Did you know that landscaping can increase the perceived property value of your home or business? The Department of Horticulture and Michigan State University conducted a study to find how much-perceived home values increase based on landscaping. The researchers in this study used a new construction home as the controlled variable. The three variables used to measure the perceived value change were plant size, design sophistication, and diversity of landscape material. The study was conducted across multiple states to diversify its responses.
The results of the analysis concluded that homes with a sophisticated landscape design have on average a perceived increase of value by 41.7% (Behe, et al., 2005). Homes with larger plant sizes had an average increase of 35.9% and homes with a diversified material landscape had an average increase of 22.4% (Behe, et al., 2005). This proves that investing in your landscaping, whether or not you plan on selling your home, can increase your perceived property value. Having a home with a sophisticated landscape design including multiple beds with curved edges, larger trees, and brick paths will help to increase the perceived value of your home the most.
There are two forms of landscaping that can transform the appearance of your home. Using just shrubs, trees, and perennials along with basic edging to define beds is referred to as softscape. Softscaping is a more cost-effective route and can almost be done by any homeowner. The only tools required for a job like this are shovels, rakes, and imagination.
The other form of landscaping is hardscaping. Hardscapes include anything that takes the form of a structural building in your landscape. This can include brick walkways, retaining walls, raised garden beds, firepits, or even pergolas. Such features are usually designed and installed by landscape professionals but can be done by homeowners with the proper research and tools. The most highly desired and awarded landscapes are ones that include a blend of both hardscapes and softscapes. Doing so can give you the best chance at increasing your home’s value.