Does landscaping increase home value?
Ashburn, VA

Does landscaping increase home value?

Ashburn, VA

Does landscaping increase home value?


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Tamatha Hazen
Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Jennifer Carlson
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer

Does landscaping increase home value?

Landscaping can significantly boost your home’s value by as much as 10% to 30% based on the quality and type of improvements made. By mixing hardscaping features like patios and walkways with softscaping elements such as trees and colorful flower beds, you can create an appealing outdoor space that adds value and attracts potential buyers.

Landscaping projects to increase home value
Project type Average cost Services
Basic lawn care $100 – $400 per month Mowing, fertilization, and weed control
Landscape maintenance $100 – $300 per month Maintaining trees and shrubs
Hardscape improvements $1,500 – $10,000 Paver walkways, retaining walls, pergolas
Landscape lighting $800 – $6,000 Path lights, spotlights, accent lighting
Edging and borders $1,000 – $3,600 Defined spaces with landscape curbing
Water features $1,500 – $15,000+ Fountains, ponds, water gardens
Vertical gardens $2,500 – $7,500 Living walls, trellises with climbing plants
Xeriscaping $15,000 – $18,000 Drought-tolerant plants, rock gardens, efficient automated irrigation
Outdoor living space $2,000 – $35,000 Patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, fire pits
Landscape design services $700 – $3,000 Professional planning and layout

In this guide, we’ll explore some common landscaping projects with the potential to boost your home’s value. From simple updates to more extensive upgrades, we’ll highlight the best options to enhance your curb appeal and attract potential buyers. Let’s discover how landscaping can make a difference!

A house with beautiful front yard landscaping, shrubs, trees, and hedges
A house with beautiful front yard landscaping, shrubs, trees, and hedges

Basic lawn care

A healthy, manicured lawn has one of the highest returns on investment, with homeowners seeing more than a 200% ROI on basic lawn maintenance. Professional lawn care services cost $100 to $400 per month, covering essential tasks like mowing and weed control.

In addition to regular lawn care services, you may want to boost your curb appeal with these projects:

Lush green lawn and flower beds in a residential landscape.
Lush green lawn and flower beds in a residential landscape.

Landscape maintenance

Investing in landscape maintenance can provide great returns, with an average return on investment (ROI) of 104%. Regular activities like pruning and mulching improve your property’s look and greatly increase its market appeal. This makes the cost of landscape maintenance a worthwhile expense for homeowners looking to raise their home’s value.

Freshly mowed residential lawn and landscape care
Freshly mowed residential lawn and landscape care

Hardscape improvements

In addition to decks and patios, other hardscape improvements, such as walkways and retaining walls greatly increase your property's value and usability. They provide structure and beauty to outdoor areas and offer practical benefits like erosion control and better accessibility.

  • Retaining walls cost $4,000 to $10,000 and help manage soil erosion, create level areas in sloped yards, and complement your landscape. The ROI for retaining walls generally ranges between 100% to 200%.

  • A stone paver walkway costs $1,600 to $3,500 and creates attractive pathways that enhance curb appeal and guide visitors through your garden or yard. The ROI varies based on materials and installation quality.

Beautiful front yard landscaping with colorful shrubs and flowers, landscape boulders, and a paver walkway
Beautiful front yard landscaping with colorful shrubs and flowers, landscape boulders, and a paver walkway

Landscape lighting

Improving your outdoor lighting can significantly enhance your home's safety, curb appeal, and value. Outdoor & landscape lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture, or $800 to $6,000 for a lighting package with 10 to 20 lights.

To maximize the value of your outdoor lighting plan, consider these strategies:

  • Layer lighting: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for a balanced effect.

  • Choose LEDs: Opt for energy-efficient LED fixtures that last longer and reduce energy costs.

  • Illuminate pathways: Use path lights and sconces to enhance safety and accessibility.

  • Create ambiance: Incorporate softer lighting, like string lights, to create a cozy atmosphere.

Landscaping with shrubs, flowers, edging, and outdoor lighting
Landscaping with shrubs, flowers, edging, and outdoor lighting

Edging and borders

Adding edging and borders to your landscaping can define garden beds, pathways, and lawns to significantly enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. Landscape curbing costs $5 to $18 per linear foot or $1,000 to $3,600 to install 200 feet of edging.

Investing in more durable options like brick, natural stone, and pavers that require less maintenance will give you the best long-term value despite higher upfront costs. These materials can elevate your outdoor design, improve functionality, and boost your home's curb appeal and value.

