At PLANT Design Group, we believe that exceptional landscape design is about so much more than aesthetics. Rather, it’s about creating outdoor environments that deliver both lifestyle and long‐term value. Whether enhancing curb appeal, creating versatile outdoor living spaces, or establishing a private retreat, a professionally designed landscape can be a strategic investment.
To explore how landscaping stacks up from a financial perspective, we did some research on three different perspectives including Financial planning, bank lending, and real estate investment. The conclusion? Exterior improvements can pay dividends.
1. Landscaping as an Appreciating Asset
Unlike many home improvement projects that need refreshing after a decade, a well-designed landscape often improves with age as trees mature and plantings fill in. In fact, research supports this: A study by Virginia Tech found that homes whose landscaping was upgraded from “average” to “good” achieved price premiums of 4–5 percent, and from “good” to “excellent” achieved premiums of 6–7 percent. Read more
Another source reports that homes with professional landscaping can sell for 15–20 % more than comparable homes without it. Read more
In other words: when properly designed and maintained, landscaping is not just decoration—it’s appreciation.
2. Financing Outdoor Transformations
Large‐scale landscape projects (think outdoor kitchens, patios, mature tree plantings, hardscaping) can represent a substantial investment, akin to an interior remodel. Fortunately, homeowners have financing options that make these improvements accessible.
According to a recent article from The Mortgage Reports, a home‐equity line of credit (HELOC) is particularly well‐suited for outdoor projects: “Decks, patios and landscaping” are explicitly listed as types of work that a HELOC can support. Read more
Another banking‐education article shows that outdoor living enhancements financed via HELOC can raise the home’s appraised value and thereby increase the borrowing capacity of the homeowner. Read more
At PLANT Design Group, we often collaborate with clients from the early planning phase to help them structure projects in phases, making it easier to match budget, financing, and value.
3. The Realtor’s Perspective: Curb Appeal and Beyond
Keen landscaping is often the first impression that tells a prospective buyer: ‘This home has been cared for.’ That impression can make all the difference.
And the market data backs this up: One article notes that simply adding the word “landscaping” to a listing can increase sale price by ~2.7% according to real-estate listing data. Read more
Moreover, a nicely landscaped exterior suggests an extension of living space from indoors to outdoors, which is an increasingly desirable feature in today’s home-market.
4. Lifestyle Value: Beyond the Numbers
While the financial upside is compelling, the day-to-day benefits of an exceptional landscape are equally important and we hear it all the time from our clients.
For example, a backyard kitchen and terrace transforms how you gather with friends and family. You can move from inside‐only gatherings to outdoor living, even in the shoulder seasons.
Professionally designed outdoor spaces serve multiple functions: entertaining, relaxing, wellness, connection with nature, and aesthetic enjoyment. These intangible returns often become the most cherished.
5. Designing with Value in Mind
At PLANT Design Group, we begin each project not just by asking, “What will this look like?” but by asking:
- What are your goals (entertaining? resale? private retreat?)
- How do we select materials and plants that age well and require appropriate maintenance?
- How do we design hardscape and softscape together so the space is cohesive, usable, and adds function?
We know, for example, that landscaping that is “well‐maintained” enhances perceived value. A cited article states that poorly maintained landscaping can decrease home value by 10% or more. Read more
By contrast, thoughtful design creates a long-term asset.
6. Financing + Value = Smart Strategy
Putting it all together:
- Landscaping can add 5%–20%+ to home value when done well. Read more
- Financing via HELOC or home equity loan is a realistic option to enable these projects today. Read more
- The lifestyle payoff of outdoor entertaining, wellness, and home enjoyment is immediate, even as financial value accrues.
Thus, when you partner with PLANT Design Group, you’re not just investing in a beautiful yard, you’re investing in an asset. One that enhances how you live today and builds value for the future, financially and soulfully..Ready to explore how your outdoor space can become a long-term value driver?
Schedule a consultation with our team at PLANT Design Group. We’ll map your goals, your budget, and design a plan that delivers both lifestyle impact and financial return.
