Landscaping and Home Sale Profitability: Does Curb Appeal Really Pay Off?

Selling a home isn’t just about the interior – the outside counts, too. A beautifully landscaped yard can draw buyers in, create a powerful first impression, and even boost your bottom line when you sell. How much does landscaping affect your home’s sale price? Quite a bit, as recent data and expert insights show. In this post, we’ll explore how landscaping influences home value, what the current numbers say (as of 2024-2025), and which outdoor improvements deliver the best bang for your buck.

Curb Appeal and Home Value: Why Your Yard Matters

Real estate agents often talk about “curb appeal,” and for good reason. The view from the curb is literally a buyer’s first look at your home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 97% of realtors believe curb appeal is important for attracting buyers.​“You want to make a good impression with your home. That means making sure the yard and landscape are neatly mowed, plants are trimmed, and beds are edged,” advises Lisa Stryker of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)​. In other words, a tidy lawn and healthy greenery signal that the property is well-cared for and buyers notice. Multiple studies confirm that landscaping can significantly increase a home’s value. On average, professional landscaping is shown to boost resale value by 15% to 20%.​

One study by Virginia Tech found that a well-landscaped home had a 5.5% to 12.7% price advantage over a home with no landscaping.​ That’s an extra $16K–$38K on a $300,000 house. Similarly, a joint Clemson University and University of Maryland study noted buyers would pay up to ~11% more for homes with thoughtfully designed landscaping​The flip side is also true: an unkempt yard can drag down value, with poorly maintained landscapes reducing sale prices by 8–10% compared to similar homes​. The message is clear: attractive landscaping isn’t just window dressing; it adds real monetary value.

Realtors consistently recommend sprucing up outdoor spaces before listing. In fact, 74% of agents advise sellers to do general landscape maintenance, 53% suggest a standard lawn care service, and 44% recommend tree care prior to sale​. As Britt Wood, CEO of NALP, puts it, “nearly all REALTORS® and most homeowners place a high value on the curb appeal of a well-maintained yard” because it makes homes more desirable and even improves community appeal​. Good landscaping not only catches buyers’ eyes but can also make your property sell faster and for a higher price.

ROI of Landscaping: Getting Your Green Back in More Ways Than One

Okay, so landscaping can raise your sale price – but what about the return on investment (ROI)? In practical terms, how many of your landscaping dollars will you recoup when you sell? The good news: many outdoor improvements pay for themselves (or more) at resale. The 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features by NAR and NALP provides hard numbers on cost recovery for popular landscaping projects, and some are real winners.

Basic lawn care is arguably the best investment you can make. It’s inexpensive but yields high returns. Regular lawn maintenance (mowing, fertilizing, weed control) had the highest cost recovery of all projects studied: an ROI of 217%.​In other words, spending $100 on lawn care could add about $217 in value – more than double your money back. It makes sense: a lush, green lawn is the foundation of curb appeal. As one landscaping pro quipped, a healthy lawn is like “nature’s welcome mat” that invites buyers in.​

A well-maintained lawn and simple landscaping can noticeably boost curb appeal. Basic lawn care topped the charts with a 217% ROI, making it one of the most profitable home investments​.Routine landscape maintenance – think mulching, trimming shrubs, and planting flowers – also proved worth every penny (104% ROI)​. Essentially, you get back the full cost and then some. These simple updates make the home look fresh and loved without huge expense. No wonder three-quarters of realtors insist sellers tackle basic landscaping chores before selling​Beyond upkeep, larger landscape upgrades can add significant value too. An “overall landscape upgrade” (for example, adding a flagstone walkway, stone planters, a few flowering shrubs, and a shade tree) had an estimated 100% ROI in NAR’s report​. That means a $9,000 project could add roughly $9,000 in resale value – breaking even while giving your home a major face-lift. Well-planned plantings and pathways make the property more beautiful and functional, which buyers are willing to pay for.

