6 Simple Landscaping Measures That Will Increase Your Home Value by Thousands

A home in the Hamptons by architect Pamela Pospisil combines pavers and gravel in a narrow path.

Plan beautiful paths

The walkways in your yard and garden serve more than just practical purposes—they can also be visually interesting. “Designing transitions from a pool house to outdoor decking, such as by using large-scale stone, steps and walkways, can help manage elevation changes while creating an architectural solution that is broken up by landscape beds,” says Kurth. “Details like pebbles between walkway joints add a modern, Zen touch to the landscape and help define the aesthetic.”

Hardwired lighting illuminates an outdoor sitting area in a Los Angeles County home designed by Jeremiah Brent.

Integrate lighting

“One element that adds drama to the landscape is incorporating lighting that extends the use of your landscape into the evening hours,” says Kurth. “Creating outdoor living areas and finding ways to navigate difficult terrain expands the living space of your home, adds joy, and blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living.” Remember: With solar-powered lighting, you can accomplish this pretty easily!

Pavers and simple plantings attract pollinators in a garden designed by Yardzen.

Plant a low-maintenance, sustainable garden

“Landscaping is the silent messenger that speaks volumes about your home and makes that all-important first impression,” says Saini. “An artfully landscaped garden is the X-factor that will significantly increase the value of your property.” However, many potential buyers will not want to put too much effort into garden maintenance, so low-maintenance elements like irrigation systems can help increase the value of your home. “Here’s what most people don’t know: Sustainable landscaping can significantly increase property value,” says Clayton. “By implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, using native plants and opting for organic fertilizers, you show your commitment to sustainability. This appeals to environmentally conscious buyers and adds extra value to your home.”

A simple gravel fire pit sits next to the pool at a Michael Ellison-designed home on Nantucket.

Develop outdoor living areas

Indoor-outdoor living is all the rage, even in destinations that have all four seasons, so you’ll want to set up an outdoor space for daily use. The key is not to overdo it—keep it simple. “If you want to have fun now and get the ROI later, just think about customizable, functional elements,” says Lenhart. “In other words, focus on functional features like a fire pit or flexible spaces like a patio, deck or outdoor dining area that are customizable for many potential buyers, rather than highly personalized features like a putting green, elaborate water feature or built-in pizza oven.”

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Carol Kurth’s firm added stepped fieldstone walls to level this hilly backyard and create an herb garden.

Making use of difficult terrain

If you have a hilly lot, make the effort to add retaining walls to create usable outdoor space. “Creating and revitalizing areas with complicated terrain can transform an underused space and increase a home in terms of enjoyment, lifestyle and property value,” says Kurth. “Our Oasis project (pictured above) shows how a lot with a steep slope can be transformed with fieldstone retaining walls – one of which was used to create an oversized herb garden for outdoor dining – and a thoughtful green landscape.”

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Keep maintenance up to date

This may sound obvious, but when you’re ready to put your home up for sale, make sure all of your landscaping is impeccably maintained. Remember: first impressions are everything, and it’s all too easy to neglect landscaping while you’re preparing your home for sale. “Proper landscaping is essential. Well-maintained lawns, trimmed hedges and weed-free gardens all contribute to a neat and tidy appearance,” says Clayton.

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