8 Landscape Improvement Tips to Increase Your Home’s Value

Real estate concerns more than just a house’s monetary value. The way a home looks from the street may create either a positive or negative impression of the inside world. As shallow as it may be, beautiful things naturally attract humans. It’s in our nature to gravitate towards homes having a well-trimmed lawn, eye-catching water features, and colorful trees.

Here’s a fun fact. According to research, a higher curb appeal may increase a property’s value by approximately 15 percent or more.

Therefore, it’s always worth considering how potential home visitors and buyers perceive your home, both in aesthetic and net value terms.

Why You Should Focus on Improving Curb Appeal

Are you trying to figure out how to improve your home’s net value? Look no further than its curb appeal. Working on your home’s curb appeal and landscaping might be the most convenient way to accomplish this goal.

Plus, landscaping isn’t heavy on your pocket and requires relatively less commitment than your usual home improvement DIYs. Regardless of your plans to sell your home, investing in a landscape upgrade can significantly build up your home’s personality.

Below, we’ve listed some amazing landscape improvement tips to increase your home’s value.

1. Trim and Maintain Regularly: The Secret to Boosting Curb Appeal

First impressions last, and the same is true for your home. When it comes to boosting your property’s curb appeal, regular maintenance of your greenery must be a priority.

Why?

Overgrown shrubbery and trees can obstruct pathways, block windows, and even limit the street view of your house. This not only affects accessibility but also takes away from the visual appeal of your property. Even if you have made attractive architectural additions to your home, they can go unnoticed if overshadowed by untamed foliage.

Furthermore, overgrown trees could potentially make your otherwise well-lit place seem dark and uninviting by blocking natural light from entering your home or garden space. This can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your property.

Interesting Fact: According to research conducted by Michigan State University, properties with well-maintained landscapes are perceived to have a value approximately 11% higher than properties with average landscapes.

Therefore, trimming bushes and maintaining trees regularly play a crucial role in ensuring that your landscape doesn’t seem neglected to potential visitors or buyers.

Consider investing in installing fake grass as an alternative to natural grass. It’s not just low-maintenance but also ensures that your lawn stays green and vibrant year-round irrespective of weather conditions.

However, maintaining a landscape can be time-consuming and require special equipment or skills. If you’re struggling with landscape maintenance, consider hiring professionals who specialize in these services.

For instance, if you’re a resident of Austin, you can easily find these professionals through various search engines by using keywords like “tree removal Austin TX,” “Professional Tree Trimmers Austin,” etc. These experts will have the necessary skills and equipment to ensure that your landscape looks well-groomed at all times.

Remember: A well-maintained landscape not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also increases its value, making it a worthwhile investment for every homeowner.

2. Keep Your Landscape In Line With Your Home’s Architecture

Your home’s architecture is a vital element that should guide your decision-making process when investing in landscaping additions. While diverse landscaping can add an element of surprise and delight to your property, it’s crucial not to spend on features that don’t align with the overall aesthetics of your home. Landscaping that seems unseemly or out-of-place can negatively impact your return on investment.

Understanding the Architectural Style of Your Home

Before you begin planning for landscaping improvements, take a moment to understand your home’s architectural style. Is it a classic Victorian or Craftsman? Or perhaps it leans towards modern, minimalist designs? Each style has unique features and characteristic elements that can be complemented by specific landscaping design choices.

Choosing Suitable Additions

Once you’ve identified the style of your home, consider additions that not only fit but also uplift and enhance these current features. For instance, if you have a traditional ranch-style home, a simple porch swing could complement its casual and comfortable look much better than a modern water fountain or pond would.

On the other hand, if your home has a contemporary design with clean lines and glass elements, modern landscaping elements like geometric planters or sleek water features could be more appropriate.

Tip: Always visualize how any addition will look in the context of your property before investing. A helpful strategy could be using online tools for virtual landscaping design.

Aligning with the Neighborhood

In addition to matching your property’s architecture, consider the surrounding neighborhood when planning your landscape. This doesn’t mean you have to clone what everyone else is doing, but rather that your landscape should not stick out awkwardly amongst neighboring homes.

Consider the following when aligning with your neighborhood:

• Common Plants and Trees: Are there particular plant species common in most yards? These could help make your landscape blend in easily.
• Overall Aesthetic: Is your neighborhood known for its manicured lawns or wildflower gardens? Try to align with the overall aesthetic.

Remember, a harmonious blend between your home’s architecture, landscape, and the surrounding neighborhood creates a pleasing visual experience, which can significantly boost curb appeal and return on investment.

3. Keep It Balanced: Consider Climate and Seasonality in Your Landscape Design

When mapping out your landscape improvements, it’s essential to take into account the climate and the changing seasons of your location. For instance, if your home is situated in a region that experiences a short warm season, planting spring flowers may not provide the best return on investment. These blooms might be visually appealing, but their beauty will be fleeting if they don’t have enough warm weather to thrive.

