Your home is typically one of your most valuable and long-lasting investments. As with many investments, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.
That’s why landscape design is more than just a way to make your home more beautiful and functional for your family. It’s also a way to make your home more appealing to buyers. In fact, investing in your landscape design can have a remarkable impact on property value, yielding positive returns and making your home stand out from the crowd.
If you want to focus on landscape design features that can increase your property value, here’s where to start. These features will add both short- and long-term value to your home, for your family and for any future owners.
1. Low-maintenance landscaping
Low-maintenance landscaping appeals to a wide range of potential buyers, but especially those with a not-so-green thumb, or anyone who may not have the time or desire to maintain an elaborate garden.
Establish low-maintenance landscaping in your yard by:
- Using native plants that are well-suited to the climate, which can reduce the need for frequent watering and fertilization.
- Xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that incorporates drought-resistant plants like succulents and cacti (Tip: This is a very practical solution in arid climates like the Southwest.)
- Using ground cover plants
- Mulching heavily to maintain moisture
- Limiting high-maintenance flower or garden beds
Future buyers will appreciate a landscape that is attractive yet easy to care for. This can make your home more appealing and potentially increase its value.
2. Outdoor living spaces
Outdoor living spaces, such as patios, decks, or covered seating areas, extend the usable square footage of a home, instantly adding value to your property. A well-designed patio that is built with quality materials—like stone pavers, concrete, or brick—creates an inviting space for entertaining and relaxation. For added functionality, consider installing a pergola or gazebo to provide shade and comfort year-round.
If your space and budget allow, consider adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard. Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they add a “wow” factor to your yard in terms of appearance and functionality. Features like built-in grills, sinks, and mini-fridges turn a patio into a full-fledged cooking space, adding considerable value.
Finally, you could create an outdoor living space centered around a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. These gathering spaces add a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing element to your yard, and they extend the use of your outdoor space into the colder months.
3. Smart irrigation systems
Water-efficient landscaping is not only a value-add feature, but also an eco-friendly choice that can help reduce water bills. A smart irrigation system, such as a programmable sprinkler system with moisture sensors, helps deliver the right amount of water to the right place at the right time, reducing waste and keeping costs low. They are usually controlled via smartphone, making them extremely convenient and reducing the risk of over- or under-watering, even when the homeowner is away.
These systems showcase a modern, forward-thinking approach to landscape management, and are an attractive selling point, particularly in areas prone to water restrictions, or for environmentally conscious buyers who are looking for sustainable features in a home.
4. Privacy elements
Privacy is a desirable feature for almost all home buyers, and adding privacy elements into your landscape can raise your property’s appeal. Consider adding privacy hedges, trees, or tall shrubs to create a natural, beautiful yard barrier. Trees like cypress, arborvitae, or bamboo (in controlled settings) are popular choices for this purpose.
If you prefer a more structured look, you could also install lattice fences or screens with climbing plants like ivy or jasmine.
Privacy features like these increase a homeowner’s sense of seclusion and safety, and many buyers are willing to pay a premium for this peace of mind.
5. Quality lighting
Outdoor lighting is an affordable upgrade that can make a major impact on your landscape. Proper lighting showcases the landscape design and creates ambiance, but it also enhances security and makes your yard safer. Pathway lights can guide guests along walkways, while accent lights can highlight trees, water features, or even architectural elements of the home. Adding dimmable lights to patios or outdoor kitchens can create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere for evening gatherings.
Consider investing in LED lights or solar-powered options to reduce energy costs and maintenance. Good lighting like this will add an extra layer of functionality, along with a visual impact that makes the property more attractive (especially for evening showings).
6. Strategically placed trees
Trees not only add beauty and shade to your property but also offer energy-saving benefits. When placed strategically, trees can provide natural cooling to the home by shading windows and reducing direct sunlight in the summer. According to the USDA, trees can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 20-50%—an attractive feature for buyers looking to reduce their energy bills.
Furthermore, mature trees add established beauty to a property, making it look well cared for and timeless.
That said, be mindful to plant trees at a safe distance from the house, driveway, and underground utilities to avoid potential issues with root growth. Also, check with your neighborhood HOA for guidelines on which trees you are allowed to plant, along with any other planting or positioning restrictions.
7. Functional landscaping with pathways and edging
Pathways and garden edging add structure and usability to a landscape. Pathways made from gravel, stone, or brick provide clear walking areas, guiding visitors safely through the yard while keeping them off the grass or delicate plants.
Similarly, garden edging defines spaces of the yard, separating garden beds from lawns and giving the landscape a clean, purposeful look.
By creating defined paths and borders, you help make the landscape appear well-maintained and organized—qualities that many homebuyers find appealing.
8. Water features
Water features, such as fountains or small ponds, add an element of luxury to the yard. The sound of water has a calming effect, and water features act as a focal point in landscape design. While larger water features may be expensive, even a small, well-placed fountain can have a big impact without requiring extensive maintenance or upfront cost.
It’s important to keep in mind that water features (especially large ones) should be installed with care, as they can sometimes be a turn-off for buyers concerned about safety, such as families with small children. They also create another maintenance requirement that some buyers may not appreciate.
Still, a well-maintained, modest water feature can enhance value without overwhelming potential buyers.
If you’re looking to increase your property’s value, you may not need to look any further than your own backyard. A beautiful landscape design can elevate a property’s appeal and significantly increase its value. As you focus on these elements of landscape design, you can transform your yard from an afterthought to a selling point. Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon, or you just want to improve your home’s curb appeal, these landscape features can make your property more enjoyable and valuable for years to come.
