The outside of your home is the first thing your neighbors, guests, and potential buyers see. If you’re considering investing in professional landscaping, you may be wondering what projects would be the most beneficial to the value of your home. Wonder no more!

This guide highlights projects that positively impact your home’s aesthetic and provide maximum ROI (return on investment).

How much should you spend?

Before you start any of these projects, consider your budget and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all price for landscaping efforts. The price will depend on your location and project needs, so don’t be afraid to contact multiple contractors for quotes to compare. Also, consider what you paid for your home. As a rule of thumb, you should spend around 10 percent of your home’s total value on landscaping and hardscaping. So if your home is valued at $300,000, an appropriate amount to spend would be around $30,000.

Consider the end goal for improving your landscaping. Do you want to attract potential buyers? Is this your forever home that you want to improve for your own benefit? The answers to these and other similar questions will impact the approach you take for these projects.

Low-maintenance water and fire features.

The most common misconception about including water features in your landscaping is that a pool is the most beneficial project. However, that is not always the case. Pools can be out of budget for many people, and potential buyers may not want the commitment of a pool. When considering a water feature, the best project could be a small, low-maintenance pond.

On the opposite end of the element spectrum, firepits create a natural place in your yard to gather and relax. A stone firepit is simple to install, long-lasting, and easy to remove or update if a potential buyer wants to customize it in the future. Firepits are relatively inexpensive and require little upkeep other than occasional cleaning.

Paving-stone walkways and patios.

Walkways are almost always a valuable property addition because they make it easy to navigate through the backyard without having to step in wet grass, snow, or mud.

Patios can be another boost to your home’s value since they create a more usable space to sit with family and host friends. If you’re planning on selling your home, try not to customize your patio too much. You don’t have to spend much to create a nice patio, just enough that you can lay down high-quality stones in a size that will fit a table and chairs.

Trees and shrubs.

Trees and shrubs make great accents for your yard and can instantly improve its aesthetic. They can also be helpful when selling to potential buyers who may not want to take on planting greenery themselves. Also, if your home is near a busy road, trees and shrubs can act as a barrier for added privacy.

Be sure to think ahead and choose low-maintenance plants. It can be wise to consult a professional who knows the best plants for your region; they can arrange them in a way that will accent your home rather than detract from it.

Fencing.

A high-quality fence can go a long way toward boosting your home’s potential value. The key is to choose the best material to resist corrosion and breakage. Consider a sturdy fencing material such as PVC, wrought iron, or cedar, depending on the most aesthetically pleasing fit for your property.

Lighting.

Improved lighting can be useful for any yard because of the security and visual appeal it provides. In-ground recessed lighting is relatively inexpensive and subtle, and it will make your house stand out at night. You can even invest in solar-powered lights, so you’ll never have to change bulbs or batteries.

Improving your landscaping can be a challenging process. However, these ideas can be a starting point to help you reach maximum ROI.