To create a garden that remains attractive throughout the year, consider incorporating a diverse selection of plants, trees, and flowers that can withstand varying temperatures and weather conditions. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Blossom Flowers for Hotter Seasons: These vibrant blooms can add a touch of color and charm during the warmer months. Opt for species that are native to your area, as they’re more likely to thrive.
• Shrubs or Hardy Evergreens for Colder Seasons: Plants like evergreens can provide year-round interest due to their resilience in colder climates. They not only stay green all year long but also offer structural form in the winter landscape.

Note: While it’s true that flowers are often considered the most attractive elements in a garden, keep in mind that potential buyers generally look for an assortment of greenery. Diverse plant life helps maintain curb appeal throughout the year, regardless of the season.

Remember, balance is crucial when designing your outdoor space. By choosing plants that offer year-round interest and align with your local climate conditions, you can create a landscape that enhances your property’s aesthetic appeal while also providing functionality and durability.

4. Go For Landscaping Options That Offer Privacy

Before you finalize your landscape design, it’s crucial to ensure that your preferred style is in harmony with your home’s architecture and complements its existing elements. This requires a thoughtful balance between aesthetics and functionality – both are equally important in creating an inviting outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Plants

When aiming for privacy, certain types of plants can serve a dual purpose by providing concealment while also enhancing the beauty of your home.

• Hedges: They offer dense coverage and can be shaped to match your design preferences. Boxwood, privet, or yew are popular choices due to their dense foliage and growth patterns.
• Shrubs: When placed strategically, shrubs can provide an excellent visual barrier. Some shrubs like viburnum or holly even produce attractive flowers or berries.

Remember to choose plants that thrive in your local climate conditions for the best results.

Designing for Privacy

A well-designed landscape does more than just beautify your yard; it can also provide a sense of solitude and serenity. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Use Layered Plantings: By planting in layers with tall trees in the back, shorter ones in the middle, and low-growing ones up front, you create depth and interest while maximizing privacy.
• Install a Trellis or Pergola: These structures can support climbing plants like vines or roses, offering natural shade and additional privacy.
• Add a Water Feature: A fountain or waterfall adds aesthetic appeal and the sound of water can mask neighborhood noise, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

In conclusion, privacy doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. With careful planning and selection of the right landscaping features, you can create an outdoor oasis that offers seclusion without sacrificing visual appeal.

5. Illuminate Your Home with Outdoor Lighting

For homeowners who yearn to make a statement and take their home’s exterior aesthetics to a new level, introducing lighting elements can be a highly rewarding option. It’s not just about brightening up your outdoor space; it’s about crafting a unique ambiance that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your property.

While there are numerous outdoor lighting strategies to consider, several factors such as local housing laws, budget constraints, and personal preferences will play a critical role in shaping your final decision.

Understanding Your Lighting Options

Depending on your budget and specific needs, there is a myriad of outdoor lighting options you can explore:

• Hard-wired lighting: This type of lighting is directly connected to your home’s electrical system. Although it may require professional installation, hard-wired lights are typically more powerful and longer-lasting. Ideal for illuminating large areas or features.
• Solar-powered accent lights: Eco-friendly and cost-efficient, these lights charge during the day using solar energy and automatically light up at dusk. They’re perfect for lighting pathways or accenting garden features without increasing your electricity bill.
• LED lights: Known for their energy efficiency and longevity, LED lights offer an excellent solution for homeowners seeking long-term savings. They’re available in various colors and brightness levels, allowing you to customize your outdoor space according to your taste.

Benefits of Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting isn’t just about aesthetics; it comes with practical benefits too:

1. Highlight Landscape Features: Accent lighting fixtures can light up paths and emphasize particular landscape elements like statues or ponds. They’re affordable and great for showcasing the unique personality of your landscape.
2. Increase Security: A well-lit yard can deter potential intruders by reducing hiding spots and increasing visibility from inside the house.
3. Enhance Safety: Lighting pathways, stairs, and entrances reduces the risk of trips and falls during the night.

Incorporating outdoor lighting into your home improvement plans can significantly enhance the beauty, safety, and comfort of your outdoor living spaces. As you explore different lighting options, remember to keep in mind the specific needs of your property and personal aesthetic preferences.

6. Pop In Some Paint: An Affordable Way to Boost Curb Appeal

A strategic splash of paint can significantly enhance the exterior aesthetics of your home. No other improvement gives quite the same impact as a fresh coat of paint. It’s an affordable, straightforward way to create a refreshing change without any complex renovations.

Choosing the Right Shade

When it comes to color selection, you could opt for a safe route by choosing neutral shades such as beige, grey, or crème. These colors blend well with most architectural styles and landscapes, giving your house a clean, sophisticated look.

On the other hand, if you want your home to stand out in the neighborhood, bolder hues like crimson or navy can give it a stylish edge. However, be careful not to go overboard with vibrant colors; keep in mind that the goal is to enhance your home’s curb appeal, not overpower it.

Note: The key is balance. Coordinate your chosen paint color with other elements of your home’s exterior, like landscaping and hardscaping features.

