When thinking about ways to boost your home’s resale value, you might first picture a kitchen remodel or a bathroom renovation. But have you ever paused to ask: does landscaping increase home value?
The answer is yes—and not just in terms of dollars. A thoughtfully designed and well-maintained yard enhances curb appeal, creates outdoor living space, and signals to buyers that a home has been cared for. In this article, we’ll explore the data behind landscape value, the psychology of first impressions, and real-world improvements homeowners can make to increase both the worth and the enjoyment of their homes.
What You’ll Discover in This Guide
- First Impressions and the Psychology of Landscaping
- How Much Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?
- Landscaping ROI Compared to Other Home Improvements
- Key Factors That Influence the Value of Landscaping
- Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Add Instant Appeal
- Backyard Landscape Ideas That Turn Heads
- The Role of Long-Term Lawn Care in Property Value
- Eco-Friendly Landscaping and Its Added Appeal
- Choosing the Right Improvements for Your Home
- Final Thoughts on Investing in Your Outdoor Space
The Psychology of Curb Appeal and Landscaping
Before a potential buyer steps inside your house, they’ve already formed an opinion—and that impression is shaped in large part by your landscaping. A front yard filled with weeds, patchy grass, or overgrown shrubs creates a mental red flag, even if the inside of the house is pristine. Conversely, a tidy, vibrant lawn and a few tasteful accents can immediately set the tone for a welcoming, high-value home.
Curb appeal is more than visual. It speaks to pride of ownership, care, and attention to detail. These impressions influence perceived value, even before a buyer sees the interior.
How Much Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?
So, how much does landscaping increase home value? The answer is backed by compelling data and real-world trends. Numerous studies and reports have shown that landscaping is not only one of the most effective ways to enhance curb appeal but also one of the most reliable home improvements in terms of return on investment (ROI).
What the Research Shows
A wide range of studies put the average ROI of landscaping improvements between 100% and 400%—meaning homeowners often recoup every dollar they invest and then some. The extent of the return depends on several factors, such as the quality of the design, ongoing maintenance, regional climate, and the type of landscaping features installed.
- A 2019 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that landscape maintenance and tree care ranked among the top outdoor projects that increased buyer satisfaction and home appeal. In fact, these upgrades often led to a joy score of 9.8 out of 10 among homeowners, meaning they not only increased financial value but also emotional enjoyment.
- Researchers from Virginia Tech conducted a detailed analysis showing that homes with well-designed landscaping could see a value increase of 5.5% to 12.7% compared to similar properties with average or poorly maintained landscapes. The study also highlighted that design sophistication—meaning the diversity and organization of plants and features—played a major role in the perceived value.
- Home Light, a national real estate referral network, reported in a 2022 Top Agent Insights survey that basic lawn care, including seeding, fertilization, and regular mowing, could boost a home’s sale price by more than $1,200 with only a $375 investment—a simple upgrade with massive payoff.
Why Landscaping Has a Stronger ROI Than Some Indoor Projects
You might be surprised to learn that landscaping improvements often outperform kitchen and bathroom remodels when it comes to ROI. Here’s why:
Instant curb appeal
First impressions matter—especially in real estate. A neat, attractive landscape immediately signals that the property has been well cared for. Before a buyer even steps inside, they’ve already developed a perception of the home’s overall condition. That early impression can make them more excited and more willing to offer top dollar.
More affordable upgrades
A full kitchen renovation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In contrast, landscaping improvements like mulching, flower bed updates, or adding decorative borders can dramatically elevate a home’s appearance for a much smaller investment. This means homeowners can make meaningful changes without overextending their budget.
High perceived value
A freshly mowed lawn, clean walkways, and vibrant plants can make a home look polished and inviting—often giving buyers the impression that it’s worth more than similar properties. Even small touches can create a feeling of luxury or care that resonates emotionally with potential buyers.
