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How Landscaping Increases Your Home’s Value in Greenville and Upstate South Carolina (with Real Examples and Costs)


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In today's competitive market, landscaping is no longer a "nice-to-have"—it's one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. In Greenville and the Upstate South Carolina region, professional landscape upgrades not only increase curb appeal but can boost your home's resale value by 5 to 15 percent or more.


Whether you're getting ready to sell or planning to stay for years, here's how thoughtful landscaping and hardscaping can add serious value—and what you can expect to invest.



Click below to schedule your free estimate today and see what your property is truly worth.

Call: 864-300-4858




According to trusted sources such as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), HomeLight, and Remodeling Magazine, well-executed landscaping upgrades can deliver 100–400 Percent ROI, especially when they improve curb appeal, outdoor living, and property functionality.

In high-demand Upstate SC markets like Greenville, Simpsonville, and Greer, where buyers value move-in-ready homes with usable outdoor spaces, these returns are often even higher.

Here’s a breakdown of how a $10,000–$20,000+ investment can translate into $15,000–$67,000+ in increased home value.



🔹 Scenario 1: Front Yard Refresh – $300K Home

Project

Avg Cost

Estimated Percent ROI

Value Added

Mulch, plant beds, LED path lighting

$3,000–$5,000+

180–300

$5,400–$15,000+

Lawn repair, edging, ornamental tree

$2,000–$4,000+

130–250

$2,600–$10,000+

Total Investment: $5,000–$9,000+

Potential Value Increase: $8,000–$25,000+

New Property Value: $308,000–$325,000+

Ideal for 1st-time sellers or modest upgrades that increase perceived home care and curb appeal.



🔹 Scenario 2: Full Outdoor Living – $450K Home

Project

Avg Cost

Estimated Percent ROI

Value Added

300 ft² paver patio + seating

$10,000+

109

$10,900+

LED lighting (10+ lights)

$2,500–$4,500+

59

$1,500–$2,650+

Native planting + mulch + beds

$3,000–$6,000+

100–200

$3,000–$12,000+

Total Investment: $15,500–$21,000+

Potential Value Increase: $15,400–$25,550+

New Property Value: $465,400–$475,550+

High-ROI upgrade for mid-tier and luxury homes where outdoor living and privacy are expected by buyers.



🔹 Scenario 3: Drainage + Hardscape – $300K–$450K Home

Project

Avg Cost

Estimated Percent ROI

Value Added

Retaining wall (3’ H x 30’ L)

$6,000–$8,000+

100–200

$6,000–$16,000+

Drainage or grading

$3,500–$5,000+

100–200

$3,500–$10,000+

Landscape lighting (accent-focused)

$1,500–$3,000+

59

$900–$1,800+

Total Investment: $11,000–$16,000+

Potential Value Increase: $10,400–$27,800+

New Property Value: $310,400–$477,800+

Ideal for properties with slope, erosion, or curb appeal challenges.



ROI Summary for Upstate South Carolina Homes

Home Value

Project Budget

Est. Added Value

$300,000

$5K–$10K+

$8K–$25K+

$450,000

$15K–$20K+

$22K–$34K+




Where to Start: 10 Proven Ways to Increase Property Value Through Landscaping


1 Front Yard Curb Appeal - First Impressions That Sell


Before a potential buyer even steps inside, they form an opinion. A tidy, welcoming front yard makes a huge impact.


Why it matters: Homes with well-maintained front yards tend to sell faster and for more. It sets expectations and creates an emotional connection before the door opens.


Popular upgrades:


  • Mulch refresh and edge enhancement

  • Accent planting with seasonal color

  • Foundation shrubs or dwarf evergreens


Cost Range: $1,500-$3,000+

Potential ROI: 150 to 300 percent


Small, affordable upgrades can generate outsized returns through faster sales and stronger offers.



2 Backyard Living Spaces - Outdoor Rooms with Real ROI


Outdoor living is in high demand. Adding a usable space like a patio or f1re pit can feel like adding square footage—without building walls.


Why it matters: Buyers are drawn to homes with multi-use outdoor zones. These spaces extend living and entertaining areas, especially in our mild Upstate SC climate.


Popular upgrades:

  • 300 sq. ft. paver patio

  • Seating walls or f1re pit

  • Grill pad or outdoor kitchen prep zone


Cost Range: $6,000-$12,000+

Potential ROI: 60 to 80 percent or more


Homes with dedicated outdoor living areas consistently attract stronger interest and better resale outcomes.




3 Native and Drought-Smart Planting - Low Maintenance, High Return


Planting for our climate using native or drought-tolerant species reduces water use and upkeep—huge selling points for busy families.


Why it matters: Homeowners want beautiful yards that don't require constant care or high water bills, especially during Upstate summers.


Popular plants:

  • Yaupon Holly

  • Purple Conef1ower

  • Little Bluestem

  • Black-eyed Susan

  • Sedum (Stonecrop)


Cost Range: $850-$2,000+ per zone

Potential ROI: 100 to 200 percent


Low-maintenance beds improve curb appeal and long-term savings, especially with rising water costs.




