If you’re selling your home, there are a few steps you can take to boost its value. One of them is adding landscaping features that will make it more desirable to prospective buyers.
To succeed, create a strategy and put it into action. Begin with some small improvements and gradually build upon them over months or years.
1. Trees
Trees can transform your backyard into a valuable asset by adding visual interest, softening hard lines and providing natural habitats for wildlife. Furthermore, trees offer protection to those living nearby by decreasing crime rates and increasing community spirit.
They can help reduce energy costs by decreasing air conditioning and heating requirements, breaking cold winds to reduce heating bills, and providing a cooling effect.
A healthy tree requires the correct combination of soil, water and air as well as stability and protection from temperature extremes. Soil is vital for tree health because it stores nutrients, absorbs water, allows roots to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, and supports their root system.
It’s essential to select the appropriate species of trees for your yard and region. Common tree groups include pteridophytes (seedless vascular plants), gymnosperms (conifers and cycads), and angiosperms (flowering plants). To learn more about these different kinds of trees, contact your county Extension office.
2. Pergolas
Are you in love with your backyard but wish it had more style and space? Pergolas are an ideal way to create an inviting outdoor living area.
They can be an excellent way to help your plants flourish. Clematis, ivy and wisteria all benefit from having extra room in which to grow.
A pergola can be custom built by a landscape professional or purchased as part of an assembly kit. Either way, adding one to your garden will give it an eye-catching flair that could potentially boost its resale value.
Building structures from wood and aluminum is often more affordable than other options, while typically lasting 10 to 12 years if taken care of properly.
3. Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are the latest trend in creating outdoor living spaces that make a house feel more like home. In fact, 78 percent of Americans made upgrades to their backyards in 2020; one of the most popular was adding an outdoor kitchen.
If you’re thinking of selling your home soon or simply want a great space to entertain guests and family, an outdoor kitchen is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
Another advantage of cooking outdoors is that it helps lower your energy bills, since your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard. This is especially true during summer months when temperatures tend to be higher and humidity levels.
Additionally, an outdoor kitchen keeps food odors out of the indoor space, leaving everything smelling refreshed and clean. This is especially beneficial for those who enjoy cooking seafood or other foods with strong aromas.
4. Lighting
If you want to enhance the value of your backyard, installing lighting can help. Not only will this increase safety and security, but it will also add a beautiful aesthetic touch.
Lights can also draw attention to architectural features of your house and garden, like ponds, fountains, patios, and pergolas. Furthermore, they make the area more inviting for guests who might be encouraged to come outside for evening dinners and parties.
Landscape lighting is one of the most sought-after home improvement trends, and for good reason. Not only does it add visual interest to your property’s design and architecture, but it can also create a secure outdoor area for families to enjoy, increasing its resale value when you decide to sell.
