When you buy a new construction home, it’s easy to focus on floor plans, finishes, and square footage. But one of the biggest opportunities – and responsibilities – lies just outside your front door.
Thoughtful landscaping helps a new home feel established faster, boosts curb appeal, and protects long-term value.
Why Landscaping Matters More Than You Think
In new communities, landscaping plays an outsized role in how a neighborhood feels.
“You see the difference when you drive down the street in a neighborhood where no one has put a whole lot of money into the landscaping,” says Julie Dombrowski, communications director with DI Development.
Communities where homeowners invest early in landscaping tend to mature faster – and that often translates to stronger home values over time.
Start by Asking: What’s Included?
Before closing, clarify exactly what your builder provides.
Sod vs. seed
Trees and shrubs (or just grass)
Front yard only, or front and back
Mulch, edging, or irrigation
In many new communities, builders install a basic landscape package that meets HOA standards – but little more.
Understand HOA Rules Before You Design
If your home is in an HOA, landscaping freedom comes with guardrails.
Approved plant types and tree placement
Restrictions on fences, walls, patios, and lighting
Required approval from an architectural review board
“Things like adding fences and hard structures would be reviewed ahead of time by the HOA,” Dombrowski notes.
Tip: Submit landscaping plans early to avoid delays or costly changes.
Irrigation: A Big Win in New Construction
Irrigation is one of the most valuable outdoor features to have installed upfront. Retrofitting later can be expensive.
Know What Maintenance Is (and Isn’t) Covered
HOA landscaping coverage is often misunderstood.
“Typically, common areas – parks, trails, things like that – are covered by an HOA fee,” Dombrowski says. But individual yards may receive only minimal care.
Bottom line: Budget for ongoing landscape care, even if an HOA is involved.
Choose Plants That Match the Climate
New construction buyers often relocate – and not all plants travel well.
Ask your builder, local nursery, or landscape professional:
Which plants thrive locally
What requires the least water and maintenance
What meets HOA and water-use guidelines
Design Smart – Even on a Budget
Hiring a landscape architect is ideal but not required.
Landscape designer, Julie Moir Messervy, encourages homeowners to start with a master plan, even if they implement it slowly.
“It makes it inexpensive for people to get a master plan for their property,” she says, noting that phased landscaping allows homeowners to spread costs over time.
Plan for Growth, Not Just Move-In Day
New landscapes evolve.
Trees and shrubs grow larger than expected
Drainage and grading matter on newly developed lots
Simple designs today allow flexibility tomorrow
Start with HOA-required basics, then layer in features as your budget and lifestyle allow.
The bottom line: Landscaping a new construction home isn’t an afterthought – it’s part of the build. By understanding what’s included, respecting HOA rules, planning for maintenance, and designing for your climate, you can create an outdoor space that adds beauty, function, and long-term value from day one.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.