{"id":14735,"date":"2020-02-28T10:15:06","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T18:15:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=14735"},"modified":"2020-02-28T10:15:06","modified_gmt":"2020-02-28T18:15:06","slug":"is-landscaping-a-good-investment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/is-landscaping-a-good-investment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Invest in Outdoor Landscaping and See Great Returns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 75% of top real estate agents across the country say that well-landscaped homes are worth anywhere from 1% to 10%<\/a> more than homes with no landscaping, according to our research at HomeLight. For a home worth the U.S. median price of $266,300<\/a>, that\u2019s an extra $2,663 to $26,630 in the bank. Landscaping also goes hand in hand with curb appeal<\/a> \u2014 and 94% of top agents<\/a> say improving your curb appeal<\/a> adds to your bottom line at resale.<\/p>\n

This guide will help you add value to your house through landscaping with tips on how to invest in low-maintenance additions that make your house more marketable, keep up with your yard care basics, and tackle simple projects that make a great impact on how your home appears from the outside.<\/p>\n

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Source: (Andrew Buchanan \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Add shrubs, trees, and hedges to boost privacy<\/h3>\n

Whether your property faces or backs up to a busy street<\/a>, or a large living area picture window makes your house feel like a fishbowl, landscaping can help.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people love privacy,\u201d says John Krol<\/a>, a top real estate agent in Naples, Florida<\/a>, who sells homes 45% faster than the average area agent. \u201cThat\u2019s what most buyers will comment on when it comes to landscaping.\u201d Indeed, privacy has become one of the most sought after features in a home, with 60% of high-end home buyers prioritizing it above any other feature<\/a>, according to a study by YouGov.<\/p>\n

Evergreen trees<\/a>, evergreen shrubs<\/a>, and hedge plants<\/a> that become more dense when pruned are some of your best plant selections for creating privacy<\/a>. Privacy landscaping can be an especially attractive option for homeowners in planned communities where you\u2019re not allowed to add a fence<\/a>. If road noise is your main issue, consult HomeLight\u2019s guide to plants, fencing, and water features that help reduce sound<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Plant baby trees and watch them mature<\/h3>\n

According to PNW Research, a healthy, mature tree in front of your home increases a home\u2019s sale price by an average of $7,130<\/a> (to be considered \u201cmature<\/a>\u201d a tree needs to have a diameter of 12\u201d or greater). Plan ahead and plant fledgling trees years before you\u2019re looking to sell your home, and you stand to increase your property value for a small upfront cost. The bigger the tree, the more expensive it will be to purchase, deliver and plant. A&P Nursery serving the Phoenix, AZ East Valley since 1970 estimates your tree planting costs<\/a> as follows:<\/p>\n