Landscaping Trends That Will Increase the Value of Your Dallas - Fort Worth Home
Listing a modern and updated home is a great way to make sure you get a top dollar offer. Buyers in Dallas- Fort Worth want a home that's been kept up and one that's been updated. New kitchens and bathrooms help, but it's the exterior that gets people in the door. Consider these landscaping trends that will increase the value of your home when you list it this year:
Black Door and Trim
Mick Jagger was ahead of his time when he sang ,“I see your red door, I want it painted black.” A recent Zillow survey found that houses with black doors can go for as much as $6,000 higher than homes with traditional white or red doors. The trend must be catching on: Two of Sherwin-Williams’ top paint colors are peppercorn and tricorn black.
Green Lawn
A lush, green lawn will bring in a lot more "green." A nicely manicured, well-cared-for lawn can increase your property value by as much as 20 percent. But, it’s not easy maintaining a lawn in the Texas heat. Make sure you mow and water regularly and avoid cutting the grass too short.
Pop In Some Color
Outdoor areas will always be dominated by green foliage but adding colorful flowers will make your yard stand out. Consider adding native hibiscus which will attract hummingbirds. Blue verbena can tolerate the Texas heat and needs very little water or care to flourish. Place these flowers around the landscaped areas and entrance points to your home. Plant them in brightly colored pots that will accentuate both your home’s exterior paint color. You can also line the walkways and patio with potted plants.
Consider the architectural style when landscaping. More modern homes with sleek exteriors would benefit from xeriscaping. Mid-century homes could include native flowering trees and shrubs.
Mulch Around Plants
Your plants aren’t the only things growing in the Texas sun. Weeds multiply in our region. Protect your plants from the onslaught of weeds by mulching around trees and flower beds. A red mulch adds vibrancy and provides moisture for your garden. Both organic and inorganic mulching options keep plants cooler.
Add Shade Trees
Today’s homebuyer wants to spend more time outside, in spite of the heat. Lacey oak trees are native to North Texas and provide an abundance of shade. You won’t be planting mature trees right before putting your home on the market, but you can plant smaller trees that will show future potential.
Provide Cover
Even large shade trees aren’t enough to combat the Texas sun. An awning or pergola over your patio furniture is vital for people who want to spend time outdoors. A shaded area can make it seem 15 degrees cooler. You can also add large umbrellas to your patio table to show how comfortable the yard can be in the summer.
Create Privacy
Buyers will pay more for a home that has a secluded outdoor area. Create privacy in your backyard by adding shrubs or fast-growing potted plants that will shoot up in no time. Other options include adding outdoor curtains or even privacy screens that can be easily moved around the yard. A vertical garden is another way to create privacy along a fence or railing.
Outdoor Lighting
You’ve worked hard on your landscape, so why not showcase it? Invest in outdoor lights to line the walkways and garden. Put a rope light around your flower beds that will highlight your home well past sundown. While you’re at it, upgrade light fixtures that are dated or worn. Read more about exterior LED lights.
Taking the time to upgrade areas of your yard and outdoor living space will attract potential home buyers. By spending a few dollars now, you could see several thousand more in your next offer.
Jacob Palmer is a gardening and landscape design writer. When mowing lawns on his street as a child, he discovered a lifelong passion for landscape design. He now has three children who can all be found helping him most weekends with his next big garden project.
