10 Landscaping tips to increase your property's value

Renovations

Updated May 1, 2026 · By The Doorstead Team

Landscaping plays a vital role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a property and its overall value.

The term "curb appeal" refers to the initial impression your home and yard create when seen from the street. Real estate experts emphasize the importance of curb appeal in determining a favorable selling price for your home. Multiple studies have shown a correlation between a strong curb appeal and an increase in sale prices ranging from 5% to 11%. Curb appeal can also contribute to your or your tenant’s satisfaction, as enjoying your home's visual appeal brings joy.

A well-landscaped property stands out in a neighborhood and attracts potential renters and buyers. Here are ten landscaping tips that can elevate your property's appeal and approximately how much value they could add to your investment.

Plan Your Landscape Layout

A well-planned landscape not only enhances the curb appeal of your property but also increases its usability. By effectively utilizing space, creating designated areas for different activities, and ensuring a harmonious blend of hardscape and softscaping, you can make your property more inviting and functional.

• Your landscaping should complement your home's architecture and style. Begin by sketching a plan of your property, including buildings, trees, and other permanent features.

• Think about areas for entertaining, relaxing, or playing. Plan where to plant trees, create flower beds, or install water features.

• According to Pacific Outdoor Living, intelligent landscape design choices can result in an ROI ranging from 200% to 400%.

Invest in Quality Turf

A well-maintained lawn is often the first thing people notice about a property. Quality turf provides a uniform and attractive look that suggests your property is well cared for.

• Home Advisor shares that the average annual lawn maintenance costs for a natural grass lawn run between $100 to $500 per month or $1,200 to $6,000 per year.

• The return on investment for artificial lawns can vary. Most homeowners typically see a return on their investment in synthetic turf within 5 to 7 years.

• Consider using high-quality resilient turf that adapts well to your local climate.

Plant Trees

Trees provide many benefits, from reducing cooling costs to supporting local wildlife. Studies have shown that properties with mature trees are often valued higher than similar properties without them.

• Choose native trees as they typically require less maintenance and are more resistant to local pests and diseases.

• According to Angi, trees can add $1,000 to $10,000 to your home value.

Add Color with Flower Beds and Planters

Colorful flower beds and planters add to the aesthetic appeal of your home.

• According to Southern Landscaping Materials, investing a modest amount into landscaping upgrades can yield a substantial ROI of up to 150%.

• It can also boost your home's resale value by 14%.

Create an Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor living spaces extend the usable space of your property, increasing its square footage.

• Outdoor living spaces, like patios or decks, are highly desirable. For example, Outdoor Space Storage finds that well-designed patios can increase home value by 8-10%.

Incorporate Water Features

Water features add a unique element to your property, creating a sense of tranquility and luxury.

Install Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property and provides safety and security.

• Based on information from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), landscape lighting can potentially increase your home value by $2,500.

Maintain Your Landscape Regularly

Regular maintenance preserves the beauty of your landscape.

• HomeLight's research in 2019 reveals that a modest investment of less than $300 in basic lawn care has the potential to generate an ROI of 352%.

Use Mulch in Your Plant Beds

Mulch provides a neat appearance to plant beds and offers several gardening benefits, like retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.

• According to HomeLight, you can generate a 126% ROI by keeping your garden beds freshly mulched.

Consider Hiring a Professional Landscaper

A professional landscaper can help you achieve a high-quality, sustainable, and appealing landscape design.

• Professional landscape design has the potential to yield a higher level of quality and a return on investment (ROI) of up to 150%.

At Doorstead, we’re here to help partner with you on the property management side and help you maximize your experience as a homeowner or renter.