If a house is a story, the landscape is the opening line. Buyers feel it before they see it on a spec sheet, and appraisers notice it even if they do not itemize it. Well-planned landscaping typically returns 100 to 200 percent of its cost in resale value, depending on market and scope. That range reflects a simple truth: not every project pays the same. Some upgrades change how a property functions, looks, and sells. Others look flashy and drain money later.
I have walked job sites where a modest front bed, a tidy edge, and two well-placed trees made people stop at the curb. I have also seen expensive water features sit idle because maintenance scared buyers off. The difference is not budget, it is strategy. Here is what consistently adds value to a home, supported by data from appraisers, Realtor surveys, and long-run cost performance.
The curb appeal hierarchy: first impressions that convert
A buyer’s decision to schedule a viewing is shaped within seconds by frontage and approach. Curb appeal is not a single item, it is a composite: lawn health, bed definition, walkway design, foundation planting, and lighting. When those elements line up, the home reads as cared for. That perception reduces time on market and strengthens negotiation leverage.
Front walkways carry more weight than homeowners expect. A paver walkway or a well-laid flagstone walkway signals permanence, guides guests, and sets the tone for the entrance design. Consider width and texture as much as material. A minimum of 42 inches feels comfortable for two people side by side. A stone walkway with strong edge restraint outlasts loose stepping stones or a patchwork garden path that heaves with frost. If the budget is tight, a concrete walkway with a broom finish and crisp lawn edging still lands well and requires little upkeep.
Foundation planting should frame, not hide, the home. Buyers react to proportion. Ornamental grasses and layered shrub planting soften hard edges while keeping sight lines open. Avoid plants that grow leggy and block windows within a few years. Perennial gardens with defined bloom succession outshine annual flowers that demand constant refresh.
Landscape lighting pulls overtime value for a comparatively small spend. Low voltage lighting along the paver walkway, a subtle wash on the façade, and a few downlights in trees create depth and security. The effect helps evening showings and makes listing photos pop. LED systems sip energy and last tens of thousands of hours if the connections are clean and the transformer is right-sized.
Lawns: where “good enough” beats “golf course”
A healthy, even lawn remains a value driver in most markets. It reads as usable space and suggests good drainage and maintenance. That said, you do not need a fairway. Aim for uniformity, not perfection.
If the existing turf is thin or patchy, a lawn renovation with overseeding and lawn aeration can transform it for a fraction of the cost of full sod installation. Overseeding after core aeration, timed with soil temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, improves seed-to-soil contact and germination. Many regions see the best results in early fall when soil is warm and nights cool. If you need instant coverage for a listing, sodding services deliver a carpeted look in a day, but budget for irrigation to establish the sod in the first two to three weeks.
Weed control only adds value when it’s part of a complete lawn treatment plan that includes soil amendment, proper mowing height, and balanced lawn fertilization. Over-application of high-nitrogen fertilizer makes grass surge, then crash, and leaves thatch. Dethatching helps, but it is a symptom fixer. Address compaction, organic matter, and watering first. Smart irrigation reduces waste and keeps turf consistent. Pair a modern irrigation system with matched precipitation rate nozzles and a weather-based controller for even coverage.
Artificial turf or synthetic grass can be a win in small, high-use areas where natural grass struggles, such as narrow side yards, pet runs, or shaded courtyards. Use caution over large areas. Some buyers worry about heat, runoff, and replacement cycles, and they are not wrong. Quality turf lasts 10 to 20 years with good turf maintenance, but edge seams and infill care matter. Choose turf installation with proper base and drainage; avoid laying over compacted clay without a drainage system.
Trees and shade: the quiet compounding asset
Properly placed trees are the single best long-term value add. A mature shade tree can cut cooling costs by 15 to 30 percent and raise perceived property value. The caveat is time and placement. Tree planting should respect utilities, roof lines, and mature spread. A maple planted ten feet from a foundation is not an asset, it is a hazard and a future expense. Think 20 to 30 feet for large-canopy trees on the southwest side to temper afternoon sun. For speed-to-benefit, use a mix of medium-size ornamentals, fast growers with managed roots, and a few long-haul canopy species.
