Does landscaping increase home value?
Does landscaping increase home value?
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.
| 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!
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:
Lawn fertilizer service costs $260 to $600 per year to help your yard look lush and green.
Sod installation costs $1,000 to $3,000 for a new, healthy lawn (1,000 to 1,500 SF).
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.
Try planting trees and shrubs to enhance curb appeal, boost home value, improve energy efficiency, and create a healthier environment. Tree planting costs range from $200 to $700, and homes with trees can see value increases of 3% to 15% compared to those without.
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.
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.
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.
Explore our guide on "Landscaping Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Space" for more creative ideas and inspiration.
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:
A water fountain or waterfall costs $1,500 to $8,000.
A pond installation costs $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on the design.
A pondless water feature costs $3,000 to $11,0000.
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:
Native, drought-tolerant plants: $5 to $80 each.
Landscaping installation costs: $50 to $100 per hour.
Landscape river rock costs: $45 to $130 per ton (covering 55 to 135 sq ft at 2" to 4" depth).
Landscape boulder costs: $50 to $650 per stone for 30” to 48” sizes.
Drip-irrigation costs: $300 to $1,200 per zone for an eco-friendly, automated system.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.