Does Landscaping Increase Home Value: Expert Tips and California Design Insights

Introduction

Does landscaping increase home value? Yes—professional landscaping increases home values significantly, with well-designed landscapes adding 5-20% to property values depending on project scope, quality, and local market conditions. Landscaping represents one of the highest-return home improvements, often recovering 100-200% of investment when homes sell. Beyond financial returns, landscaping creates immediate curb appeal, improves quality of life, and makes properties more attractive to potential buyers.

Does landscaping increase home value in California specifically? Absolutely. California's climate, water conservation priorities, and outdoor lifestyle culture make professional landscaping particularly valuable. Drought-tolerant landscapes, outdoor living spaces, and well-designed hardscaping command premium prices in California real estate markets. Properties with professional landscaping sell faster and for higher prices than comparable properties with neglected or basic landscapes.

At BuildCal, we've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods. Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)—every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos. We use trusted local materials—like California-native stone and drought-resistant plants—so your yard lasts longer and needs less maintenance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how much landscaping increases home value, which landscaping improvements provide the best returns, California-specific factors that affect landscaping value, design strategies that maximize property value, how BuildCal creates value-adding landscapes, and answers to common questions homeowners ask about landscaping and home value.

How Much Does Landscaping Increase Home Value?

Research and real estate data demonstrate landscaping's significant impact on property values.

Overall Value Increase

Professional landscaping typically adds 5-20% to home values.

Conservative Estimate (5-10%): Basic professional landscaping—lawn care, foundation plantings, simple hardscaping—typically adds 5-10% to home values. For a $500,000 home, this represents $25,000-$50,000 in added value.

Moderate Estimate (10-15%): Comprehensive landscaping—complete landscape design, quality hardscaping, outdoor lighting, irrigation systems—typically adds 10-15% to home values. For a $500,000 home, this represents $50,000-$75,000 in added value.

High-End Estimate (15-20%): Exceptional landscaping—designer landscapes, extensive hardscaping, outdoor living spaces, water features, mature trees—can add 15-20% to home values. For a $500,000 home, this represents $75,000-$100,000 in added value.

Return on Investment

Landscaping often provides returns exceeding 100% of investment.

100-150% ROI: Most professional landscaping projects return 100-150% of investment when homes sell. Spend $30,000 on landscaping, add $30,000-$45,000 to home value.

150-200% ROI: Exceptional landscaping projects in desirable markets can return 150-200% of investment. Spend $30,000 on landscaping, add $45,000-$60,000 to home value.

Immediate vs. Long-Term Value: Landscaping provides immediate value increase (property worth more immediately after completion) and long-term value growth (mature landscapes become more valuable over time as plants grow and establish).

Curb Appeal Impact

Landscaping dramatically affects first impressions and buyer interest.

Viewing Decisions: Real estate agents report that buyers often decide whether to view a property based on exterior photos. Professional landscaping increases showing requests.

Offer Likelihood: Buyers are more likely to make offers on homes with attractive landscaping. Well-landscaped homes receive more offers and higher offers than comparable homes with poor landscaping.

Sale Speed: Homes with professional landscaping sell faster than comparable homes with neglected landscapes. Reduced time on market saves carrying costs and reduces price negotiation pressure.

We've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods. We understand how landscaping increases home value and which improvements provide the best returns.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss landscaping that increases your home value.

Which Landscaping Improvements Provide the Best Returns?

Not all landscaping improvements provide equal returns. Some improvements add more value than others.

Front Yard Landscaping

Front yard landscaping provides exceptional returns because it creates curb appeal that attracts buyers.

Value Impact: Front yard landscaping typically returns 100-200% of investment. It's often the highest-return landscaping improvement.

Why It Works: Front yards create first impressions. Buyers see front yards before entering homes. Attractive front yards make buyers excited to see interiors. Poor front yards make buyers skeptical before they even enter.

Key Elements:

•Healthy, well-maintained lawn or drought-tolerant ground cover

•Foundation plantings that complement architecture

•Defined pathways from driveway/street to front door

•Landscape lighting for evening curb appeal

•Clean, attractive borders and edging

Mature Trees

Mature trees add significant value to properties.

Value Impact: Mature trees can add $1,000-$10,000 per tree to property values, depending on tree size, species, health, and location.

Why It Works: Trees take years to grow. Buyers pay premiums for properties with established trees rather than waiting years for newly planted trees to mature. Trees provide shade, energy savings, privacy, and aesthetic beauty.