What about hardscaping features like patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens? These tend to be pricier projects, but many still offer strong returns:

• Outdoor Kitchen: An upscale outdoor kitchen (built-in grill, sink, counters, etc.) can recoup around 100% of its cost on average​gaar.com. In the NAR study, a $15,000 outdoor kitchen added about $15,000 in value – essentially a full payback. Plus, 99% of homeowners love having it, reporting increased enjoyment at home​bhg.com​bhg.com. So you get a great amenity to use, and you’ll likely get your investment back when you sell.
• Patio: Adding a new patio is another high-ROI move. A 18’ x 16’ paver patio (costing roughly $10.5k) had an ROI of about 95% (adding ~$10k value)​bhg.com. That’s almost break-even, which is impressive for an outdoor living upgrade you can enjoy in the meantime. “A new patio can help improve livability and upgrade worn-out features,” notes Jeff Snowden, a landscape industry expert, adding that it often increases homeowners’ enjoyment of their home as well.
• Wood Deck: Building a wooden deck (approx. $16k cost) isn’t far behind, with roughly an 89% ROI​bhg.com. While materials costs have fluctuated (lumber spikes hurt deck ROI in recent years​bankrate.com), a well-built deck still appeals to buyers looking for outdoor entertaining space. Decks and patios essentially expand your living area, which boosts value.
• Landscape Lighting: Attractive outdoor lighting can showcase your home and improve safety for evening showings, but financially its payoff is more modest. Landscape lighting installations average around 59% ROI​gaar.com. Many homeowners install lighting more for ambiance and security than pure ROI – and indeed, NAR found this project delivered a perfect “Joy Score” of 10 (homeowners absolutely love the result)​lawnstarter.com​lawnstarter.com. So, while you might only get back about half the cost in resale value, the enjoyment and curb appeal gained could still make it worthwhile.
• Trees and Landscaping for Privacy: Planting or maintaining trees doesn’t always come with a calculable dollar-for-dollar return, but it can increase perceived value. Mature trees and well-placed shrubs add beauty, shade, and privacy that buyers appreciate. A dedicated tree care program (fertilizing, pruning, removing dead trees) had about an 87% cost recovery in the NAR analysis​bhg.com​bhg.com. Moreover, the presence of healthy trees can make a home more marketable – one study found that homes with trees in the yard were 20% more likely to sell than homes without trees​meadowsfarms.com. Trees take time to grow, so investing in them early (and keeping them healthy) literally grows your equity over the long term.

It’s worth noting that not every landscaping project will pay off equally. High-end specialty features or very personal designs might not appeal to all buyers. For example, an in-ground swimming pool only recoups about 56% of its cost on average at resale​– great for your lifestyle, but not a money-maker. Similarly, a custom fire pit or backyard fire feature returns around 56-60% ROI​ These projects are done more for personal enjoyment (and they do deliver on that front) rather than pure investment. If resale value is your priority, you’ll generally want to focus on broad-appeal improvements (lush lawns, tidy landscapes, patios/decks) rather than ultra-luxe or niche features.

Expert Insights: Making the Most of Your Landscaping Investment

Landscaping is one of those investments that can both increase your home’s value and improve your day-to-day quality of life. Here are a few pro tips and insights to consider:

• Match the Landscape to Your Home and Region: “Landscaping can offer a 100% to 200% recovery on investment if it harmonizes with the surrounding environment,” notes Money Magazine​meadowsfarms.com. In other words, a design that complements your home’s style and fits the local climate will attract buyers. Planting native, climate-appropriate plants can also save maintenance costs and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
• Don’t Over-Spend for Your Market: There’s no need to install a $50,000 backyard paradise if your home value can’t support it. Experts generally recommend spending about 10% (up to 20%) of your home’s value on landscaping to keep improvements proportional​bankrate.com. For example, if your property is worth $400k, a total landscaping budget in the $40k range (or less) is advisable to ensure you don’t over-improve for the neighborhood. Modest investments like fresh mulch, some flowering plants, or a new lawn treatment can sometimes yield outsized returns relative to their cost.
• Focus on Front Yard First Impressions: The front yard has the biggest impact on curb appeal. Simple acts like mowing the lawn, pruning overgrown bushes, planting seasonal color, and edging the walkways can boost perceived value instantly. “Homes with attractive landscaping typically see sale prices 4% to 5% higher than similar homes with just average landscaping” according to the Guide for Plant Appraisal​meadowsfarms.com. Small details – a well-defined walkway, a splash of flower color, neatly mulched garden beds – make the home feel inviting.
• Low Maintenance = High Appeal: Both buyers and homeowners love landscapes that look great without tons of effort. If you’re upgrading, choose low-maintenance plants and features. Perennials, native plants, and drought-tolerant landscaping reduce upkeep, which future buyers will see as a bonus. Automated irrigation (while its ROI was ~83%​bhg.com) can be a selling point since it simplifies lawn care. Avoid overly elaborate gardens or features that scream high maintenance – some buyers might worry about the work or cost to maintain them.
• Enjoy the Benefits Now: Finally, remember that any improvements you make will benefit you as long as you live there. Many homeowners report greater enjoyment of their property after sprucing up the yard – more pride in their home and more desire to spend time outdoors. So even if you don’t recoup every dollar, you’re gaining in quality of life. Fortunately, as we’ve seen, a lot of landscaping projects do pay you back when you sell, making it a win-win.

