Improving the landscaping around your home offers multiple benefits. Not only does it enhance your living space, but it can also increase the resale value of your property. This applies to both outdoor projects and general home improvements. The challenge is determining which landscaping projects offer the most satisfaction and provide the best return on investment.
A recent report from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides valuable insights. The study examined why homeowners take on outdoor remodeling projects, how satisfied they are with the results, and how much these improvements could potentially add to their home’s value when it’s time to sell. The report identified 11 landscaping projects that ranked highly in both satisfaction and potential return on investment.
Why Landscaping is Crucial for Your Home’s Appeal
Landscaping plays a significant role in enhancing your home’s curb appeal, and it’s no surprise that 97% of National Association of Realtors (NAR) members agree on its importance in attracting potential buyers. As Lisa Stryker, spokesperson for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), puts it, “A tidy yard, with freshly mowed grass, trimmed plants, and well-defined garden beds, creates a great first impression.” She also recommends adding seasonal touches, such as potted plants or flowers on the porch, to make the property more inviting. A neat and well-maintained landscape can always be a selling advantage.
Investing in Your Outdoor Space for Enjoyment
Although many homeowners look at landscaping as a financial investment, Stryker advises taking a different approach. She suggests thinking of landscaping as a lifestyle investment instead. “Consider what will make your outdoor space most enjoyable for you,” Stryker says. Whether you want a space perfect for family gatherings and children to play or a peaceful retreat with shade and privacy, tailoring your landscape to how you intend to use it can elevate your experience. Focus on your vision and design the space to reflect how you want to spend time outdoors.
Consumer Satisfaction and ROI on Landscaping Projects
Brandi Snowden, NAR’s director of member and consumer survey research, highlights that the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report shows high consumer satisfaction with outdoor projects. On a scale of one to ten, all 11 outdoor landscaping projects scored a Joy Score of 9 or above, indicating great satisfaction. The report also ranks these projects by their return on investment (ROI), showing which outdoor features yield the best value for homeowners.
1. Standard Lawn Care Service: Boosting Your Lawn’s Health and Appeal
A standard lawn care service typically includes six seasonal treatments for fertilization and weed control, designed for a 5,000 sq. ft. lawn. This service can significantly enhance the health and appearance of your yard.
Snowden notes, “This project not only enhances the visual appeal of your yard but also adds significant beauty, with a Joy Score of 9.4 out of 10.” Furthermore, 58% of homeowners reported feeling more inclined to spend time at home after completing the service.
2. Landscape Maintenance: Boosting Aesthetics and Property Value
Landscape maintenance is a key way to enhance your property’s beauty and curb appeal. Activities like adding mulch, mowing a 2,835-square-foot lawn, pruning shrubs, and planting around 60 perennials or annuals are all part of the process. These efforts can significantly boost curb appeal and enjoyment of outdoor spaces. In fact, 61% of homeowners report feeling more inclined to spend time at home after completing their landscaping projects.
3. Complete Landscape Overhaul
According to Snowden, half of the consumers who invested in a full landscape upgrade said the top benefit was enhancing their property’s visual appeal. This project scored a remarkable 9.7 on the Joy Score scale, with 23% of realtors recommending it before selling a property.
A comprehensive landscape overhaul typically involves the installation of a 3-foot wide, 30-foot long natural flagstone walkway, two 6-foot long, 2-foot wide stone planters, five flowering shrubs, a 15-foot-tall deciduous tree, and bark mulch. Homeowners can expect a return on investment of 100%, equating to full value in return. Additionally, 72% of homeowners expressed a stronger desire to spend more time at home once the project was completed.
4. Enhance Your Home With an Outdoor Kitchen
Adding an outdoor kitchen brings numerous benefits, particularly in terms of durability and long-lasting results. This type of project allows homeowners to personalize their space and showcase their unique style. According to experts, outdoor kitchens provide a way for consumers to enhance their living areas while increasing home value.
A typical outdoor kitchen setup includes a built-in grill, stainless steel drawers, an ice chest, a sink, and 60 square feet of concrete countertops made from veneered masonry stone. This type of upgrade delivers a strong return on investment (ROI) and significantly enhances both lifestyle and property value. Nearly 99% of homeowners report a greater desire to spend time at home after completing this project, making it a smart and rewarding improvement.
5. Enhance Your Home with a New Patio
Installing a new patio, such as an 18×16-foot concrete paver patio over a compacted gravel and sand base, can transform your outdoor space. A new patio enhances your home’s livability and refreshes tired features, providing an upgraded outdoor area for relaxation and entertainment. Many homeowners who have completed this project report enjoying their home more and feeling more inclined to spend time outdoors, leading to an overall greater sense of satisfaction.
6. Installing a New Wood Deck: A Smart Investment for Your Home
Adding a new wood deck to your home can bring similar satisfaction to installing a new patio. Both projects have nearly identical “Joy Scores”—a new patio scored 9.9, while a wood deck earned a score of 9.8. Consumers consistently note that the top benefit of either project is the improved functionality and livability it brings to their homes.
The typical new wood deck includes a 14×18-foot cedar structure with cedar railings and stair steps, along with pine or fir lattice at the base. This project is a worthwhile option for homeowners looking to enhance both the aesthetic and practicality of their outdoor space.