Best Trees for Value:

•Shade trees (oak, maple, sycamore) in appropriate locations

•Flowering trees (jacaranda, crape myrtle) for beauty

•Evergreen trees for year-round screening

•Fruit trees (citrus in California) for function and beauty

Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces extend usable square footage and appeal to California lifestyle.

Value Impact: Outdoor living spaces typically return 70-100% of investment and significantly increase buyer interest.

Why It Works: California's climate makes outdoor living spaces functional year-round. Buyers view outdoor living spaces as extensions of interior living areas. Well-designed outdoor spaces effectively add "rooms" to homes.

High-Value Elements:

•Patios or decks with quality materials

•Outdoor kitchens or cooking areas

•Fire pits or fireplaces

•Comfortable seating areas

•Shade structures (pergolas, covered patios)

Professional Hardscaping

Quality hardscaping adds permanent value and reduces maintenance.

Value Impact: Hardscaping typically returns 80-120% of investment.

Why It Works: Hardscaping is permanent. Unlike plants that require ongoing care, hardscaping maintains appearance with minimal maintenance. Quality materials (natural stone, pavers) signal overall property quality to buyers.

High-Value Hardscaping:

•Natural stone or paver pathways

•Patios with quality materials

•Retaining walls (functional and aesthetic)

•Decorative borders and edging

•Water features (fountains, ponds)

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Drought-tolerant landscaping is particularly valuable in California.

Value Impact: Drought-tolerant landscaping returns 100-150% of investment in California markets.

Why It Works: California buyers understand water scarcity and water costs. Drought-tolerant landscapes reduce water bills, comply with restrictions, and demonstrate environmental responsibility. California buyers pay premiums for water-wise landscapes.

Key Elements:

•Drought-resistant plants (California natives, Mediterranean plants, succulents)

•Efficient irrigation systems (drip irrigation, smart controllers)

•Mulch and ground covers that reduce evaporation

•Artificial grass in appropriate applications

•Hardscaping that reduces irrigated area

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting enhances beauty, safety, and functionality.

Value Impact: Outdoor lighting typically returns 50-80% of investment but significantly enhances curb appeal and buyer perception.

Why It Works: Outdoor lighting makes properties look beautiful in evening photos and showings. It demonstrates attention to detail. It provides safety and security. It extends outdoor space usability into evening hours.

High-Value Lighting:

•Path lighting for safety

•Accent lighting for trees and architectural features

•Entrance lighting for welcoming appearance

•Patio/deck lighting for outdoor living spaces

•Energy-efficient LED systems

Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)—every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos. We design landscapes that maximize property value while creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss value-adding landscaping improvements.

I Have a Small Yard… What Works for Me?

We design compact, low-maintenance yards with easy pathways, drought-tolerant plants, and soft lighting that creates a calm, welcoming feel. You won't need to mow every week.

Does landscaping increase home value even for small yards? Absolutely. Small yards benefit tremendously from professional landscaping because:

Maximized Space: Professional design makes small yards feel larger and more functional. Strategic plant placement, vertical elements, and clever hardscaping create the illusion of more space.

Low Maintenance Appeal: Small yards with low-maintenance landscaping appeal to buyers who want outdoor beauty without extensive upkeep time.

Proportional Impact: Small yard landscaping costs less than large yard landscaping, but provides proportional value increases. Spend less, but still achieve significant percentage value gains.

Differentiation: Many small yards are neglected because homeowners think they're "too small to matter." Professional landscaping makes small-yard properties stand out from competition.

We've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods. We specialize in small yard designs that maximize value and functionality.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss your small yard.

My Yard is Old and Messy… Can You Fix It?

Yes. We specialize in reviving neglected yards—we remove weeds, rebuild paths, add new plants, and install smart irrigation. We turn a "jungle of weeds" into a peaceful retreat.

Does landscaping increase home value when starting from a neglected yard? Yes—dramatically. Neglected yards actively hurt property values. Buyers see neglected landscapes and assume:

•Property has been poorly maintained overall

•They'll need to invest significant money to fix landscaping

•Sellers don't care about property condition

Transforming neglected yards into professional landscapes creates massive value increases because you're not just adding value—you're eliminating negative perceptions that hurt value.

Value Recovery: Fixing neglected yards often provides 150-200% returns because you're both eliminating value detractors and adding value enhancers.

Buyer Psychology: Buyers emotionally respond to beautiful landscapes. Transforming neglected yards changes buyer emotional response from negative to positive, dramatically affecting offers.

We use trusted local materials—like California-native stone and drought-resistant plants—so your yard lasts longer and needs less maintenance. We create landscapes that look beautiful immediately and continue looking beautiful for years.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to transform your old, messy yard.

