Landscaping Tips to improve Home Value

A common question I get is "What can I do to improve my home value?" Although there is no clear answer here and it could be a multitude of factors I do have FIVE landscaping tips to improve your home value that pay for themselves. Whether you are a first time homeowner, owned a property for many years, or just looking to spruce up your landscape to sell these tips are sure to pay dividends.

1. Maintain a healthy lawn. This may seem like an obvious part of homeownership but it is often neglected or overlooked. I understand the stress of life, work, and if you are raising children the lawn might be located far...far...far down the list of "things to worry about". Believe me I definitely get this. However, overgrown grass, weeds, brown spots and thinning lawns are a sign of neglect that can drive home values down. The first step is to manage weeds, fertilize, and "over-seed" the lawn to create a thicker green lawn. If you have questions please give us a call or send us a message to learn the basics of lawn care. A few hours every Fall & Spring can transform even the most neglected lawn.

2. Plant a tree. If you have space definitely look into planting a tree. Depending on where you live and if properly placed a tree can add between $1000 to $10,000 in home value. The right tree can compliment and transform any bland landscape. It also can provide shade for the lawn and home. Proper maintenance is important and begins with planting it properly. Planting a mature tree can be pricy but if you plan to keep a property for 3-5 years then planting a young tree now is a good investment. Potential homebuyers are looking for mature grown trees.

3. Maintain Shrubs & Bushes. Easily overlooked is the importance of trimming and pruning bushes. A lovely maintained bush that adds value to a home can easily become an eye sore without proper attention. Either hire a professional to manage your landscape or do small maintenance projects on the shrub or bushes throughout the year.

4. Mulch. Depending on the design of your home and landscape a properly placed mulch bed can instantly increase "curb appeal" and value of your home. If you already have existing mulch it is important to clean out and remove the old mulch to replace it with new mulch. A tired looking mulch bed can have the opposite affect and drive down home value. Combine mulch bed with a nicely done retaining wall and it will transform your home.

5. Design an outdoor living space. If you have the room consider adding an outdoor area such as kitchen, patios, decks, pergolas, and fire pits. These can increase home values substantially. Potential buyers are looking for these type of areas and little accents can make a big difference to your home value. Whether you need design help, installation help and maintenance please give us a call.

I hope these five tips prove useful and give you something to think about. Little things make a big difference in home value. Owning a home is a big task and if you find life has become a bit too much consider hiring out the work. Baer landscaping has a passion for all these projects and wish you the best in your own homeowner endeavors!