Landscaping isn’t an expense—it’s an investment.
Quality landscaping is an investment that increases curb appeal and helps your home stand out from the rest. Some real estate experts estimate that for every dollar invested in landscaping, homeowners can see a return of two to three times that amount in added property value.
Choosing the right project is important because some add more value than others. These projects deliver excellent returns on your investment, add beauty to your landscape, and give you years of enjoyment!
1. Create Outdoor Living Spaces
You can effectively extend the living space of your house by creating an inviting and relaxing living area outdoors. The choices are as varied as the ways you like to use your space. The key is choosing the right design to incorporate them. If you like to cook and dine outside, consider a dedicated grill space, a fire pit, a pizza oven, or an outdoor kitchen. (They can be created in smaller spaces too!) If you aim to get out of the sun, a pergola or gazebo might suit you.
Using Space for Both Large and Small Gatherings
Another trend is homeowners creating landscapes to host events such as graduations or family reunions. While features such as an outdoor living room with plenty of seating work well for a special event, these inviting spaces can be regularly used for everyday relaxation as well. Extended patios and decks support tables for large gatherings but also work nicely for an evening with friends.
2. Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting not only provides safety; it adds drama to your landscape. When lit, elements that blend in during the day stand out at night, whether it’s an architectural detail, an interesting tree, or flower bed. Entryways, stairs, and pathways should be lit for safety but also contribute to the overall curb appeal.
Kichler Lighting suggests starting by asking yourself the following questions:
- What do you love most about your yard?
- How and when are you planning to use your outdoor spaces?
- Is there a special architectural structure or feature you want to highlight?
- When and where is security lighting most important?
As you determine what matters most in your outdoor living space and the features you love about your yard, you’ll create a clear roadmap to guide your project. It will bring a bold, eye-catching curb appeal that makes your home unforgettable.
3. Add a Sprinkler System
Lush, green grass instantly catches the eye, but its impact goes far beyond appearance. Research from the Lawn Care Institute shows that healthy turf grass alone can boost a home’s value by up to 15%.
A sprinkler system is key anytime when rain is lacking, especially during the warm, dry summer months. It helps fill in the troublesome bare spots. Just as important, it can decrease weed invasion and allows grass to tolerate pressure from insects and disease, according to Kansas State University. A sprinkler system also helps water in seeds when you aerate and overseed.
4. Update Your Pathways and Patios
Natural stone or pavers add style to your patio and are durable materials for hardscape features. They give your spaces elegance that poured concrete can’t match.
Natural stone provides an attractive look that both contrasts with and blends in with your existing hardscape. Not only is it long-lasting; it ages well, developing a rich patina over time. Minick Materials notes, “That means weather, wear, and exposure don’t diminish its beauty–they enhance it. And if it chips or cracks? That’s not a problem. Natural stone doesn’t have a fake outer coating or a manufactured veneer that breaks away to reveal a different material underneath. A chip in natural stone just shows…more stone. It blends in. It looks authentic, not broken.”
Pavers give you a much different look, with a design in various paver patterns of interlocking bricks made of concrete, natural stone, or clay. Because a variety of colors are available, you can create a creative look tailored to the pavers’ surroundings. They are strong and flexible, able to handle foot traffic and vehicles.
Projects that add value to your home are as varied as you can create. When choosing a project, research return on investment for possible home resale in the future. But also consider how much you’ll enjoy it for years to come!
Recent Comments