How can you enhance your home’s value without overspending?
Landscaping might be your golden ticket. Improving your outdoor space through careful planning enhances both the visual appeal of your property and its market value. Real estate professionals state that attractive landscaping designs can enhance home value by 5-12%.
The good news?
Investments in landscaping produce some of the best returns when compared to other home improvement initiatives. Idaho’s distinct climate requires careful landscaping selections to produce significant property improvements.
Inside This Guide:
- Why Landscaping Impacts Property Value
- Top Landscaping Projects With Highest ROI
- Idaho-Specific Landscaping Considerations
- Budget-Friendly Landscaping Tips
- Personal Maintenance Guide
Who Landscaping Impacts Property Value
Real estate buyers form initial judgments based on first impressions. The exterior of your home creates the initial impression for potential buyers and determines the overall perception of your property.
Think about it:
If you see a house with wild weeds and dead plants in its yard during your house search what kind of first impression does it make on you? The stark contrast emerges between a neglected yard with weeds and dead plants and a property with vibrant green spaces, colorful flower beds, and strategic hardscaping elements.
Homeowners who invest in landscaping projects can achieve returns ranging between 150-1000% when they decide to sell their property according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. That’s not a typo! Very few home improvement projects deliver comparable returns on investment.
Idaho’s competitive housing market shows an enhanced impact from landscaping investments. Analysis of local real estate data indicates that properties with professional landscaping sell at prices 7-15% higher than similar homes with basic or neglected outdoor areas.
Why such a big difference? Professional Boise landscaping services create designs that complement Idaho’s natural beauty while addressing practical concerns like water conservation and climate suitability. The comprehensive approach transforms outdoor areas into spaces that serve functional purposes while enhancing the beauty of the home.
Top Landscaping Projects With Highest ROI
Not all landscaping projects deliver equal returns. Expert industry evaluations identify the landscaping upgrades which deliver the best investment value in Idaho.
1. Mature Tree Planting
Trees aren’t just beautiful—they’re valuable assets. Properties containing mature trees can command a price that is 3 to 15 percent higher than comparable properties with no trees.
In Idaho’s climate, strategic tree placement can:
- Provide cooling shade during hot summers
- Create windbreaks against harsh winter winds
- Reduce energy costs year-round
Smart choices for Idaho include:
- Quaking Aspen
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Norway Maple
- Austrian Pine
2. Irrigation System Installation
Idaho’s semi-arid climate requires efficient watering methods to maintain vegetation. Modern irrigation systems boost property value by:
- Conserving water (and lowering bills)
- Ensuring consistent landscape health
- Reducing maintenance time
- Preventing erosion and runoff
When homeowners sell their property they typically recover 10-15% more than what they initially spent on a professionally installed drip irrigation system.
3. Outdoor Living Spaces
The U.S. landscaping services sector reached a $154 billion valuation in 2023 and experienced rapid growth in outdoor living spaces.
Your outdoor living space increases when you add features like patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens. Outdoor features become highly valuable in Idaho because outdoor recreation defines the local lifestyle. Consider:
- Stone or paver patios
- Pergolas for shade
- Fire pits for year-round enjoyment
- Outdoor kitchen areas
A well-designed outdoor living space can yield 80-100% of its investment when you sell your property.
4. Smart Hardscaping
The structural components of hardscaping such as walkways, retaining walls, and driveways offer landscape organization while lowering maintenance needs.
In Idaho’s variable climate, quality hardscaping:
- Controls erosion on sloped properties
- Creates usable spaces on uneven terrain
- Reduces water runoff
- Provides winter interest when plants are dormant
Hiring professional hardscapers typically boosts property values by approximately 8-12%.
Idaho-Specific Landscaping Considerations
The distinct climate and geographical features of Idaho demand specialized landscaping strategies. Landscaping solutions from other states might not succeed in this environment.
Climate Zones Matter
Plant selection in Idaho needs to be region-specific since the state covers USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7.
- In Northern Idaho’s Zones 3-5 gardeners should select plants capable of surviving cold temperatures and adapt to shorter growing periods.
- Southern Idaho (Zones 5-7) accommodates diverse plant options but requires plants that tolerate drought conditions.
Water Conservation Is Key
Water usage becomes a crucial factor because approximately 80% of households partook in lawn and gardening activities in 2022. Water-smart landscaping proves to be an environmentally beneficial and economically worthwhile practice in Idaho due to its semi-arid climate.
Xeriscaping (low-water landscaping) can:
- Reduce water bills by 50-75%
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Appeal to environmentally conscious buyers
The market value of properties featuring water-efficient landscaping increases by 5-10% at the time of sale.
Native Plant Benefits
Using Idaho native plants delivers multiple advantages:
- Natural adaptation to local climate
- Resistance to regional pests and diseases
- Lower water and maintenance requirements
- Support for local pollinators and wildlife
A growing number of homebuyers appreciate native plant gardens because 35% of American households currently cultivate their own vegetables and fruits.
Budget-Friendly Landscaping Tips
Improving your property value through landscaping does not require a huge budget. These strategic landscaping moves produce major positive effects without excessive expenditure.
1. Lawn Renovation
Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn stands as a top investment for landscaping. For minimal cost, you can:
- Overseed thin areas
- Address soil compaction
- Implement proper fertilization
- Establish regular mowing patterns
The curb appeal of a property can increase up to 15% when the lawn receives proper maintenance compared to when turf is neglected.
2. Defined Planting Beds
Your outdoor space looks much better when you maintain clean and clearly defined planting beds.
- Install quality edging
- Add fresh mulch annually
- Group plants with similar needs
- Use varying heights and textures
A basic enhancement that requires spending under $500 has the potential to boost the property’s perceived value by thousands.
3. Strategic Focal Points
The introduction of a few prominent features will completely change the look of your landscape.
- Ornamental trees or large shrubs
- Decorative boulders or garden art
- Water features
- Architectural plants with distinctive shapes
Strategic focal points direct viewers and leave lasting impressions on potential buyers.
Personal Maintenance Guide
Your property’s value remains protected and grows through consistent landscaping maintenance. Idaho’s distinct seasons require a tailored approach:
Spring (March-May)
- Soil preparation and amendment
- Early weed prevention
- Spring pruning
- Irrigation system checks
Summer (June-August)
- Efficient watering practices
- Regular mowing at proper heights
- Deadheading flowers
- Pest monitoring
Fall (September-November)
- Leaf management
- Fall fertilization
- Plant protection
- Winterizing irrigation systems
Regular maintenance actions safeguard your landscaping investment and protect you from high repair expenses. Between 2022 and 2023 the landscaping industry created approximately 15,000 new jobs which mainly supported maintenance services.
The Green Investment Summary
Among home improvement projects, landscaping stands out because it continues to increase in value as time passes. Kitchens and bathrooms lose their appeal over time but well-chosen plants develop and increase in value every year.
The diverse climate of Idaho allows thoughtful landscaping to create outdoor spaces that match the state’s natural scenery while simultaneously enhancing property value and supporting an active lifestyle.
Remember these key points:
- Focus on improvements with proven ROI
- Consider Idaho’s specific climate challenges
- Balance immediate impact with long-term growth
- Maintain your investment consistently
Quality landscaping brings benefits to property value and enjoyment while providing environmental advantages for homeowners who intend to sell or remain in their homes. A $1 billion commitment from the U.S. government in 2023 aims to enhance urban green spaces and tree planting programs as part of sustainability trends.
You missed the optimal moment to upgrade your landscaping by five years. The second best time is now.
