Landscaping: The Best Return on Investment for Your Home
According to the National Association of Realtors, professional landscaping can increase your home's value by 10-15%. In Kitsap County's competitive real estate market, curb appeal is often the deciding factor between a quick sale and a listing that sits.
As a preferred landcare partner of RE/MAX Connect in Poulsbo, we've seen firsthand how quality landscaping impacts home sales. Buyers form opinions within 7 seconds of pulling up to a property, and a well-maintained yard signals that the home has been cared for inside and out.
Top 5 Landscaping Improvements for Home Value
1. A Healthy, Green Lawn
Estimated ROI: 200-300%
Nothing says "well-maintained" like a thick, green lawn. Regular mowing, edging, aeration, and fertilization create the foundation of great curb appeal. In Kitsap County, this means managing our clay soils and adapting to the wet-dry seasonal cycle.
2. Clean Edges and Defined Beds
Estimated ROI: 150-200%
Crisp edges along walkways, driveways, and garden beds create a polished, professional appearance. Mulched beds with clean borders look intentional and well-maintained. This is one of the cheapest improvements with the highest visual impact.
3. Mature Trees and Strategic Planting
Estimated ROI: 100-200%
Healthy mature trees can add $1,000-$10,000 to property value depending on species and size. Native PNW species like Japanese maple, dogwood, and Western red cedar are especially valued by local buyers. Keep trees well-pruned and free of dead limbs.
4. Functional Outdoor Living Space
Estimated ROI: 50-100%
Patios, walkways, and defined outdoor spaces extend your usable living area. Even a simple gravel pad or paver patio can transform unused yard space. RV parking pads are increasingly valuable in Kitsap County, where outdoor recreation drives buyer interest.
5. Proper Drainage
Estimated ROI: 100-150%
In a region that gets 50+ inches of rain, buyers look for properties with solved drainage. French drains, proper grading, and functioning gutters signal that the home won't have water problems. Drainage issues are a major red flag in home inspections.
Landscaping Improvements That Hurt Value
Avoid these common mistakes:
Overgrown or unmaintained landscaping — looks worse than a simple, clean yard
Invasive species — English ivy, Scotch broom, and Himalayan blackberry signal neglect
Excessive concrete or rock — buyers want green space, not a gravel parking lot
Poor drainage signs — standing water, erosion marks, or water stains on foundations
Preparing Your Property for Sale
If you're planning to sell your home in Kitsap County, landscaping should be one of your first investments. Start 2-3 months before listing with:
Full property cleanup — remove debris, dead plants, and clutter
Lawn restoration — aerate, overseed, and fertilize for a green, thick lawn
Edge and mulch all beds — fresh mulch instantly refreshes the entire property
Tree and hedge trimming — clean shapes and open sightlines to the home
Address drainage issues — fix any standing water or erosion before inspection
Partner with the Pros
Pacific Landcare Group works with real estate professionals across Kitsap County to prepare properties for market. Whether you need a one-time cleanup or ongoing maintenance, we deliver the curb appeal that sells homes.
Call (360) 232-6544 for a free property assessment and let us help maximize your home's value.