{"id":45857,"date":"2026-04-30T14:43:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:43:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=45857"},"modified":"2026-08-10T22:54:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T22:54:15","slug":"landscaping-projects-that-add-home-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-projects-that-add-home-value\/","title":{"rendered":"Lawn Care ROI: Which Landscaping Projects Add the Most Home Value in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>&nbsp;Key takeaways<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Basic lawn care<\/strong> (mowing, fertilizing, weed control) can return up to 217% ROI at resale.<br>\u2022 <strong>Great landscaping<\/strong> makes a home look 5.5% to 11.4% more valuable.<br>\u2022 <strong>97% of real estate agents say curb appeal attracts buyers<\/strong>, and 92% suggest fixing the yard before listing.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you want to sell your house this year? Or do you just want to protect the value of your home? Either way, the right yard projects are an investment that pay back far more than they cost.\u00a0<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Americans spent about $603 billion on home remodeling projects in 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry\u2019s 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. Outdoor projects always rank among the most rewarding investments, both financially and in terms of homeowner satisfaction.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And with home equity near historic highs and remodeling budgets staying strong, outdoor projects are one of the smartest choices you can make in 2026.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want a beautiful yard without the hard work, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\">Lawn Love\u2019s local pros<\/a> can handle everything for you.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-d4ced816-16ee-42e3-bb9e-fa9c2b2b5a20\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-projects-that-add-home-value\/#0-why-landscaping-is-one-of-the-best-home-investments-you-can-make\" style=\"\">Why landscaping is one of the best home investments you can make<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-projects-that-add-home-value\/#1-the-highest-roi-spring-landscaping-projects\" style=\"\">The highest-ROI spring landscaping projects<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-projects-that-add-home-value\/#9-projects-to-approach-with-caution\" style=\"\">Projects to approach with caution<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-projects-that-add-home-value\/#10-how-to-prioritize-your-spring-projects\" style=\"\">How to prioritize your spring projects<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-projects-that-add-home-value\/#11-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-why-landscaping-is-one-of-the-best-home-investments-you-can-make\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"why-landscaping-is-one-of-the-best-home-investments-you-can-make\">Why landscaping is one of the best home investments you can make<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quality landscaping adds real value to a home. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pubs.ext.vt.edu\/content\/dam\/pubs_ext_vt_edu\/426\/426-087\/426-087.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virginia Tech Extension study<\/a> found that <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/top-landscaping-projects-increase-home-value\/\">landscaping improvements<\/a> increase perceived home value by 5.5% to 11.4%, depending on where you live. The design quality and plant size are the two biggest factors. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Michigan State University Extension study corroborates this, finding that homes with well-executed landscaping may be perceived as worth up to 12.7% more than comparable homes without it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCurb appeal is probably the most underrated variable in a sale,\u201d says Sara Garza, real estate broker at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saragarza.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LIV Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/a> in Denver. \u201cIn Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village, I\u2019ve watched near-identical homes sell with a $40,000 to $60,000 spread based almost entirely on how they presented from the street. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;A neglected yard signals deferred maintenance before buyers cross the threshold, and that skepticism follows them through the entire showing,\u201d Garza says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JoAnne Loftus, president and owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/archivaldesigns.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Archival Designs<\/a> in Gwinnett County, Georgia, sees the same impact.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Buyers make up their minds about how they feel about a house before they set foot in the front door,&#8221; Loftus says. &#8220;From what I&#8217;ve seen, homes with clean, maintained landscaping sell quicker and closer to the asking price than comparable homes with overgrown or patchy yards.&#8221; <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She says a neglected exterior makes buyers suspect there are hidden issues inside the home as well.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to NAR, 97% of real estate professionals believe curb appeal is important in attracting buyers, and 92% have proactively recommended that sellers improve their landscaping before listing.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-the-highest-roi-spring-landscaping-projects\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"the-highest-roi-spring-landscaping-projects\">The highest-ROI spring landscaping projects<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Landscaping projects ROI comparison according to the 2023 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/2023-03-remodeling-impact-outdoor-features-03-17-2023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NAR Remodeling Impact Report<\/a>:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project<\/strong> <strong>Price<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Estimated ROI<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Estimated cost<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-cost\/\">Basic lawn care<\/a><\/td><td>217%<\/td><td>$415\/year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-cost\/\">Landscape maintenance<\/a><\/td><td>104%<\/td><td>$4,800\/year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tree