6 Surprising Effects of Landscaping on Property Values

We’re in the thick of spring, and many people are updating their landscaping, which can be a great boon to property value. Finishing your backyard, planting trees and cultivating gardens can not only make your home more beautiful, but landscaping can also improve home value and boost your home’s curb appeal. 

But don’t just start planting willy-nilly. Before you start digging holes and planting trees, it’s important to understand the effects of landscaping on property value. After all, property value plays a big role in your homeowners insurance premiums. Protect your home by understanding how landscaping projects can impact its home value. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Mature Landscaping Can Add Value to a Property

Many homeowners hope that their landscaping efforts will earn them a return on their investment. Here is the good news: It’s widely known that mature landscaping not only adds beauty to your lawn, but when planted correctly, it can also increase a home’s value. Healthy, mature trees can add value to your home. But of course, having healthy trees on your property doesn’t happen overnight.

2. Where Trees Are Planted Can Affect Your Home’s Value

Trees can have a big effect on property value, but whether that effect is a plus or minus depends on a number of factors. When trees are planted too close to the home, large tree roots can extend underneath the property, causing foundation issues. Oak, ash and poplar trees are known for their potential to damage property when not planted properly, as their tree roots can become very large. Large tree roots can also break through concrete and damage walkways or patios.  

Tree roots also naturally grow toward water sources, which causes them to grow toward sewer lines. When a root finds a leak in a water pipe, it will quickly grow into the pipe, causing blockages, breaks and disruption of the water lines. This can cause flooding in your yard and a host of other problems.

So, take care when deciding which trees to plant and where to plant them. Start by looking up: Tall trees planted in an incorrect place can interfere with electric and cable lines running above your home. And remember that if you’re in an area that is hit by heavy storms and winds, you may not want to put a tree near a structure.

Do your homework to make sure the tree you want to plant is appropriate for your yard. Verify with your utility company where the gas, electric, cable and sewer lines are located so you can plan where to plant your trees and shrubs accordingly.

3. Beware of Plants That Dry Out Your Soil

In the spring and summer, some trees can dry out soil in your yard, potentially causing ground shrinkage under your home’s foundation. Research which plants are likely to dry the soil and which will retain moisture. Plus, when deciding which plants to add to your landscape, be sure to take note of the moisture levels of the soil in your region.

4. How Vines and Ivy Can Affect Your Home’s Value

Ivy can add visual appeal and charm to your home, but it can also lead to serious issues. When ivy grows along the side of a home, it can damage the paint and siding. It’s even powerful enough to grow into cracks in bricks and separate them, leading to stability issues. If left to grow all the way to the roof, vines may lift roof tiles and pull apart guttering, damaging your home and necessitating expensive repairs.

Never let your ivy grow high enough to reach your roof (and add pruning to your yearly home maintenance checklist). Before planting vines that travel along the side of your home, ask your local landscaping professional about the possibility of damage to your siding.

5. Can Landscaping Increase Home Security and Value?

Did you know that your landscaping could deter burglars? By strategically placing prickly bushes and shrubs in front of your windows, burglars may be less likely to attempt to enter your home. Consider this when you’re choosing plants for your landscaping.

6. Do Gardens and Native Plants Increase Property Value?

Native plants are trees, shrubs or flowers that grow naturally in your region. These plants can increase property value because they often require less maintenance — they already naturally thrive in their native region.

By choosing native plants that thrive with less effort, you’re not only increasing your home’s sustainability but also its appeal to potential buyers. If you're not sure where to begin, check out our guide on how to start a garden.

Benefits of Choosing Plants Native to Your Region

Native plants are less expensive to care for. It takes $3,000 to maintain an acre of native plants over a 20-year period, compared to $20,000 for non-native plants over the same length of time. That’s a big difference!

Native plants can improve the ecological value of your home. They provide food and homes for butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife.

In general, native plants don’t require as much maintenance. For instance, they need to be watered less because they have naturally adapted to the water source in your region, which also means a lower water bill.

In climates with severe weather and high precipitation, native plants can direct runoff water underground, preventing water from seeping into your basement.

How to Find Plants Native to Your Region

To find plants native to your region, you’ll have to do your research, but here are some suggestions to consider. Be sure to talk to local information sources for more.

Iowa

Native prairie flowers support Iowa’s historical ecosystem. Consider planting prairie blazing stars, butterfly milkweed, purple coneflower and cardinal flowers to attract native butterflies and insects.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your landscape, consider red maple trees, which are a favorite native tree for Iowans due to their spectacular fall foliage. Native wildflowers that make good additions to woodland gardens are Canadian wild gingers and Virginia bluebells.

Nebraska

The obedient plant is a popular plant for those living in the central Midwest. Its white petals with tall green stems make it a great addition to gardens and bouquets. There’s also Indiangrass, which is a prairie plant that brings out Nebraska’s plain heritage. The grass can grow to be 5 feet tall, and flowers bloom in late summer.

Arizona 

The blue palo verde tree grows bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer months. It is native to Arizona, so it is accustomed to the dry weather and requires little water.

Wisconsin

The sugar maple is a large tree that provides multicolored foliage in autumn, making it a popular choice for homeowners in the Midwest. The American bellflower is a beautiful plant native to Midwest states that can grow up to 4 feet tall. The upper portion of the stems are lined with lavender-blue flowers.

Minnesota

Native to Minnesota, the prairie wild rose is a pink flower plant that grows well in full sun and can withstand harsh winters. The ninebark shrub is a popular choice for Minnesotans due to its attractive white flower clusters and its ability to thrive in sunlight.

Kansas

Oak trees are native to Midwestern states, including Kansas. If you want a pop of color, the annual sunflower adds a bright yellow color to every landscape, and this flower thrives in the Kansas climate.

North Dakota

Similar to other Midwest states, native prairie grasses and flowers are excellent additions to home landscapes. The dotted blazing star is a prairie flower that will add rose-lavender flowers to your garden. 

New Mexico

Plants native to New Mexico are drought-tolerant since there are long stretches without rain. Some popular choices include butterfly weed and milfoil.

Protect Your Property Value

As you get started with your spring landscaping projects, don’t forget about the effect they can have on your home’s value. Contact a local Farm Bureau agent to learn more about how you can protect your property and your hard work with homeowners insurance from Farm Bureau.