Smart Tips That Pay Off
Landscaping may not top your move-in to-do list, but it should. The right plan boosts curb appeal, livability, and long-term value. Just don’t wing it.
Start with a Plan
Landscaping gets expensive – and frustrating – if you don’t have a clear strategy. A landscape designer or architect can help create a long-term plan that matches your lifestyle and budget. If full-service isn’t in reach, a one-time consult can still set you on the right path.
Pro tip: A master plan keeps you from wasting time, money, and plants.
What Your Builder Provides
Most new builds include the bare minimum:
Basic front yard with small trees or shrubs
Sparse groundcover or sod
Simple hedges in the backyard
Shrubs near windows on the sides
It’s a clean slate meant for customization. When planning upgrades, think about:
How you’ll use the space: patios, grills, play areas, outlets
Sunlight, sightlines, privacy
What you want to see – or block– from your neighbors
Work With Your Climate
Don’t fight your environment. Use native or well-adapted plants for better results and easier maintenance.
In hot climates: Shade trees cut cooling costs
In dry areas: Opt for drought-tolerant plants and drip irrigation
In cold zones: Choose hardy species that survive winters
Check your USDA Hardiness Zone before planting anything.
Small Yard? Think Smart
Limited space doesn’t mean limited potential.
Define your purpose: Kids’ play area or veggie garden?
Use vertical space: Trellises, green walls, vines
Go low-maintenance: Gravel or mulch in side yards with strategic greenery
Budget Realistically
Landscape design can be a big investment—but it adds real value.
Don’t underestimate the cost of trees or quality materials
A $400 tree could last 30 years and transform your space
Front yards matter too – add seating or greenery to make it welcoming
Don’t Skip Hardscaping
Hardscaping elements anchor your outdoor space.
Patios, fire pits, decks, and pergolas add function
Retaining walls and pathways enhance structure
Shade solutions like retractable awnings improve comfort
Make the front yard shine with décor, welcome mat, and wreath.
Bonus features: TVs, outdoor kitchens, built-in seating
Bottom Line: Landscaping is more than decoration – it’s a long-term investment in how you live. Plan it well, spend smart, and let your yard work for you.
Susan Bady-Holmes
Susan Bady-Holmes is a freelance writer and editor specializing in residential design and construction. She currently writes for NewHomeSource.com, Metal Architecture magazine and Metal Construction News. Susan has also been an assignment editor for Consumers Digest magazine; handled media relations for home builders at Taylor Johnson Associates and written feature articles for Better Homes and Gardens’ Home Plan Ideas. Consequently, she has a wide range of experience in the consumer and business press and a deep understanding of the homebuilding business. She has won numerous awards for journalistic excellence.