care<\/td><td>87%<\/td><td>$2,875<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscape-design-cost\/\">Landscape upgrade<\/a><\/td><td>100%<\/td><td>$9,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Outdoor living space (<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/composite-decking-cost\/\">composite deck<\/a>)<\/td><td>89%<\/td><td>$8,850<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sprinkler-system-cost\/\">Irrigation system<\/a><\/td><td>83%<\/td><td>$6,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscape-lighting-cost\/\">Outdoor lighting<\/a><\/td><td>59%<\/td><td>$6,800<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"2-1-basic-lawn-care-and-maintenance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1-basic-lawn-care-and-maintenance\">1. Basic lawn care and maintenance<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Estimated ROI: Up to 217%<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The highest-returning yard project is simply keeping your lawn healthy. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mow-lawn\">Regular mowing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicides\/\">weed control<\/a>, and fertilizing return up to 217% ROI at resale. That means for every $1 you spend on routine lawn care, you recover more than $2 in home value.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI see what sells well in photos and what triggers \u2018this house wasn\u2019t cared for\u2019 vibes in person,\u201d says Andrew Day, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/aql4u.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Advanced Quality Lawn<\/a> in Akron, Ohio. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn spring listings, the biggest practical impact I see is fewer price-chop conversations when the turf is thick, edged, and weed-controlled; neglected curb appeal almost always turns into an instant buyer credit request because it reads like deferred maintenance, not \u2018just grass\u2019.\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-2-general-landscape-maintenance-mulching-pruning-cleanup\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2-general-landscape-maintenance-mulching-pruning-cleanup\">2. General landscape maintenance (mulching, pruning, cleanup)<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cut-back-ornamental-grass.jpg\" alt=\"Gardener wearing gloves and blue jacket using pruning shears to cut back dried ornamental grass clump during seasonal autumn garden maintenance.\" class=\"wp-image-41482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cut-back-ornamental-grass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cut-back-ornamental-grass-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cut-back-ornamental-grass-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cut-back-ornamental-grass-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cutting back ornamental grass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/cutting-back-ornamental-grasses-in-spring-garden-gardener-pruning-pennisetum-taking-care-of-fountain-grass\/752526304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock <\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Estimated ROI: ~104%<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fresh mulch, pruned shrubs, and a thorough cleanup return around 104% ROI. These projects pay for themselves and improve curb appeal.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NAR estimates it costs around $4,800 a year to maintain a standard 2,835-square-foot lawn (mowing, trimming, and mulch application). At a 104% return, that&#8217;s money well spent for homeowners with an eye on resale.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leon Miller, owner of BrushTamer in Plymouth, Indiana, sees firsthand how a simple cleanup transforms properties.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOn similar rural\/suburban Midwest properties, the neglected ones (saplings in fence lines, vines on siding, hidden edges\/ditches) tend to sit longer because showings feel risky,\u201d Miller says. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAfter a one-day mulch pass plus driveway and ditch sightlines opened up, I\u2019ve watched sellers go from \u2018no second showings\u2019 to multiple callbacks in the same week and stop getting lowball offers tied to cleanup costs.\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-3-tree-planting-and-tree-care\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3-tree-planting-and-tree-care\">3. Tree planting and tree care<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Estimated ROI: 100%<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mature, healthy trees are highly valuable long-term assets. NAR&#8217;s Outdoor Features report found that tree care returns 100% of its cost at resale and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arborday.org\/perspectives\/8-reasons-plant-tree-arbor-day\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arbor Day Foundation<\/a> reports that having mature trees in the yard along the street can increase a property\u2019s overall value by up to 15%.\u00a0<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Midwestern homes, Day recommends the Autumn Blaze maple and serviceberry. \u201cPut the Autumn Blaze 18 to 25 feet from the house and 6 to 10 feet off the driveway to frame the front elevation without crowding the foundation,\u201d Day advises. \u201cPlace the serviceberry near the front corner or along the main approach where it\u2019s visible from the curb.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miller suggests bur oak and American linden for Indiana properties because they \u201cread \u2018established and hardy\u2019 and don\u2019t scream high-maintenance.\u201d He recommends placing a linden near a patio or sitting zone, but ensuring it is at least 15 feet from hardscape to prevent root heave.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Southern markets, Loftus recommends planting willow oaks and dogwoods.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Willow oaks grow tall and strong without becoming a liability, and dogwoods add visual appeal in the spring without becoming overwhelming in the lot,&#8221; Loftus says. She advises placing them on the front left or right of the home to frame the house perfectly from the street.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only will trees give you a big return on investment at resale, but they will also save you money monthly on your electricity bill. The <a href=\"https:\/\/digitalcommons.unl.edu\/usdafsfacpub\/318\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA Forest Service<\/a> says urban trees across the country reduce electricity use by 38.8 million MWh per year. This saves about $4.7 billion annually.