Stone landscape edging around flower beds in a residential yard.
Stone landscape edging around flower beds in a residential yard.

Water features

Adding water features to your landscape can enhance your home's curb appeal, create a serene atmosphere, and potentially increase property value. Water features provide a focal point in your outdoor space, attract wildlife, and offer soothing sounds that can mask unwanted noise from nearby streets or neighbors.

Some popular water feature options include:

Pond-less waterfall landscape in a residential backyard.
Pond-less waterfall landscape in a residential backyard.

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a smart landscaping method that reduces water usage through thoughtful design and drought-resistant plants. Ideal for arid climates or areas prone to water restrictions, it offers benefits like lower maintenance, reduced water bills, and increased property value.

Although the initial investment of $15,000 to $18,000 may be higher than traditional landscaping, xeriscaping typically pays for itself within a few years through savings on water and maintenance. Here’s what you can expect to spend:

A front yard landscaped with drought-tolerant native plants
A front yard landscaped with drought-tolerant native plants
Get free estimates from landscaping companies near you.

Landscaping cost factors

Landscaping is more than just beautifying your outdoor space—it's a smart investment that can significantly increase your property's value. Before starting your project, it's essential to understand the factors influencing landscaping costs:

  • Yard size: Larger yards typically require more materials and labor, which can increase costs.

  • Design complexity: Intricate layouts with multiple features will cost more than simple designs.

  • Existing landscape: Your yard's current condition may require additional work, affecting expenses.

  • Materials used: High-quality materials often come with a higher price tag but can offer better long-term value.

  • Local labor rates: Labor costs can vary significantly depending on your region, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

  • Permits and regulations: Some landscaping projects may require permits, which can add to the overall cost.

Blue house with beautiful landscaping including flowerbeds and bushes
Blue house with beautiful landscaping including flowerbeds and bushes

Landscape design services

Before tackling a major landscape upgrade, consider hiring a landscape designer. A professional can bring expertise and creativity to your project, ensuring your outdoor space looks stunning and functions well. Landscape designers charge between $50 and $150 per hour, or around $700 to $3,000 for a complete design plan.

These experts can help you choose hardscaping and softscaping options to create an inviting outdoor space that maximizes your return on investment. They’ll also save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes.

A professional landscape designer with plans for a residential backyard.
A professional landscape designer with plans for a residential backyard.

FAQs about landscaping for improved home value

How much does landscaping increase home value?

Landscaping can increase home value by 10% to 30% when done properly. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends spending 10% to 20% of your home’s current value on landscaping improvements to maximize returns.

Which landscaping projects have the highest ROI?

When it comes to landscaping projects with the highest return on investment (ROI), basic lawn care is your best bet, offering 217% ROI for simple maintenance like weed control and fertilizing. General landscape maintenance like pruning shrubs and replacing mulch follow with 104% ROI.

A front yard with attractive, well-maintained landscaping and a freshly mowed lawn
A front yard with attractive, well-maintained landscaping and a freshly mowed lawn

Getting estimates from landscape designers

To get the most out of your landscape project, hire a landscape designer near you. When comparing design quotes, look for the following:

  • Experience: Choose companies with at least 5 years in business in your area.

  • Licenses: Check if they have required state licenses (e.g., horticulture, landscape contractor, home improvement).

  • Certifications: Look for certifications from NALP, APLD, or local associations.

  • Business: Verify they have a business license, insurance, and surety bonds.

  • Reviews: Choose from designers with top reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Estimate: Get an itemized estimate and contract upfront.

  • Avoid: Beware of the cheapest bids.

  • Payment: Don't pay in full until they finish the job.

Questions to ask a landscape designer

Be sure to ask your landscape designer these important questions:

  • How long have you been designing landscapes in my area?

  • Do you offer free consultations for new clients?

  • Have you done more hardscaping work or plant and garden work?

  • Do you offer designs only, or does your firm also build and maintain landscapes?

  • How long will it take to produce designs, and how do you charge for revisions?

  • Can I see your portfolio and a list of references?

  • Does the city building department need to approve these designs?

  • If you design and build, will you pull any required permits?

  • How much is a consultation to pick out plants and discuss options?

  • Will you make a 3D digital design or scaled drawings?

  • How long will the installation take?

  • Can you make a design that minimizes yard maintenance?

  • Do you work with subcontractors?

  • How long will it take for the new plants to grow?

  • Do you offer any installation guarantees or warranties?

  • What’s your payment schedule, and do you offer payment plans?