Does trees/plants/shrubs in backyard add/reduce value of home

Question

Does have trees, plants, , shrubs in the backyard reduce value to the property due to higher maintenance and less usable space compared to same size backyard with just a lawn in it? Also, does have an additional side Patio with small garden and tree house apart from Backyard to the house increase the value significantly. Thanks, Appreciate your views

Vivek Mattur · Answer

Thank you all. Adding pictures of backyard, patio, frontyard to understand from experts on

how much of maintenance it involves

Calvin Ozanick · Answer

I think this can be broken down into the more broad spectrum of how much should you landscape a property. I usually tell my clients to make it one of the top 10% in the neighborhood. It could become very expensive to outdo all of the neighbors, but you always want the landscape to stick out as one of the better ones in the neighborhood. I do not think this necessarily blows the value out of the water, but it presents well and will draw more eyes.

Wayne Brooks · Answer

As to both questions..,,no bearing on value, may have positive or negative bearing on desirability.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

It really depends. Trees, shrubs and plants can add visual appeal and even provide shade which makes the property more valuable. If overgrown, it can be a maintenance cost.

I once looked at a house that had flowers in 25% of the backyard. It was beautiful but I would need a full time gardener to maintain. For me it was an expense, because I would pay a landscaper money to remove it.