Making Smaller Updates

You don’t necessarily have to embark on a full-scale painting project. Sometimes, minor updates can make a significant difference:

• Freshening up your current paint job: A simple touch-up can revive faded paint and cover up minor damages.
• Painting your front door: A brightly painted door can be an eye-catching focal point that adds character to your home.
• Updating the wood finishes: Enhance the natural beauty of wooden elements like fences or shutters by applying a fresh stain or varnish.

These small improvements are cost-effective ways to boost curb appeal and make your home more inviting. Remember that even subtle changes can make a big impact when done right.

7. Refine Your Pathways

The first aspect visitors often notice when they enter your property is the walkways. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that these pathways are clean, well-maintained, and visually appealing. If an entry pathway is unclean or cracked, potential buyers might start forming negative impressions before they’ve even properly explored your home.

Key Point: First impressions are paramount.

You can significantly enhance your home’s exterior by focusing on simple but effective improvements for your walkways. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Rerouting and Resurfacing Ensure that the paths leading to your house are convenient and easily accessible. If needed, reroute them for better accessibility and resurface them to get rid of any cracks or unevenness.

2. Upgrading Materials Though not mandatory, upgrading the materials of your walkway can add a touch of sophistication to your property. Consider using stone pavement or adding brick lining for an elegant and timeless appeal.

3. Incorporating Greenery Adding plantings alongside main pathways can further enhance their appeal. However, remember to consider the size of the plants carefully.

• They should not obstruct the view of your house from the street.
• They should not block the pathway itself.

By investing some time and effort into improving your pathways, you can significantly boost your property’s curb appeal and create a positive first impression for visitors or potential buyers.

8. Embrace the Power of Greenery

No matter where you live – bustling city or serene countryside – one thing that universally enhances the appeal of a property is the presence of greenery. Planting trees in your garden is not just a surefire way to boost your property’s value, but it can also offer myriad benefits for both homeowners and the environment.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Trees

Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider incorporating more trees into your landscape:

• Seasonal Produce: Depending on the type of trees you plant, you could enjoy an array of seasonal fruits right at your doorstep. This not only adds a unique selling point to your property but also promotes sustainable living.
• Natural Shelter: Trees provide a natural canopy, offering shelter from harsh weather conditions such as sun, wind, or rain. This creates a comfortable outdoor space for relaxation or recreational activities.
• Environmental Impact: It’s no secret that trees are vital for our planet. They release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in combating climate change. But beyond this, they also help purify the air by trapping dust and absorbing pollutants.

“Trees are like nature’s air purifiers. They absorb harmful gases and release oxygen, significantly improving air quality.”

• Mental Well-being: Multiple studies highlight the positive impact of greenery on mental health. Trees contribute to creating serene surroundings that foster relaxation and reduce stress levels.

Balancing Greenery with Property Aesthetics

While planting trees can be advantageous, it’s crucial to take into account your property’s overall aesthetics. Carefully choose tree types that complement your home’s style and size without obstructing views or pathways. Remember to plan for their full-grown size.

In summary, integrating more greenery into your landscaping strategy can result in increased property value while providing environmental and personal well-being benefits. So, go ahead and plant some trees; it’s a win-win situation.

Adding Value to Your Property: An In-depth Look

For many homeowners, the question of how to add value to their property can seem daunting. However, with a well-thought-out strategy, it’s possible to significantly enhance both your home’s curb appeal and its market value. Surprisingly, this doesn’t require major renovations or costly projects. Sometimes, all it takes are some simple yet effective landscaping improvements.

This guide delves into these landscape improvement tips and how you can leverage them to elevate your house’s exterior from just average to truly outstanding.

Lighting: The Illuminating Effect

One of the key factors that can dramatically transform your property is lighting. It not only enhances the look of your home during nighttime but also ensures safety by illuminating pathways and entryways.

• Outdoor fairy lights or spotlights can accentuate the architectural elements of your home.
• Solar-powered path lights can provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for illuminating walkways.

A Fresh Coat of Paint: A Colorful Transformation

Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home a new lease on life.

• Choosing colors that complement the architecture and surroundings of your home can create an aesthetically pleasing visual impact.
• Opting for high-quality weather-resistant paint ensures longevity and reduces maintenance costs in the long run.

Planting Trees: Nature’s Touch

Planting trees is another excellent way to add value and beauty to your property. Apart from enhancing aesthetics, trees offer environmental benefits like air purification and contribute to mental well-being.

• Choose tree species that grow well in your local climate and soil type.
• Consider the full-grown size of the tree to ensure it doesn’t obstruct views or pathways.

Regular Maintenance: The Key To Long-lasting Appeal

Lastly, regular maintenance is essential to keep your landscape in top condition. This includes tasks like pruning, fertilizing, and frequent watering.

• Regularly prune trees and shrubs to maintain their shape and health.
• Use organic fertilizers to enrich the soil and promote plant growth.

By implementing these tips, you can give your home an attractive transformation and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing its value increase over time. Not only do these improvements enhance your property’s appearance, but they also contribute to a healthier environment and improved personal well-being.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)