If you want to boost up your home’s selling potential, have a look at these five landscaping tips. You’ll quickly see how even just a few small improvements can leave a lasting impact on prospective buyers.

1. Adding plants can conceal property shortfalls

Like any real estate market, New Zealand houses for sale each carry their own pros and cons. Another valuable use for landscaping is to help conceal or downplay potentially negative characteristics of a home.

For example, you could add plants or bushes to block a direct view to your neighbour’s house. This can be completed fairly quickly and at a much lower price than installing a fence. To prospective buyers, they will simply see a much more private—and more appealing—property for sale.

2. Trees enhance value potential

Trees are a great addition to any property. They add scenery, shade, and distinction among homes. Even better, they may actually add more value to your property.

For instance, several recent overseas studies demonstrated that mature trees on a property with other landscaping features boosted the value from 7% to 14%. This preference for broad-leafed trees extends to Australia, New Zealand, and other areas as well.

So how can you determine the value of trees on your property? The best method is to contact a local arborist. They can help you with specific figures using what is known as the standard tree evaluation method (STEM). These assessments will likely reflect the perceived value trees will add to your home’s selling price, too.

3. Mulching and weeding boost exterior aesthetics

It’s probably no surprise to you that weeding around your garden and other areas of the property will vastly improve its overall appearance. Another great landscaping tip is to add mulch to your garden and other planted areas as well.

The addition of fresh mulch adds even more distinction and definition to landscaped areas around your home. It will also continue to support other plants to keep them strong and vibrant for longer periods. This will help add value to your home by keeping the exterior attractive to buyers for an even stronger first impression.

Read more: Top 10 things buyers look for when viewing houses for sale

4. Sometimes less is more

This tip is more about your overall plan of action rather than a specific factor in landscaping. Many sellers mistakenly equate “more is better” with the plants, flowers, and other landscaping features they add to their homes. Unfortunately, adding too much to your exterior can diminish its sales appeal.

When you add too much, it may affect a buyer’s perception of the total available lawn space. Furthermore, too many plants, flowers, and gardening elements will cause buyers to feel like upkeep will be too much work.

Instead of going for broke, strategically place your landscaping elements. Remember, the goal is to enhance the home and not to overshadow it.

5. Mowing and edging: define your property space

Sometimes the simplest steps can bring you the most effective results. One of the basics to any landscaping effort is to ensure your lawn looks clean, clear, and well-defined. All you need to do is keep the grass freshly mowed and spend a bit of time edging along property lines, the sidewalk, and other borders. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make to your home’s overall appearance.

Curb appeal landscaping matters. A beautifully renovated interior isn’t going to draw in the right buyers unless that same impact is present on the outside of a home as well. One of the most important aspects of a strong curb appeal is beautiful and attractive landscaping. Without the right landscaping, you’re still missing a vital piece of the real estate sales puzzle.

For more great tips why not download our handy renovation guide to help you on your home improvement journey.