Landscape design has a tremendous impact on the curb appeal and value of your home. If your landscape feels outdated it is not always necessary to start from scratch. Updating an existing landscape can be a faster, easier, and more cost-effective approach to giving your property a fresh appearance, and can greatly increase the value of your home.
When to Update Your Landscape
Even without starting from a blank slate, updating your landscape design can be an overwhelming project. The following situations are examples of where landscape redesign is worth considering, and may even make you money in the long run.
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The Overgrown Landscape
Overgrown landscaping may be causing problems you aren’t aware of, such as damaging underground water or septic pipes, gas lines, or electrical cables. Elevated utility lines could also be damaged by falling branches. An overgrown landscape will block views and could scratch your home’s siding, cause roof damage, and even crack concrete in the sidewalk, driveway or patio areas. All of these problems can lead to very costly repairs that a thoughtfully-designed landscape can avoid.
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The “For Sale” Landscape
If you plan on selling your home, the landscaping is one of the first things potential buyers will notice. Poorly maintained landscaping gives a bad first impression that could discourage buyers, while an updated landscape adds significant value and may increase the final sale price. A complicated landscape might put off buyers who aren’t interested in outdoor maintenance. A simple, fresh landscape design welcomes new owners to your home, and is a great choice for when you’re about to sell.
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The Unused Landscape
A lush lawn and ornamental plantings may be pretty, but they don’t necessarily add value to your home. Updating your landscape to include gardening space and edibles such as fruit trees, berry bushes, and fresh herbs, however, adds utility to your property and can even cut grocery bills. Similarly, a wide swath of lawn does no good to your quality of life if you don’t enjoy it – adding a recreation area, entertainment space, or other outdoor living space can be a fantastic value.
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The High Maintenance Landscape
Complicated gardens, plants that require extensive care, and lawns that need frequent fertilizing, weeding, and watering can be a significant financial drain on homeowners. Your landscape is primarily for enjoyment, not to create a second job. Updating your landscape to opt for lower-care options can be a way to modernize your property and reduce the time and money needed to keep it looking its best.
By updating your landscape, you can save both time and money, and you’ll find yourself enjoying your new landscape much more than any outdated design will allow for.
Ways to Update Your Landscape for the Most Value
Depending on your reasons for updating your landscape, there are many options that will add value to your property – both monetary and otherwise. Popular choices include…
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Widening Pathways
Wider pathways give your home a more welcoming, open feel that is ideal for entertaining. Existing paths can be expanded with pavers, bricks, gravel or mulch to make them broader. This is also a good time to be sure walkways are level and easy to navigate.
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Lighting Up
The right lighting can give your landscape a whole new look. Add lights to pathways, specimen plants, architectural features, or outdoor living areas to update your landscape and create a brighter, safer, more enjoyable space.
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Deepening Beds
Deep flowerbeds create a luxurious buffer around your home and provide space for additional plantings, such as a row of colorful annuals along the front edge of the bed. When deepening beds, you can also change their shape for a fresh, new look.
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Protecting Privacy
Landscaping that protects privacy is always desirable. Tall ornamental grasses, large containers, or fencing can create a more private space for you to enjoy. Consider enclosing a patio, blocking unwanted views, or otherwise sheltering your space for greater privacy.
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Casting Shade
Plants or structures that shade your home or outdoor spaces can help control temperature to make your outdoor area more comfortable and save on heating and cooling bills indoors. Planting trees or installing awnings, pergolas or other shade structures are the most popular options.
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New Niches
Creating a cozy niche in your landscape is a great way to encourage you to enjoy being outdoors. A comfortable hammock, swing or bench can lead to more time outdoors, a fire pit welcomes gatherings, or a meditation feature such as a fountain can be a peaceful addition to any property.
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Outdoor Rooms
For more formal entertaining, a complete outdoor room can add tremendous value to your property. An outdoor kitchen, grill, or bar is a great choice, or you might opt for an entertainment area complete with a television, fire pit, and extra seating. Looking for some inspiration? Be sure to check out our guide to outdoor patio ideas today!
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Trees
Trees are long-term investments that add wonderful value to your property. A small tree may not seem significant, but over the years it will grow into a luxurious specimen that provides shade and distinction, even fruit, depending on the type of tree.
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Sod
If it’s your lawn that needs updating, consider new sod for instant results. Replacing your grass with new sod will smooth out your lawn, remove weeds, repair bare or thin patches, and provide a luxurious footing all in one step.
No matter how you choose to update your existing landscape, our experts can help you find just the right options to refresh your property based on your needs and budget. Contact us today to see how we can bring new life to your old landscape!
