Does Landscaping Increase Home Value? A Homeowner's Guide

If you are wondering whether landscaping increases home value, the answer is a clear yes. Studies show that quality landscaping can raise a home’s value by anywhere from 5 to 20 percent, and some projects return more than double what you spend. In other words, the money you put into your yard often comes back to you and then some. Below, we break down exactly what the research says and which improvements give you the most for your money.

Does Landscaping Increase Home Value? What the Research Shows

The data is consistent across multiple respected studies. A well-kept, thoughtfully designed yard does not just look nice. It adds real, measurable dollars to your home. Here is what the research found:

• Virginia Tech found that quality landscaping can raise a home’s perceived value by 5.5 to 12.7 percent compared to a home with little or no landscaping.
• The American Society of Landscape Architects estimates that strong landscaping can add 15 to 20 percent to a property’s value.
• Michigan State University found that homes with high-quality landscaping sell for 5 to 11 percent more than homes with average yards.

To put that in real numbers, consider a $400,000 home. A 10 percent boost adds roughly $40,000 in value. That is a serious return, especially since good landscaping often costs a fraction of that amount.

Which Landscaping Projects Add the Most Value?

Not every project pays off equally. Some upgrades return far more than others, so it helps to spend where it counts. According to the research, these deliver the strongest returns.

Lawn Care and Maintenance

A healthy, green lawn is the single best return in landscaping. Basic lawn care offers one of the highest cost recoveries of any home project, often paying back more than double its cost at resale. Therefore, fresh sod, regular mowing, and a weed-free lawn are smart first moves.

Mature Trees and Plantings

Trees add some of the highest dollar value of any single feature. Beyond their beauty, they signal that a property has been cared for over time. Well-placed shrubs and layered plantings add depth and curb appeal that buyers notice right away.

Hardscaping and Outdoor Living

Patios, walkways, and outdoor living spaces turn an ordinary yard into usable square footage. Buyers love spaces where they can relax and entertain. As a result, features like patios and fire pits often recover a strong share of their cost while making your home far more appealing.

Curb Appeal Basics

First impressions matter more than almost anything else. Simple fixes like fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, clean edging, and seasonal color make a powerful difference. In fact, most real estate agents recommend improving curb appeal before a home ever hits the market.

If you want a yard that does all of this well, our professional landscape design services bring the planning, plant selection, and craftsmanship that turn a plain yard into a true value-builder.

Why Curb Appeal Carries So Much Weight

Buyers form an opinion about your home before they ever walk through the door. A polished exterior tells them the rest of the home is just as well cared for. On the other hand, an overgrown or bare yard makes buyers wonder what else has been neglected.

The numbers back this up. According to the National Association of Realtors 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, 92 percent of agents suggest sellers improve their curb appeal before listing, and 97 percent believe curb appeal helps attract a buyer. Clearly, what is outside your home matters as much as what is inside.

How to Get the Best Return on Your Yard

Smart landscaping is about strategy, not just spending. To get the most value, keep these points in mind:

• Focus on quality, not quantity. A cohesive, well-designed yard beats a pile of random projects.
• Match your neighborhood. Buyers expect landscaping that fits the area and the price point.
• Keep it maintainable. Buyers want beauty without a heavy upkeep burden.
• Start with the basics. A healthy lawn and clean beds come before big features.
• Hire a pro for the big stuff. Grading, hardscaping, and design are where expert work shows.

Above all, remember that piecemeal, do-it-yourself work rarely matches the value of a professionally designed landscape. A cohesive plan is what turns spending into real return.

Make Your Yard Work for You

So, does landscaping increase home value? Without a doubt, and few home improvements offer such a reliable payback. Whether you are planning to sell soon or simply want to enjoy a yard you are proud of, the right landscaping is one of the smartest investments you can make. Gladiator SOD & Landscaping handles everything from sod and design to hardscaping and grading, all start to finish with no subcontractors.

Contact us today for a free on-site estimate and let us help you build a yard that pays you back.