Why Landscaping Matters
Curb appeal plays an important role when selling a home. A well-maintained yard with neatly mowed lawns, trimmed plants, and cleanly edged beds can create a strong first impression. Adding seasonal color with plants in containers and on the front porch can further improve the appearance of the property.
Landscaping can also be viewed as a lifestyle investment rather than simply a financial investment. Consider what will bring the most enjoyment to your outdoor space, whether that means creating an area for entertaining family, giving children and pets more room to play, or creating a private, shaded sanctuary.
According to the report, homeowners rated all 11 outdoor projects highly, with Joy Scores of 9 or above.
1. Standard Lawn Care Service
Standard lawn care service includes six seasonal applications of fertilizer and/or weed control on a 5,000-square-foot lawn. The estimated cost was $415, with an estimated ROI of $900, or a 217% return.
This project improves the beauty and appearance of the landscape and received a Joy Score of 9.4. Additionally, 58% of homeowners reported having a greater desire to be at home after completing the project.
2. Landscape Maintenance
Landscape maintenance includes an annual mulch application, mowing 2,835 square feet of lawn, pruning shrubs, and planting approximately 60 perennials or annuals.
The estimated cost was $4,800, with an estimated ROI of $5,000, or a 104% return. In addition, 61% of homeowners reported having a greater desire to be at home after completing the project.
For homeowners looking to save money, smaller projects and routine maintenance can often be done themselves. Taking care of container plants and adding seasonal color are relatively low-cost ways to enhance outdoor spaces. Tree pruning, plant maintenance, and disease care may be better handled by professionals.
3. Overall Landscape Upgrade
An overall landscape upgrade can add beauty and improve the appearance of a property. The project includes a natural flagstone front walkway, two stone planters, five flowering shrubs, one deciduous tree, and bark mulch.
The estimated cost was $9,000, with an estimated ROI of $9,000, or a 100% return. The project received a Joy Score of 9.7, and 23% of Realtors would recommend it before selling. Additionally, 72% of homeowners reported having a greater desire to be at home after completion.
4. Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen can improve the functionality of an outdoor space while allowing homeowners to customize their property.
A typical project includes an inset grill, stainless steel drawers, an ice chest, a sink, and concrete countertops with veneered masonry stone.
The estimated cost was $15,000, with an estimated ROI of $15,000, or a 100% return. Additionally, 99% of homeowners reported having a greater desire to be at home after completing the project.
5. New Patio
A new patio can improve outdoor livability and replace worn-out features. A typical project includes an 18-by-16-foot concrete paver patio installed over a compacted gravel and sand base.
The estimated cost was $10,500, with an estimated ROI of $10,000, or a 95% return. Homeowners also reported greater enjoyment and a greater desire to spend time at home after completing the project.
6. New Wood Deck
A new wood deck can improve outdoor functionality and livability. A typical project consists of a 14-by-18-foot cedar structure with cedar railing and stair steps, along with pine or fir lattice at the base.
The estimated cost was $16,900, with an estimated ROI of $15,000, or an 89% return. The project received a Joy Score of 9.8.
7. Tree Care
Tree care includes applications of tree fertilizer, regular spraying, trimming, pruning, and the removal of one 30-foot-tall tree.
The estimated cost was $2,875, with an estimated ROI of $2,500. Realtors estimate that tree care can recover 87% of the project cost when selling a home, and 44% of Realtors would recommend tree care before selling.
8. Irrigation System Installation
An irrigation system can improve the appearance and health of a lawn while making watering more convenient.
A typical project involves installing and managing an irrigation system for a 5,000-square-foot lawn. The estimated cost was $6,000, with an estimated ROI of $5,000, or an 83% return.
The project received a Joy Score of 9.4, and 61% of homeowners reported having a greater desire to be at home after installation.
9. Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting can improve the beauty, appearance, and livability of an outdoor space. A typical project includes a 600-watt transformer and 20 LED lights.
The estimated cost was $6,800, with an estimated ROI of $4,000, or a 59% return. The project received a Joy Score of 10, with homeowners citing improved aesthetics, livability, and modernization of the space as key benefits.
After completion, 61% of homeowners reported having a greater desire to be at home.
10. Fire Feature
A fire feature can add functionality and improve the enjoyment of an outdoor space. A typical project includes a dry-stacked natural stone kit with a gas burner and a 10-foot-diameter flagstone patio.
The estimated cost was $9,000, with an estimated ROI of $5,000, or a 56% return. About 73% of homeowners reported a greater desire to be at home after installing a fire feature, while 78% reported an increased sense of enjoyment at home.
11. In-Ground Pool Addition
An in-ground pool project includes an 18-by-36-foot pool with gunite walls, a depth ranging from 3 to 7 feet, a standard filtration system, and a 3-foot-wide concrete perimeter.
The estimated cost was $90,000, with an estimated ROI of $50,000, or a 56% return.
Although the financial return was lower than some other landscaping projects, the lifestyle benefits were significant. About 89% of homeowners reported a greater desire to be at home after adding an in-ground pool, and the project received a Joy Score of 10.
