Landscaping Increases a Home’s Value 

by Kerry Andersen 

When it comes to real estate, first impressions are everything. As prospective buyers pull up to a property and look at the outside of your home and your landscaping, that curb appeal sets the tone for what they expect to see inside. The importance of a well-manicured lawn and carefully curated landscaping cannot be overstated.  

“Beyond mere aesthetics, the exterior environment of your home plays a pivotal role in determining its value and commanding a higher price when you sell it,” says Nathaniel Allured, who owns The Grounds Guys landscaping services in Lake Charles with his wife, Alexis. says, “Homes with superior landscaping spend less time on the market and can yield returns of up to 10-12% on the overall value of the property.”  

Focus on Curb Appeal

– The front yard is the first thing potential buyers see when they approach your home. Ensure your lawn is well-maintained, trees and shrubs are pruned, and flower beds are neat and colorful. A tidy and attractive front yard creates a positive first impression, drawing buyers in and increasing perceived value. 

Invest in Professional Landscaping

– Consider hiring a professional landscaper to design and maintain your outdoor space. Landscaping experts can offer valuable insights and creative solutions tailored to your property’s unique features and local climate. “A professional offers the experience and vision to transform ordinary yards into stunning outdoor retreats that will add value to your biggest investment,” Allured says. 

Choose Low-Maintenance Plants

– Opt for low-maintenance plants and landscaping features that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home without requiring excessive upkeep. Slow growing hardy evergreen shrubs and trees and perennial flowers are great choices that add beauty to your landscape while reducing the time and effort needed for maintenance. Avoid tropical varieties if you’re worried about losing plants to frosty winter temperatures.  

Create Functional Outdoor Spaces

– Transform your backyard into an inviting outdoor living area. Install a patio or deck where you can entertain guests or relax with family. Incorporate elements like water features, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Don’t forget to add adequate drainage and walkways. 

Enhance Privacy and Security

– Planting trees, hedges, or shrubs strategically can enhance privacy and security on your property. Creating natural barriers around your home not only adds visual interest but also provides a sense of seclusion and safety for potential buyers, making your property more desirable. 

Illuminate Your Landscape

– Outdoor lighting can dramatically enhance the ambiance and safety of your home’s exterior. Use a combination of flood, spot, and path lights on sidewalks, trees, and architectural features to highlight key elements of your landscape design. Well-placed lighting adds depth and visual interest to your outdoor space, increasing its overall appeal and value, especially during evening viewings. It has the added benefit of deterring criminal activity. The Grounds Guys recommend skipping solar lights due to lower durability and battery life.  

Maintain Your Landscape Regularly

– Regular maintenance is key to preserving the value of your landscaping investment. Keep your lawn mowed, weeds in check, and plants well-watered and fertilized. Prune trees and shrubs as needed to maintain their health and appearance. A well-maintained landscape signals to potential buyers that the property has been cared for and is in good condition. 

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively use landscaping to increase the value of your home, creating an inviting and attractive outdoor environment that enhances curb appeal, functionality, and overall desirability. 

The Grounds Guys are a full-service residential and commercial landscaping company. Learn more at 337.888.4020, groundsguys.com/lake-charles, or @groundsguysoflakecharles on Instagram and Facebook.