Adds usable living space
Landscaping isn’t just about looks—it can also add function. By including features like patios, fire pits, or garden seating areas, homeowners create outdoor “rooms” that increase the property’s usable space. In areas with mild climates, this can feel like gaining an extra living or dining room.
Faster sales and better offers
Homes with standout landscaping often spend less time on the market. Buyers are drawn to listings with strong visual appeal and are more likely to see the home as move-in ready. This not only helps the property sell faster but can also lead to stronger offers and smoother negotiations.
Factors That Influence Landscaping’s Value Boost
Not all landscaping projects are created equal, which is why understanding the elements that drive real results is so important when asking, does landscaping increase home value. The answer depends heavily on these key factors:
- Design cohesion
Landscaping that complements the architectural style of the home creates a unified, polished appearance. For example, a modern home pairs well with minimalist plantings and structured lines, while a traditional home might benefit from more classic flower beds and curved pathways. When everything feels intentional and balanced, buyers see the property as thoughtfully designed, increasing its overall perceived value. - Plant maturity
Mature trees and established shrubs offer more than just beauty—they provide shade, privacy, and a sense of permanence. These elements can significantly raise a property’s value, especially when compared to newer plantings that may take years to develop. Buyers are often drawn to mature landscaping because it saves them time, money, and effort down the road. - Lawn health
A lush, green lawn is one of the most visible signs of consistent care. It shows that the homeowner has invested time and resources into maintaining the property. On the other hand, a patchy, weed-filled yard can be an immediate red flag. A thick, vibrant lawn adds aesthetic appeal and signals to buyers that the home is likely well maintained inside, too. - Sustainability
Eco-conscious landscaping has become increasingly important to today’s buyers. Features like native plants, drought-resistant grasses, and pollinator-friendly gardens reduce maintenance needs and environmental impact. Integrating sustainable practices not only helps protect local ecosystems but also appeals to buyers who are looking to reduce water usage and long-term upkeep costs.
That’s why a long-term strategy, like the seven-step fertilization and weed control program used by Lionscape, has such impact. Getting a lawn thick and healthy isn’t just a one-time fix—it’s a process that builds real, lasting value.
Curb Appeal Starts Here: Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
Your front yard is your home’s first impression. Smart front yard landscaping ideas include:
- Defined edging
Creating clean borders around flower beds, walkways, and trees helps the yard look organized and intentional. It gives a finished appearance that makes even basic landscaping feel upscale. - Native plants
Plants suited to the local climate are easier to care for and require less water, making them both budget- and eco-friendly. Buyers appreciate the beauty of landscaping that’s also practical and low-maintenance. - Path lighting
Soft lighting along walkways or around key features adds charm and safety. It’s especially helpful for evening showings and can create a welcoming, upscale atmosphere. - Seasonal color
Planting a variety of flowers that bloom in different seasons keeps the yard visually interesting year-round. It signals thoughtful planning and keeps the home looking vibrant no matter the time of year.
Even simple changes to the front yard can dramatically improve the way buyers perceive your home—and how they feel walking up to it.
Backyard Landscape Ideas That Create Living Space
When buyers imagine their life in a new home, the backyard often plays a starring role. It’s where families gather, pets play, and memories are made. A well-designed backyard can transform a simple yard into an inviting extension of the home. And when considering does landscaping increase home value, the backyard often holds just as much weight as curb appeal. These backyard landscape ideas can take the space from basic to something buyers fall in love with:
- Outdoor seating area
Even a small patio with comfortable chairs instantly adds function to a backyard. It invites relaxation and creates the feeling of an outdoor living room—perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings at home. - Fire pits or water features
Adding a fire pit or a small water fountain introduces a sense of luxury and calm. These elements create a focal point in the yard and offer a sensory experience that appeals to buyers emotionally. - Garden zones
Dividing the yard into specific areas—like vegetable gardens, kids’ play zones, or a shaded reading nook—adds both structure and function. It helps buyers see how they could use the space in ways that suit their own lifestyle. - Privacy landscaping
Strategic planting of tall hedges, trees, or decorative fencing can make the backyard feel more like a retreat. Privacy adds value and comfort, especially in suburban areas where homes are close together.
