Top 5 Landscaping Projects with the Highest Return on Investment (ROI)
Homeowners considering home improvement projects often think about whether they will get the value back when they decide to sell their homes. Of course, kitchens and bathrooms are usually high on the list of popular renovations. However, homeowners may overlook that many outdoor landscaping projects can yield 100% or more of their investment in a home sale. In addition, the outdoor home improvements will enhance their family’s enjoyment with the upgrades to the outdoor living space.
Learn How Investing in Landscape Design Pays for Itself
Landscaping Projects that Add Value to Your Home
Burkholder Brothers Landscape does all types of outdoor home improvements. We have collected information about which ones give you the best value for your hard-earned dollars. Some of the enhancements are so simple that they might surprise you.
1. Lawn Care and Planting Beds
One of the most significant ways homeowners can increase their ROI on outdoor landscaping projects is to maximize curb appeal. Prospective buyers look carefully at landscaping when inspecting different houses, so the landscaping needs to be attractive and pristine. For example, if a buyer is looking at two different houses and one only has foundation planting in the front yard, while the other has more vibrant front yard landscaping with flower beds, window boxes, and other landscape features.
As a result, the buyer is far more likely to be attracted to and willing to pay more for the second house, allowing you to recoup more of your investment by listing your home at a higher price.
Essential lawn maintenance and upkeep improve curb appeal, but did you know that simply controlling weed growth and fertilizing can yield a ROI of nearly 217%? That is what a 2023 joint study by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found.
2. Patios & Outdoor Living Spaces
Other types of landscaping projects that can make your outdoor space more usable and provide a high ROI are patios, decks and outdoor living spaces. The addition of these exterior structures adds much value to a home in the eyes of homeowners and buyers. For example, according to the Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a new composite deck can return around 89% on your investment. This feature adds usable living space for your family and the addition can complement your landscape and architecture while increasing your living space and making room for entertaining options, like eating or cooking areas and even a spa.
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3. Softscape Upgrade
Adding upgraded soil that better nurtures grass and plant growth is one of the relatively simple landscaping projects that improve the overall look of your lawn. Lush shrubs and trees lend privacy, shade, and beauty. According to HGTV. recent nationwide surveys, mature, well-placed trees can raise a home’s value by 7 to 19%, depending on location, condition, and landscaping, while increasing your pride and pleasure in your landscape.
4. Landscape Lighting
Adding thoughtfully designed outdoor lighting can increase your property value, in addition to improving security and ambiance, and extending available entertainment hours outdoors. Recent estimates by Better Homes and Gardens and Angi surveys found that these types of upgrades can yield approximately an 59-60% ROI, and you can use the lighting to accentuate other aspects of your property, such as showing off the nearby plants or highlighting the architecture of your home.
5. Pathways and Edges
Clearly defined walkways and edges add visual appela to your landscape, as well as structure. While walkways are rarely isolated in ROI reports, studies of hardscaping, including walkways, patios, and retaining walls, often show property value increases in the range of 10–30% depending on design, materials, and integration with the landscape. Some common material choices are pavers, natural stone, and brick.
Call Burkholder for all of Your Landscaping Projects
Burkholder Brothers landscaping has been designing, implementing, and maintaining home landscapes and landscape features for over 25 years in the Main Line area. Our designers will help you determine which landscaping projects will add the most value and enjoyment within your budget. Contact us today to get started on your landscaping.
