Of all the hobbies out there, gardening very well may be the most popular. The National Gardening Association reported that 77% of American households have gardens, 35% of those households are growing their own fruits and veggies. With so many people gardening, it’s understandable for people to wonder whether or not gardens increase property value when you’re selling your home.
To answer that, it really depends on the type of garden you have. Landscaped gardens that consist of applying mulch annually, mowing the lawn, pruning shrubbery, and planting flowers can run into the thousands of dollars to maintain every year.
Landscaping cost vs added value
There’s been a lot of research into this very topic and based on the data, landscaping can add significant value to your property. In 2019, 75% of top rated real estate agents say that a well-landscaped home can be worth between 1% to 10% more than similar properties with little to no landscaping. Homeowners who put a lot of effort and money into your landscaping, your home will be more valuable to buyers – depending on where you live.
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, homeowners should invest 10% of their home’s value into the landscaping and you could increase the value of your home by 5% to 15%. But, that doesn’t mean that you should sink tens of thousands of dollars in a bevy of expensive flowers, shrubs, and apple trees. Landscape architecture goes beyond just the flora – it includes features like lighting, fire pits, walkways, patios, swimming pools and the like.
What kind of garden do buyers dislike?
There are so many different ways that a gardener can cultivate the garden of their dreams, but that doesn’t mean buyers are going to love it too. Buyers usually don’t care for English gardens, koi ponds, or veggie gardens. And, in some cases, prospective buyers might just prefer having a dwelling unit rather than having a fancy garden in the yard. They might prefer such options as gardens could be difficult to maintain and backyard homes could be an extra income for them. If interested to learn more about such reliable options, you can read more about it by referring to a few online blogs or speaking with expert realtors in your vicinity.
What can you do to make your garden stand out?
Although not all buyers are going to fall in love with your garden, that doesn’t mean you have to rip everything up and put sod down everywhere. There are a few ways that you can turn your garden into a showstopper.
Keep up on maintenance
Regular maintenance is a major factor when it comes to how appealing your garden is. If there are weeds in the flower beds, the shrubs are overgrown, and there are piles of rotten leaves in between the plants… It’s going to be a big turn off for buyers. So, when you’re selling, you should definitely keep up on regular maintenance!
Simplicity is key
Buyers tend to shy away from high-maintenance gardens. Homes with simple gardens that feature low-maintenance plants, bright colored annuals, and fresh mulch tend to add the most value.
Don’t go overboard with the accessories
Your family may get you a lawn ornament every year for your birthday, but when it comes time to sell, you’re going to have to be a little choosy about what you keep out in the garden. You want people to admire the yard and garden, not your treasure trove of gnomes, mushrooms, and windmills. We recommend choosing a water feature like a birdbath or fountain and a bench where guests can relax and enjoy your lovely (but simple!) garden. Additionally, you can add a bit of lighting to make your water feature more enjoyable throughout the day. You might have to look up how to install lights in water fountain on the internet to get started.
To garden or not to garden, that is the question?
While it’s true that gardens and nice landscaping can add value to your home, you don’t want to go overboard. Buyers do appreciate a house with nice curb appeal and a well-maintained yard. For the majority of buyers, an elaborate garden is viewed as an expensive hassle that they can’t (or don’t want) to maintain. So when in doubt, keep your garden neat and simple!
Todd is an avid home blogger, with the goal of helping his readers find inspiration and ideas for their next project. He writes about everything from small design projects to large renovations. His goal is to help people transform their homes into something that reflects who they are.
