When I was house-hunting for the first time, I didn’t think twice about landscaping. I was too busy counting bedrooms and checking for updates in the kitchen. But after touring a few homes—some with wild, jungle-like yards and others with oddly perfect lawns that didn’t quite make sense. I started to realize something: What’s outside of my home can matter just as much as what’s inside it.

Landscaping isn’t just about making your home look good for TikTok and Instagram. The choices you make or inherit regarding trees, drainage, plants, and lawn care can have a big effect on your property’s value and not always in the way you would expect.

Trees Can Hurt Your Property Value

There’s something peaceful about a yard with tall, mature trees. They bring shade, privacy, and charm. But here’s the thing no one tells you: the wrong tree in the wrong place can quietly cause a lot of damage.

Some trees, like oaks or willows, have root systems that stretch far and wide—and deep. If those roots find their way toward your sewer lines (which they’re naturally drawn to), they can crack pipes or block drainage completely. I’ve heard of homeowners who only found out there was a problem after a surprise basement flood.

Tree roots can also mess with sidewalks, driveways, and even foundations. And if the tree is too close to the house, one bad storm can turn a beautiful canopy into a dangerous limb crashing into your roof.

Sleek Tip: If you’re planting trees, space them out and do a little research on the root behavior of different species. And if you’re buying a home, look for signs of root damage, cracks in concrete, raised sidewalks, and slow drainage.

Trees Can Increase Property Value

Trees can also increase your property value, given the right circumstances. Homes with trees are in demand. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, a government research agency states that adding trees to your landscape can increase property value by anywhere from 5% to 12%. We can see why.

Trees planted in the right areas add to the aesthetic appeal of a property. Trees allow people purchasing your home to see themselves enjoying their outdoor spaces with picnics, swings, or casual walks. Large, beautiful trees can easily close the deal, especially with those who are eco-conscious and enjoy being in nature. They can improve air quality, provide shade for outdoor activities, and reduce water runoff.

In hotter regions of the U.S., shade trees can significantly decrease the energy consumption of a home. A healthy shade tree provides a cooling effect equivalent to that of ten room-sized air conditioners running for 20 hours each day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Assigning a dollar value to the trees on your property can be challenging, especially when compared to something like a kitchen remodel. However, trees enhance the attractiveness of your home to potential buyers. Anecdotal evidence from real estate agents suggests that homes with trees sell faster. Some reports indicate they can sell up to three times faster.

Flat and Sloped Yards Can Affect Property Value

I used to think a flat yard was ideal. Easier to mow, right? But then I learned that if the ground doesn’t slope away from your home, rainwater can start to collect around the foundation. That moisture has nowhere to go but into the concrete and, eventually, into your basement. Repairs for that kind of water damage can get expensive fast.

On the other extreme, steeply sloped yards come with their headaches. Soil erosion can wear down your yard over time, making it tough to plant anything and creating little channels or dips in the landscape. In worst-case scenarios, steeply sloped yards can even compromise the stability of structures nearby.

Sleek Tip: A gentle slope away from the house is ideal. If the yard’s totally flat or very steep, you might need drainage solutions or landscaping work to redirect water safely.

Enhance Your Property Value with Native Plants

One of the smartest things you can do, especially if you’re not trying to become a full-time gardener, is to work with nature, not against it. Native plants (the ones that naturally grow in your region) are low-maintenance by design. They’ve adapted to local rainfall, soil, and climate, which means they don’t need much watering or special fertilizers. That’s good for your wallet and your time. Here’s a great list of the Top 20 Most Common Plants in Warwick

Plus, buyers like the idea of a yard that won’t become a money pit. Native plants are also great for attracting local birds and pollinators, which gives your space that “thriving ecosystem” feel.

Sleek Tip: Local garden centers or cooperative extensions usually have resources on native plants in your area. They’re often more affordable and easier to maintain long-term. Some local garden centers and plant nurseries I’m familiar with and that you can try in the Warwick area include Pennings Farm Market, E.P. Jansen Nursery, and Luft Gardens Farm.

Your Lawn Could Point To Serious Problems

I remember walking through a home that had a lawn full of oddly bright green spots and dead patches. I assumed it was just bad fertilizer, but a friend in real estate flagged it for me: sometimes, these signs point to more serious problems.

Bright green patches can mean there’s a septic tank leak below the surface. Brown rings might be caused by fungus in the soil. Yellow patches could be from neighborhood dogs doing their business or from compacted soil that needs aeration.

Sleek Tip: Don’t ignore the lawn. If you see unusual patterns or patches, dig a little deeper, literally, or by asking the seller. What looks like a cosmetic issue might actually signal something costly under the surface.

Are Backyard Pools an Asset or Liability?

Pools are tricky. I’ll be honest: when I see a pool, my first thought is, “Fun!” But then I start doing the math. Heating, cleaning, safety fencing, insurance… it adds up fast. And, depending on where you live, a pool might not even be something buyers want. In warmer climates, they can be a draw. In colder areas, they’re often seen as more of a chore than an asset.

Pools also take up a ton of usable yard space, which can be a turnoff for families who want a garden, lawn, or play area.

Tip: If you’re thinking of adding a pool, weigh it against the resale value within your local market. And if you’re buying a home with a pool, make sure it’s well-maintained and that you’re ready for the upkeep. I have many friends who were not prepared for the time, money, and energy it took to maintain a pool after purchasing a home.

Your Landscape is Part of Your Home

At the end of the day, landscaping tells a story. A tidy, well-thought-out yard suggests a homeowner who’s attentive and cares for their property. Overgrown plants, standing water, or cracked sidewalks might hint at bigger problems or a lack of maintenance.

Buyers pick up on those clues fast. And appraisers do, too.

Landscaping goes beyond curb appeal or aesthetics. It’s about function, safety, and long-term value. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just maintaining your home, it’s worth walking outside and really taking a looking at your yard. A few questions you may ask are: Is water draining the right way? Are the trees healthy and spaced out? Is the lawn in good shape for the season? Sometimes, the smartest home improvements start right at your feet.