Yes. Clean landscaping can raise buyer trust and improve curb appeal. Research from the National Association of REALTORS® shows many outdoor projects recover a large share of their cost. Focus on front-yard basics, safe paths, drainage, and steady upkeep.
Does landscaping increase home value?
Yes, when it improves curb appeal, fixes outdoor problems, and makes the yard feel easy to own. Buyers judge the home before they step inside. A messy yard can lower trust fast. A clean yard can raise confidence fast. If you want local help, start at Better Way Land Management .
How landscaping impacts resale and perception
Landscaping affects value in two simple ways. It changes what buyers feel. It also changes what buyers fear.
Most buyers decide if a home “feels right” within seconds. They look for signs of care. They also scan for risk. A patchy lawn, weeds, and overgrown shrubs can suggest neglect. Buyers may then wonder about the roof, plumbing, or HVAC. That doubt can push offers down.
A clean front yard does the opposite. It suggests the home has been maintained. It supports better listing photos. It can increase showing interest. It can also reduce buyer pushback during negotiations.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has reported that curb appeal work is one of the most common pre-listing recommendations from agents. In its outdoor remodeling report, NAR also shares resale “cost recovery” estimates for several landscape and outdoor projects. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
If you want help turning these buyer-focused upgrades into a clean, finished front yard, explore Landscaping Services Toledo for local project support.
What is landscape design and why buyers care
What is landscape design? It is the plan for how the outdoor space looks and works.
Landscape design includes three parts.
- Softscaping means grass, plants, soil, and mulch.
- Hardscaping means patios, walkways, retaining walls, and edging.
- Site function means drainage, grading, and safe access.
Buyers care because good layout feels simple. They want to understand the yard fast. They want to see how they will walk to the door. They want space for kids, pets, or a chair. They also want less maintenance stress.
A buyer-friendly yard follows clear relationships. The front path leads to the door. Beds frame the home. Drainage moves water away from the foundation. Lighting improves safety at night. These are practical signals.
When the yard is clear and tidy, buyers focus on the home’s features. They stop thinking about “work I must do.”
Highest-ROI landscaping upgrades (front yard focus)
If you can only improve one area, start in front. The front yard drives first impression. It also drives photos. Listing photos often show the front first. That means the front yard is part of your marketing.
The highest-ROI work is often not fancy. It is basic, visible, and complete.
Front-yard upgrades that often support resale include a healthy lawn, trimmed shrubs, clean edges, and refreshed beds. These changes help because they are easy to see. They also read as “care.”
NAR’s outdoor remodeling report includes items like lawn care and landscape maintenance with strong resale recovery estimates in many markets. The report also explains that recovery varies by home and region. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
Table: Front-yard upgrades buyers notice first
| Upgrade | What it changes for buyers | Why it can support value |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn cleanup and mowing | The yard looks cared for | Reduces “neglect” signals |
| Shrub pruning | Windows and entry look open | Improves light and visibility |
| Edging lines | Yard looks planned | Makes photos look sharper |
| Bed refresh (mulch or stone) | Color contrast improves | Looks newer and cleaner |
| Clear path to door | Movement feels easy | Improves safety and access |
If you want help with curb appeal work, start with landscaping services that focus on clean, simple results that photograph well.
For more information visit How to Landscape Your Front Yard?
How to landscape your front yard (simple step-by-step)
You do not need a complex plan. You need a clean process. The goal is a front yard that looks complete.
Step 1: Do a “street view” check
Stand across the street. Look at the home for 10 seconds. Ask one question. “Does this look cared for?” If your eyes stop on weeds, bare soil, or messy shrubs, fix those first. Buyers will stop there too.
Step 2: Remove the negatives before adding positives
Pull weeds. Remove dead plants. Cut back overgrowth. Clear debris. Clean the entry area. A clean base makes every upgrade look better. This step also protects your budget. Many sellers buy plants too early. Then they hide the real problem.
Step 3: Open the entry and the windows
Trim shrubs away from the door area. Keep plants off the walkway. Make the front door easy to see. Buyers want a clear “welcome” line. This is also a safety signal. A visible entry feels safer.
Step 4: Define edges for a finished look
Edges create order. Without edges, yards look unfinished. Use clean cut lines or solid edging. Keep it consistent. One style looks calm. Too many styles look messy.