7. Tree Care: Boosting Property Value with Proper Maintenance
Tree care involves several essential tasks, including three applications of tree fertilizer, regular spraying, trimming, and pruning, as well as the removal of a 30-foot-tall tree. These services offer an estimated return on investment (ROI) of approximately 87%.
According to industry experts, proper tree care can help recover up to 87% of the project cost when selling a home. Additionally, 44% of real estate agents recommend investing in tree care before putting a property on the market to increase its appeal and value.
8. Installing an Irrigation System for Your Lawn
Installing an irrigation system can significantly enhance the appearance and overall beauty of your lawn. According to Snowden, homeowners who have opted for this improvement have reported a high satisfaction level, with an impressive Joy Score of 9.4. With a return on investment (ROI) of 83%, this upgrade offers excellent value. Additionally, the report reveals that 61% of homeowners feel more inclined to spend time at home after installing an irrigation system, highlighting its impact on comfort and convenience.
9. Landscape Lighting: Enhancing Aesthetics and Livability
Installing landscape lighting, which includes a 600W transformer and 20 LED lights, offers an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 59%. This project received a perfect Joy Score of 10 from homeowners, making it one of only two projects to achieve this rating. Homeowners who undertook this project noted that the key benefits were improved beauty, enhanced aesthetics, and increased livability. Many also viewed it as a way to modernize their outdoor spaces. After the installation, 61% of homeowners reported a stronger desire to spend more time at home, showing the lasting impact of this investment on daily life.
10. Fire Features: A Hot Addition to Your Home
Installing a fire feature, such as a dry-stacked natural stone kit with a gas burner and a 10-foot-diameter flagstone patio, can significantly enhance your outdoor space. With a return on investment (ROI) of 56%, this project offers a strong value boost. According to industry expert Snowden, many homeowners choose this upgrade to improve the livability and appeal of their property. In fact, 73% of homeowners reported a greater desire to stay home after adding a fire feature, while 78% stated they felt more enjoyment in their living space.
11. In-Ground Pool Addition: A Smart Investment for Homeowners
The installation of an 18×36-foot in-ground pool with gunite walls, a 3–7-foot depth, and a standard filtration system, accompanied by a 3-foot-wide concrete perimeter, offers both value and enjoyment. With a projected return on investment of 56%, the benefits go beyond just financial gain.
Research reveals that 89% of homeowners reported feeling a stronger desire to spend more time at home after adding an in-ground pool. According to the study, all 11 outdoor projects were rated highly, with most having Joy Scores of 9 or higher. Among them, the in-ground pool stood out, receiving one of the highest Joy Scores of 10, demonstrating its exceptional value in enhancing homeowners’ satisfaction and outdoor living experience.
The Impact of Sustainable Landscaping on Property Value and Enjoyment -h2
Sustainable landscaping not only contributes to a greener environment but also adds significant value to your property. By incorporating eco-friendly features such as drought-resistant plants, native greenery, and efficient water management systems, homeowners can create an attractive, low-maintenance landscape that reduces utility costs. This approach to landscaping is increasingly popular among buyers who are looking for energy-efficient homes, which could ultimately increase your home’s appeal and resale potential. Furthermore, sustainable landscaping often results in a more enjoyable outdoor living experience, offering a peaceful and natural space to relax and unwind while doing your part to protect the planet. Sustainable choices like solar-powered lighting and rainwater collection systems can also enhance your outdoor area’s functionality and aesthetic, making it a wise investment for both the environment and your property’s value.
Conclusion
Landscaping projects offer a powerful way to enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and increase its market value. Whether focusing on essential lawn care, adding functional outdoor features like patios and kitchens, or investing in sustainable landscaping practices, homeowners can expect a high return on investment. The satisfaction derived from these projects, as reflected in the Joy Scores, highlights the lasting impact they have on daily living and overall well-being. From improving curb appeal to creating more enjoyable outdoor spaces, the benefits are clear. By selecting the right landscaping investments, you can not only elevate your property’s value but also enjoy a more functional and beautiful living environment for years to come.
FAQs
What are the most cost-effective landscaping projects that increase home value?
Cost-effective landscaping projects like standard lawn care services, landscape maintenance, and small-scale upgrades such as adding mulch or plants can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank.
How can I improve my home’s curb appeal through landscaping without spending too much?
You can improve curb appeal by focusing on simple, budget-friendly tasks such as mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, adding seasonal flowers, and maintaining clean, defined garden beds.
Which landscaping features offer the best return on investment when selling a home?
Features like an outdoor kitchen, wood deck, new patio, and a complete landscape overhaul offer some of the best returns on investment, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.
What are some sustainable landscaping options that can add value to my property?
Sustainable landscaping options such as drought-resistant plants, native greenery, solar-powered lighting, and rainwater collection systems can add long-term value while making your property more eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
How important is an outdoor living space, such as a patio or outdoor kitchen, in boosting home value?
Outdoor living spaces like patios, decks, and kitchens are highly valued by homeowners and potential buyers alike, offering not only increased property value but also enhanced enjoyment and functionality of your outdoor space.