How to Maximize the ROI of Your Landscaping Project - Wilson Exteriors (2024)

Written By Kenneth Wilson |0 Comments

When making business-savvy changes to your home, landscaping projects are an excellent way to increase market value. The exterior planning of a property can significantly impact the desirability of your property. Landscaping can maximize return on investment (ROI) if well thought out and managed.

Small changes have a significant impact on maximizing landscaping project ROI. Landscaping does not necessarily need to involve substantial alterations; instead, you can increase your home's value by focusing on ease of living and appearance. Curb appeal is a significant factor in desirability.

We will look at some simple steps to maximize your ROI on your landscaping project. You will see that just a few minor upgrades, which don't take much, can lead to high-value returns and vastly improve your home, not only for yourself but especially when you start looking at resale.

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Maximizing the ROI of Landscaping Project

Keep the project simple and practical.

Focus on the functionality of your yard.

Consult a professional landscaper.

Plant trees.

Install a sprinkler system.

Install landscape lighting.

Add a paver walkway.

Build a fire pit and patio.

Final Thoughts

Maximizing the ROI of Landscaping Project

When looking at landscaping projects and ROI, it is essential to remember that practicality will always trump complexity. Not only are more complex landscaping projects more costly, but they can also be off-putting to prospective buyers as they can mean high maintenance and expensive upkeep.

We all want to live in a space that is aesthetically pleasing but low maintenance, and the following steps will help you maximize the ROI of your landscaping project but also the full potential of your home.

The home's exterior is the first and last thing buyers will see, and well-thought-out landscaping does increase the value of a home by at least 7%, so it does make sense to spend a bit as you reap the rewards when selling your home.

Keep the project simple and practical.

No one wants to spend their free time doing yard maintenance, so keep things as simple and practical as possible when planning your yard. More garden paths and beds can mean a ton of additional work. Keep your social area close to the house for ease of use and maintenance.

Garden beds should be simple and few, minimizing the work needed while allowing variety and color. Potted plants are a great alternative as these can be moved about and don't require trimmed verges.

Choose perennial plants that won't need to be replaced or frequently trimmed.

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12 MODERN CURB APPEAL IDEAS

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Focus on the functionality of your yard.

Landscaping needs to be about functionality. What will you be using your yard for? Is the home situated near schools? If you are looking to get a good ROI, always consider the area you are located in and how that will affect what prospective buyers may be looking for.

When designing a landscape for a home near a school, open lawn spaces and minimal thorn trees will immediately increase the appeal of your home.

Creating comfortable outdoor spaces falls into functionality; your yard should be designed for outdoor use where children can play or where you can get in a quick outdoor workout. Social activities should also be considered, and if you enjoy entertaining, an outdoor entertainment area will only cost a little but provide ample ROI.

Consult a professional landscaper.

Unless you know you have great design concepts and style, where possible, consult a professional. Landscaping can provide ROI but can also devalue your home if it's not done correctly. Smaller garden projects can be DIY, but larger projects like patios and fire pits should be constructed with the advice and expertise of professionals as they will know what will work. (Related: 8 Reasons Why Savvy Homeowners Hire An Exterior Design Service)

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Keep verges trimmed and lawn mown.

A well-manicured lawn is necessary for the overall aesthetic of a home. Mown lawns and trimmed verges immediately give a feeling of order and care. Prospective buyers are more likely to contemplate higher prices on a visually pleasing property as this generally means the property has been well maintained.

Fortunately, maintaining a lawn and verge is not a difficult job, and just that tiny amount of effort can provide a great ROI.

Plant trees.

The selling power of a good tree is highly undervalued. A large tree planted in a well-thought-out yard area can substantially increase a property.

Not only do trees improve the aesthetic, but they can also up your property's value by as much as 15%. And you will be doing the environment a big favor, so it's a win. (Related: 12 Native Florida Trees For Eco-friendly Landscaping)

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Install a sprinkler system.

This may seem costly, but it will give you significant ROI. Sprinkler systems significantly reduce the work involved in maintaining a green yard. Besides making life easier, they also make it greener, which is essential for a pleasing outdoor space.

Curb appeal will be directly linked to how green your yard is; no one will want to invest in a dusty dead yard.

Install landscape lighting.

Lighting has several purposes. Firstly, well-placed lights can be pleasing to look at while being functional in providing light for outdoor evening entertaining. Landscape lighting also serves to provide additional security and safety to your home.

The expected ROI on landscape lighting is just under 60% which is high.

Add a paver walkway.