Can You Install Outdoor Lighting?

Yes. We design lighting that highlights your favorite features—whether it's your entrance, pool, or favorite tree. The lights are gentle, safe, and energy-efficient.

Does landscaping increase home value when you add outdoor lighting? Yes. Outdoor lighting enhances value in several ways:

Evening Curb Appeal: Many home showings occur in evening hours. Outdoor lighting makes properties look beautiful during evening showings when unlighted properties look dark and uninviting.

Photography: Real estate photos taken in evening "golden hour" or twilight showcase outdoor lighting beautifully. These photos attract buyer interest online.

Safety Perception: Well-lit properties feel safer. Buyers perceive well-lit homes as more secure and welcoming.

Outdoor Space Extension: Lighting makes outdoor spaces usable in evenings, effectively extending functional hours of patios, decks, and yards.

Quality Signal: Outdoor lighting signals attention to detail and overall property quality. It suggests the property has been well-maintained and thoughtfully improved.

We design lighting that highlights your favorite features—whether it's your entrance, pool, or favorite tree. The lights are gentle, safe, and energy-efficient. We use LED technology that provides beautiful light while minimizing energy costs.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss outdoor lighting.

I Want Pathways or an Outdoor Patio?

Yes. We build walkways from natural stone and patios from heat-resistant pavers—all crafted by skilled hands, built to last without cracks or damage.

Does landscaping increase home value when you add pathways and patios? Absolutely. Hardscaping provides some of the best returns in landscaping:

Permanence: Hardscaping is permanent. Unlike plants that require ongoing care, hardscaping maintains appearance with minimal maintenance. This appeals to buyers seeking low-maintenance properties.

Functionality: Pathways and patios add functional outdoor space. Buyers view these as extensions of interior living areas, effectively adding "square footage" to homes.

Quality Materials Signal Quality Property: Natural stone and quality pavers signal overall property quality. Buyers assume properties with quality hardscaping have been well-maintained throughout.

Immediate Usability: Buyers can immediately envision using patios and pathways. They imagine entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying outdoor spaces. This emotional connection drives higher offers.

California Lifestyle: California's climate makes outdoor living spaces functional year-round. Pathways and patios align perfectly with California lifestyle expectations.

We build walkways from natural stone and patios from heat-resistant pavers—all crafted by skilled hands, built to last without cracks or damage. We use trusted local materials—like California-native stone—so your hardscaping lasts longer and needs less maintenance.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss pathways and patios.

What Makes You Different from Other Companies?

We don't just plant trees. We design a space where you can sit with your family, drink coffee, and relax. Every project starts with a personal meeting—we listen to you, see your space, and understand how you want to live in it.

When considering does landscaping increase home value, the quality of design and installation matters enormously. Poor landscaping can actually hurt property values. Mediocre landscaping provides minimal returns. Exceptional landscaping provides maximum returns.

Here's what makes BuildCal different:

Free, No-Pressure Personal Meeting

We're the ONLY company in Glendale that offers a free, no-pressure personal meeting—we walk your yard, listen to you, and learn how you want to live in it.

We come to your property. We look at your space. We listen to your goals. We understand your lifestyle and how you want to use your outdoor spaces. Then we design landscapes that fit your specific needs while maximizing property value.

Custom Designs for Each Home

We create custom designs for each home—no copied templates. Every property is different. Every homeowner has different priorities. Every neighborhood has different market expectations.

We design landscapes that:

•Complement your home's architecture

•Fit your property's specific conditions (sun, shade, slope, soil)

•Match your neighborhood's character and market expectations

•Reflect your personal style and functional needs

•Maximize property value for your specific market

Drought-Resistant Plants

We use drought-resistant plants—so you save water and avoid constant upkeep. California buyers understand water scarcity. They pay premiums for drought-tolerant landscapes that reduce water bills and comply with restrictions.

We use trusted local materials—like California-native stone and drought-resistant plants—so your yard lasts longer and needs less maintenance. This creates landscapes that maintain beauty with minimal ongoing costs, maximizing long-term value.

Guarantee on All Work

We provide a guarantee on all work—we don't just build, we make sure it lasts. Landscaping that fails (dead plants, cracked hardscaping, failed irrigation) hurts property values rather than helping.

We guarantee our work because we use quality materials, proper installation techniques, and appropriate plant selections. Our landscapes look beautiful immediately and continue looking beautiful for years.

ASLA Certification

Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)—every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos.

ASLA certification demonstrates professional expertise and adherence to industry best practices. It signals to buyers that your landscaping was designed and installed by qualified professionals.

14 Years of Experience

We've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods.