Native plant landscaping earns returns through lower inputs and resilience. Native trees and shrubs attract pollinators and require less water once established. They also align with sustainable landscaping trends that many buyers value. Avoid the trap of pure novelty. A yard full of unusual specimens can intimidate. Blend natives with familiar structure: evergreen backbone, layered understory, and seasonal accents.
Pathways and driveways: function that reads as luxury
Driveway installation rarely gets credit in listing copy, yet it shapes daily experience and first impressions. An old, cracked concrete driveway drags value down. A resurfaced concrete driveway or a clean paver driveway reads as upgraded. Driveway pavers cost more upfront but can be repaired by section, and permeable pavers help with stormwater management, which appeals in areas with drainage regulations and heavy rainfall. If you opt for permeable pavers, invest in proper base depth, washed aggregate, and edge restraint. That is where most failures start.
Walkway installation should follow desire lines. Watch how people and pets move. Then use pathway design to formalize those routes with materials that suit the architecture. Flagstone walkway under shade with a gravel joint feels organic, while a concrete walkway with saw-cut joints suits modern lines. Stepping stones can complement a garden path, but keep gaps at a comfortable stride and set stones flush to avoid trip hazards.
Drainage: the unglamorous upgrade that protects value
Water management belongs near the top of the list for return on investment. Buyers do not line up for a tour of your french drain, but they walk away from wet basements, soggy lawns, and frost-heaved patios. Drainage solutions protect structures, hardscape, and plantings. Start with surface drainage, grading soil to move water away from the foundation at a minimum slope of 2 percent for at least 5 to 10 feet. Add swales and a catch basin if needed. A french drain along problem areas intercepts subsurface water; a dry well can handle roof leader discharge where municipal tie-ins are not available.
I have seen patios fail within three winters because a contractor ignored freeze-thaw cycles and perched a paver base on saturated soil. The fix cost more than doing it right. If you see standing water for more than 24 hours after a storm, address it before investing in lawn repair, plant installation, or hardscape. Appraisers notice signs of poor yard drainage and adjust values.
Planting design that ages well
Planting design returns value when it balances structure, color, and maintenance. The 5 basic elements of landscape design still apply: line, form, texture, color, and scale. Most homes benefit from clear bed lines that lead the eye, shrubs that hold winter interest, and perennials that bloom in waves. Ground cover installation suppresses weeds and knits spaces together. Mulch installation helps conserve moisture and unify beds, but avoid the “mulch volcano” against trunks. Two to three inches is plenty, pulled back from the bark.
Raised garden beds and container gardens are attractive to a growing number of buyers who want kitchen herbs and vegetables. They read as lifestyle, not just decor. Keep them tidy and sized to the space. A couple of cedar beds with drip irrigation beats a sprawling, weedy plot.
Ornamental grasses add movement and texture, especially in fall, but choose sizes that match the space. Miscanthus can quickly overwhelm small beds. Perennial gardens with a backbone of evergreen shrubs provide year-round structure so the yard does not feel empty in winter.
Irrigation that is smart, not wasteful
An irrigation system should be invisible in experience and data. Smart irrigation with a weather-based controller reduces water use by 20 to 40 percent over old fixed timers. Drip irrigation for beds puts water where it is needed and keeps foliage dry, which reduces disease. Sprinkler system heads should be matched to the space. Use rotary nozzles for larger turf and strip nozzles along narrow side yards to avoid overspray.
Irrigation installation is not set-and-forget. Spring open and fall winterization matter, as do periodic checks for leaks and clogged filters. If you inherit a system, schedule irrigation repair before the peak heat. Buyers appreciate seeing a labeled controller with zones mapped. It signals care and reduces the fear of surprise water bills.
