Will Landscaping Increase the Value of My Home? A Comprehensive Guide
Will Landscaping Increase the Value of My Home? A Comprehensive Guide
Investing in your home’s landscaping is about more than just curb appeal—it’s a strategic decision that can yield significant returns when it comes time to sell. In this in‑depth guide, we’ll explore how the right landscaping upgrades not only make your property more beautiful but can also boost its market value. Drawing on years of experience helping homeowners across the Seacoast area, I’ll walk you through every aspect—from the types of improvements that deliver the highest return, to tips for maximizing your investment and finding the right professionals for the job.
Table of Contents
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1. Why Landscaping Matters
When prospective buyers pull up to your home, the first thing they see is the exterior—and it shapes their entire perception. A well‑maintained yard signals that the property has been cared for inside and out, boosting buyer confidence. According to national real‑estate surveys, curb appeal can account for up to 7–14% of a home’s resale value. Beyond aesthetics, smart landscaping also:
Increases energy efficiency by providing shade and windbreaks
Reduces maintenance costs through proper plant selection and drainage
Enhances livability by creating outdoor “rooms” for entertaining and relaxation
Supports sustainability with native plantings that attract wildlife and reduce water usage
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2. Quantifying the Return on Investment (ROI)
While every property and market is different, landscaping generally offers one of the highest ROIs of any home improvement project. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
Project TypeTypical Cost RangeEstimated ROIBasic Lawn Maintenance$500–$2,000100–200%Flower Beds & Plantings$1,000–$5,000150–200%Hardscape (patios, walls)$4,000–$15,00070–100%Outdoor Living Space$8,000–$25,00050–100%Water Features & Lighting$2,000–$10,00060–90%
Key takeaway: Even modest landscaping improvements often pay for themselves when you sell, boosting both sale price and buyer attraction.
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3. Softscape vs. Hardscape: What Moves the Needle?
When planning your yard upgrade, it helps to understand the difference between softscape (living elements) and hardscape (built structures):
Softscape: Plants, grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers. Softscape adds color, texture, and seasonal interest. It often delivers the highest percentage ROI because it’s relatively low‑cost yet dramatically transformative.
Hardscape: Patios, walkways, retaining walls, decks, pergolas, and driveways. Hardscape provides structure, usable outdoor living areas, and low‑maintenance surfaces. While more expensive, quality hardscaping can significantly enhance functionality and buyer appeal.
In practice, the most attractive and marketable landscapes blend both softscape and hardscape to create balanced, inviting outdoor environments.
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4. Top Landscaping Projects for Maximum Value
While every yard is unique, the following projects consistently deliver strong value for homeowners:
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4.1 Lawn Health & Maintenance
Aeration & Overseeding: Relieves soil compaction and introduces fresh grass seed for a thicker, greener lawn.
Fertilization Programs: Seasonal treatments to optimize growth and color.
Weed & Pest Control: Prevents unsightly patches and protects turf health.
A lush, uniform lawn is the foundation for great curb appeal. Monthly maintenance plans keep it looking pristine year‑round.
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4.2 Plantings, Trees & Shrubbery
Foundation Plantings: Low shrubs and decorative grasses soften the transition between house and yard.
Accent Trees: Strategically placed trees provide shade, height variation, and seasonal interest.
Perennial Flower Beds: Low‑maintenance color that blooms year after year, with minimal replanting.
Choose native or climate‑adapted species to minimize water usage and maintenance costs, while maximizing ecological benefits.
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4.3 Outdoor Living Spaces
Patios & Decks: Natural stone, pavers, or composite decking create functional gathering areas.
Fire Pits & Outdoor Kitchens: Extend your living space into the yard, appealing to buyers who love to entertain.
Pergolas & Shade Structures: Provide relief from sun and a sense of outdoor “rooms.”
These features often rank highly in buyer wish lists, particularly in climates where outdoor seasons are long.
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4.4 Water Features & Lighting
Fountains & Ponds: Add a soothing focal point and increase perceived property luxury.
Landscape Lighting: Highlights architectural details, improves safety, and offers nighttime ambiance.
Irrigation Systems: Automate watering to keep plants healthy without increasing homeowner labor.
Both lighting and water features can be scaled to fit your budget while still offering noticeable impact on perceived value.
