Landscaping isn't just about curb appeal anymore — it's a strategic investment that can boost your property's value and livability. From outdoor kitchens to lightscaping, this guide breaks down the top features that combine beauty with big returns, helping you design a space that pays off now and in the future.
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Landscaping has evolved far beyond aesthetics — it is now a deliberate design decision that can significantly enhance the value and appreciation of a property. Whether you're a homeowner looking to increase resale value or an investor with a keen eye for ROI, strategic landscaping is an essential part of modern property design. According to design experts, integrating green elements into outdoor spaces not only elevates lifestyle quality but also directly impacts property valuation.
Research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) indicates that well-executed landscaping can deliver an ROI of 100% to 215%, depending on the scale and scope of the project. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing outdoor space functionality, privacy, and aesthetic appeal — all of which good landscape design can provide.
As Livingetc contributor Oonagh Turner notes, "Landscaping your backyard can improve the way you interact and use the space...and help your home edge over the line" when it comes to competitive real estate listings (Livingetc, 2024).
Below, we explore five high-impact landscaping features — backed by expert advice — that not only beautify your home but offer measurable return on investment.
Adding a fully functional outdoor kitchen is among the most lucrative landscaping upgrades. These spaces offer year-round usability and can increase property value by up to 20%, according to Zillow.
Cate Singleton, Director of Design at Tilly Design, highlights that “cooking centers create opportunities for gathering and spending time outdoors,” making them desirable for both entertaining and family life (Livingetc, 2024). Even a modest installation — like a portable pizza oven or custom-built barbecue — can make a backyard feel more expansive and social.
Design Tip: Incorporate weatherproof appliances and storage for longevity and functionality.
Strategically placed trees enhance privacy, reduce energy bills through shading, and provide a sense of permanence and maturity to the property. Paul Sangha, principal of Paul Sangha Creative, advises investing in mature trees to create “structure and layers,” adding immediate curb appeal at relatively low cost (Livingetc, 2024).
According to a study published in Landscape and Urban Planning, mature trees can increase home values by 7% to 19%, especially in dense urban areas where green space is limited.
ROI Insight: Evergreen species like Cyprus or Yew provide year-round privacy, a sought-after feature among modern buyers.
Creating a designated outdoor living zone — such as a patio or deck — is both an aesthetic and financial win. “You’ll see a return on the sales side of your property,” explains landscape designer Kat Aul Cervoni, especially if your home lacks an existing outdoor extension (Livingetc, 2024).
Materials matter here. Natural stone and high-grade woods like redwood or teak offer durability and luxury appeal. While initial costs may be higher, these materials hold up well over time, further enhancing ROI.
Stat to Know: Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report found that the average wood deck recoups around 65% to 76% of its cost on resale.
Home entertaining has shifted outdoors, and with it, the rise of the garden bar. Custom or modular, this feature blends hospitality with design-forward thinking. “Custom bars can be really gorgeous,” says Amber Freda, a New York-based rooftop garden designer — though prefabricated versions can offer style at a lower cost (Livingetc, 2024).
Design Insight: Opt for stainless steel, weatherproof wood, and heat/frost-resistant worktops to ensure durability and lower maintenance.
For homes in cooler climates, add a firepit or outdoor heater to maximize seasonal usability — a small touch that boosts long-term property appreciation.
Outdoor lighting, or “lightscaping,” helps zone outdoor areas and adds dramatic flair. Embedded lighting along walkways, patio sconces, or uplit trees not only elevate mood and safety but also extend evening usability — a key factor for prospective buyers looking to entertain.
According to Livingetc, "Modern garden lighting can be the simple addition your backyard needs to elevate the space" — and with minimal cost, it has one of the highest ROI-to-cost ratios among landscaping projects.
Pro Tip: LED fixtures offer low energy costs and long lifespan, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
Landscaping is no longer just about “greenery”— it’s about designing lifestyle, and that lifestyle has financial implications. The most valuable outdoor projects combine function with form, creating experiences that boost livability and investment returns.
By viewing your landscape as part of your total property portfolio — not an afterthought — you can unlock both immediate enjoyment and long-term appreciation. Whether you're selling, renting, or simply future-proofing your home, a smart landscaping strategy is one of the best investments you can make.
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Projects like outdoor kitchens, patios, mature trees, and lightscaping tend to offer high ROI. According to industry data, these upgrades can yield a return of 60% to over 200%, depending on design quality and local market conditions.
Focus on affordable, high-impact elements like planting privacy trees, adding string lighting, or building a small, movable garden bar. Mature plants and DIY-friendly decking also offer great value with lower initial costs.
Yes. Outdoor lighting improves both safety and aesthetics, enhancing curb appeal and usability after dark. Well-placed lighting can define zones, highlight features, and make spaces feel more luxurious — all important to potential buyers.
If ROI is a goal, a professional landscape designer can help you maximize function, appeal, and long-term value. However, smaller projects like planters, lighting, or modular bars can often be DIY-friendly and still impactful.
Many homeowners see increased interest and offers when selling shortly after landscaping upgrades. Even without selling, ROI comes in the form of improved quality of life, energy savings, and long-term property appreciation.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards increasing the value of your property.