Step 5: Refresh beds with mulch or stone
Choose one color and one material. Spread evenly. Keep it neat. Do not pile mulch against tree trunks. This small change can transform photos. It also reduces visual clutter.
Step 6: Repair thin lawn areas
Patchy grass is one of the biggest “neglect” signals. Buyers may not say it. They still feel it. Rake out dead areas. Add soil where needed. Seed and water. Keep foot traffic off new seed.
Step 7: Add simple plants in small groups
Use fewer plant types. Repeat them. It looks cleaner and easier to maintain. Avoid high-maintenance plants if you are selling soon. Buyers do not want chores.
Hardscaping ROI (patios, walkways, retaining walls)
Hardscaping can add value when it adds function. Function matters because buyers can picture daily life.
A safe walkway matters. It removes trip risks. It improves flow. It also supports curb appeal.
A patio can create a “useable space” story. Buyers can imagine a table or chairs. That can raise perceived value.
Retaining walls matter when they solve a slope problem. They can reduce erosion. They can create a flat area. NAR’s outdoor report includes strong resale recovery estimates for some outdoor builds like patios and decks, when done well. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
Table: Hardscaping value by buyer benefit
| Feature | Buyer benefit | Best time to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Walkway or steps | Safe, clear entry | When path is cracked or uneven |
| Patio | Outdoor living space | When yard has usable flat area |
| Retaining wall | Slope control | When erosion or settling is visible |
If the driveway or approach looks worn, improving access can strengthen first impression. Consider driveway installation and repair when cracks, dips, or loose edges stand out.
Drainage and grading improvements
Drainage is not always pretty, but it is powerful for value. Water problems can lower offers fast. They also trigger inspection concerns.
A yard that holds water after rain can signal grading issues. Water near the foundation can raise worry. Buyers may fear basement moisture or long-term damage.
FEMA guidance for homeowners recommends moving stormwater away from buildings. It notes that grading and site changes can help reduce risk. (Federal Emergency Management Agency, homeowner flood protection guidance)
Building science guidance also supports grading away from foundations to reduce moisture risk. (U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center guidance)
Drainage work can include correcting grade, extending downspouts, adding swales, or improving soil flow. The right fix depends on the site. If you see pooling water or erosion, a professional grading service can improve drainage and reduce buyer objections.
Healthy lawn & seeding benefits (instant clean look)
A healthy lawn creates a “clean” frame around the home. It makes the house look sharper. It also improves photos. Buyers often read lawn quality as a sign of overall care. It is not always fair. It is still real.
NAR reports strong resale recovery estimates for standard lawn care and landscape maintenance in many situations. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
If your yard needs heavier cleanup before seeding, clearing thick brush or debris can help the lawn recover. In that case, land and lot clearing can make the property look open and ready.
Mulch or stone refresh for fast curb appeal
Fresh mulch or stone is one of the fastest curb appeal upgrades. It creates contrast. It also hides minor soil stains. It makes beds look intentional.
Buyers like clean borders and simple patterns. That is why consistency matters. One mulch color across the front usually looks best. Keep it neat around tree bases. Leave space at the trunk. This helps tree health.
A refreshed bed also helps the “maintenance” story. It suggests the seller has kept up with the home.
Lighting upgrades for safety
Lighting supports safety. It also supports comfort during showings. Many showings happen in late afternoon. In some seasons, that means darker hours.
Path lighting can make steps and edges easy to see. Entry lighting helps buyers feel safe at the door. Lighting can also make the home feel more welcoming.
NAR includes landscape lighting among outdoor projects measured for resale recovery estimates. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
A small lighting upgrade can be enough. The goal is safe visibility. The goal is not a bright stadium look.
Maintenance plans: keeping value year-round
Landscaping does not hold value if it falls apart. A yard can look great for one weekend. Buyers may visit again. Inspectors may return. Photos may be updated.
A simple maintenance plan protects curb appeal during the listing period. This plan often includes mowing, trimming, weed control, and seasonal cleanup. It also includes keeping beds tidy and edges sharp.
Tree health is part of that story too. Overgrown branches can block light. Dead limbs can scare buyers. If the canopy looks risky, use tree services to improve safety and appearance.
What works best for value and what to avoid
Not all outdoor spending helps resale. Some upgrades improve value. Others just reflect personal taste.
The best value usually comes from removing negatives first. Then add simple, buyer-friendly improvements.
