10 landscaping tricks that’ll make your house look $10K pricier

Landscaping does more than make your yard look neat — it directly affects how people see your home’s value. Appraisers and buyers both pay attention to outdoor spaces, and the right upgrades can make your property look significantly more expensive.

You don’t need a massive budget to pull it off either. With a little strategy, these landscaping tricks can add up to a big difference in how your home is perceived. Here are ten that can make your house look $10,000 pricier.

Defining Flower Beds With Edging

Crisp, well-defined beds always look higher-end than grass running straight into mulch. Installing edging around flower beds, trees, and walkways gives your landscaping structure and polish.

This trick works because it makes your yard look intentionally designed instead of thrown together. It’s affordable, easy to DIY, and instantly raises curb appeal, which is exactly what buyers and appraisers notice.

Adding Mulch for a Fresh Finish

Old mulch fades and breaks down, leaving beds looking neglected. Adding a fresh layer of mulch in a rich color revives your landscaping and highlights the plants you already have.

Mulch is one of the cheapest ways to make your yard look professionally maintained. It also helps with weed control and moisture, so you’re not just boosting looks — you’re improving function too.

Planting Trees for Shade and Structure

A well-placed tree adds value by providing shade, privacy, and visual height in your yard. Even a young tree makes the property feel more established.

Appraisers know trees increase long-term value, and buyers like the idea of enjoying shade and reduced cooling costs. Planting one or two now can pay off for years to come.

Installing Solar Path Lights

Lighting is a quick way to elevate your landscaping. Solar path lights along walkways, patios, or garden beds make your yard safer and more attractive without adding to your energy bill.

Because lighting highlights features and extends usability, it’s something buyers notice right away. A well-lit yard gives the impression of a property that’s cared for and thoughtfully designed.

Creating a Defined Walkway

Instead of worn paths in the grass, adding a gravel or stone walkway makes your yard look upscale. It guides visitors through the space and adds structure that feels permanent.

Defined walkways suggest planning and investment, both of which raise perceived value. They don’t have to be costly to install but they have a major impact on curb appeal.

Adding Seasonal Color With Flowers

Pops of color instantly brighten a yard. Planting seasonal flowers in beds or containers adds vibrancy that makes your home stand out.

Appraisers and buyers respond to landscaping that looks alive and maintained. For a small investment each season, you can create a big boost in curb appeal that pays back in perceived value.

Refreshing the Lawn

A healthy, green lawn makes one of the strongest impressions in any yard. Overseeding bare spots, fertilizing, and keeping it watered can completely change how your home looks from the street.

Since the lawn covers so much space, its condition heavily influences value. A lush yard makes the entire property appear better maintained and more expensive.

Adding Shrubs for Structure

Shrubs anchor a yard and create balance around the home. Placing them along foundations or walkways adds definition and helps tie your landscaping together.

They’re affordable, easy to maintain, and give the impression of a finished design. Buyers see shrubs as a sign of care, and appraisers recognize them as part of quality landscaping.

Power Washing Hard Surfaces

Dirty driveways, patios, and walkways drag down curb appeal. Power washing removes stains, mold, and years of buildup, instantly making these areas look newer.

Clean hardscaping makes a home feel more expensive because it signals regular maintenance. The contrast between fresh surfaces and landscaping makes the entire property stand out.

Updating the Mailbox and Surrounding Area

An old, rusted mailbox lowers the look of your home before anyone reaches the front door. Replacing it with a modern one and adding flowers or mulch around the base makes a huge difference.

Because it’s right at the curb, a sharp mailbox sets the tone for the whole property. It’s a small update that has an outsized effect on first impressions and value.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.