11 Home Landscaping Ideas for Great Curb Appeal

Perhaps you remember pulling up to your dream home and knowing it was “the one.” Something about the property called to you. It felt welcoming; it felt right. 

That sensation likely had to do with the property’s excellent curb appeal, which helped you form a powerful first impression of the space. 

When preparing your home for sale, it’s wise to consider upgrades that’ll make a potential buyer feel the way you once did when you first saw your house. Focus on driving curb appeal by landscaping, and help guarantee a good impression. 

Grooming your home’s landscape before viewers stop by may instinctually sound smart, but the benefits of doing so are backed by data, too. A University of Texas study showed that great curb appeal can boost a home’s value from 7 to 14 percent.  

Get your hands dirty planting, painting, and trimming, and reap a higher value sale and some “wow factor.” Here are 11 ways to revamp your home’s landscape. 

1. Plant trees

Planting trees is a plus for the environment and the aesthetics of your home. It makes your lawn look fuller and more cared for—not to mention provides some inviting shade. Gather friends or family members on the weekend and plant fast-growing trees. Your geography will influence which trees you choose, but willows, maples, and cypresses are good options since they sprout up quickly. 

2. Plant perennials and shrubs

Perennials and shrubs are a gift that keeps on giving for the next homeowners, as these plant varieties continue blooming or growing. Define and mulch areas around walkways, trees, or porches, or build flower boxes to put plants in. Primrose, peonies, or irises can be excellent flower options, depending on your climate. Or you might opt for rose bushes, low-maintenance ferns, or leafy tropical plants if your location allows.  

3. Hang window boxes

Window boxes add a pop of color and polish to your home’s facade. Hang these wooden or metal planters beneath windows or along railings, fill them with soil, and plant vibrant flowers in them. It’s wise to do this upgrade right before putting your home on the market so that the flowers look fresh and you don’t have to worry about replanting them several times before a potential buyer sees the home.  

4. Upgrade the door

A DIY door upgrade is a little, budget-friendly project that makes a big impact. Merely changing the color of your front door by painting it can shift the entire aesthetic of your home’s facade. Continue your entryway revamp by adding a contemporary house number. And stage this welcoming point of your home with attractive potted plants. Want to go all out? Add a smart doorbell and keypad entry that helps your home look high-tech and safe.

5. Reseal the driveway

Even the best landscaping aesthetics can be thwarted by an old-looking driveway. After all, this concrete or asphalt path takes up a substantial part of the view. Have a professional fill in cracks or resurface the entire drive if necessary.

6. Update the mailbox

While we might traditionally think of the front door as being the first welcoming point of a home, it may actually be the mailbox. Swap out a dated or shabby mailbox for a new one and plant a little garden at its base. If you’re repainting your front door, consider painting the mailbox the same hue for a coherent look.

7. Paint the garage door

Much like painting your front door, revamping the garage one can significantly boost your property’s aesthetics. Garage doors are an integral part of a home’s facade and a focal point—especially if they’re on the front of your house. A fresh coat of paint makes these doors look newer and cleaner. You can also swap outdated garage hardware (like door pulls) for contemporary pieces. If your garage door is in poor condition or not functional, consider replacing it entirely. Research shows that a garage door replacement is one of the highest return on investment (ROI) upgrades for home sellers. 

8. Add seating

Fire up Pinterest, Instagram, or your favorite design inspiration source, and look for seating area ideas to boost your home’s curb appeal. Add a couple of chairs, a little table, and some potted plants to your front porch or a patio, or install a seating area under a shady tree. Help potential buyers imagine themselves getting the most out of your home’s outdoor spaces—enjoying their morning coffee with a view. 

9. Hardscape

Hardscaping refers to the non-natural elements of landscapes, like bricks, pavers, and wooden plant beds. Spruce up your home’s exterior by adding a path in a convenient place, like between the front door and garage, or by replacing old pavers with modern ones. Build in flower beds along paths or sidewalks, adding dimension to your greenscape. 

10. Put in foundation plantings

Let’s face it: a home’s foundation isn’t necessarily its most attractive feature. Plant gardens along the base of your home to cover up exposed structural elements, and make the property look lusher, softer, and more established. Fronds, medium-height bushes and flowers, and small trees (especially at the home’s corners) look great. 

11. Trim and tidy up

Whether or not you’re a green thumb eager to plant new gardens, you can help your home’s exterior look top-notch simply by keeping it trim and tidy. Clean up kids’ toys or other accessories from your lawn, mow the grass, and trim hedges and trees. And replace dead lightbulbs that could make your home’s nighttime glow up spotty.

What’s my landscape design style?

As you look for landscaping inspiration or curb appeal ideas, you’ll find an overwhelming amount of visual information. Everything may start to look good, and it can become difficult to land on a style. 

To a certain extent, you can let your instincts guide you, but it’s important to consider what plantings and hardscaping combine well with your home and can flourish in your climate. If you live in a low-water, arid climate, lean toward grasses, desert perennials, and cacti instead of, say, evergreens suited for humid areas. Clay accents or pavers might integrate better into southern surroundings than the brick and stone decor typical of colder regions. 

Once you’ve determined your materials, match your aesthetic choices to the mood of your house. Funky wireframe chairs might look great on a midcentury modern patio while cast-iron or wooden pieces with cozy cushions are a better fit for a Victorian porch.

It’s always a good practice to run your landscaping ideas past your real estate agent. This professional knows what resonates with the local market, and they can provide excellent insights on which upgrades you should make. Talking to your realtor about your plans can save you from making costly investments that don’t have a big enough impact with buyers or return on investment.

Get curb-appeal guidance from a Titus partner realtor

When you work with a Titus partner agent to sell your home, you team up with one of the best realtors in the industry. Titus only works with real estate agents with higher-than-average sell-through rates and a proven track record.

Plus, when you hire a Titus-affiliated agent, you gain access to an exclusive financing option: a closing line of credit (CLoC). These credits are designed for homeowners who want to give their properties a makeover to attract buyers. Credits of up to $25,000 are interest-free. Discover how it works here.