Whether you’re selling your home or planning on never leaving, landscaping can add significant equity value to your home — all while enhancing the curb appeal. There is a misconception that landscaping is just spreading mulch and planting new flowers. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Landscaping encapsulates a holistic view of a property, from vegetation growth to outdoor living space. 

This spring, homeowners in the Columbia, Missouri area should consider landscaping their property. Whether it be to help control water drainage, add an outdoor entertainment space, or spruce up the general appearance of your home property, the investment in landscaping will be seen in both the short and long-term personal and financial value of your home. 

Depending on the property and location of your home, landscaping improvements can add between 1 to 10 percent in total value. Over 90 percent of top real estate agents say improving curb appeal adds to your bottom line at resale. 

These are some of the most popular landscaping projects to add to home improvement: 

  • Mulching
  • Decorative Rock
  • Sod Installation
  • Grading / Dirtwork
  • Drainage Improvements
  • Tree and Shrub Planting
  • Spring and Fall Cleanups
  • Leaf Removal
  • Walkways
  • Retaining Walls
  • Patio Pavers
  • Stamped Concrete
  • Wood or Metal Fence

Here are five things to keep in mind when starting a landscaping project or hiring an outside company. 

Keep a Holistic Plan in Mind 

When planning a landscaping project it is critical that you don’t get tunnel vision. Assess all areas of your property, including front and back yards, flower beds, patios, driveways, and more. If a landscaping project only addresses one area of the property, it can leave the entire property looking a little lopsided or not cohesive. Therefore, plan to address all areas of your land and ways to increase the functionality and overall appearance. Additionally, many well-intentioned homeowners plan to space out their property projects only to never fully complete the to-do list — allowing the property to fall victim to a disjointed look. 

Increase Living Space When Possible 

One of the best ways to add value to your home is by adding outdoor living space. This additional square footage is attractive to buyers as well as giving you and your family another area to entertain. By building a stone patio or wooden deck, you add significant equity to your property and introduce a key living space to enjoy. 

Add Privacy 

Due to most homes being close in proximity to each other, privacy is often sought after. Whether done through a privacy fence or creative landscaping, the additional seclusion and closed sightlines from nearby neighbors is a welcomed luxury for property owners and buyers alike. 

Avoid Momentary Landscaping Trends 

Every year there are hot landscaping trends that sweep across the country. While some of these trends will age well, others certainly do not. It is important to vet your landscaping ideas or those of the company you hire. Bad landscaping can decrease the value of your home and turn away buyers if major eyesores exist. One example, using old truck tires as plant containers — not a trend that has aged well. 

Green is Good 

One of the best investments you can make into your home is having a well-maintained and manicured lawn. A green lawn never goes out of style and provides a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. A landscaping company can help install new sod or improve your lawn’s look with a treatment plan. A good-looking yard plays a major role in first impressions and a home’s value. 

Need Landscaping Services in Columbia, MO? 

Is your lawn due for some service this spring? Don’t hesitate to contact us to help provide you with the lawn care services you need! We are proud to help our Columbia, Missouri community achieve all of its landscaping needs.