Table: Value-focused upgrades vs risky upgrades
| Area | Value-focused choice | Risky choice |
|---|---|---|
| Front beds | One consistent mulch or stone | Mixed styles and colors |
| Plants | Low-maintenance and simple | High-maintenance or rare plants |
| Layout | Clear path and open entry | Crowded entry and blocked views |
| Safety | Fix cracks and uneven steps | Leave trip hazards in place |
| Water | Correct drainage and grading | Ignore pooling near foundation |
A yard that is too personal can limit buyers. A yard that is too complex can feel like work. A yard that is clean and simple feels easy.
A research-backed look at ROI (what the data says)
Many sellers ask for one number. They want “how much value will it add?” Real life is more complex. ROI depends on the market, the home’s condition, and the work quality.
Still, you can use trusted industry research to guide decisions. In its outdoor remodeling report, NAR provides resale recovery estimates for several projects. It lists items like standard lawn care, landscape maintenance, overall landscape upgrades, patios, decks, and more. Some show strong recovery in many markets. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
Use those findings in a practical way. Spend on things buyers can see. Spend on problems buyers fear. Keep the style simple. Keep the work finished. That approach aligns with both curb appeal and inspection outcomes.
How landscaping changes buyer behavior
Example 1: The “hidden entry” problem
A home has large shrubs that block the front door. The lawn edges are uneven. Beds are full of weeds. The home may be solid inside. Buyers still feel uneasy.
After trimming, edging, and a bed refresh, the entry becomes clear. The yard looks maintained. Buyer questions shift from “What’s wrong?” to “How big is the living room?” This shift matters because buyer attention is limited.
Example 2: The “water pooling” problem
A yard holds water near the foundation after rain. The grass stays soggy. Buyers notice. They ask about basement moisture.
After grading correction and improved runoff flow, the yard dries faster. Buyers stop focusing on water risk. They focus on home features instead. If the fix requires digging or shaping the site, excavation can support proper drainage and stable ground.
Example 3: The “trip hazard” problem
A cracked walkway and uneven approach makes the home feel unsafe. Buyers may think repairs will be costly.
After walkway repair, the entry feels safe. The home feels more “move-in ready.”
FAQs
Does landscaping increase home value in every market?
Landscaping does not add the same value everywhere. But curb appeal and visible care affect buyers in most markets. NAR reports that agents often recommend curb appeal improvements before listing. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
How much does landscaping increase home value?
It depends on what you improve and how well it is done. NAR provides resale recovery estimates for several outdoor projects. Those estimates vary by region and home condition. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
What landscaping adds the most value fast?
Front-yard basics often help the most. Clean mowing lines, trimmed shrubs, weed-free beds, and refreshed mulch change the look quickly. These improvements also reduce buyer doubt.
Do patios and walkways increase home value?
They can when they improve safety and function. NAR includes patios and decks in its outdoor project data. Proper build quality matters. (National Association of REALTORS®, Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, 2023)
Is it worth fixing drainage before selling?
Yes when water pools near the home or the yard stays soggy. FEMA guidance supports draining stormwater away from buildings and notes grading can help reduce risk. (Federal Emergency Management Agency, homeowner flood protection guidance)
What is landscape design and do I need it to sell?
Landscape design is the plan for layout, plants, and outdoor function. You may not need a full redesign. You do need a clean entry, tidy beds, safe access, and stable drainage.
Should I remove a tree stump before listing?
Often yes if it looks unfinished or creates a trip risk. A stump can also make mowing harder. Removing it can improve the “finished” look. For help, see tree stump grinding and removal .
How do I know what to fix first?
Fix what buyers fear first. Water issues and safety hazards come first. Then improve curb appeal basics. Then add simple upgrades like mulch and lighting.
Table: A simple landscaping plan
| Timeline | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 weeks before photos | Cleanup, trimming, edging, lawn fixes | Strong listing photos |
| 1–2 weeks before first showings | Mulch refresh, path repairs, lighting check | Better first impression |
| Weekly during listing | Mow, weed, tidy, quick touch-ups | Keep resale readiness high |
This plan works because it matches buyer behavior. Buyers notice the basics first. They also notice inconsistency fast.
Ready to Improve Your Property in Toledo? Get a Free Quote
If you want landscaping that supports resale readiness, focus on curb appeal, safe access, and drainage correction. Better Way Land Management helps Toledo-area homeowners create clean, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that buyers trust.
To get pricing and a clear plan for your property, use the contact page to request a free quote.