Long-Term Lawn Health as a Property Value Indicator
A healthy lawn isn’t just pretty—it’s a powerful signal to buyers. A green, thick lawn doesn’t happen overnight. It represents consistent maintenance, intentional planning, and a commitment to home care that buyers instinctively recognize. Just like a clean, well-maintained interior, a lush lawn tells a story of diligence, attention to detail, and pride in ownership.
This is where Lionscape’s seasonal lawn care services really make a difference. Their multistep program isn’t about short-term results—it’s designed to create lasting health from the roots up. The treatment plan typically includes:
- Soil amendment
Building a strong foundation with nutrient-rich, balanced soil that supports healthy grass growth over time. - Weed suppression
Using targeted methods to eliminate invasive weeds while preserving and strengthening turf density. - Seasonal fertilization
Feeding the lawn strategically throughout the year to support steady, resilient growth during each season. - Environmentally friendly product use
Applying low-toxicity treatments and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that protect children, pets, and pollinators—while still delivering visible results.
Homes with patchy, neglected lawns may raise red flags for potential buyers. An overrun yard can suggest a pattern of deferred maintenance—not just outside, but throughout the home. In contrast, a vibrant lawn gives buyers confidence. It shows that the property has been cared for and is ready to be enjoyed, without requiring immediate time, money, or effort to bring it up to standard.
The Growing Appeal of Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Today’s homebuyers are more environmentally aware than ever—and that mindset extends to outdoor spaces. Landscaping that prioritizes sustainability isn’t just a nice extra anymore; it’s a real selling point. In fact, when asking does landscaping increase home value, environmentally friendly practices are increasingly part of the answer. Many buyers are actively looking for yards that are both beautiful and responsible. Features that resonate include:
- Low-toxicity lawn treatments
Homeowners are becoming more selective about what goes into their soil and groundwater. Products that are safer for kids, pets, and the environment are increasingly preferred. - Native plants that reduce water usage
Using plants adapted to the local climate means less watering, less maintenance, and a more resilient landscape. Buyers love the idea of a yard that looks great with less effort and environmental impact. - Integrated pest management (IPM) practices
Instead of relying on heavy chemical sprays, IPM uses targeted methods to manage pests in a way that protects beneficial insects and pollinators. It’s a smarter, more balanced approach to lawn care. - Pollinator-friendly gardens
Landscaping that supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is gaining popularity, especially among eco-conscious and gardening-savvy buyers.
Lionscape’s approach—focusing on low-toxicity products and IPM methods—fits right into this shift. Their clients aren’t just getting greener lawns—they’re getting peace of mind knowing their yard is healthier for the environment too.
Picking the Right Projects for Your Home
Before diving into landscaping, it’s important to have a clear plan. A thoughtful approach—rather than an impulsive trip to the garden center—ensures your investment adds both beauty and long-term value. Here’s how to evaluate your space and make smart, strategic decisions.
Assess Both the Front and Backyard
Some properties shine in front but feel underutilized in the back—or the reverse. Take time to walk through both areas and determine where updates will make the biggest difference. Enhancing curb appeal with fresh mulch and trimmed hedges might be your top priority if you’re preparing to sell. But if your backyard is where your family spends the most time, upgrades like a patio, garden space, or shaded seating may offer greater day-to-day value.
Define Your Timeline and Goals
Knowing whether you’re landscaping for resale or for your own long-term enjoyment will help guide your choices. If your home is hitting the market soon, focus on clean, universally appealing updates—like a tidy lawn, simple edging, or low-maintenance shrubs. If you plan to stay for years, you can lean into personalized features such as a vegetable garden, a water feature, or even an outdoor kitchen. Different goals call for different strategies, so it’s important to align your project choices with your bigger picture.