We understand Glendale and Los Angeles real estate markets. We know what buyers in these markets value. We design landscapes that appeal to local buyers and maximize property values in local market conditions.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to experience the BuildCal difference.

California-Specific Factors: Does Landscaping Increase Home Value More in California?

California presents unique conditions that affect landscaping value.

Water Conservation Value

Water scarcity makes drought-tolerant landscaping particularly valuable in California.

Buyer Priorities: California buyers prioritize water-efficient landscapes. They understand water costs and restrictions. They pay premiums for properties with drought-tolerant landscaping.

Regulatory Compliance: Some California municipalities restrict water use for landscaping. Drought-tolerant landscapes comply with current and anticipated future restrictions.

Long-Term Cost Savings: Drought-tolerant landscapes reduce ongoing water costs. Buyers factor these savings into property valuations.

Environmental Values: Many California buyers value environmental responsibility. Drought-tolerant landscapes align with these values.

Outdoor Living Culture

California's climate and culture make outdoor living spaces particularly valuable.

Year-Round Use: California's mild climate makes outdoor spaces usable year-round. Buyers view outdoor living spaces as functional extensions of interior space.

Lifestyle Expectations: California lifestyle emphasizes indoor-outdoor living. Buyers expect quality outdoor spaces. Properties without them sell at discounts.

Entertainment Value: California buyers frequently entertain outdoors. Outdoor living spaces that facilitate entertaining command premium prices.

Climate Advantages

California's climate makes landscaping easier to maintain and more valuable.

Year-Round Beauty: California's mild climate allows year-round green landscapes. Landscaping looks beautiful in all seasons, unlike cold climates where landscapes are dormant or snow-covered for months.

Plant Variety: California's climate supports diverse plant palettes. Designers can create varied, interesting landscapes with plants that thrive in California conditions.

Outdoor Season: California's long outdoor season (essentially year-round) makes landscaping investments more valuable than in climates with short outdoor seasons.

Native Plant Value

California native plants provide unique value.

Drought Tolerance: California native plants evolved for California's dry climate. They thrive with minimal water.

Low Maintenance: Native plants require less maintenance than non-native plants because they're adapted to local conditions.

Environmental Benefits: Native plants support local ecosystems, pollinators, and wildlife. Environmentally conscious buyers value these benefits.

Aesthetic Appeal: California native plants create distinctive, beautiful landscapes that reflect regional character.

We've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods. We understand California-specific factors that affect landscaping value and design landscapes that maximize value in California markets.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss California landscaping that increases home value.

Design Strategies That Maximize Property Value

Strategic design choices maximize landscaping's impact on property values.

Focus on Curb Appeal

Curb appeal provides the highest returns because it creates first impressions.

Front Yard Priority: Invest more heavily in front yard landscaping than backyard landscaping when maximizing property value is the goal. Front yards create curb appeal that attracts buyers.

Entrance Enhancement: Create impressive entrances. Pathways, entrance lighting, and entrance plantings make strong first impressions.

Street View: Design front yards from the street view perspective. What do people see when they drive by or view online photos?

Maintenance Appearance: Ensure front yards look well-maintained. Overgrown, messy front yards hurt values even if expensive landscaping exists underneath the mess.

Choose Timeless Designs

Timeless designs appeal to broad buyer pools and maintain value over time.

Avoid Trendy Styles: Trendy landscaping styles become dated quickly. Dated landscaping hurts property values.

Classic Elements: Use classic landscape elements (natural materials, traditional plantings, timeless hardscaping) that remain attractive regardless of trends.

Neutral Palettes: Use neutral color palettes that appeal to diverse tastes. Highly personalized or unusual color schemes may alienate buyers.

Broad Appeal: Design for broad appeal rather than narrow personal preferences. You want to attract maximum buyer interest.

Integrate with Architecture

Landscapes should complement and enhance home architecture.

Architectural Harmony: Choose landscape styles that harmonize with home architecture. Mediterranean landscapes suit Mediterranean homes. Modern landscapes suit contemporary homes.

Material Coordination: Coordinate landscape materials with home materials. Stone that matches home stone creates cohesive appearance.

Scale Appropriateness: Use plants and features scaled appropriately to home size. Oversized features overwhelm small homes. Undersized features look insignificant with large homes.

Create Functional Spaces

Functional outdoor spaces add value because buyers can envision using them.

Defined Areas: Create clearly defined functional areas (dining, lounging, cooking, play, garden).

Appropriate Sizing: Size functional areas appropriately. Patios too small for furniture are non-functional. Oversized patios waste space.

