Everyone wants a well-designed yard. They stand out in a neighborhood, elevate you’re home’s curb appeal, and are just all around pleasant to be in. There are plenty of good reasons to wish for one, but what if we told you their value isn’t just cosmetic? A well-designed yard doesn’t just turn heads. It can create a profit. Whether you’re placing roots or prepping to move, thoughtful outdoor upgrades often influence buyer perception and deliver a higher-than-expected return on investment. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about making smart decisions about your outdoor space.
Does Landscaping Really Increase Property Value?
Yes, it does significantly. According to the National Association of Realtors, good landscaping can increase a home’s value by up to 10–20%. On the flip side, poor landscaping has been shown to reduce value by as much as 30%. That’s a major swing.
Why? Because curb appeal is the first impression. Before buyers even step inside, your yard sets the tone. A maintained landscape tells a story of attention to detail and livability. A poorly kept outdoor space does the opposite. For potential buyers, it’s the difference between love at first sight and a quick drive-by.
How Much Value Can Landscaping Add to a Home?
It depends on the quality and design, but here’s what studies show:
| Type of Improvement | Average ROI |
| Basic lawn care & cleanup | 267% |
| Professional landscape design | 100–200% |
| Outdoor living spaces (e.g. patios, kitchens) | 80–150% |
| Landscape lighting | 50–70% |
| Water features | 50–75% |
If you’re thinking about increasing your home value, investing in outdoor upgrades could pay off more than a kitchen remodel.
What Landscaping Features Add the Most Value?
Not every landscaping project delivers a strong return, and if you’re hoping to increase your home’s value, it’s important to know which upgrades truly pay off and which ones don’t. Let’s break it down.
High-Value Improvements
A healthy, well-maintained lawn is one of the most noticeable and effective ways to boost curb appeal. It instantly tells potential buyers that the home has been cared for, and it often becomes the visual foundation of the entire yard. Whether it’s fresh sod or turf installation, a lush lawn is one of the safest landscaping investments you can make. Studies have shown basic lawn care can deliver returns as high as 267%.
Outdoor living spaces are another great investment. Features like patios, fire pits, or even full outdoor kitchens extend your home’s usable space, which is something home buyers have begun to increasingly look for. These improvements often offer an 80–150% return on investment, especially if they’re designed to blend naturally with the home’s style and layout.
Irrigation systems also rank high in value. More than simply convenience, they show that the landscape is sustainable and easier to maintain. That’s a big deal for busy homeowners and buyers who want beauty without a lot of upkeep. Pair this with landscape lighting, and you’ve got a yard that looks stunning around the clock.
Native plants are another smart move. These have become increasingly popular because they’re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and thrive in the local climate. Not only do they support local wildlife and pollinators, but they also help reduce water use, making your landscaping both eco-friendly and budget-smart.
Professional design also plays a big role in all of this. When a landscape is thoughtfully designed with unity, balance, and personalization in mind, it looks and performs better. A professionally designed yard feels complete. It flows well, it’s functional, and it makes a home feel more finished and inviting.
Features Don’t Always Add Value
Certain landscaping upgrades can boost property value if they’re done well and make sense for your home and neighborhood.
Water features like fountains or small ponds are beautiful, but they’re also higher maintenance and not for everyone. A small, recirculating feature is usually a safer bet than an elaborate pond system.
Fencing and privacy landscaping can also be iffy. If your home is near a busy road or privacy is a concern in your area, a well-designed fence or hedge is a good idea. But overbuilding or using styles that clash with the home will backfire.
Decorative elements like garden beds, rock borders, or ornamental plantings can enhance the overall feel of the yard, but they rarely have an impact on home value unless they’re part of a larger, cohesive design. Think of these as the supporting cast members, not the stars.
What to Avoid (or Approach with Caution)
Overly personalized landscaping. That hot pink gazebo or life-sized sculpture of a unicorn might be your vibe, but most buyers won’t feel the same. Unusual or quirky design choices can become turn-offs during resale and may even lower perceived value.
High-maintenance features are another issue. Elaborate rose gardens, koi ponds, or intricate topiaries may look impressive, but they can make a buyer worry about the time and cost to maintain them. Unless you’re landscaping solely for your own enjoyment, it’s wise to bear upkeep in mind.
Cheap materials or DIY shortcuts that don’t hold up are not a safe bet. Things like flimsy fencing, uneven pavers, or artificial-looking plastic edging can actually drag down the feel of the yard. Quality always matters, but it matters especially when you’re trying to make a strong first impression.
So, What’s the Smartest Landscaping Investment?
Focus on projects that are practical, beautiful, and easy to maintain. A vibrant lawn, functional outdoor living space, irrigation, tasteful lighting, and a design that ties everything together will almost always add value. If those elements also fit with your home’s architecture and the surrounding neighborhood, you’ve got a winning formula.
Why Professional Landscaping Is Worth It
Doing your own landscaping can be tempting, and by all means, if you have the experience and tools to do it well, go for it. However, if you’re unsure about your own abilities or have little experience in the field, professional landscape services bring expertise, vision, and long-term planning that DIY often lacks.
Professionals understand things like local soil and climate conditions. They have the context for sustainable practices and efficient layouts, and can balance form with function. With their expertise, they can know all the right ways to avoid expensive mistakes like improper grading or drainage issues. Plus, a well-trained designer brings the artistic flair that separates a basic yard from one that truly stands out.
How Landscape Design Impacts Long-Term Property Value
Not only does a good design look great today, but it grows more valuable over time. Strategic planting means your yard evolves beautifully throughout the seasons. Trees mature, flowers bloom in rotation, and the landscape becomes more established and appealing. Today’s market wants outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and easy to manage. Design with flexibility in mind and make space for areas for future playsets, garden beds, or expansions to add adaptability and lasting relevance.
Common Landscaping Mistakes That Can Hurt Home Value
- Overcrowding or Poor Drainage: Too many plants or improperly graded yards can overwhelm the space and cause structural problems.
- Inconsistent Style: Mixing too many design elements, materials, or plant types can make your yard feel chaotic or disconnected from your home’s architecture.
- Overpersonalization: Bold design choices (like a bright yellow patio or quirky sculpture garden) may fit your taste, but can turn off potential buyers during resale.
What to Look for When Hiring a Landscaping Pro
The team you choose matters. If you’re thinking about upgrading your yard, there are some things you should look for in any professional. Keep your eye out for a team that has local experience and understands Washington’s soil conditions, weather, and native plant life. In order to avoid having to go through multiple companies at once, make sure they have the capability to both design and build your project. Ask about consultation fees, design timelines, and installation phases; if they’re not transparent about their services, you’re probably better off with someone else. (If you really want to nail it in, you can ask to see photos or talk to past clients, too.)
Is Professional Landscaping Right for You?
Whether you’re selling a home soon or just want a better backyard to enjoy, landscaping offers more than aesthetics. It creates outdoor space that works for your lifestyle, adds real value, and welcomes others to share in its beauty. When you care about your home’s style and value, landscaping is more than a luxury; it’s a smart investment.
Why Trust True Design Landscape with Your Yard?
At True Design Landscape, we believe every outdoor space has the potential to become something extraordinary with the right balance of planning, creativity, and care. As a locally rooted team based in Washington, we understand the unique challenges and beauty of the Northwest landscape. We bring professional landscape services with a warm, relaxed approach. Our designs are thoughtful, our work is built to last, and our reputation is grounded in reliability and trust. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about landscaping. It’s about creating spaces you’re proud of.
Let us help you bring your dream yard to life, one step at a time.
