The Impact of Landscaping When Selling a House

Why Landscaping Matters So Much When Selling

Your yard is the first thing buyers see. And first impressions happen fast. Research from Princeton University shows people form lasting impressions in just one-tenth of a second. That means buyers judge your home before they even step inside.

According to the National Association of Realtors' 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, 92% of Realtors suggest that sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home for sale. The reason is simple. A messy yard makes buyers think the whole house has been neglected.

According to 46.2% of respondents in a RE/MAX poll, neglected exteriors discourage buyers from looking at houses. If buyers won't even look, they won't make offers. And fewer offers mean less money in your pocket.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The data on landscaping ROI is clear. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) says that investing in landscaping can increase a home's value by 15% to 20%. For a home worth $350,000, that's an extra $52,500 to $70,000.

A survey of 350 real estate professionals found that 97.7% believe good landscaping can improve a home's value by at least 5%. And 56.3% believe it can enhance value by 15% or more.

Here in the Huntsville area, curb appeal matters even more. North Alabama's humid summers mean lush landscapes are the norm. A bare or struggling yard sticks out like a sore thumb against neighbors with healthy lawns.

What Happens When Landscaping Is Bad

The flip side is scary. A Trees.com survey of 1,250 licensed real estate agents found that poor landscaping can decrease a home's value by as much as 30%.

Think about that. On a $350,000 home, bad landscaping could cost you over $100,000. That's not a typo. It's the real impact of dead grass, overgrown bushes, and a yard full of weeds.

Common Landscaping Problems That Hurt Sales

Homes across Madison County often face these issues:

Standing water and drainage problems. Clay-heavy soil is common in North Alabama. When water pools in your yard, it raises red flags for buyers. They worry about foundation damage, mosquitoes, and muddy messes. Standing water issues can scare off buyers faster than almost any other problem.

Overgrown vegetation. Bushes that block windows and trees that crowd walkways make a home feel dark and neglected. A report from the National Association of Realtors noted that overgrowth of grass, weeds, shrubs, and trees can negatively impact a buyer's first impression.

Yard erosion. The Tennessee Valley gets an average of 56 inches of rain per year. That's a lot of water moving through your yard. Without proper grading, soil washes away and leaves ugly bare spots. Yard erosion makes buyers think they'll inherit expensive repairs.

Weed infestations. Nothing says "this home was ignored" like a yard full of weeds. Weed problems are one of the fastest ways to turn off potential buyers.

Landscaping Projects With the Best ROI

Not all landscaping investments are equal. Some pay back every penny. Others barely break even. Here's what the research shows works best.

Basic Lawn Care - Up to 217% ROI

This is the big winner. According to NAR, homeowners can expect a 217% ROI on a healthy, green lawn. That means for every dollar you spend, you get back more than two dollars when you sell.

What counts as basic lawn care? Mowing, fertilizing, weed control, and keeping edges clean. It sounds simple because it is. But the impact is massive.

For homeowners in Huntsville, Madison, and Decatur, Alabama's growing season runs from mid-April through early November. That's plenty of time to get your lawn looking great before listing.

Landscape Maintenance - 104% ROI

NAR reports that landscape maintenance has an average ROI of 104%. This includes mulching, pruning shrubs, removing dead plants, and keeping garden beds tidy.

Fresh mulch is one of the cheapest ways to make a yard look polished. HomeLight estimates that adding fresh mulch at roughly $340 recoups about 126% of the cost at closing.

Trees - $1,000 to $10,000 in Added Value

According to the Council of Tree and Landscaping Appraisers, a mature tree increases your property value by $1,000 to $10,000.

91% of real estate agents say that adding even one healthy tree to your landscape will increase property values. Trees offer shade, privacy, and visual appeal. In North Alabama's hot summers, shade trees can also cut cooling costs, which buyers love.

The key is picking trees that thrive here in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b-8a. Native species need less water and care, making them attractive to buyers who don't want high-maintenance yards.

Patios - 95% to 102% ROI

NAR estimates homeowners recover about 95% of patio expenses when they sell. Some reports show even higher returns.

The NAR Remodeling Impact Report found that patios often recoup 102% of their building cost.

A well-built patio creates outdoor living space. Buyers in the Huntsville area love the idea of spending warm evenings outside. Hardscaping projects like patios, walkways, and retaining walls add function and beauty.

Fire Pits - 78% ROI

Fire pits are hot right now. They extend how long you can use outdoor spaces, even into Alabama's cooler fall months. At around $300 to $1,400 to build, they're a relatively cheap way to add appeal.

How Landscaping Affects Buyer Psychology

Beyond the numbers, landscaping works on an emotional level. Buyers are not just looking for square footage; they are imagining barbecues under trees, kids running barefoot through the yard, or sunsets on a quiet patio.

A beautiful yard tells a story. It says, "This is a place where good things happen." That emotional connection drives offers.

Curb Appeal Sets Expectations

When buyers see a tidy lawn, colorful flowers, and clean walkways, they expect the inside to be just as nice. It builds trust before they even ring the doorbell.