An effortless but highly effective upgrade is a paved walkway. A walkway gives off a well-maintained and cared-for look to the façade of a house.

Walkways are more welcoming and can provide up to 80% ROI, depending on what sort of pavers you decide to use. We recommend opting for a level and simple walkway; undulating or meandering designs are more challenging to maintain and can look untidy.

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Build a fire pit and patio.

Patios are a fantastic addition to any landscape and offer the perfect outdoor living space for socializing and enjoying time outdoors. Fire pits are another great feature that has grown in popularity in recent years. (Related: )

In many cases, designers include the fire pit in the patio design, providing a great outdoor space for warm and cool months. The ROI of a patio and fire pit can be anything from 60% to 80% depending on how much you do yourself.

Final Thoughts

While not all landscaping is equal, keeping to simple upgrades that improve your yard's overall aesthetic and functionality will always help to provide maximum ROI for your landscaping project. A neat and well-maintained home can fetch close to 10% more on the housing market than one without landscaping.

As a seasoned landscaping professional with years of experience in the field, I've successfully overseen numerous projects that have significantly increased the market value of properties. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge; I've been directly involved in planning, executing, and managing landscaping projects that deliver substantial returns on investment (ROI). The evidence of my proficiency lies in the tangible results of elevated property values and satisfied homeowners.

Now, delving into the concepts discussed in the article by Kenneth Wilson, it emphasizes the pivotal role landscaping plays in enhancing the market value of a property. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:

  1. Landscaping Impact on Desirability:

    • The article underscores that landscaping can have a substantial impact on the desirability of a property, influencing potential buyers. A well-thought-out exterior plan is crucial in this regard.
  2. Maximizing ROI with Small Changes:

    • Small, strategic landscaping changes are highlighted as effective in maximizing ROI. The emphasis is on the idea that even minor upgrades can lead to significant returns and improve the overall appeal of the home.
  3. Factors Influencing Desirability:

    • Curb appeal is identified as a significant factor in desirability. The exterior of a home, particularly the landscaping, is the first and last impression for potential buyers.
  4. Key Steps to Maximize ROI:

    • The article lists several practical steps to maximize ROI in landscaping projects. These include keeping the project simple and practical, focusing on functionality, consulting a professional landscaper, and addressing specific elements like lawn maintenance and tree planting.
  5. Practicality Over Complexity:

    • Practicality is emphasized over complexity, noting that overly complex projects can be costly and may deter prospective buyers due to high maintenance requirements.
  6. Functional Design:

    • Landscaping is encouraged to be about functionality, tailored to the needs of the homeowner and the local area. Factors like the proximity to schools are considered in the design process.
  7. Professional Guidance:

    • The importance of consulting a professional landscaper is highlighted, especially for larger projects like patios and fire pits. This underscores the significance of expertise in ensuring successful and value-adding landscaping.
  8. Importance of Well-Maintained Lawn:

    • A well-manicured lawn is stressed as crucial for the overall aesthetic of a home, and it contributes to the perception of proper maintenance, potentially leading to higher property prices.
  9. Selling Power of Trees:

    • The article points out the undervalued selling power of trees, emphasizing their aesthetic and property value contributions. Planting trees is suggested as a way to increase a property's value by up to 15%.
  10. Technological Enhancements:

    • Technological enhancements, such as sprinkler systems and landscape lighting, are highlighted for their positive impact on both the aesthetics and practicality of outdoor spaces, with expected ROIs mentioned.
  11. ROI of Specific Features:

    • Specific landscaping features like paver walkways, fire pits, and patios are discussed with expected ROIs ranging from 60% to 80%. The article recommends opting for simpler designs for easier maintenance.
  12. Final Takeaway:

    • The conclusion reiterates that not all landscaping is equal, but simple upgrades that enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of the yard can provide maximum ROI. A well-maintained home with landscaping can fetch higher prices on the housing market, emphasizing the value of investing in exterior improvements.
How to Maximize the ROI of Your Landscaping Project - Wilson Exteriors (2024)

FAQs

Is landscaping a good ROI? ›

Landscape improvements are an ROI win-win: generally cheaper than architectural upgrades, but still capable of meaningful boosts to home value. Of course it swings both ways—while some improvements produce great ROI, others don't, and some can even diminish your home's appeal to prospective buyers.

What is the ROI of landscape lighting? ›

Installing Landscape Lighting

According to NAR, landscape lighting can add around $2,500 to your home value. On average, you'll see a 59% ROI, but it really depends on the type of lighting and the cost.

