# Does Landscaping Increase Home Value? ROI Data and What to Plant By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2026-05-01 Does landscaping increase home value? The short answer is yes — and the return can be substantial. Studies show that well-executed landscaping can boost a home’s sale price by 5–15%, and in some cases even more. Whether you’re listing next month or simply thinking long-term, the right outdoor improvements consistently rank among the highest-ROI projects a homeowner can make. This guide breaks down exactly what works, what to spend, and what to skip. ## Does Landscaping Increase Home Value? Yes — and the data backs it up. According to a widely cited study from Virginia Tech, high-quality landscaping can increase perceived home value by 5.5–12.7% compared to a home with no landscaping at all. Some industry estimates put the figure even higher — exceptional landscaping may add up to 15–20% to a property’s market value. The [National Association of Realtors (NAR)](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact-report-outdoor-features) adds important context from the agent side: 97% of Realtors believe curb appeal is important for attracting buyers, 92% recommend sellers improve their curb appeal before listing, and 74% suggest completing a landscape maintenance program before going to market. That kind of near-unanimous professional opinion isn’t noise — it reflects a real purchasing dynamic. Buyers form first impressions before they ever step inside a home, and the front yard is the deciding factor for whether they stay curious or keep driving. ## How Much Does Landscaping Increase Home Value? The range most commonly cited in the research is **5–15%**, with the actual gain depending on the quality of existing landscaping, local market expectations, and the type of improvement made. To put that in dollar terms: on a $400,000 home, a 10% uplift from mature trees, a clean lawn, and well-defined beds equals $40,000 in added value — often for a fraction of that cost in actual investment. The [NAR’s 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact-report-outdoor-features) provides the most granular breakdown available. It found that standard lawn care — routine mowing, edging, and seasonal maintenance — returns **217% ROI** at resale. That means every dollar spent on keeping a lawn healthy returns more than two dollars at closing. Other key findings from the [NAR report](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact-report-outdoor-features): - General landscape upkeep: 104% ROI - Overall landscape upgrades (new planting, hardscape improvements): 100% ROI - Automated irrigation system: 83% ROI The caveat: ROI figures vary by market, home price point, and neighborhood comparables. In a neighborhood where every home has manicured landscaping, basic upkeep is table stakes rather than a differentiator. In a neighborhood where most homes have neglected yards, a well-maintained exterior can generate disproportionate gains. ## Best Landscaping Improvements by ROI Here’s how the most common landscaping projects stack up, using NAR and industry data as the baseline: | Project | Avg Cost | Est. Value Added | ROI | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Lawn care / maintenance | $300–500/yr | $650–1,000+ | ~217% | | Mulch and flower beds | $200–600 | $500–1,200 | ~100–150% | | Trees and mature shrubs | $500–2,500 | $1,000–15,000+ | Varies widely | | Front walkway / pathway | $1,000–3,500 | $1,000–3,500 | ~100% | | Outdoor lighting | $500–2,000 | $300–1,200 | ~59% | | Irrigation system | $1,500–4,000 | $1,200–3,300 | ~83% | | Paver patio | $3,000–10,000 | $2,850–9,500 | ~95% | **Lawn care and maintenance **is the clear leader on ROI and the easiest to execute before a sale. A healthy, green lawn costs relatively little to achieve with overseeding, fertilizer, and consistent mowing — and it signals to buyers that the property has been cared for throughout. **Mulch and flower beds **are a favorite of real estate agents for pre-listing prep. Fresh mulch makes beds look intentional and finished for $5–7 per bag, and seasonal color from annuals or perennials adds visual warmth. The total cost for a typical front yard refresh is often under $300. **Trees and mature shrubs **carry the widest ROI range of any landscaping category, but the upside is significant. According to the [U.S. Forest Service and Arbor Day Foundation](https://www.arborday.org/value), a single mature shade tree can add $1,000–$10,000 to a property’s appraised value depending on size, species, and placement. Trees provide shade (which lowers energy costs), privacy, and a sense of established, settled character that buyers pay a premium for. **Front walkway upgrades **consistently return close to dollar-for-dollar. A cracked or overgrown concrete path signals deferred maintenance. Replacing it with clean pavers, flagstone, or fresh concrete with defined edging immediately elevates the entry experience. **Outdoor lighting **has a lower headline ROI (59% per [NAR data](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact-report-outdoor-features)), but it plays an outsized role in nighttime showings and listing photography. Pathway lights, uplighting on mature trees, and a well-lit front door entry are all high-impact for the photography budget. **Irrigation systems **appeal to buyers in drought-prone markets and sunbelt states. Automated drip irrigation adds practical value — lower water bills, healthier plants, less work — and signals to buyers that the landscaping is maintainable. ## What to Avoid: Landscaping That Hurts Value Not every outdoor investment pays off. Some landscaping choices actively reduce a home’s appeal or create liabilities that buyers price in as future costs. **High-maintenance plants and formal gardens.