Among REALTORS®, 97% of NAR members believe curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer (75% very important, 22% somewhat important).

On the other hand, a neglected yard puts buyers on edge. They start looking for problems. Every creaky floorboard or dated fixture becomes evidence that the whole house needs work.

Multiple Offers Mean Better Prices

Here's something many sellers don't think about. Good landscaping doesn't just increase your asking price. It brings in more buyers.

Real estate professionals note that great landscaping may actually be just the thing that prompts one more party to throw their offer in the ring. Homes with multiple offers typically sell at a higher price and most of the time above list price.

More competition means better offers. Better offers mean more money at closing.

What to Fix Before Listing Your Home

If you're getting ready to sell in Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, or anywhere in North Alabama, here's your landscaping checklist.

Start With the Basics

These tasks cost little but make a big difference:

• Mow the lawn and keep it mowed throughout showings
• Edge along sidewalks, driveways, and garden beds
• Pull weeds from beds, cracks, and around the foundation
• Add 2-3 inches of fresh mulch to all planting areas
• Trim bushes so they don't block windows or walkways
• Remove dead plants and replace with healthy ones
• Clean up any yard debris, tools, or toys

Fix Drainage Issues

Standing water is a deal-killer. Poor drainage on a property can cause both safety risks and a suffering landscape that hurts home value. Standing water can make a yard unusable and attract mosquitoes.

If you have muddy spots or puddles that don't drain, get them fixed. Drainage solutions like French drains can redirect water and protect your foundation. Properties with effective drainage often pass inspections more easily, giving buyers peace of mind.

Add Color Strategically

Colorful plants catch the eye. But don't go overboard. A few well-placed pots of flowers near the front door make a big impact for under $100.

For about $100 or less, you can purchase potted flowers or plants that intrigue buyers with color. Even just around the front porch area adds pop and makes the house feel inviting.

Consider Your Soil

North Alabama's clay-heavy soil causes problems for many yards. Grass struggles, plants die, and water sits on the surface instead of soaking in. If your soil is compacted or poor quality, soil amendment can make a huge difference in how healthy your landscape looks.

Landscaping Mistakes That Cost You Money

Avoid these common errors when prepping your home for sale.

Going Too Personal

That quirky garden statue or bold color scheme might be your style. But buyers may hate it. Stick to clean, classic designs that appeal to the widest audience.

Overly personalized designs may not appeal to all buyers. A balance between personal taste and broad appeal is essential if you're trying to sell your home.

Ignoring the Climate

Plants that struggle in North Alabama's humid summers and occasional cold snaps look sad and stressed. They send the wrong message to buyers. Choose plants suited to our climate for the best results. Native species are your friend here.

Overdoing Hardscape

Too much concrete makes a yard feel cold and uninviting. Balance hard surfaces with plants and greenery. It's important to balance the materials in your yard. Avoid the concrete jungle effect.

Skipping Professional Help

DIY landscaping can work for basic tasks. But bigger projects benefit from expert design and installation. Professional landscaping design creates a cohesive look that maximizes your home's appeal.

A study by Virginia Tech found that plant size and design sophistication were the two factors that contributed most to a home's value. The study reports that well-designed landscaping can increase a home's value by up to 42%.

Timing Your Landscaping for the Sale

When should you start landscaping before listing? Earlier is better. Most landscape improvements look their best after a few weeks of growth.

Grass seed needs 6-8 weeks to fill in. Fresh sod needs 2-4 weeks to root. New plants take time to settle. Start at least 2 months before you plan to list if you're making major changes.

For homeowners in the Huntsville area, spring and fall are ideal planting times. Avoid major landscaping in the heat of summer when Alabama temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. The first frost typically arrives in early November, so wrap up fall planting before then.

The Bottom Line on Landscaping ROI

Landscaping is one of the smartest investments you can make before selling your home. It costs less than interior renovations but delivers returns that often exceed 100%.

The key is focusing on the right projects. Basic lawn care, fresh mulch, healthy plants, and fixing drainage issues give the best bang for your buck. Avoid costly custom features that won't appeal to the average buyer.

Well-designed landscaping can increase a home's resale value by as much as 20%. It pays in daily enjoyment while you live there, then pays again when it comes time to sell.

Final Thoughts

Your yard is your home's first impression. Make it count. A well-landscaped property attracts more buyers, gets more offers, and sells for more money. A neglected one sits on the market and sells for less.

The numbers are clear. Nearly all real estate professionals believe landscaping can significantly improve home value. Some projects return more than double what you spend.

If you're thinking about selling your home in Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, or anywhere across North Alabama, start with your yard. Fix the drainage. Pull the weeds. Add the mulch. Trim the bushes.

Or better yet, let the experts handle it. White Shovel Landscapes has been helping homeowners across the Tennessee Valley transform their yards since 2010. From landscape design to installation to solving drainage problems, we know what works in North Alabama's climate.

Ready to boost your home's value before you sell? Get a free estimate and see what professional landscaping can do for your property.