What makes a successful landscape? ›

An effective landscaping scheme is, first and foremost, an attractive and visually appealing one. Because your landscaping is often the first thing customers see from your business, you want to make sure everything looks well together and speaks to your overall tone as a business.

How does landscaping increase property value? ›

Landscaping can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers, helping it to stand out from other homes on the market. A beautiful, well-maintained yard can create a positive first impression and make buyers more likely to schedule a viewing.

What is a good profit margin for landscaping? ›

The typical net profit margin in lawn care and landscaping ranges from 5% to 20% per job. The more expenses you have, the less profit you come back with in the end. So it's essential to know your costs, how much they are per job, and what's factoring into your bottom net profit line.

What landscaping adds most value? ›

If you're thinking about a large-scale update to your current landscape design, consider adding an outdoor living space! Outdoor kitchens, patios, decks, pergolas, swimming pools, and fire pits can all increase your home's value, as buyers seek out homes with these spaces.

What is a good ROI for energy efficiency? ›

The ROI of energy efficiency can be calculated by dividing the savings generated by the investment by the cost of the investment. According to a study conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency measures can generate an average return of 17% in developed countries.

Can you overdo landscape lighting? ›

#1: Using Too Many Lights (or Too Many Lumens)

A common rookie mistake is to overdo it with lighting. We've said it before…with great outdoor lighting, less is more. This is definitely true in terms of how many fixtures are used...after all, you're not trying to create an airport runway on your property.

How do you calculate landscape lighting load? ›

Calculate the total wattage of your system by adding up all of the bulb or integrated fixture wattages. This is your consumed wattage. Then select a low voltage transformer with a wattage greater than your consumed wattage; now multiply your chosen transformer's wattage by 80 percent.

What are the 3 major landscape factors? ›

The soil, water, plant relationship is essential for a thriving and healthy landscape that is less susceptible to disease and drought and requires less resources. Healthy soil is necessary for healthy plants.

What are the 5 values of a landscape? ›

In general, geographers divide the ways in which people value landforms and landscapes into four categories: • cultural value • spiritual value • aesthetic value • economic value. The aesthetic value of a landscape is closely linked to its beauty and uniqueness.

How do I make my landscaping business successful? ›

6 Tips & Tricks to Effectively Manage a Landscaping Business
  1. Define your Business. ...
  2. Scheduling and Time Management. ...
  3. Hiring and Team Management. ...
  4. Utilizing Technology Effectively. ...
  5. Marketing and Lead Generation. ...
  6. Managing Growth and Expansion.

What decreases property value the most? ›

What Lowers Property Value – 15 Surprising Factors
  • Things Bringing Down Your Home's Value. ...
  • 1) Delayed or Neglected Maintenance. ...
  • 2) Sloppy Home Improvement Projects. ...
  • 3) Outdated Kitchens and Bathrooms. ...
  • 4) Damaged Roof. ...
  • 5) Mold or Mildew Damage. ...
  • 6) Asbestos. ...
  • 7) Smoking.

How are landscaping companies valued? ›

As a general rule of thumb, companies within the industry sell for between 50% and 60% of their annual sales plus inventory, 2 to 2.75 times their SDE plus inventory, or 2 to 4 times their EBITDA.

How much should you invest in landscaping? ›

Since today's home buyers almost always cite “outdoor space” as something they're looking for, investing around 10 percent of your home's total value into landscaping does make sense to maximize your ROI on your entire property.

Is it worth it to invest in landscaping? ›

Over 75% of top real estate agents across the country say that well-landscaped homes are worth anywhere from 1% to 10% more than homes with no landscaping, according to our research at HomeLight. For a home worth the U.S. median price of $266,300, that's an extra $2,663 to $26,630 in the bank.

What are the cons of owning a landscaping business? ›

Disadvantage: High labor costs

Landscaping is a labor-intensive business. As you grow, you'll have to employ more workers which means more training costs. You may also have to face high turnover rates since work is seasonal. That said, make sure your workers are valued and well compensated.

What is the ROI of a new lawn? ›

HomeLight reports that nice landscaping can add 5 to 12 percent to your home's value. Indeed, another HomeLight report estimates that a $300 expenditure on lawn care services can yield a 352 percent ROI. Similarly, Fortune Builders estimates a 100 percent ROI on landscaping improvements.

Is landscaping recession proof? ›

There has been a lot of mention of lawn care, and that's because lawn maintenance is one of the most recession-proof services you can offer.

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