Is Landscaping A Capital Improvement? [8 Easy Tips To Up Your Property Value]

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Is Landscaping A Capital Improvement? [8 Easy Tips To Up Your Property Value]

Landscaping
Keli Elliott
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November 15, 2020

Is Landscaping a Capital Improvement? To understand and answer this question, you first need to know what capital improvement is.

In a nutshell, a capital improvement substantially adds value to your property, and it becomes a permanent part of it. Landscaping has these characteristics, and therefore it qualifies as a capital improvement.

Landscaping changes the way people look at properties. The process involves attractive designing and cultivating an area.

While landscaping is commonly confused with gardening, it is not limited to plants and flowers.

is landscaping a capital improvement

Table Of Contents Show

An Introduction To Landscaping?

Landscaping can be defined as planning, laying out, constructing gardens and making changes to a piece of land or property to enhance its appearance and improve its value. It also creates a useable space for outdoor activities.

Landscaping is a centuries-old land beautification process that was used to boost the aesthetic of properties. It primarily involves;

Plants– the addition of flowers, shrubs, and trees to an area.
Terrain– altering the shape of the land through terracing, grading, and mounding.
Structures– patios, fountains, and water gardens.
Pathways– driveways, and walkways

When it comes to landscaping, the options and designs are unlimited. Some people want a beautiful garden with a lawn next to a fireplace while others want a combination of plants and patios.

Check out designs that are suitable for your space and the features that you would like to include. Research thoroughly before you start the project.

Landscaping Ideas That Will Add Value To Your Property

There are endless landscaping ideas that you can use to add value to your home. Below are some landscaping ideas that will send the value of your property soaring high in no time when put into use.

1. Add Plants

Give your property an elegant look by planting flowers, trees, and shrubs.

Flowers add colour and illuminate your home. On the other hand, trees bring shade, fresh air, and a cool breeze, especially during hot summers.

Give thought to the concept you are looking to achieve, and do not overdo it by planting flowers for the sake of it.

The plants should blend well with your home. Aim for a uniform look that improves the overall appearance of your property.

2. Add Beautification Structures

A patio is a great addition. People like to sit outside, relax, and enjoy the surrounding.

You can also complement your surrounding with a fountain or a small pond. It is suitable for a backyard or beside the house.

An outdoor fireplace is also a good feature for your home.

3. Install And Maintain A Lawn

You can opt for an artificial lawn or natural lawn. A natural lawn will require maintenance by mowing, removing dead grass and removing weeds and watering.

In contrast, artificial grass is easier to maintain. It is all-weather and reduces your water usage. However, you’ll have to change after some time because it doesn’t age well.

4. Improve Walkways

As the cliché goes, the first impression is everything.

When someone walks in, your pathways greet their eyes. Create an exciting pathway that will give your visitors excitement and eagerness to see the rest of your property.

You can fit your pathway with paver stones, which will improve its appearance.

Plants That Increase Property Value

A property with large, mature plants that have been carefully tended improves its aesthetic. They give an indication of a well taken care of place.

Some of these plants include flowers, shrubs, and trees. Your region’s native plants are the safest bet. This will reduce maintenance costs and as they will grow and thrive naturally.

Some of the native plants in South Africa include king protea, Barberton daisy, Nile lily, clivia, pelargoniums and crocosmia.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Landscaping

Advantages

Improves the overall aesthetic of an environment– landscaping beautifies your property's surroundings, making it more appealing. It also brings a more relaxed homely feel to it.
Cleans the environment– trees break wind and bring fresh air. Plants also produce oxygen, reduce soil erosion, and capture dust and other particles in the air. They act as natural coolants to your home.
Relieves stress and lifts moods– being around a well-landscaped property with plants and flowers helps to relax the mind and ease tension. Consequently, it boosts your mood and promotes social interaction.
Trees and grass provide a cooler climate– grass is a much cooler surface to walk on when compared to tarred or paved driveways. Trees provide shade on a hot sunny day and if they are planted close to your house, can prevent direct sunlight from striking walls and windows.

Disadvantages

Initial costs are high- some landscaping features like installing an outdoor fireplace, a patio, an artificial turf, and a fountain will be costly. The cost will increase even further if you hire a professional for the project.
Harm the environment– native plants grow well and protect the environment. However, exotic plants require more attention and maintenance. Over time, they can also drain out the natural resources of the environment.
DIY is time-consuming– landscaping projects require a lot of time and effort. If you decided to do it yourself, be prepared to spend hours landscaping.

Easy Tips To Increase Property Value With Landscaping

#1. Install an irrigation system– water features are essential for the survival and look of the plants. Your lawn and flower need to be watered so that they don’t dry up and look ugly in the environment.

Consider using drip irrigation or a sprinkler system to water your plant efficiently.

#2. Edge your lawn– Ensure you mow and edge your lawn to create a controlled feel. Keep your grass and shrubs in good shape by cutting and pruning them, respectively.

#3. Install lighting- lighting increases the security and safety of your property. It also illuminates your surroundings, highlighting the features of your home.

Use lighting thoughtfully in places such as walkways, at the entrance, and at the patio. Use LED and solar lighting for low costs and maintenance.

#4. Mulching– preserve the freshness and beauty of your plants by laying down a fresh bed of mulch.

Mulch makes the garden area look neater, retains moisture in the soil, and provides nutrients to plants.

Combine mulching and weeding to give your property an appealing visual effect.

Should You Hire A Professional Landscaper?

Many projects could benefit from the help of a professional landscaper. You should consider hiring a landscaping expert to design and/or plan.

However, the cost may be more and therefore, you can use a drawn-up plan and then execute it yourself.

Before hiring a pro, ensure they are licensed and also check out their previous works.

Is Landscaping A Capital Improvement?

Whether you are looking to put up your home for sale or improve its overall appearance for your own comfort, landscaping is a worthy investment.

Other than increasing the value of your property, it also has other health and environmental benefits as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Value Does A Lawn Add?

It is not easy to put a specific number separately to the value that a lawn adds to your property. This is because its value is compounded together with the value of other landscaping features.

However, you will get 100% or more return on your lawn investment when you sell it.

Does Landscaping Help Appraisal?

A profound yes. Landscaping improves appraisal value. Similar to the excellent impression a visitor gets from your well-done landscape, an appraiser will get the same impression.

When valuing your home, an appraiser will look at your landscape and compare it to other homes.

The ultimate goal of an appraiser is to fairly value your home based on a comparable set of market factors and the surrounding area.

How Does Landscaping Affect Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal is the impression that your property or house creates for potential buyers even before they see inside.

A well-done landscaping is the epitome of curb appeal. It captures the attention of visitors by acting as a marketing tool.

Landscaping gives your home’s curb appeal the wow factor.

How Important Is Landscaping When Selling A House?

Landscaping is significant when selling a house. It helps to attract people from outside and make them eager to see the rest of your home.

Landscaping can increase your house’s value by 4% to 10%, depending on the features included.

Additions such as patios, lit walkways, lawns, and flowers improve your house value by a considerable percentage.

Conclusion

Landscaping is an investment and a project. It should be planned appropriately before commencing. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a poorly done landscape that ruins your curb appeal and lessens the value of your home.

Not all landscaping is equal in terms of adding real value to your home. Carefully select features that blend well with your property.