Lighting: small spend, big lift
Landscape lighting extends utility and safety, which pushes value beyond looks. Focus on three layers: path lights for safe walking, downlighting or moonlighting for ambiance, and accent lighting for focal points like trees or stonework. Low voltage lighting is safer and easier to expand than line voltage in residential settings. Use warm color temperature around 2700 to 3000 Kelvin to avoid harsh tones. The difference between good lighting and a runway is restraint. Aim for contrast and shadows, not an evenly lit yard.
Hardscape that earns its footprint
The outdoor room trend is not a fad. Functional hardscapes such as patios, small seating terraces, and fire features can return 60 to 100 percent of cost, and they help sell the vision of usable square footage. Choose materials consistent with the house. A brick home paired with a paver patio that nods to the brick color feels cohesive. Concrete patios finish well with saw cuts and a simple border. Avoid intricate patterns that may date quickly unless the architecture calls for it.
If budget is tight, focus on a modest, well-built patio with good furniture staging, rather than sprawling footprints. Quality edge restraint, proper base, and drainage under the hardscape make or break longevity.
What to do first: order of operations that saves money
Every successful project starts with a plan tied to the house, site, and budget. Here is a compact sequence that avoids rework and accelerates value:
- Fix water first: grading, drainage installation, and downspout extension so the site sheds water correctly. Solve access and surfaces: driveway design, paver walkway or concrete walkway, and any patio footprints. Run infrastructure: irrigation system sleeves, low voltage conduit, and any gas lines before planting. Build soil and plant structure: topsoil installation, soil amendment, tree planting, and shrub planting. Finish edges: lawn seeding or sod, mulch installation, and landscape lighting adjustments.
This order keeps you from tearing up new sod for a sprinkler line or trenching across fresh pavers for a lighting run. It also shows progress in a way that keeps morale high if you are phasing the work.
Seasonal timing: when projects stick and survive
Is it better to do landscaping in fall or spring? For most temperate regions, fall is the best time to plant perennials, trees, and shrubs. Soil is warm, air is cool, and roots establish without heat stress. Spring is ideal for lawn seeding and sodding services, especially after soil temperatures rise and before summer heat. Hardscape can happen in most seasons if the ground is workable and base materials stay dry, though freeze-thaw cycles complicate compaction in winter.
The best time of year to landscape depends on your climate zone and the task. Irrigation installation and drainage system work can proceed once the ground is no longer frozen. Outdoor lighting is flexible year-round. Avoid installing artificial turf in extreme heat when infill and adhesives can behave unpredictably.
Maintenance that supports value without eating your weekends
How often should landscaping be done? That depends on the mix of plantings and hardscape. Lawn mowing typically runs weekly during the growing season, dropping to biweekly in shoulder seasons. Lawn fertilization ranges from two to four applications per year depending on soil tests and local recommendations. Shrubs benefit from selective pruning once or twice a year. A fall cleanup consists of leaf removal, perennial cutbacks, gutter checks, and protecting sensitive plants. It is also a good time to check drainage and edge lines.
How often should landscapers come? Many homeowners schedule monthly bed maintenance plus seasonal services. If you have a high-touch garden with annual flowers or formal hedges, biweekly visits may make sense. The most maintenance-free landscaping leans on native plant landscaping, ground covers, gravel or mulch in strategic areas, and drip irrigation. Xeriscaping in arid regions reduces water use, but still benefits from occasional weeding and top-ups of gravel or mulch.
How long will landscaping last? Hardscape can run 20 to 30 years when built right. Lighting systems last a decade or more with component swaps. Trees scale in value over decades. Turf is a short-cycle asset that needs ongoing turf maintenance or periodic lawn renovation. Choose materials and plants with lifespans that match your time horizon.
The money question: are landscaping companies worth the cost?
Is it worth paying for landscaping? On projects involving grading, drainage, hardscape, or complex planting design, yes. What are the benefits of hiring a professional landscaper? You get design sustainable landscape architecture solutions coherence, correct base prep, warranty, and speed. A pro sees the site as a system. The disadvantages of landscaping at the wrong price are real: overspec’d materials, high-maintenance plantings you did not want, and cookie-cutter layouts. Vet your contractor to avoid that.