Accessibility: Ensure functional areas are easily accessible from interior spaces.

Privacy: Provide appropriate privacy for functional areas through strategic plant placement, screens, or structures.

Emphasize Low Maintenance

Low-maintenance landscapes appeal to busy buyers and maximize long-term value.

Drought-Tolerant Plants: Use drought-resistant plants that require minimal watering.

Efficient Irrigation: Install efficient irrigation systems (drip irrigation, smart controllers) that minimize water use and maintenance.

Hardscaping: Use hardscaping to reduce irrigated area and maintenance requirements.

Appropriate Plant Selection: Choose plants appropriate for site conditions (sun, shade, soil) that thrive without constant intervention.

Mulch: Use mulch to reduce weeds, retain moisture, and minimize maintenance.

Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)—every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos. We design landscapes using strategies proven to maximize property values.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss value-maximizing landscape design.

Real Project Example: Landscaping That Increased Home Value

Here's an example of how BuildCal landscaping increased a Glendale property's value.

Glendale Front and Backyard Transformation

Property: Single-family home in Glendale with neglected front and back yards

Before Condition:

•Patchy, dead front lawn

•Overgrown weeds throughout

•Cracked concrete walkway

•No outdoor lighting

•Minimal plantings

•Unusable backyard (uneven ground, no patio, no functional spaces)

BuildCal Solution: Complete front and backyard transformation with drought-tolerant landscaping, natural stone hardscaping, and outdoor living spaces.

Front Yard:

•Removed dead lawn and weeds

•Installed drought-resistant ground cover and plantings

•Created natural stone pathway from driveway to front door

•Added foundation plantings that complement home architecture

•Installed LED path and accent lighting

•Created defined borders with stone edging

Backyard:

•Leveled and graded yard

•Installed natural stone patio for outdoor dining

•Created seating area with fire pit

•Planted drought-resistant trees for shade and privacy

•Installed drip irrigation system with smart controller

•Added landscape lighting for evening use

Results:

•Property appraised $65,000 higher after landscaping completion

•Home sold within two weeks of listing (compared to 45-day average in neighborhood)

•Received multiple offers above asking price

•Buyers specifically cited "beautiful outdoor spaces" as primary attraction

Homeowner Testimonial:

"Before BuildCal, my yard was a mess. I came here and they said: 'We can fix it without making you spend more.' They built stone paths, planted drought-resistant shrubs, and added soft lighting. Now I host every holiday party here. It's not just a yard… it's a second home.

When I sold the house, my realtor said the landscaping was the main reason we got multiple offers above asking price. Buyers loved the outdoor spaces. The appraisal came in $65,000 higher than before the landscaping.

BuildCal's landscaping didn't just make my home more beautiful—it made it significantly more valuable." — Layla Abdullah, Glendale

Every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos. We've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods.

Call +1 (818) 303-1570 to discuss landscaping that increases your home value.

Take Action: Increase Your Home Value with Professional Landscaping

Does landscaping increase home value? Absolutely—with professional design and quality installation, landscaping provides some of the best returns of any home improvement. Whether you're planning to sell soon or want to increase your property's long-term value, professional landscaping creates immediate and lasting value increases.

At BuildCal, we've been designing outdoor spaces since 2010—over 14 years of hands-on work right here in Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods. Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)—every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos. We use trusted local materials—like California-native stone and drought-resistant plants—so your yard lasts longer and needs less maintenance.

Ready to increase your home value with professional landscaping?

Call us today at +1 (818) 303-1570

We'll schedule a free, no-pressure personal meeting at your home. We'll walk your yard, listen to you, and learn how you want to live in it. Then we'll create a custom design that maximizes your property value while creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

Visit our website: buildcal.com

We're the ONLY company in Glendale that offers:

•A free, no-pressure personal meeting—we walk your yard, listen to you, and learn how you want to live in it

•Custom designs for each home—no copied templates

•Drought-resistant plants—so you save water and avoid constant upkeep

•Guarantee on all work—we don't just build, we make sure it lasts

About BuildCal

BuildCal has been designing outdoor spaces in Glendale and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods since 2010. With over 14 years of hands-on work, we specialize in Landscape Design, Hardscaping, Irrigation Systems, and Outdoor Lighting.

Our team includes designers and technicians certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Every project we complete is documented with before-and-after photos. We use trusted local materials—like California-native stone and drought-resistant plants—so your yard lasts longer and needs less maintenance.

Contact BuildCal:

•Phone: +1 (818) 303-1570

•Website: https://buildcal.com/

•Certification: American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

•Location: Serving Glendale, CA and Los Angeles area