4 Walkways and Paths - Guiding the Eye and Foot Traff1c


Def1ned walkways connect zones, increase accessibility, and anchor the visual f1ow of the space


Why it matters: Safe, attractive paths create a polished look while improving function—especially for families, guests, or aging homeowners.


Popular materials:

  • Pavers

  • Flagstone

  • Decomposed granite or gravel


Cost Range: $2,000-$5,000+

Potential ROI: 70 to 90 percent


Integrated hardscape increases safety and adds formality to the entire layout.




5 Landscape Lighting - Beauty, Safety, and Night Appeal


Low-voltage LED lighting extends the use of your yard while boosting security and after-dark appeal.


Why it matters: Lighting creates ambience, enhances safety, and makes your landscape visible (and beautiful) 24/7.


Popular features:

  • Path lights

  • Uplighting trees or home facade

  • Step and wall lighting


Cost Range: $1,500-$4,000+

Potential ROI: 50 to 75 percent


Lighting adds subtle luxury that can make or break curb appeal in photos and evening showings.



6 Irrigation Systems - Smart Watering, Healthier Yards


Automatic irrigation makes watering eff1cient and consistent, helping plants thrive without daily effort.


Why it matters: A healthy landscape is a valuable one. Buyers love low-maintenance systems that reduce labor and waste.


Options:

  • Drip irrigation for beds

  • Pop-up rotors for lawns

  • Smart timers or app-controlled systems


Cost Range: $2,000-$4,000+

Potential ROI: 60 to 90 percent


Watering systems preserve your investment and make your listing more attractive to busy homeowners.




7 Retaining Walls - Structure, Style, and Stability


If your property has a slope or grade changes, a retaining wall can manage erosion while adding a bold design element.


Why it matters: They prevent damage, allow for terraced planting, and boost usability on uneven lots.


Common materials:

  • Segmental block

  • Natural stone

  • Timber (less common for resale)


Cost Range: $2,500-$8,000+

Potential ROI: 70 to 100 percent


Functional hardscaping adds long-term value and makes hilly yards safer and more usable.




8 Lawn Replacement - Fresh Green Carpet


Whether you're replacing patchy turf or starting from scratch, a fresh lawn gives the entire property a cleaner, newer feel.


Why it matters: A healthy lawn is a core feature for many buyers—especially those with pets or kids.


Popular choices:

  • TifTuf Bermuda (sun)

  • Zenith Zoysia (sun/shade)

  • Fescue blends (shade or transitional)


Cost Range: $1,800-$3,500+ per 1,000 sq. ft.

Potential ROI: 75 to 125 percent


A lush lawn photographs well, improves curb appeal, and helps buyers envision daily use.




9 Drainage and Grading - Protecting Your Property


Water issues like soggy zones, pooling, or erosion turn buyers off quickly. Addressing them boosts long-term value and peace of mind.


Why it matters: You can't build curb appeal on a soggy mess. Good drainage protects hardscape, turf, and structures.


Common solutions:

  • French drains

  • Swales

  • Downspout redirection

  • Grading and soil rework


Cost Range: $1,800-$5,000+

Potential ROI: 100 to 200 percent —


Solving water issues adds resale reassurance and can prevent thousands in home damage later.




10 Professional Landscape Design - A Master Plan That Pays Off


All the best elements in the world fall f1at without a plan. Design creates cohesion, beauty, and purpose.


Why it matters: A professionally designed yard looks better, functions better, and often sells faster.


What it includes:

  • Site measurements

  • Plant and material selection

  • Scaled layout (2D or 3D)

  • Budget guidance and phasing


Cost Range: $500-$2,500+

Potential ROI: 200 to 400 percent or more


Great design prevents wasted spend and adds a high-end, curated look buyers crave.


Why Choose Landscaping Jents for Your Next Project?


We live and work in Greenville and Upstate SC, and we understand the local climate, soil, and what homeowners in this region want. Whether you're upgrading for your own enjoyment or prepping to sell, we bring trusted experience, creative design, and quality execution to every outdoor space.


Click below to schedule your free estimate today and see what your property is truly worth.

 Call: 864-300-4858📧


Serving: Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Greer, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Five Forks, and all surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities




The inƒormation provided in this blog is ƒor general inƒormational purposes only and is based on industry data, regional averages, and publicly available research at the time oƒ publication. Actual project costs, return on investment (ROI), and property value increases may vary substantially based on ƒactors such as property condition, market ƒluctuations, materials used, design complexity, and labor costs.

Landscaping Jents LLC makes no guarantees regarding speciƒic ƒinancial returns or outcomes. We recommend consulting with a licensed appraiser, real estate agent, or ƒinancial advisor ƒor guidance tailored to your property and goals.

By using this inƒormation, you acknowledge that Landscaping Jents LLC is not liable ƒor any decisions made based on the content oƒ this blog.

 
 
 

1 Comment

Paige Jent
Paige Jent
Jul 20

Super professional and loved working with them!

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