The March 2016 issue of Consumer Reports carried information that new, low-maintenance landscapes increased home values by 3%- 5%. That was about the same as kitchen remodels and low-maintenance interiors. Landscape improvements created substantially more value than technology and energy up-grades in the same article. It is important to note that the trend and what people regularly ask me for are low-maintenance landscapes. The average person wants to enjoy their yard, but they do not want to be tied down to specific times and dates for maintenance responsibilities. This is one of the reasons that people are reducing lawn areas because of the specific weekly mowing and other duties that can not be deferred.
As a landscaper, I would recommend that you do not install a new landscape just to increase the value of your home and property. The economy of the last 10 years has made many people realize that trying to flip houses for a profit is financially risky. Your sustainable landscape should be built to fit your lifestyle and personality, not someone else.
“Let’s eat out on the deck honey!” Yuk! Conditions like this damage property value and in this case also damaged valuable trees.
One caveat to the above is that you do not want to have a landscape that significantly detracts from your property or a landscape that makes your property look distressed. If your home looks like the bank reposed it or that the home and yard were never finished; this may reduce the value of your property for resale.
What you can do now if you don’t have a landscape.