How do I choose a good landscape designer? Look for a portfolio that resembles your home’s style and scale. Ask about water management, plant selection rationale, and maintenance planning. Request references, verify insurance, and ask who will be on site. What to ask a landscape contractor? Scope, timeline, base depths for pavers or concrete, drainage details, plant sizes at install, and how they handle change orders.
What to expect when hiring a landscaper? A site walk, concept plan, estimate, and a schedule. Proposals should outline what is included in landscaping services: demolition, haul-off, materials, labor, irrigation and lighting specifics, and warranties. Clarify what is included in a landscape plan: layout, plant list with sizes, materials, elevations for grade changes, and lighting or irrigation zones. The services of landscape firms range from lawn care and lawn maintenance to design-build outdoor renovation. Not every firm does everything. Some are lawn service and yard maintenance specialists. Others are full-service design-build. Know which you need.
Is a landscaping company a good idea for smaller tasks? It can be, especially for sod installation, irrigation repair, and tree planting where technique matters. What do residential landscapers do day to day? They mow, edge, weed, prune, fertilize, plant, build patios and walkways, install drainage, and manage irrigation. A professional landscaper is often called a landscape designer, landscape architect if licensed, or a landscape contractor depending on scope and credentials.
Cost-effective moves that punch above their weight
You do not need a huge budget to move value. The most cost-effective for landscaping often includes crisp lawn edging, refreshed mulch, pruning to reveal windows and architecture, and a repaired front walkway. Planting a pair of medium-caliper trees in strategic places beats a dozen small shrubs scattered at random.
What is an example of bad landscaping? I once saw three different decorative rocks in one front yard, plastic edging popping up like ribbon, and yews clipped into cubes blocking a bay window. It felt busy and small. Simplify, align with the house, and use repetition. The rule of 3 in landscaping helps: repeat a plant or material at least three times to tie a space together. The golden ratio in landscaping can guide bed width to house height, but use it as a nudge, not a cage.
Materials and methods: practical choices
Is plastic or fabric better for landscaping under mulch? For weed suppression in planting beds, a woven landscape fabric allows air and water exchange and discourages deep-rooted weeds, but it can complicate future planting and often peeks through as mulch breaks down. Plastic sheeting blocks water and suffocates soil life, so it belongs under gravel paths, not in living beds. A thick layer of organic mulch with periodic top-ups, combined with dense ground cover, handles most weeds without fabric.
Do I need to remove grass before landscaping? If you are building a new bed, yes, you need to strip turf or smother it with a proper method. Cutting with a sod cutter and amending soil produces faster results. Sheet mulching works if you can wait a season. Planting straight through sod leads to competition and poor establishment.
What is the best time to do landscaping? Aim for shoulder seasons. Plant in fall, install irrigation in late spring or early fall, and schedule hardscape when the forecast is dry. What order to do landscaping? Address water, then hard surfaces, then utilities, then plants, then finishing touches.
Security and resilience: defensive landscaping without the fortress look
What is defensive landscaping? It is using plant and layout choices to reduce risk: thorny shrubs under vulnerable windows to deter access, gravel along side yards that crunch under foot, and lighting that removes dark hiding spots. Choose species that fit your climate and maintenance willingness. You can do this without an aggressive look by using plants like rugosa rose or barberry in measured areas and balancing them with soft textures elsewhere. Good sight lines at corners improve driving safety and pedestrian feel.
Backyards that sell the lifestyle
What adds the most value to a backyard? Usability. A flat area for a table, a path that keeps shoes clean, shade at the right time of day, and enough lawn for play if your market values it. Fire pits and simple outdoor kitchens return value when they suit the scale of the home. Overbuilt kitchens with appliances you never use can turn into maintenance liabilities. A small, well-lit seating area near the house gets more use than a remote pad at the back fence.
Native plant landscaping around the edges, a perennial garden near the patio, and ground cover along fences read as finished. Add a drip line for containers on a deck so they thrive without daily attention. For pet owners, a durable surface such as pea gravel run or a slice of synthetic grass in a side yard keeps the main lawn healthier.
