Valuable Landscaping Ventures Suggested by Professionals, Guaranteed to Be Worth the Investment
Spicing up your outdoor living space lately? With homeowners investing more than ever in their gardens, it's essential to make the most of your landscaping budget. Here are some recommendations from the pros to help you maximize your gardening dollars.
Factors to Consider Before Venturing into Landscaping Projects
Think Long-Term
While you may not have the finances for a complete overhaul all at once, having a clear vision for your dream backyard will help guide your decisions. Consider your goals for the space—whether it's an area for entertaining or unwinding. As Lisa Stryker, the spokesperson for the National Association of Landscape Professionals, puts it, "You don't have to do it all at once. Just have the vision nailed down first."
Evaluate Your Timeline
Staying in your house for a while allows you the freedom to tailor your space to your preferences. However, if you're planning to sell or move soon, focus on maintaining the landscape effectively. Keep in mind that oversized gardens or intricate decorations may be low on potential buyers' priority lists.
Prioritize Maintenance
Don't let your heart rule your wallet when it comes to gardening. A dream potager or butler's garden may catch your eye, but if you won't have the time to care for it, it's probably not worth the investment.
Embrace What Brings You Joy
In the end, your home is your sanctuary. If a butterfly garden brings bliss to your life or a hot tub helps you unwind after a long day, it's a worthwhile investment. As Amanda Pendleton, the home trends expert at Zillow, aptly states, "Invest in what brings you joy."
Gardening Projects That Offer a Great ROI
Turn Your Backyard into an Entertainer's Paradise
Creating an outdoor kitchen is a top pick for landscaping projects with impressive returns. With the pandemic forcing more socializing outdoors and people preferring more laid-back gatherings, having a space that extends your home's square footage becomes increasingly valuable. Outdoor kitchens can boost your home's value by 2.2% when you sell[1].
Plant More Trees
Trees not only add beauty to your home's curb appeal but also provide numerous practical benefits. For example, mature trees can help to shade your home on warmer days, reducing your cooling costs. As a result, well-placed trees can help lower your air conditioning costs by up to 35%. Plus, trees can act as noise barriers and natural privacy dividers, making your backyard a more secluded retreat.
Invest in a Pizza Oven
If you don't have the space or budget for a full-fledged outdoor kitchen, a simple upgrade like a pizza oven can still add to your home's value. A stylish pizza oven can boost your home's value by 2%.
Opt for Native Plants
Choosing plants that thrive in your local environment will reduce the time and resources you spend on gardening. Opt for native plants that can thrive naturally in your area, requiring less water and maintenance.
Upgrade to a Bluestone Patio
Decks and patios are essential for entertaining outdoors. Opting for a bluestone patio adds a touch of luxury, and homes with bluestone patios tend to sell for 2.2% more than homes without them[1].
Give Your Front Yard a Makeover
Curb appeal is crucial for boosting your home's overall value. Simple enhancements to your front yard, such as adding fresh mulch or tidying up your garden beds, can make a significant impact on potential buyers' first impressions.
Embrace Ambient Lighting
Outdoor lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere and help extend your outdoor living hours. Whether you opt for subtle solar lights, classic Edison bulbs, or something more state-of-the-art, outdoor lighting has the potential to add 1.2% to your home's value.
[1] Zillow data
Sources and Enrichment Data:
Sources:
- "Top Landscaping Trends and Growth Predictions for 2021 and Beyond" - trends.zillow.com
- "The Ultimate Landscaping Guide: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Impact of Landscaping on Property Value" - bookauthority.org
- "2022 Garden Trends: Gardens Designed for Relaxation and Well-being" - thespruce.com
- "The Impact of Landscaping on Home Values" - remodeling.hw.net
Enrichment Data:
According to a study from Clemson University, homes with superior landscaping command 5-12% higher sale prices than those with lackluster outdoor spaces. Opting for mature trees and colorful plants can lead to substantial savings in energy costs, while appealing to eco-conscious buyers. Landscaping projects such as outdoor lighting and functional features like patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens add significant value to potential buyers. Furthermore, low-maintenance options like drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems can drastically reduce upkeep costs while maintaining curb appeal.
After considering your long-term goals for your backyard, you might dream of incorporating an outdoor space for both entertainment and relaxation, like a garden with a RealSimple-inspired butterfly sanctuary or a cozy seating area. To make the most of your landscaping budget, prioritize projects that offer a great return on investment, such as installing an outdoor kitchen or planting trees for energy savings and curb appeal. When it comes to gardening, don't forget to embrace native plants for easy maintenance and a touch of ambient lighting to extend your outdoor living hours, transforming your home into a welcoming and inviting outdoor oasis, even as night falls.
