GARDEN MISTAKES THAT COULD BE REDUCING THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME
Many homeowners strive for a beautiful garden and landscape to relax and unwind in – but have you thought about how it could be shaping the way potential buyers see your property when it comes to selling? A lush, tidy garden can massively boost the value of your home, but many owners make small mistakes that can actually lower its appeal and price.
Your garden creates the first impression of your house, and buyers will often judge a property by its lawn, foliage, and overall curb appeal. If your garden looks neglected, buyers may worry about future issues or assume that the property is in need of repairs, so spending a little time and money on your garden really pays off.
Knowing and understanding the problem areas will enable you to fix them and get the best deal when selling. Below, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk goes over the most common garden mistakes that can have a negative impact on your home’s value and how you can avoid them:
Neglected Lawns and Overgrown Plants
If your grass is tall and full of weeds or your bushes are growing wildly out of control, it can send out a bad message to prospective buyers. Overgrown lawns make a property seem uncared for and can lead to concerns that it may be masking even more hidden problems. To improve this, mow your grass regularly and trim bushes at least once a month. Setting a maintenance schedule and sticking to it will leave your garden looking much tidier in no time.
Dead or Diseased Vegetation
Dead trees, sick plants, or fungal growth are all signs of an unhealthy garden that is desperately in need of some care and attention. Not only are these issues unappealing to the eye, but they can also attract a range of pests, such as insects or rodents. Regularly inspect for dead plants that may need removing and replacing with new ones, as well as watch for signs of disease and treat plants early to keep your garden thriving.
Badly Maintained Garden Features
Broken paths, rusted fences, or peeling garden furniture can all add up to make your garden look unkempt and unattractive. These features, even if small, can significantly reduce a home’s value, so it is important to repair or replace any worn-out elements. A fresh coat of paint or new fencing can sometimes be all it needs to totally transform the space.
Inappropriate Plant Choices
When choosing plants for your garden, opt for native varieties that suit your climate as this will make them easier to grow, requiring less frequent watering, and able to flourish far better than those that are more suited to, for example, a tropical climate. Avoid high-maintenance plants that require constant care, as low-maintenance greenery will boost curb appeal without the extra work. It is important to consider your personal time constraints and think practically about how much reserve you have for garden upkeep.
Improper Plant Spacing and Scale
Overcrowding plants can block your house view or make the garden look cluttered. Before planting new seeds and young plants, it is always a good idea to have their mature size in mind as a guide. Keep enough space to allow plants to grow without overpowering the property – Strategic placement will help to maintain balance and aesthetics.
Ignoring Seasonal Changes
The process of selling a property can be lengthy with all of the factors involved, so when looking to attract buyers, it is pointless planting a range of summer-blooming flowers that will leave the space looking dull in autumn and winter. Incorporate a mixture of evergreen shrubs and colourful flowers that bloom across different seasons and will keep the garden looking lively all year round.
Absence of Focal Points
Accents such as a decorative bench, a small water feature, or a blossoming tree add personality to the space and go a long way when it comes to catching the eye of potential buyers. Place focal points where they can be clearly seen to make your garden look well-planned out and inviting.
Clutter and Poor Organisation
Leaving tools, debris, or mismatched plants lying around can make a garden feel like a chaotic environment, counterproductive to the sense of relaxation and joy we aim to create. Keep tools tucked away and organise plants by style or colour. Clear pathways and tidy borders will make the entire space feel much more appealing.
Inconsistent Theme and Style
Your garden should match your house style in some sense, and a strong theme running throughout the property will be attractive to buyers. A modern home suits sleek designs and clean edges, while a cottage looks best with a lush, informal garden. Choose a theme and stick to it, as consistency will make your garden feel more well-thought-out and put together.
Poor Drainage and Soil Problems
Water pooling in certain areas can ruin plants and create unsightly, muddy patches. Test your soil’s drainage and improve it if needed. This may mean that you need to add soil amendments or install drainage systems to help excess water escape.
Failure to Weed and Mulch
As well as making the overall space look messy, weeds steal precious nutrients, water, and sunlight from your plants and lawn. Mulching with natural materials such as straw or bark chips will keep weeds at bay and contribute to a tidy, finished look. Replenish mulch each year and remove any weeds that have started to grow regularly for a well-kept garden.
Ignoring Pest and Disease Control
Pest problems can have a huge negative impact on plants if left to grow out of control and quickly scare away buyers. Regularly check plants for pests and for signs of any diseases such as root rot or fungal infections. A healthy garden looks incredibly appealing, so be sure to add the appropriate treatments regularly.
Lack of Fencing or Screening
Without a set of well-structured boundaries, your garden can be left feeling exposed to neighbours and onlookers. Adding fences or tall hedges will make a big contribution towards increasing the feeling of privacy and security in the garden. Choose fences that match your house style for a more cohesive look.
Overlooking Lighting and Pathways
Well-lit pathways add charm to the area as well as being useful in preventing accidents in the evening. Solar lights along walkways and around garden features boost visual interest and can help to define areas with clear, neat pathways for easy navigation.
Final Thoughts
Simple garden mistakes can be an easily overlooked but impactful way to lower your home’s value. Keeping your garden neat, choosing the right plants, and adding thoughtful design really matters, and regular maintenance of the lawn, plants, and features can make all the difference.
Before selling, it is a great idea to do a garden audit to see what needs amending in order to boost curb appeal. Fix what’s broken, trim overgrown plants, and add some extras like stunning lighting or a well-decorated fence. Your effort will pay off by drawing more buyers—and possibly a higher selling price!
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR… FIONA JENKINS
Fiona Jenkins is a UK-based landscaper with over twenty-five years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert for MyJobQuote, one of the UK’s top trades-matching sites, Fiona offers her expert advice to MyJobQuote’s tradespeople and homeowners and has also been featured as a gardening expert for a range of reputable publications.
