landscaping adds to the value of your home can vary by market and project. Even small enhancements—neatly edged beds or seasonal plants—could make a difference. Studies show that well-executed landscaping can increase a home’s perceived value by 6–13% more than comparable homes. For a $400,000 home, that could mean a gain of $24,000–$52,000 in value. Industry experts often recommend that homeowners allocate 10–20% of their home’s value toward landscaping to maximize curb appeal and resale potential. This range helps ensure the project enhances property value without over- or under-investing compared to market expectations.That’s a huge return when you consider that landscaping often costs less than major interior renovations.

Main factors that influence return on investment (ROI) include:

Quality of design: A cohesive, professionally executed design can pay for itself.
Region and climate: Landscaping tailored to local conditions (e.g., drought-tolerant plants in Utah) performs better.
Balance of softscape vs. hardscape: The best projects blend greenery with hard features like patios or retaining walls.

Investing in quality landscaping pays off. Experts estimate the ROI could be more than 200%, particularly when functional elements and hardscaping are included.

What Landscaping Projects Will Increase Home Value the Most?

When it comes to boosting your property’s worth, certain features almost always deliver:

Outdoor Living Spaces

Patios and seating areas: Extend your home’s living space into the outdoors wih pavers, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
Shade structures and pergolas: Add style, comfort, and a defined outdoor “room.”

Pro-Tip: Prioritize Curb Appeal First

If your time or budget is limited, start where it matters most—the front yard. Clean, inviting entryways, attractive paths, and healthy greenery create a first impression that sets the tone for the rest of the property.

Recreational and Lifestyle Features

Fire pits: A cozy, low-maintenance feature that encourages gathering.
Pools or hot tubs: These can add luxury appeal in certain markets, especially if professionally integrated.
Play areas: Safe, well-designed play zones resonate with families.

Pro-Tip: Design for Versatility

Opt for features that can serve multiple purposes. A firepit area doubling as a conversation nook or deck designed for dining and lounging creates broad appeal. Buyers love flexible spaces that feel ready for entertaining, relaxing, or family time—without needing a major redesign.

Functional Enhancements

Sprinkler and irrigation systems: Keep lawns lush and healthy, reducing buyer worries.
Dry stream beds or water features: Combine visual beauty with practical drainage solutions.
Storage sheds: They practically never go out of style.

Pro-Tip: Prioritize Low Maintenance

Convenience sells. Automated sprinkler systems, drip irrigation, and low-maintenance water features signal that the property is beautiful and easy to care for. Buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a yard that looks stunning without demanding hours of upkeep.

Plants and Greenery

Mature trees and shrubs: Offer instant charm, privacy, and shade.
Localscaping: Low-water, eco-friendly landscaping is increasingly popular.
Garden boxes: A tidy, appealing way to add functionality and beauty.

Pro-Tip: Think Layers and Balance

A good landscape design layers tall trees, mid-height shrubs, and colorful perennials to create depth and visual interest. A flat, uniform yard feels unfinished, but a layered look feels both lush and intentional.

Aesthetic Enhancements

Landscape lighting: Extends outdoor enjoyment and highlights key features at night.
Sculptures or decorative accents: Add character, but keep them tasteful and proportionate.

Pro-Tip: Avoid Overpersonalization

While a themed garden might speak to you personally, it’s better to keep designs versatile and timeless when thinking of resale. A neutral, elegant look appeals to the widest range of buyers.

Can Landscaping Improve Home Value on a Small Budget?

Yes! Not every landscaping improvement has to be a grand, months-long undertaking. If you’re working with a smaller budget or simply want to make an immediate impact, there are plenty of “quick wins” that can still boost your curb appeal.

Easy, high-impact updates include:

Healthy, neatly trimmed lawn: A well-maintained lawn can offer an ROI of up to 217%, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to increase home value.
Refresh mulch and edging: A weekend spent adding fresh mulch to flower beds and sharpening the borders around walkways or garden beds can give your yard an instant facelift.
Add seasonal color: Strategically placed planters or flower boxes brimming with seasonal blooms offer a cheerful, welcoming touch without a major investment.
Power wash surfaces: Dingy patios, pathways, and driveways look brand new after a good power washing, instantly improving perceived value.
Upgrade outdoor lighting: Solar-powered or low-voltage lights along paths and entryways improve safety and create a warm, inviting glow at night.

Of course, there’s a point where smaller improvements can only go so far. If your home is competing with newly updated properties or you’re preparing for a high-stakes sale, it’s worth exploring bigger updates. Features like custom patios, pergolas, or an integrated fire pit create a listing appeal and justify higher offers from buyers.

Transform Your Outdoors with Premium Landscaping

A well-designed landscape isn’t just about adding property value—it’s about creating a lifestyle. Imagine stepping into your backyard and feeling like you’ve entered a private retreat, complete with elegant stone paths, soft ambient lighting, and a cozy nook for family gatherings.

At Frederico Outdoor Living, we specialize in transforming everyday yards into luxurious, personalized outdoor spaces. Our team designs landscapes that balance beauty, functionality, and long-term value.

If you’re ready to add property value with landscape design, schedule a free consultation.