When selling a home, the outdoor space can be as influential as the interior, but not all landscaping investments pay off. Real estate professionals caution that certain projects—from elaborate gardens to artificial turf—can actually deter buyers and reduce the final sale price. The key, they say, is to focus on simple, low-maintenance designs that appeal to a broad audience.
JoLynn Tarantino, an agent with ReeceNichols Real Estate, has seen many homes where the yard is a showpiece, yet it becomes a liability rather than an asset. "I have shown houses before where the yards and landscaping look beautiful, and you can tell it's done by someone who is very good and knows what they're doing," she says. "But that could be very intimidating to someone else." Her concern is echoed by real estate investor Andy Saintilus, who notes that high-maintenance landscaping often fails to yield a return.
Among the most common pitfalls are intricate flower beds, rare plants, and elaborate designs that demand constant care. Large gardens, topiary, and water features may look impressive, but they can overwhelm potential buyers who see them as a burden. Saintilus advises homeowners to stick with landscaping that looks good year-round without requiring intensive upkeep.
Unusual Features and Oversized Installations
Features that stand out for the wrong reasons—such as giant fountains or koi ponds—are frequent turn-offs. Tarantino points out that while a seller may have invested heavily in a koi pond, the next owner often has no interest in maintaining it. Such features can become liabilities, forcing buyers to factor in removal costs when making an offer.
Similarly, oversized hardscaping—like expansive patios or excessive pavers—can leave little yard space, which may not align with buyer expectations. Tarantino emphasizes the need for balance: "Find a good balance between too much and too little." A yard with no usable outdoor living space can be just as unappealing as one that is overly paved.
Artificial Turf and Personalized Touches
Artificial turf is another area where homeowners often overspend without seeing a return. Saintilus notes that while synthetic grass may work in a backyard, it often looks out of place in a front yard, where buyers expect natural grass. The high installation costs and unnatural appearance can be a deterrent. He also cautions against artificial plants and custom outdoor features that may be too personal, making the home harder to sell.
Personalized projects, such as a horse statue or imported exotic plants, rarely appeal to the average buyer. Tarantino warns that when landscaping is too customized, buyers may view it as an extra expense to replace. Saintilus adds that such features are often expensive to install and maintain, and they can age poorly, making them even less attractive over time.
Above-Ground Pools: A Quick Fix with Poor Resale
Above-ground pools offer immediate gratification—they are inexpensive, easy to install, and require no digging, with costs ranging from $400 to $4,000 compared to $50,000 to $120,000 for concrete pools. However, their resale value is poor. Buyers often view them as liabilities, particularly if they are not in pristine condition.
The consensus among real estate professionals is clear: landscaping should be designed to stand the test of time. Saintilus sums it up: "Landscaping should be designed to stand the test of time." For sellers, the safest approach is to invest in projects that enhance curb appeal without demanding excessive maintenance or reflecting niche tastes.