Summary of Findings

Landscaping plays a pivotal role in maximizing home sale profitability. In 2024 and 2025’s competitive market, well-landscaped homes are commanding higher prices and attracting more buyers. On average, good landscaping can add roughly 15–20% to your home’s value​ a sizable bump. The most profitable investments tend to be those that boost curb appeal and expand usable outdoor space without excessive cost. Basic lawn and yard maintenance yield the highest ROI (often over100%​ essentially paying for themselves at sale. Strategic upgrades like adding a patio or an outdoor kitchen also come close to full payback, while making your home more enjoyable in the meantime.

In short, yes – landscaping really does increase home value, often in a very cost-effective way. As one landscape industry CEO summed up: improving curb appeal with a healthy green yard “helps the environment, increase home values, make communities more desirable, and improve people’s mental and physical health.” It’s hard to argue with that. If you’re looking to sell (or just build equity), investing a bit of time and money into your yard is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Below is a quick list of some high-ROI landscaping ideas to consider:

High-ROI Landscaping Ideas to Boost Home Value

• Lawn Care (Mowing & Fertilizing): Keep the grass lush and weed-free. This top-performer can return over 200% of what you spend​gaar.com, dramatically improving first impressions.
• Landscape Maintenance: Fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, and seasonal flowers go a long way. Basic upkeep has about a 100% ROI​gaar.com – essentially adding at least as much value as it costs.
• Overall Landscape Upgrade: Add some wow factor with new plants, a flagstone walkway, or stone edging. A moderate upgrade project (shrubs, a young tree, planters, etc.) often yields a 100% return​bhg.com​bhg.com while making the home more inviting.
• Patio or Deck Installation: Create an outdoor living space. A new patio (pavers on a gravel base) can recoup roughly 95% of its cost​bhg.com, and a wood deck around 85–90%​bhg.com. You’ll attract buyers seeking usable outdoor areas.
• Outdoor Kitchen: For higher-end homes, an outdoor kitchen (built-in grill, counters, maybe a fridge) is a hot feature. Typical ROI is ~100%​bhg.com​bhg.com – so it can be a break-even investment that sets your listing apart.
• Tree Planting & Care: Plant shade trees and keep existing trees healthy. While ROI is a bit harder to quantify (one report cites ~87% cost recovery for professional tree care)​bhg.com​bhg.com, trees boost curb appeal, provide shade, and can make your home sell faster. Over time, mature trees can add thousands to property value.

Each home is unique, so consider your climate, neighborhood, and budget when choosing projects. But as these ideas show, you don’t need to spend a fortune – even modest landscaping improvements can yield outsized returns in both value and enjoyment. By investing in your yard, you’re not just growing plants; you’re growing the value of your home.

Sources:

1. Bankrate – Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?​bankrate.com​bankrate.com
2. National Assoc. of Realtors (NAR) – 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features​gaar.com​gaar.com
3. Better Homes & Gardens – 11 Landscaping Projects That Can Boost Your Home’s Value​bhg.com​bhg.com
4. Meadows Farms (Landscape Experts) – Landscaping Benefits to Property Values​meadowsfarms.com​meadowsfarms.com
5. NALP & NAR Survey – Remarks by Britt Wood (NALP CEO) on curb appeal’s value​gaar.com