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5. Design Principles That Sell
No matter which projects you choose, keep these core design tenets in mind:
Balance & Proportion: Align plant heights and hardscape elements with your home’s scale.
Unity & Cohesion: Use a consistent palette of materials and plant types.
Focal Points: Incorporate a standout feature—like a specimen tree or water feature—to draw the eye.
Flow & Function: Create clear pathways and designate zones for dining, play, and relaxation.
Seasonal Interest: Mix evergreens, deciduous trees, and perennials to ensure color and texture year‑round.
A well‑designed landscape feels intentional and invites buyers to imagine living there.
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6. Cost vs. Value: Planning Your Budget
Before you break ground, outline your budget by:
Assessing your market: Check local listings to see what comparable homes offer in landscaping.
Prioritizing high‑ROI projects: Basic lawn care, foundation plantings, and lighting upgrades often pay back quickly.
Phasing larger builds: Spread more expensive hardscape or outdoor kitchen projects over multiple seasons if needed.
Seeking multiple quotes: Competitive bids help ensure fair pricing and reveal creative design ideas.
A clear budget prevents scope creep and focuses resources on the features buyers value most.
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7. Timing Your Landscaping for Sale
6–12 months before listing: Begin lawn renovations, plant establishment, and hardscape installations.
3–6 months before listing: Add flowering beds and accent plants to allow for root establishment.
1–2 months before listing: Finalize mulch, clean hardscape surfaces, and install seasonal flowers for a fresh “just staged” look.
This timeline ensures your yard peaks in appearance on listing day and continues looking good through showings.
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8. Choosing the Right Landscaping Partner
When hiring a professional, look for:
Licensed & Insured Contractors: Protects you from liability and ensures code compliance.
Local Expertise: Companies that know Seacoast soils, climate challenges, and plant hardiness zones.
Portfolio & References: Review before‑and‑after photos and speak with past clients.
Clear Contracts: Defined scopes, materials, timelines, and payment schedules.
At Exterior Etcetera, we combine landscaping design, installation, and maintenance under one roof—making your investment seamless and stress‑free.
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9. Before & After: Real Seacoast Case Studies
Case Study A: “The Colonial Revival”
Location: Dover, NH
Scope: Aeration, new foundation plantings, paver walkway
Investment: $6,500
Result: Appraised value increased by $15,000; sold within two weeks of listing.
Case Study B: “The Modern Entertainer”
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Scope: Composite deck, pergola, outdoor kitchen, lighting package
Investment: $22,000
Result: Listing price raised by $30,000; buyer cited outdoor space as deciding factor.
These examples illustrate how targeted landscaping can directly translate to higher offers and faster sales.
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10. DIY vs. Professional Work: What to Tackle Yourself
DIY-Friendly Tasks
Seasonal planting of annuals
Mulching and edging
Basic lawn care (mowing, fertilizing)
Professional-Grade Tasks
Hardscape installation (patios, walls, decks)
Irrigation system layout
Large plantings or tree removals
Grading and drainage modifications
Tackle the simple jobs yourself to save money, but leave the complex, structural work to the pros for safety and quality assurance.
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11. Maintaining Your Investment Long Term
Once your landscape is installed:
Enroll in a Maintenance Plan: Regular pruning, fertilization, and seasonal cleanup keep your yard in showroom condition.
Monitor Irrigation: Adjust schedules for seasonal rainfall and temperature changes.
Inspect Hardscape: Repair cracks or shifting pavers promptly to prevent costly rebuilds.
Refresh Annuals: Swap out seasonal flowers to maintain vibrant color through spring, summer, and fall.
Ongoing care protects your initial investment and sustains the home’s marketability and value.
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12. Conclusion: Landscaping as a Wealth Builder
Landscaping is more than curb appeal—it’s an investment that adds real dollars to your home’s value, enhances your outdoor living experience, and gives you pride of ownership. By combining smart design, quality installation, and diligent maintenance, you can achieve a yard that not only wows buyers but also maximizes your return when you sell.
Ready to explore how landscaping can boost your home’s equity? Contact Exterior Etcetera today for a free consultation and estimate. Together, we’ll craft a landscape plan that fits your budget, reflects your style, and delivers the highest possible ROI.