Boosting Home Value Through Strategic Landscaping Ideas

As the sweet trills of birds echo in the air and the fragrance of blossoming flowers permeates the breeze, summer signals it's time to revamp your yard. But how do you start? From nurturing a verdant lawn to embedding floral elements and establishing water features, these accessible landscaping strategies can enhance your home's value while keeping your property visually appealing all year round.

Initiating Your Landscaping Endeavor: Start with a Strategy

Here's an uplifting fact: landscape design could augment your home's value by up to 15 percent, according to industry experts. The caveat, however, is that landscaping expenses can pile up swiftly, necessitating a well-thought-out plan and budget before diving into a project. Take an inventory of your project requirements and prioritize the most pressing tasks. It's crucial to research your project comprehensively to establish approximate costs and timelines. As you prioritize landscaping strategies to amplify your home's value, consider these questions:

• How long do I intend to stay in this home?
• What are the long-term maintenance expenses?
• Is it financially prudent to complete everything at once, or should I phase it out?

Prime Landscaping Strategy for Value Enhancement: Cultivate Your Lawn

The saying may be trite, but first impressions do indeed matter. Weeds and dead spots signal neglect and can devalue your home, so it's wise to strive for a lush, green lawn if possible. Most of this work can be accomplished by the homeowner, though many opt for professional assistance. Besides routine mowing and watering, your lawn requires regular fertilization and possibly annual liming. Other maintenance tasks encompass dethatching, allowing water, fertilizer, and air to permeate the soil, and aeration, drilling holes in the soil to let nutrients reach the grassroots. Pruning overgrown plants will also enhance curb appeal. If you opt for a landscaping professional, it's advisable to gather at least three estimates before signing a contract.

Consider the Benefits of Tree Planting

Unlike other home enhancements, trees appreciate in value and potentially can increase your property value by thousands, suggest some experts. Alongside home value appreciation, trees offer several other benefits like privacy, improved air quality, and shade for outdoor comfort. However, before choosing a tree, take into account maintenance costs—will the tree shed droppings or attract unwanted pests? Ensure you understand the tree's full growth potential and plant it at a safe distance from septic tanks, driveways, and the house to prevent possible damage.

Illuminate Your Outdoor Space

Outdoor lights not only prevent nighttime accidents but also discourage potential intruders, thus amplifying your property's security. Choose fixtures that enhance your home's aesthetic while providing sufficient illumination for key outdoor areas, such as your porch, garage, or side doors. Recently, solar-powered lights have become a popular, cost-effective alternative to conventional outdoor lighting. These require no electrical connection, making installation easier; however, they necessitate sunlight, making them unsuitable for shaded corners or covered areas.

Install an Automated Irrigation System

Landscaping adds visual appeal, but it necessitates time and effort to maintain. An irrigation system can be a major attraction for potential buyers. This eliminates the guesswork in water usage, reducing your expenses and environmental footprint. Your system can be programmed to water your lawn automatically on a schedule. A well-designed system ensures uniform coverage, preventing overwatering or dry spots. If this seems daunting, gather quotes from several professional contractors before proceeding.

Incorporate a Water Feature

Whether it's a fountain, waterfall, or pond, nothing adds to a tranquil ambiance like the sight and sound of water. However, if you plan to incorporate a water feature, avoid high-maintenance items like pools. These necessitate significant upkeep, and the potential liability could hinder a future home sale. If you decide on a water feature, consider its size, decoration, and placement. It's generally advisable to place a water feature on high ground to prevent flooding. If you plan to surround it with plants, ensure they will receive adequate sunlight. If you're considering a pond, be prepared for animal care, including installing a pump or aerator during colder months.

Establish an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor cooking is a delightful way to engage with family and friends. Planning is key if you wish to set up an outdoor kitchen. The cooking area should ideally be near your back door or close to a deck or patio. Consider the appliances you wish to install—gas or charcoal grills are standard, but you may want to add a sink, outdoor refrigerator, or a smoker. The choice of patio furniture should also be considered, as this space will be a place for relaxation—choose furniture that's durable, comfortable, and suits your taste.

Construct a Fire Pit

Is there a more inviting way to conclude a summer day than around a fire, roasting s'mores? Fire pits are cozy, comfortable, and cherished by couples, large families, and the elderly alike. You can construct your fire pit from various materials, including stone, brick, or concrete pavers. Typically, fire pits are three to four feet in diameter, but this can be adjusted based on your yard size. Choose a location that's 10-25 feet away from structures and low-hanging trees, and avoid placing your pit on wooden decks or grassy areas. Instead, place it on a non-flammable surface like concrete or patio blocks. Once complete, remember to exercise caution when lighting, maintaining, and extinguishing your fire pit. Depending on your insurance policy, you may need to disclose the presence of a fire pit.

Final Landscaping Strategy for Home Value Enhancement: Mulch

Topping the list of easy landscaping strategies is mulch—it's inexpensive, easy to apply, and beautifully accents your garden beds. It contrasts with the surrounding flora, retains soil nutrients, and hinders weed growth. Additionally, planting annual flowers is a cost-effective, low-maintenance project that guarantees your flowerbeds remain vibrant for years. In general, mulch should be spread two to four inches thick—too thin, and weeds may sprout; too thick, and it could prevent water absorption. Regardless of whether you're a landscaping novice or a seasoned gardener, everyone could use some assistance. Visit our blog for more tips, or connect with your local CrossCountry Mortgage Advisor today.