** Elaborate topiaries, rose gardens requiring constant attention, or tropical species that need winter protection can deter buyers who see them as work and expense, not beauty. **Invasive species.** English ivy, bamboo, kudzu, and similar invasive plants spread aggressively, damage foundations, and are expensive to remove. If you have them, remove them before listing — buyers and their inspectors notice. **Overgrown trees near the structure.** Mature trees are an asset when placed well, but a large tree with branches over the roof is a liability. Buyers (and their insurance companies) see it as a risk. If you have this situation, a professional arborist pruning or removing the problematic limbs before listing is money well spent. **Pools in the wrong markets.** In warm-weather states like Arizona, Florida, and California, a pool is often expected and valued. In colder markets, pools are viewed as expensive-to-maintain liabilities. According to some appraisers, an in-ground pool in a northern climate can actually reduce a home’s value for buyers with young children or no interest in pool ownership. Know your market before adding — or emphasizing — a pool. **Artificial grass (in some markets).** Synthetic turf has improved dramatically, but buyers in traditional markets often react negatively. In drought-stricken markets in the Southwest, it can be viewed favorably. Know your buyers before installing. **Overly personal hardscape.** A custom putting green, elaborate water feature, or highly themed garden represents your taste — not necessarily your buyers’. The more niche the feature, the smaller the pool of buyers who will pay a premium for it. ## Landscaping Before Selling: What to Prioritize With a Limited Budget If you’re getting your house ready to sell and landscaping isn’t something you’ve prioritized, the good news is that a focused $300–500 sprint can transform the exterior. When staging a home to sell, curb appeal is often the highest-leverage dollar you can spend — and it’s far cheaper than interior renovations. Here’s how to allocate a $500 landscaping pre-listing budget: **$0–50: Clean and edge.** Mow the lawn at a uniform height, edge along all walkways and the driveway, and blow or rake debris from beds and hardscape. This costs essentially nothing but produces an immediate visual change. **$50–150: Fresh mulch.** Apply 2–3 inches of dark mulch to all visible beds. It suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and creates clean contrast against plants and structures. One of the best-looking low-cost improvements available. **$50–100: Seasonal color.** Add flats of annuals (marigolds, petunias, impatiens depending on season) in front beds and any pots near the front door. Bright, healthy flowers are an outsized signal of care. **$50–100: Entry door area refresh.** A new doormat, polished house numbers, and clean or painted door hardware cost very little but dramatically improve the first 10 feet of the buyer’s experience. **$50–150: Tree and shrub grooming.** Hire a local lawn service for a one-time pruning and shaping of any visible shrubs and trees. Overgrown shrubs blocking windows are a common listing mistake — pruning them opens up sightlines and light. **Remaining budget: Problem areas.** If the lawn has bare patches, overseed 4–6 weeks before listing. If there’s a cracked or stained concrete step, rent a pressure washer or patch with concrete resurfacer. If you’re thinking about how to get house ready to sell more broadly, landscaping should be one of the first boxes checked — not a last-minute afterthought. Agents consistently report that homes with strong curb appeal generate more showings and more competitive offers from the start. ## Curb Appeal Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Listing Use this as your pre-listing walk-through. Stand at the street and assess: 1. **Lawn condition** — Is it green, mowed at an even height, free of weeds and bare patches? If not: fertilize, overseed, and treat for weeds at least 4–6 weeks before listing. 2. **Edging** — Are lawn edges crisply defined along driveways, walkways, and beds? Messy edges make even a healthy lawn look unkempt. 3. **Mulch** — Are visible beds mulched with fresh, dark material? Old, faded mulch signals neglect. 4. **Shrub and hedge shape** — Are hedges trimmed squarely? Are ornamental shrubs shaped and not overgrown? 5. **Dead or dying plants** — Remove any dead annuals, brown perennials, or diseased shrubs. A single dead plant draws the eye immediately. 6. **Seasonal color** — Does the entry have fresh flowering plants? Potted color flanking a front door is a classic, proven tactic. 7. **Tree health and clearance** — Are trees healthy-looking? Are branches clear of the roofline and windows? 8. **Walkway and driveway condition** — Are there cracks, stains, or weeds growing through joints? Pressure wash and patch as needed. 9. **Outdoor lighting** — Do front pathway lights and entry lights work? Replace burned-out bulbs; consider adding solar pathway lights for under $40. 10. **Gutters and downspouts** — Technically not landscaping, but visible from the street. Clogged or sagging gutters with plant growth in them undercut everything else you’ve done. **Frequently asked questions** --- *Originally published at [https://www.opendoor.com/articles/does-landscaping-increase-home-value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/does-landscaping-increase-home-value)*