Add Cohesion with Key Features
Sometimes a single element can bring an entire landscape together. Consider what might visually or functionally connect the different parts of your yard—perhaps a stone path that leads from the patio to the garden, or a fire pit that anchors an outdoor seating area. These additions don’t just add beauty—they bring a sense of organization and purpose to the space, making it feel more complete.
Start with the Lawn if You’re on a Budget
If you’re working within a limited budget, start with the lawn. A lush, green lawn instantly improves the overall appearance of your property and creates a strong foundation for future upgrades. It’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase perceived home value. Lionscape’s multi-step fertilization and weed control program is a great example of how long-term care can transform a yard into an asset that signals quality to buyers and neighbors alike.
Consider a Professional Opinion
When in doubt, consider a professional landscaping consultation. Experts can help assess your property’s unique layout, provide suggestions based on your goals, and create a phased plan that makes the most of your time and budget. Landscaping doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just needs a clear, strategic starting point.
Before You Dig: Mistakes That Lower Landscaping Value
Yes, landscaping can increase home value—but when done poorly, it can just as easily turn buyers away. Certain choices might seem appealing to the homeowner but can limit a property’s appeal or even raise concerns during a home inspection. To avoid accidentally lowering your home’s value, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Over-personalization
While unique features like a koi pond, elaborate sculptures, or themed garden spaces may reflect personal taste, they might not align with what the average buyer wants. Too much customization can make it harder for buyers to see themselves in the space—and might signal expensive upkeep. - Neglecting maintenance
Even the best-designed hardscape or garden beds lose their impact when they’re overrun with weeds, dead plants, or debris. Consistent upkeep is what keeps landscaping from becoming a liability. A well-kept yard reflects a well-kept home. - Improper plant placement
Planting trees or large shrubs too close to the home, walkways, or utility lines can cause long-term issues. Roots may damage foundations, and overhanging branches can block light or create hazards—factors that savvy buyers will notice.
A good landscape plan balances creativity with function and long-term care. Keeping designs clean, sustainable, and universally appealing is the best way to maximize ROI and avoid turning potential buyers away.
Why Landscaping Is an Investment, Not an Expense
The old idea that landscaping is “just cosmetic” no longer holds true. Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage—they’re evaluating the full lifestyle a home offers, and that includes outdoor space. Landscaping influences how a home feels, how it functions, and how it’s perceived, both in person and online.
A well-designed yard improves usability, making the space more livable. It boosts mood, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. And it elevates aesthetics, enhancing the home’s visual appeal from every angle. All of these factors contribute to faster sales and stronger offers.
It’s also worth noting that homes with mature, well-maintained landscaping tend to stand out in real estate photos and online listings. A lush lawn, defined beds, and shaded areas immediately draw the eye—often helping a homeland on a buyer’s shortlist before they ever schedule a showing.
When done right, landscaping becomes a long-term investment in your home’s value, function, and future resale potential—not just an extra expense.
Final Takeaway: So, Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?
To wrap it all up—does landscaping increase home value? Absolutely. The evidence is clear: a well-designed, properly maintained yard adds real, measurable worth to your property. But it doesn’t stop there. Beyond financial return, landscaping also increases usability, enhances curb appeal, and shapes the emotional experience buyers have when they view your home.
Whether it’s a clean, inviting front yard that draws people in, or a backyard that feels like a private retreat, every detail plays a role in how a home is perceived. And in today’s market, perception directly influences value.
From classic upgrades like edging and plant beds to eco-friendly practices and multi-step lawn care programs, thoughtful landscaping shows buyers that a property is loved and cared for. It turns the outdoor space into something functional, beautiful, and memorable—exactly the kind of first (and lasting) impression that leads to faster sales and stronger offers.
In the end, investing in your landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating value, building pride, and making your home stand out in the best possible way.
