Can Landscaping Increase Your Home Value in Portland?
Executive Summary
Smart, well‑maintained landscaping routinely adds 7 % – 20 % to a Portland home’s sale price, and individual projects such as routine lawn care can return 217 % of their cost. For sellers on a deadline, a professional yard clean‑up gives the fastest, most reliable bump all within a weekend.
Table of Contents
1. Landscaping & Portland’s Housing Market
Portland buyers judge a listing before they ever step inside. Moss‑free concrete, drought‑smart plantings, and a lush but not water‑hungry lawn all signal a well‑cared‑for property. A University of Texas Arlington study found curb appeal alone adds up to 7 % to sale price in average markets and 14 % in cooler ones, exactly when every dollar matters (uta.edu). Meanwhile, professional design can lift resale value 15 %–20 %, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (projectevergreen.org).
Neglect, on the other hand, is costly. In a 2021 survey, 78 % of real‑estate agents said poor landscaping drags value down, with nearly one‑quarter seeing losses of 10 % or more (trees.com). In a city where the median list price hovers around $600 k, that’s a $60,000 swing you control with a rake, some mulch, and targeted professional help.
2. Exactly How Much Value Can You Add?
Below is the latest ROI snapshot from the 2023 NAR‑NALP Remodeling Impact Report. The bar chart you see compares the percentage of cost sellers typically recover at closing (scroll back if you missed it). Note how basic upkeep tops high‑ticket amenities:
Standard lawn‑care service — 217 % ROI
Landscape maintenance (mulch, pruning, fresh annuals) — 104 %
Overall landscape upgrade — 100 %
Outdoor kitchen — 100 %
New paver patio — 95 % (nar.realtor)
Why does the humble lawn crush an outdoor kitchen? Buyers view emerald‑green grass and tidy beds as a proxy for total‑home maintenance. It’s low‑risk, instantly visible, and inexpensive compared with other pre‑sale renovations.
| Project | Typical Portland Cost* | Estimated ROI | Why It Works Locally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Yard Clean‑Up (leaf/branch haul‑off, bed reshape, fresh mulch) | $600 – $1,200 | 100%+ | Eliminates our region’s #1 turn‑off mossy, cluttered yards. Instant photos. |
| Seasonal Lawn‑Care Program (fertilizer, weed control) | $400 | 217% | Oregon’s cool‑season grasses respond fast; buyers notice lush turf. |
| Mulch + Native Color Pop | $300 – $500 | 104% | Dark bark contrasts Northwest evergreens; natives reassure eco‑minded buyers. |
| Flagstone or Paver Walkway | $3,500 – $5,500 | 95% | Extends Portland’s indoor‑outdoor living vibe without big irrigation load. |
| LED Path & Uplighting | $800 – $1,500 | 59% | Safer evening showings and dramatic listing photos. |
4. Quick “Weekend‑Ready” Yard Tips
Edge everything crisp lawn lines, photograph like new baseboards.
Two‑inch mulch rule: darker mulch hides drip irrigation and suppresses weeds.
Stage dwarf maples in planters near the entry for that signature PNW look.
Trim low evergreen branches to open sight lines and reveal façade details.
Solar path lights (pack of six for under $40) add nighttime curb appeal for dusk showings.
5. FAQs
Does good landscaping increase home value?
Yes. Professional design and maintenance raise resale value 15 %–20 % on average (projectevergreen.org).
Does landscaping matter when selling a house?
Absolutely. Neglect can shave 7 %–14 % off offers, while tidy yards close faster (uta.edu).
What landscaping adds the most value?
Routine lawn care tops ROI at 217 %, followed by basic maintenance like pruning and mulch (nar.realtor).
Does landscaping count as a home improvement?
Yes. The IRS treats substantial landscaping as a capital improvement, potentially adjusting your cost basis—ask your tax pro.
6. Key Takeaways
In Portland’s market, buyers will pay a 7 %–20 % premium for strong curb appeal.
Basic upkeep (mow, edge, fertilize, mulch) beats luxury features on return.
Sellers on tight timelines should book a complete yard clean‑up for instant gains.
Use native, drought‑wise plants to impress eco‑conscious buyers and reduce upkeep.
Every listing photo begins at the curb; make that first pixel count.
Ready to transform your yard?
If you're preparing to sell your home or just want to maximize your curb appeal, AM Landscaping Care is here to help. Our One-Time Yard Clean-Up service transforms overgrown or neglected spaces into clean, market-ready landscapes—often in just 1 to 2 days.
📞 Call us today at (503) 710-8882 or
📩 Send us a message for a free quote and expert recommendations.
Don’t leave money on the table; make your first impression count.
