Landscaping Trends That Increase The Value of Your Home

Even in uncertain times, if you’re looking to sell a home in L.A., your landscaping can make it pay. Here are some landscaping trends that increase the value of your home.

Southern California Native

Golden yarrow. Big berry manzanita. Bush poppy. You’ll recognize all these native Southern Californians because they grow on their own in this climate. That’s what makes them perfect candidates for your landscaping: They’re easily maintained, familiar, and a way to show off your California pride. Not only are native plants drought-resistant, but they’re also gorgeous and show-stopping.

Classic Blues

Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year is Classic Blue, and before you call it too predictable, remember Pantone chose the hue because it stands the test of time. So go ahead and fill your landscaping with dreamy blues. Whether it’s blue hydrangeas or the powder-blue tinged blue agave, this trending color will match your greenery. The native California aster is another perfect fit. Continue the theme with outdoor furniture in complementary shades, or even new hardscaping featuring blue rock or tile. It’s hard to overdo blue!

Social Distancing

In this time of social distancing, the privacy features of many Southern California homes are even more valuable. Sure, big spaces for entertaining will rule again in the future, but right now, a luxurious place to hunker down is what most people are looking for these days. You might supplement your landscaping with privacy-enhancing plants, such as boxwood hedges and climbing vines. This kind of greenery blocks prying eyes and blunts intrusive sounds as it enhances a sense of calm on your property. Data shows that green space lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And less stress equals more value in the real estate world.

Outdoor Kitchens

Seriously, if you don’t have one, get one. People are spending more time cooking outdoors, and outdoor kitchens are expected to surge in popularity. An outdoor kitchen can be a lavish way to turn your yard into an extra entertainment room, essentially expanding the square footage of your home. If you have an outdoor kitchen, a few updates will make your home even more appealing.

Kitchen garden

One of the hottest trends in gardening is “foodscaping” — converting a major portion of your landscape to growing food. With foodscaping, you put your yard to productive work alongside your outdoor kitchen by growing edibles that will be fresh for the picking. Different lettuces and colorful cabbages can add visual interest, as can feathery carrot plants and flowering onions. Herb gardens can also add charm to your patio, and flavor to your meals. And don’t forget flowering plants such as nasturtiums and marigolds. When plucked, these traditional garden flowers are peppery-tasting additions to salads.

Yes, this is a tough year to put a house on the luxury real estate market. But even in an unpredictable year, buyers are out there. If you want or need to sell, don’t hesitate to make your home as attractive to potential buyers as you can. Sprucing up your landscaping could make all the difference.

By: Vandana Kumar

Vandana Kumar is a writer and landscape designer. In her backyard designs, she likes to incorporate outdoor kitchens — and makes a devastatingly good tandoori chicken in hers.