Whether your yard is finally thawing out or it’s been temperate all year round, spring is just around the corner. So, while you’re hard at work scheduling spring cleaning activities, be careful not to overlook your yard. After all, a few simple landscaping projects can elevate your home’s appearance, increase your happiness, and even add resale value!
A pleasant outdoor space is just plain essential when it comes to soaking up the spring and summer seasons. But landscaping has a measurable impact, too.
According to Bankrate, it can increase a home’s resale value by 15-20%, on average. That’s a pretty big benefit from tending a few flower beds or installing a bird bath!
So, if you’re leaning into the spirit of new beginnings with your outdoor space this season, here are some of our favorite spring landscaping tips for homeowners to help get you started:
Spring Landscaping Tip #1: Tend to The Garden
No backyard is complete without a little greenery! Plus, after a long, cold winter, your plants may be in need of some TLC.
Depending on your climate and growing zone, you’ve got a few options:
- New sod, turf, or a grass alternative
- Flowers, herbs, or vegetables
- Potted plants, raised beds, or a vertical garden
- Saplings, bushes, or hedges
- Mulch, gravel, or stone accents
Whatever you’re leaning toward, gardening comes with a whole host of benefits, including boosting your mood, attracting pollinators, and improving curb appeal. Talk about a win, win, win!
Spring Landscaping Tip #2: Add Some Shade
Depending on where you live and which direction your backyard faces, you might need to block out the sun a bit for max enjoyment.
A stylish landscaping staple like a pergola, trellis, or awning can look great and work to keep you cool all spring and summer long. Plus, they can usually be incorporated into your gardenscape, whether preexisting or planned for the future!
Spring Landscaping Tip #3: Install a Deck or Patio
Whether you opt for wood, vinyl, or pavers, a new patio or deck could drastically improve your backyard’s usability, whether you plan to spend the warmer months entertaining or relaxing in a sun lounger.
Not sold just yet? Well, what if we told you that decks and patios offer up to an 80% return on investment for homeowners? That’s a higher ROI than owners see with a basement conversion to the living area, complete kitchen renovation, or bathroom renovation.
So, you could very well be sitting back and sipping something cold all while recouping costs.
Spring Landscaping Tip #4: Add a Kitchen or Grill
Burger, anyone? How about a hot dog?
No outdoor space is truly complete without some kind of culinary feature. That’s true whether you opt for a fully outfitted outdoor kitchen, which can come with an ROI of 55% to 200% depending on location and comparable homes nearby, or a simple gas grill.
Whatever you decide works best for your space, you should be flipping burgers in style this spring!
Spring Landscaping Tip #5: Outfit a Fire Pit
Did you know that homes with fire pits sell 2.8 days faster?
And if you’re not planning to sell just yet? No worries. A fire pit makes enjoying your home in the meantime that much easier, too.
You’ll need to check local rules and regulations, and definitely study up on the relevant safety info, but most homeowners will have at least a few choices for s’more fun this spring:
- Propane fire pit
- Wood-burning fire pit
- Natural gas fire pit
- Gel fuel fire pit
Spring Landscaping Tip #6: Install New Lighting
While we’re talking warm nights in the backyard, the best landscaping job in the world doesn’t matter all that much if no one can see it. So, let there be light!
String lights, torches, lanterns, and wall sconces are all popular options, but some homeowners can get even more creative. Whatever you choose, add a little illumination so you can continue using the backyard long after the sun goes down.
Spring Landscaping Tip #7: Hook Up a Water Feature
There’s nothing quite like the sound of flowing water to boost relaxation. So, this spring, consider adding some kind of aquatic feature to the backyard.
You might consider:
- Ponds, which can attract wildlife and benefit local ecosystems.
- Waterfalls, which are both aesthetic and relaxing.
- Streams, which can enhance beauty and potentially improve resale value.
- Birdbaths, which can help attract and support your local feathered friends.
- Swimming pools, which, of course, are just plain fun.
Or, if you don’t have the space or the gumption, something as simple as a tabletop water fountain can bring some of that same ambiance without all the effort. Can you feel the relaxation washing over you yet?
Wrapping Up: Top Spring Landscaping Tips for Homeowners
Your home’s exterior is just as important as the interior! And, in the spirit of rebirth and regrowth, there’s no better time to tend to the yard.
From improving the comfort of your home to boosting resale value, spring landscaping can truly make all the difference. And that’s true whether you choose to build a whole new patio or simply install a small birdbath.
Happy landscaping!
Published on March 7, 2022
