You don’t need a massive renovation budget to transform your backyard into a beautiful, valuable asset. In fact, some of the most impactful landscaping improvements are surprisingly simple and highly affordable. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or just want to enhance your outdoor living space, these simple landscaping ideas can increase curb appeal and property value.
From gravel paths to accent lighting, these ideas are easy to implement, low-maintenance, and deliver a noticeable return on investment. Let’s dive in.
The Value of Landscaping for Homeowners
For homeowners, landscaping is more than just outdoor decoration—it’s a project you can undertake to improve both the livability and long-term value of your house. A well-maintained backyard enhances your enjoyment of your property, creates more usable space, and boosts curb appeal. Gardening can also be a rewarding part of maintaining and improving your house, offering environmental benefits and adding beauty while supporting pollinators.
Even modest upgrades like mulch, edging, or lighting can help:
- Raise resale value by 5–12%, according to real estate studies
- Attract more buyers and higher offers when listing your home
- Reduce time on the market with better first impressions
- Lower ongoing maintenance and utility costs (especially with drought-tolerant plants or shade trees)
In short, landscaping increases your home’s beauty and bottom line—making it one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
The Value of Landscaping for Business Owners
For business owners, landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a key part of your brand image and customer experience. Whether you manage an office building, retail storefront, or multi-family complex, a tidy, welcoming exterior shows customers and tenants that you care about details.
Professional landscaping can:
- Create a safer, more accessible environment
- Increase foot traffic and attract more tenants or clients
- Justify higher rental rates or service prices
- Reduce liability risks (e.g., overgrown walkways, poor lighting)
- Reinforce trust and credibility with visitors
Even small enhancements like a clean entryway, seasonal planters, or a trimmed hedge can set your business apart and add lasting value to your commercial property.
Why Simple Curb Appeal Boosts Property Values
First impressions matter—and in real estate, curb appeal can make or break a sale. Buyers form an opinion of your property within seconds, and a well-kept exterior signals pride of ownership and lower future maintenance costs. Simple design ideas, such as easy landscaping improvements, can quickly boost curb appeal.
Simple curb appeal upgrades like:
- Fresh mulch
- Crisp lawn edges with a well-defined edge
- Gravel walkways
- Accent lighting
- Clean garden beds
According to the National Association of Realtors, homes with great curb appeal can sell for 7–14% more than comparable homes with neglected exteriors. That makes basic landscaping one of the most cost-effective ways to increase property value and marketability.
Landscaping Design Considerations for a Small Backyard
Designing a backyard doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or function. In fact, a thoughtful landscape design can transform even the tiniest outdoor space into a beautiful, low-maintenance retreat that adds real property value.
Start by focusing on features that maximize every inch—incorporate native plants and ground cover to create lush garden beds without overwhelming the yard. Small trees can provide shade and privacy while fitting comfortably in limited spaces.
To add visual interest, consider establishing a focal point such as a fire pit or a compact outdoor fireplace. These features not only draw the eye but also make your backyard more inviting for gatherings and relaxation.
Plan the layout of your garden beds, walkways, and seating areas to ensure smooth movement and easy upkeep. Using curved paths or staggered plantings can make the space feel larger and more dynamic.
If you’re unsure where to start, a landscape designer or landscaping company can help you create a custom plan that fits your budget and maintenance preferences. By carefully selecting the right plants and features, you can create a backyard that feels spacious, welcoming, and uniquely yours—while boosting your home’s value in the process.
Front Yard Landscaping for a Great First Impression
Your front yard is the first thing guests and potential buyers see, so making it stand out is key to enhancing curb appeal and property value. Start by choosing a mix of plants, flowers, and shrubs that thrive in your local climate and soil—your local garden center can offer expert advice on the right plants for sunny or shady areas. Incorporating a small herb garden or a neat vegetable garden near the entryway adds personality and a touch of charm, while also providing fresh ingredients for your kitchen.
A walkway makeover can make a dramatic difference, guiding visitors to your front door and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Consider edging your path with low-maintenance shrubs or colorful blooms for extra visual appeal. When planning your front yard landscaping, opt for ideas that are easy to maintain and complement the style of your home. This might include layering plants for depth, using mulch to keep beds tidy, or adding decorative stones for texture.
Don’t forget to think about how your front yard connects with your backyard landscaping ideas—creating a cohesive look across all your outdoor spaces will make your property feel larger and more harmonious. With a few thoughtful updates and the right plant choices, you can create a front yard that leaves a lasting impression and sets the stage for an attractive home or business.
1. Refresh or Replace Mulch
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost the appearance of your backyard is by refreshing your mulch. Fresh mulch instantly makes plant beds look polished and well-maintained—and it’s great for soil health and weed prevention.
- Cost Estimate: $3–$5 per bag (or ~$40 per yard delivered)
- Pro Tip: Choose dark-colored mulch to contrast with plants and make colors pop.
