The Top 5 Landscape Projects That Add Value to Your Home

In 2018, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the National Association of REALTORS (REALTORS) issued the Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features. NALP reported the typical cost of 13 outdoor projects and REALTORS ranked each project by its appeal to buyers and estimate how much homeowners can recover the cost of the project if they choose to sell their home.  I’ll share the top five projects as they are ranked according to the most likely to add value to resale.

1. Landscape Maintenance Services.
Annual mulch application, mowing of 2,835 square feet of lawn, pruning of shrubs, and planting of approximately 60 perennials or annuals.
NALP cost estimate $3,000
REALTORS cost recovery estimate $3,000
ROI 100%


2. Overall Landscape Upgrade.
An overall upgrade includes the installation of a front walkway of natural flagstone 3 feet wide and 30 feet long. Add two stone planters six feet long and two feet wide. Install five flowering shrubs and one deciduous 15 foot tall tree. Mulch with landscaping bark.
NALP cost estimate $6,000
REALTORS cost recovery estimate $5,000
ROI 83%


3. Standard Lawn Care. 
Standard lawn care service includes six applications of fertilizer and weed control on 2,835 square feet of lawn.  
NALP cost estimate: $375
REALTORS cost recovery estimate: $1,000
ROI 267%

4. New Patio.
Install a backyard 18 foot by 16 foot concrete paver patio, dry set over compacted grave, and sand base.
NALP cost estimate: $7,200
REALTORS cost recovery estimate $5,000
ROI 69%

5. New Wood Deck.
Build a 14 foot deep by 18 foot wide wood deck attached to the house with a ledger. Decking, railing, and stair treads constructed with cedar lumber. All cedar is finished with a clear deck sealer.
NALP cost estimate: $10,000
REALTORS cost recovery estimate $8,000
ROI 80%

The majority of homeowners surveyed after completing these projects have a greater desire to be home, have an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home, and feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think of the projects. So not only are you adding value to your home, you’re also increasing your own personal enjoyment of your home, even if you aren’t quite ready to sell. 

Below are the other 7 outdoor projects in the report.

6. Tree Care. Three applications of tree fertilizer, regular spraying, trimming and pruning, and the removal of one 30 foot tall tree by professional.

7. Landscape Lighting. Installation of a standard 600w transformer and 20 LED lights.

8. Statement Landscape. Unique features such as serenity gardens, created spaces for hobbies like yoga, and activity areas for croquet or bocce ball. This feature has 0% ROI.

9. Irrigation System. Installation and management of irrigation system for a lawn that is 2,835 square feet. No boring required. ROI 86%.

10. Outdoor Kitchen. Install one inset grill, stainless steel drawers, ice chest, sink, 60 square feet of concrete counter top, made from veneered masonry stone.

11. Fire Feature. Install dry stacked natural stone kits, gas burner with 10 foot diameter flagstone patio. ROI 67%.

12. Water Feature. 

13. New Pool.  Install an 18 foot by 36 foot in-ground pool with gunite walls, 3 foot to 7 foot depth, standard filtration system. Include 3 foot by 4 inch thick concrete perimeter surround.  Nationally this project has a 43% ROI, however it is much lower for us here in the Northeast.

Copyright ©2018 “2018 Remodeling Impact: Outdoor Features” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. July 15, 2020, https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2018-05-remodeling-impact-outdoor-features-05-23-2018.pdf.