Landscaping is an easy and effective way to increase a home’s visual appeal, but it also has positive effects on resale values as well. Read on to learn how certain landscaping ideas increase a property’s value.

Addition and Replacement of Design Elements

It’s quite common for people to overhaul their wardrobes every few years, replacing worn and tattered basics with fresh new pieces. The same idea applies to residential landscape architecture, with superb results. By giving the landscape a makeover, homeowners can create a classic, clean, and value-increasing foundation upon which it’s possible to create a masterpiece.

Using Quality Mulch

With a few simple changes, it’s possible to do much more than make the home visually appealing. When it’s well-chosen and of high quality, mulch around shrubs and flower beds will increase a home’s value.

Planting Trees

Planting a few trees is one of the easiest landscaping upgrades and also one of the soundest long-term investments. One mature tree may add up to $10,000 to a home’s value, which is a substantial return in consideration of the low cost of saplings. Planting larger trees costs more upfront, but it also brings quicker returns. Trees also increase neighborhood values as well; a home on a tree-lined street may sell for 10-15% more than a similar home in an area with no trees.

Renovating or Building a Deck or Patio

A deck or patio upgrade or installment will turn an empty, unappealing back yard into a great outdoor living space. No matter which structure a homeowner chooses, they’ll get the perfect spot to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoor life. Not only that, they’ll get a return on that investment when the home sells.

The decks and patios providing the most substantial ROI are those built along with the house. However, that doesn’t mean it should look worn out or old. Instead, landscape architecture experts advise homeowners to upgrade or add these features in proportion to the home and the land on which it sits.

Most home buyers appreciate the ability to use the back yard as a retreat, if only for a short while. If a homeowner has a small budget that doesn’t allow for a full outdoor kitchen, the addition of a deck or patio is an easy way to increase a home’s value.

Remodeling or Building an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are structures that many homeowners’ garden dreams are made of. With an outdoor kitchen, it’s easier and more fun to entertain family and friends, and for many of today’s home buyers, this feature isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. For those living in colder climates, it may be wise to opt for an outdoor kitchen rather than a pool. With a pavilion or waterproof awning, it’s possible to use an outdoor kitchen all year long. By adding an outdoor room to the home, an owner may see a 100-200% return on their investment.

Building a Rainwater Collection System

As fresh water becomes a scarcer resource, its cost continues to rise. Therefore, many of today’s homeowners are making efforts to conserve water. While a green, lush lawn certainly has curb appeal, many environmentally conscious and frugal homeowners are looking for ways to save money and natural resources. Along with solar panels, rainwater collection and recycling systems increase a home’s sustainability while reducing the owner’s dependence on public utilities. This will go a long way in increasing a home’s value.

Outdoor Lighting

With proper lighting, homeowners can accentuate all the upgrades they’ve made to the aesthetic and monetary value of their properties, even after sundown. By adding well-placed lighting to the exterior of the home, it’s possible to boost its curb appeal, functionality, and value.

Making Lawn Maintenance a Top Priority

Making improvements to a home’s landscaping isn’t as complicated as it seems, and keeping the lawn looking great will improve the home’s curb appeal. Complete lawn care is as simple as:

Raking

Removing leaves and other debris

Using a lawn aerator to get air and nutrients to the grass roots. This creates a stronger, healthier, and lusher landscape.

Fertilizing. During the growth season, fertilizer should be used every six to eight weeks.

Watering. With infrequent and deep watering, the grass will grow in stronger and healthier.

Mowing. Local lawn services will regularly cut the grass to the appropriate length, which minimizes weeds and increases curb appeal.

Edging. Left to grow unchecked, grass will work its way into sidewalks, garden beds, and pathways, creating an untidy look. For a manicured appearance, use an edger to trim away the overgrowth at turf edges.

While it’s not expensive to take care of residential landscaping, it requires an investment of effort and time. If a homeowner doesn’t have the energy or inclination to take care of their yard or prune their shrubs, there’s help available from local lawn services.

Seasonal Planting

If an owner decides to update the plants around the home, they’ll achieve great results with plants that make the landscape attractive throughout the year. Spring flowers look great in April or May, but potential buyers won’t enjoy them much in November. Remember to consider the location and do some research on the plants that do well in the local climate.

Low-Cost Options

If the homeowner’s budget doesn’t allow for major home improvements, there are a few financially sensible ways to increase the home’s value by enhancing its exterior. Landscaping jobs such as adding fully grown plants, planting flowers near the entryway, re-sodding the yard, weeding, trimming, and sealing the driveway all cost less than $1000 in many cases. According to the National Association of Landscaping Professionals, a homeowner may get up to a 215% ROI for such a project when they sell the home.

Count on the Pros for Landscape Beautification Services

When it’s properly executed, landscaping may increase the home’s value by up to 20%. Contact the company for landscaping maintenance tips, call to request an estimate, or visit the website for more details on their products and services.