How long do landscapers usually take?
Timelines vary with scope. A front yard refresh with pruning, mulch, and a walkway repair can take two to five days. A full yard redesign with patio, irrigation installation, drainage system, and planting might run two to six weeks, longer if permits or weather intervene. Phasing projects can keep you living comfortably during work and spread costs.
Yard systems that work together
Think of the property in three main parts of a landscape: public front yard, private backyard, and the service side yard. Each has different needs. The front yard carries curb appeal and access. The backyard carries function and privacy. The side yard carries utilities, storage, and often yard drainage routes. Plan each so they support each other. Do not run a downspout into the neighbor’s yard or across a walkway that will freeze. Tie leaders into a catch basin and dry well if needed.
Design process in plain terms
How to come up with a landscape plan? Walk the site in different light and weather. Note wet spots, routes, and views you like and dislike. Sketch the forms of beds and patios to scale. Then choose plants for function first, looks second. What are the 7 steps to landscape design? Site inventory, functional diagram, form composition, planting design, materials selection, technical details like drainage and irrigation, and phasing. What are the four stages of landscape planning? Research, concept, design development, and implementation. They overlap in practice, but the structure helps.
What is included in landscaping services on a maintenance contract? Mowing, edging, weeding, pruning, lawn treatment, seasonal cleanups, and sometimes irrigation checks. Clarify turf versus bed maintenance in the contract to avoid surprises. What is the difference between landscaping and lawn service? Lawn service is turf-focused, while landscaping includes design, hardscape, planting, irrigation, lighting, and often carpentry or masonry. The difference between lawn service and landscaping matters when you set expectations for expertise and cost.
Value traps to avoid
Not every trend adds value. Water features look beautiful when cared for, but pumps, algae, and winterization can scare buyers. High-maintenance annual flower programs burn cash without long-term payoff unless you are staging for sale and need a short-term burst. Overly specific backyard sports installations narrow your buyer pool. Poor-quality pavers without edge restraint and adequate base will creep and fail. Skip low-grade materials outdoors; the weather will test them.
When to spend, when to save
Should you spend money on landscaping? If you plan to sell within a year, focus spend on curb appeal, drainage fixes, walkway installation, and targeted planting. If you intend to stay 5 to 10 years, invest in trees, irrigation, and hardscapes you will use. What is most cost-effective for landscaping over time? Do the basics well, keep beds simple, use mulch and ground covers, and maintain a right-sized lawn. Avoid the cycle of ripping and replanting every two years.
Is it worth spending money on landscaping if the neighborhood is modest? Yes, within context. You do not need a magazine cover yard to lead your market. Clean, healthy, and functional beats ornate. Landscaping is a compounding asset when it reads as care and avoids future buyer worry.
A final pass at the valuation question
What type of landscaping adds value? The kind that solves problems and frames the home. If I had to name the top performers that most consistently return value:
- Drainage and grading that keep structures dry and surfaces stable. An upgraded entry: paver walkway or clean concrete, foundation planting, and landscape lighting. A healthy, uniform lawn or well-defined low-water alternative tied to climate. Shade and structure from well-placed trees and layered shrubs. A modest, well-built patio that extends living space with cohesive materials.
Those elements work across regions and price points. They carry less maintenance risk and align with what buyers say they want: a home that feels cared for, looks welcoming, and works in daily life.
If you are weighing DIY versus hiring, start with an honest audit of your time and the technical stakes. Grade, base preparation, and irrigation design are unforgiving. Pruning, bed shaping, and mulching are accessible for many homeowners. Why hire a professional landscaper? For design coherence, the right order of operations, and execution that lasts. Is a landscaping company worth the cost? When the scope touches water, stone, or electricity, it almost always is.
Done right, landscaping does not just add value at resale. It pays rent every day in shade, cleaner entries, calmer views out your windows, and fewer chores. Those are returns worth measuring.
Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design
Address: 600 S. Emerson St. Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (312) 772-2300
Website: https://waveoutdoors.com