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-4-sprinklerirrigation-system-installation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4-sprinkler-irrigation-system-installation\">4. Sprinkler\/irrigation system installation<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/connect-water-line.jpg\" alt=\"Worker in blue coveralls connects black irrigation pipe in a trench using a compression fitting for underground sprinkler main line.\" class=\"wp-image-44629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/connect-water-line.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/connect-water-line-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/connect-water-line-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/connect-water-line-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Connecting irrigation main line. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-man-lays-in-the-excavated-trench-a-water-pipeline-and-an-electric-cable\/250168460\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">kurgu128<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Estimated ROI: 83%<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-install-a-lawn-sprinkler-system\/\">in-ground irrigation system<\/a> returns around 83% of its cost at resale. Homeowners love them, giving them a Joy Score of 9.4 out of 10 in the NAR study.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Irrigation systems show buyers that the yard is easy to maintain. They protect the investment you already made in grass and plants, especially during hot summer droughts.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring installation is ideal, as it supports new grass and plants to grow strong before the hot weather hits.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-5-landscape-upgrade-statement-landscaping-and-overall-design\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"5-landscape-upgrade-statement-landscaping-and-overall-design\">5. Landscape upgrade (statement landscaping and overall design)<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Estimated ROI: 100%<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big yard makeover, like adding a stone walkway, plant beds, feature shrubs, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tips-for-planting-perennials\/\">flowering perennials<\/a>, returns 100% of its cost at resale. Homeowners give it a Joy Score of 9.7 out of 10.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Virginia Tech Extension research adds important detail: You cannot just plant random things. Buyers care most about the design quality, followed by plant size. A few large, well-placed plants in a smart design will always beat a yard filled with small, mismatched plants.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What makes a yard look sophisticated:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>A mix of large deciduous trees, evergreens, and colorful flowers<\/li>    <li>Curved plant beds, lines, and plants of different heights<\/li>    <li>Colorful <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hardscaping-ideas-for-extra-curb-appeal\/\">hardscape features<\/a> (brick, stone, or pavers)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/small-front-yard-landscaping-ideas\/\">Foundation plantings<\/a> paired with one or more island beds<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"7-6-outdoor-living-space-patio-deck-or-defined-seating-area\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"6-outdoor-living-space-patio-deck-or-defined-seating-area\">6. Outdoor living space (patio, deck, or defined seating area)<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Composite deck: ~89% ROI<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_430950470.jpg\" alt=\"A furnished outdoor terrace with WPC wood plastic composite decking boards.\" class=\"wp-image-45872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_430950470.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_430950470-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_430950470-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_430950470-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A furnished outdoor terrace with WPC wood plastic composite decking boards. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/furnished-outdoor-terrace-with-wpc-wood-plastic-composite-decking-boards\/430950470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ronstik<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outdoor living spaces are very popular right now. A new composite deck returns approximately 89% of its cost at resale, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jlconline.com\/cost-vs-value\/2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2025 Cost vs. Value Report<\/a> from the Journal of Light Construction.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2026, the trend is moving toward smaller, cozy outdoor spaces, with defined seating areas rather than sprawling hardscapes. This is great news if you are on a budget. A well-built, small patio gives you a strong return without the high cost of a full outdoor kitchen.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-7-outdoor-lighting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"7-outdoor-lighting\">7. Outdoor lighting<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Estimated ROI: 59%<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/outdoor-landscape-lighting-ideas\/\">Landscape lighting<\/a> returns about 59% of its cost when you sell, but its value goes beyond just the money. Lighting lets you use your yard in the evening hours and makes your home safer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For maximum ROI, prioritize LED fixtures (lower long-term cost) and focus on the front entry, walkways, and any specimen trees or planting beds that are key to the home&#8217;s curb appeal.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"9-projects-to-approach-with-caution\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"projects-to-approach-with-caution\">Projects to approach with caution<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every landscaping project gives a great return. You should think carefully before starting these:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Full outdoor kitchens<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While popular, these cost $12,000 to $20,000 or more to install, and NAR data shows that only 1% of real estate agents have ever recommended this project to a seller before listing.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Where I often see people overspend is on features that are too personal,&#8221; says Taylor Olberding, franchise owner at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroeslawncare.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heroes Lawn Care<\/a> in Omaha, Nebraska.\u00a0<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Things like koi ponds, large outdoor kitchens, or themed gardens might sound great, but most buyers don&#8217;t see them as a bonus. They see extra maintenance or something they may want to remove,&#8221; Olberding says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regrading the entire yard<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miller warns against massive dirtwork projects just to achieve a perfectly flat lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Overspends I see: trying to &#8216;regrade the whole yard&#8217; to chase a perfect lawn when the real issue is drainage at one low swale,&#8221; Miller says. &#8220;Buyers don&#8217;t pay extra for invisible dirt work, but they do notice muddy ruts.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unestablished or young landscaping<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cInstalling lots of new plantings right before listing is a mistake,\u201d Miller says. \u201cThey look unestablished, need watering, and buyers mentally add \u2018replacement risk,\u2019 whereas clean, controlled, low-risk vegetation usually returns more.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Highly personalized or exotic plants<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you might love your rare, exotic flowers or highly specific garden themes, most buyers don\u2019t see them as a bonus. They see extra maintenance, a high-cost replacement risk, or something they may want to rip out entirely.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Over-improving for the neighborhood<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t build a $50,000 yard in a neighborhood of $200,000 homes. You simply won\u2019t get that money back when it\u2019s time to sell. Day frequently sees homeowners make this exact mistake, overspending on high-maintenance shrub installs and boutique hardscape features that eat up yard space.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBuyers pay for clean, healthy, low-risk landscaping; they rarely pay extra for complexity they\u2019ll have to maintain,\u201d Day says.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"10-how-to-prioritize-your-spring-projects\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-prioritize-your-spring-projects\">How to prioritize your spring projects<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re on a tight budget:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Focus on the fixes<\/strong>: \u201cWith 60 to 90 days, I\u2019d spend on a clean cut and sharp edging, pre-emergent and spot broadleaf control, and a fresh 2-3 inch mulch top-dress in beds with a crisp bed edge,\u201d Day says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Clear the sightlines<\/strong>: \u201cClear sightlines and boundaries, remove saplings 0 to 5 feet from the foundation, and make the lot look larger by mowing and knocking back brush to reveal usable edges,\u201d Miller says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stick to the basics<\/strong>: &#8220;Focus on the basics that make the biggest visual impact,&#8221; Olberding says. &#8220;Fresh dark mulch, trimming back anything overgrown, cleaning up the edges, and adding a few simple flowering plants can completely change how the yard feels.&#8221;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"11-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775146312492\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should I complete these projects relative to my listing date?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Timing depends on the project&#8217;s size. You should plant large trees and shrubs 1-3 years before selling, so they have time to grow and fill out. <br>Fix your lawn and plant new grass seed a few months in advance. Save basic upkeep for just 2 to 4 weeks before listing to ensure that your property looks sharp for photos and home tours.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775146326910\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How does landscaping ROI compare to interior home improvement projects?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Basic lawn care boasts a massive 217% ROI, and general yard upkeep hits about 104%. Most indoor updates do not even break even. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report and NAR data, standard kitchen and bathroom remodels only earn back between 50% and 80% of their costs when you sell.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"12-maximizing-your-home-value-without-the-hard-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"maximizing-your-home-value-without-the-hard-work\">Maximizing your home value without the hard work<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The landscaping projects with the highest home value returns are also the most time-intensive to do consistently \u2014 regular mowing, fertilizing, and seasonal cleanup add up fast.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want a professional job while you\u2019re enjoying your weekends, leave the hard work to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\">Lawn Love\u2019s local pros<\/a>. Reclaim your free time, protect your investment, and come home to a manicured lawn without ever lifting a finger.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Spring Lawn Care ROI. Photo Credit: Landscaped home: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/house-with-beautiful-garden\/109668288\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Photographee.eu<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Illustration by Amy Stenglein \/ Lawn Love<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The highest ROI landscaping projects for 2026 include basic lawn care, fresh mulch, and tree maintenance, which easily outperform most indoor home renovations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":46159,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298,1256],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-45857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","category-mediafeed","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LLSpring-Lawn-Care-ROI-copy.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Adrian Nita","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/adrian-nita\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45857"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45857\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48325,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45857\/revisions\/48325"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}