Not sure how much mulch you need? Denver Lawn & Snow can help you measure, deliver, and install mulch for a flawless finish.
2. Add a Gravel or Stone Walkway
Gravel walkways are functional and attractive—and much more affordable than poured concrete or pavers. They can lead guests through your garden, around the yard, or from the patio to the shed.
- Why It Works: Defines space, prevents muddy patches, and adds rustic charm.
- Materials Needed: Pea gravel, decomposed granite, or crushed stone, with landscape fabric underneath.
3. Install a Flower Bed Border or Edging
Installing edging around flower beds or garden borders gives your backyard structure and makes the entire space feel more refined. Edging can also be used to define the borders of a flower garden, helping to organize plantings such as bushes and other landscape features. You can use plastic, metal, stone, or brick edging depending on your budget and style.
- Value Boost: Edging creates visual separation between turf and beds, reducing lawn overgrowth and maintenance.
- DIY Level: Easy, but time-consuming—especially for long beds.
4. Plant Shade Trees
Trees are a high-ROI landscaping investment. They provide shade, reduce cooling costs, create privacy, and boost property value significantly as they mature.
- Types to Consider in Denver: Autumn Blaze Maple, Honeylocust, Colorado Blue Spruce
- Long-Term ROI: Up to $1,000–$10,000 increase in home value per mature tree (source: NAR)
Denver Lawn & Snow can recommend trees that thrive in Colorado’s climate and install them for long-term health and growth.
5. Use Rock Beds in Place of High-Maintenance Grass
Replacing unused lawn space with decorative rock or gravel beds reduces water use and maintenance while creating a more natural look in your backyard. It’s an especially smart idea for dry or shady areas where grass struggles to grow. Integrating rock beds with gardens can provide a cohesive design, combining the beauty of native plantings and small garden innovations for enhanced visual appeal and functionality.
- Popular Designs: River rock with drought-tolerant plants, gravel beds with boulders
- Low Maintenance: No mowing, fertilizing, or weekly care
6. Incorporate Landscape Lighting
Strategically placed outdoor lighting enhances safety and extends the usability of your yard well into the evening hours. It also highlights key landscaping features like trees, flower beds, or walkways.
- Simple Options: Solar stake lights, string lighting, uplighting for trees
- Value Tip: LED lighting is energy-efficient and long-lasting.
7. Create a Small Garden or Herb Box
Adding a raised garden bed or planter box brings life and functionality to your backyard. Even a small corner garden filled with herbs, vegetables, or flowers can add charm and perceived value.
- Bonus: Great for families, cooking enthusiasts, or adding fragrance and color
- Easy Options: Cedar raised beds, galvanized containers, or repurposed barrels
8. Add a Seating Area or Fire Pit Zone
Designating a space for seating—even with just a few pavers and a fire pit—makes your backyard more inviting and gives potential buyers a visual of how the space could be enjoyed. Choosing the right outdoor furniture to complement your seating area can enhance both comfort and style. A deck can also serve as a great foundation for a fire pit or seating zone, adding versatility and visual appeal to your outdoor space.
- Simple Additions: Adirondack chairs, built-in bench, gravel patio with a fire ring
- ROI Potential: Outdoor living spaces are a major selling point for modern buyers
9. Incorporate Drought-Tolerant Plants
In Denver’s dry climate, incorporating native or low-water plants not only conserves resources but also lowers your maintenance needs. These plants still offer color, texture, and curb appeal without constant upkeep.
- Plant Ideas: Lavender, Russian sage, ornamental grasses, sedum, yucca
- Eco Bonus: Reduce water bills and environmental impact
10. Maintain a Clean, Even Lawn
Sometimes, the most valuable landscaping idea is just keeping your lawn trimmed, even, and free of weeds. A well-mowed, green lawn instantly communicates care—and it’s one of the first things people notice.
- Best Practices: Weekly mowing, proper watering, seasonal aeration, fertilization, installing a sprinkler system for efficient watering, and monitoring sun exposure to ensure optimal lawn health
- Visual Tip: Keep edging crisp along driveways and walkways
Bonus Tip: Combine Projects for Maximum Impact
The best way to boost property value is by combining a few of these simple ideas for a cohesive look. This approach is especially effective in a small space, where thoughtful design can make a big difference. For example:
- Refresh your mulch, install bed edging, and plant colorful perennials for instant garden impact, maximizing appeal even in small yards
- Pair a gravel walkway with solar lights and a fire pit zone for functional charm that works well in small yards
- Swap a patchy lawn for a rock bed and add drought-tolerant plants for low-maintenance appeal, perfect for small yards
With a modest budget and help from the right landscaping partner, your backyard can go from average to exceptional—without a full remodel.
Put Money Back in Your Pocket With Landscaping That Pays Off
Improving your back or front yard doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Transform it with simple landscaping ideas that can make a big difference.Ready to boost your property value? Let’s talk!