Landscaping Upgrades That Boost Home Value

These landscaping ideas could put thousands of dollars in your wallet.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:02am

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Certain landscaping upgrades can add major value to your home, according to design and real estate experts. Things like outdoor lighting, low-maintenance gardens, and alfresco spaces are attractive to many buyers, which means you could be up thousands of dollars when it's time to sell. Even if you don't plan to sell soon, these upgrades can allow you to enjoy your front yard or backyard more fully.

Why it matters

Landscaping is often overlooked when it comes to home value, but it can have a significant impact. Investing in the right landscaping upgrades can provide a strong return on investment, potentially increasing your home's value by 200-400%. This is especially important for homeowners who are considering selling in the future, as these upgrades can make a property more appealing to potential buyers.

The details

Experts recommend several landscaping upgrades that can boost home value, including: designing beautiful pathways with features like pebbles and pavers, incorporating outdoor lighting to extend the use of outdoor spaces, creating low-maintenance and sustainable gardens with native plantings and efficient irrigation, developing functional outdoor living spaces like patios and fire pits, and making difficult terrain usable through features like retaining walls. Proper landscape maintenance is also essential, as a well-cared-for exterior can contribute to a polished and inviting first impression.

  • The article was published on March 23, 2026.

The players

Amy Hovis

Principal and owner of Eden Garden Design in Austin.

Carol Kurth

Architect and designer at Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors.

Gagan Saini

Director of acquisitions at JiT Home Buyers.

Bryan Clayton

Landscape architect and CEO of lawn-care marketplace GreenPal.

Kevin Lenhart

Design director at the online landscape design site Yardzen.

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What they’re saying

“With landscape improvements hovering at a 200 to 400% return on investment, it makes a lot of sense to hire a designer and do it right.”

— Amy Hovis, Principal and owner of Eden Garden Design

“Designing transitions from a pool house with exterior hardscape, such as utilizing large scale stone and steps and pathways, you can navigate grade changes and at the same time create an architectural solution that is softened by landscape beds.”

— Carol Kurth, Architect and designer

“Landscaping is that silent ambassador that speaks volumes about your home, creating that crucial first impression. An artfully landscaped garden is the x-factor that significantly uplifts your property's value.”

— Gagan Saini, Director of acquisitions at JiT Home Buyers

“Here's something most people don't know: Sustainable landscaping practices can significantly increase property value. By implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, using native plantings, and opting for organic fertilizers, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This appeals to environmentally conscious buyers and adds an extra layer of value.”

— Bryan Clayton, Landscape architect and CEO of GreenPal

“If you're designing for enjoyment now and ROI later, just think of adaptable, functional elements. In other words, focus on functional features like a fire pit area or flexible space like a patio, deck, or outdoor dining area that's adaptable to many potential buyers versus very personalized features like a putting green, elaborate water feature, or built-in pizza oven.”

— Kevin Lenhart, Design director at Yardzen

The takeaway

Investing in strategic landscaping upgrades can provide a significant return on investment when it comes time to sell a home. By focusing on low-maintenance, sustainable features that enhance outdoor living and create curb appeal, homeowners can potentially increase their property's value by hundreds of thousands of dollars. This makes landscaping an important consideration for anyone looking to maximize the value of their home.