OUR MISSION IS TO TAILOR FOR EACH CLIENT A BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL AND ENDURING OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL PROVIDE A PLACE OF SERENITY FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO APPRECIATE FOR YEARS TO COME.
BuildCal Landscape Landscaping Article
Return On Investment For Landscaping: Expert Tips and California Design Insights
In Southern California—from Glendale to Pasadena—homeowners want outdoor spaces that look great, cost less to maintain, and add real resale value. The return on investment for landscaping comes from three levers: (1) stronger curb appeal and usable outdoor rooms, (2) lower ongoing costs (water, maintenance, energy), and (3) lower risk (fire-resilient layouts and safer materials). When design and build are aligned for California’s climate, the return on investment for landscaping shows up both now and at resale.
What “ROI for Landscaping” Really Means
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Resale Value: Clean lines, intentional planting, and well-planned hardscape make listings stand out.
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Operating Savings: Water-wise plants, drip irrigation, and shade reduce monthly bills.
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Risk Reduction: Ember-resistant “Zone 0” and smart material choices help protect the property and support insurability.
Why California Landscapes Can Outperform
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Water-Wise by Design: Use climate-fit, drought-tolerant plants and hydro-zones to cut water use while keeping year-round structure (Drought-Tolerant Landscaping in South Pasadena).
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Fire-Smart Near the Home: Keep the first 0–5 ft around structures non-combustible—think pavers or gravel and low-fuel plants (Paver Installation).
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Shade That Pays Back: Place trees and pergolas where they cool façades and outdoor rooms (Shade Trees for Pasadena).
High-Impact Steps (Start Here)
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Refresh the Fundamentals
Tidy turf/shrubs, prune trees, edge beds, and top up mulch. Then define edges and traffic flow with durable surfaces that photograph well (Paver Installation). -
Design Water-Wise from Day One
Group plants by water needs, switch high-use lawn zones to groundcovers or DG paths, and run efficient drip (Decomposed Granite Guide). -
Build Outdoor “Rooms” You’ll Use
Patios, seat walls, and walkways increase daily enjoyment and buyer appeal (Hardscaping Services). Comparing surfaces? See (Pavers vs. Concrete). -
Plan for Ember-Resistant Zone 0
Within 0–5 ft of structures, use non-combustible materials and keep plants small, spaced, and well-watered (Paver Installation). -
Plant Shade Where It Matters
Cool overheated patios and western façades with well-placed trees (Shade Trees for Pasadena).
California-Specific Ideas That Boost ROI
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Front-Yard Curb Appeal: Evergreen bones + seasonal color, efficient irrigation (Landscaping Services).
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Entries & Driveways: Upgrade to pavers for durability and resale appeal (Pasadena Pavers; Burbank Paver Designs).
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Side Yards & Utility Runs: Low-water natives on drip with DG paths for low maintenance (Decomposed Granite Guide).
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Privacy + Comfort: Layer hedges with lighting and hardscape to create secluded seating zones (Best Privacy Hedges for Southern California).
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Inspiration & Education: Explore more ideas and finished work (Portfolio).
A Simple ROI Framework
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Resale Impact: Note local comps and the quality of design/outdoor rooms.
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Operating Savings: Estimate annual water/energy reductions from drought-tolerant planting, drip, and shade—then project over 5–10 years.
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Risk Reduction: Assign value to fire-resilient choices and insurability confidence.
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Total ROI: (Resale lift + 10-year savings − project cost) ÷ project cost.
Design + Build, the BuildCal Way
Start with a focused plan that fits your microclimate, water rules, and style (Services). Lock materials and layout in 3D, then install with a skilled crew (Hardscaping Services; Paver Installation). When you’re ready, book an on-site consultation and let Glendale’s BuildCal team maximize the return on investment for landscaping on your property.
Thinking about a new outdoor space?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Let’s explore what’s possible—no pressure, just a friendly conversation.
Give us a call:
+1 (818) 303-1570
Frequently Asked Question
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, AND LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS?
Landscape designers may provide design ideas, landscape plans, planting plans and lighting plans. Some also offer installation-related services such as material selection or plant placement. While they may provide conceptual ideas on garden structures, irrigation, and hardscape layout, most are not licensed to provide construction drawings. Likewise, while they may work closely with contractors overseeing the aesthetic elements of an installation, most are not licensed to provide actual construction services. Their education is in residential design, which emphasizes design strategies, hardscape options, and plant materials appropriate for residential projects.
Landscape architects are licensed by the State of California and, in addition to the plans typically provided by a landscape designer, are qualified to produce construction-ready plans that may include complex retaining walls, grading and drainage plans, and physical structures. Their training emphasizes design for large public and commercial spaces such as parks and commercial landscapes, although some specialize in residential projects.
Landscape contractors are licensed to install the designs created by landscape designers and landscape architects. Some are design/build companies, and provide design and maintenance services as well. When working with a design/build firm, be sure to clarify the design process used and whether you will receive landscape drawings for your review and approval or just a verbal or written description of the landscape to be installed. Some design/build companies bundle the design fees with the cost of construction, but it is still important to understand the design cost component should you decide to hire a different company for installation.