13 Small Backyard Changes That Could Decrease Your Home’s Value

Picture this: you’ve spent countless hours turning your backyard into an oasis, a personal retreat you’ve always dreamed of. But what if some of those well-intentioned upgrades and personal touches cost you money?

Surprisingly, specific backyard changes can harm your home’s value. These backyard changes could be hitting your pocketbook harder than you think.

Overgrown Landscaping

Tall grass, unruly shrubs, and invasive weeds can hide your yard’s true potential, making it seem smaller and less usable. Additionally, overgrown plants can cause real damage to your home’s infrastructure by affecting the foundation, siding, and roofing with invasive root systems and moisture accumulation.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) suggests that homeowners should allocate 10% of their home’s value to landscaping for the best return on investment. Keeping your lawn trimmed, removing dead plants, and pruning trees can make a difference. Adding a touch of fresh mulch and seasonal flowers can further enhance your yard’s appeal. 

Inadequate Fencing or No Fencing

For families with pets or young children, a lack of secure fencing can be a serious deal-breaker. Additionally, privacy concerns can deter buyers who prefer an enclosed, intimate outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. 

Consider investing in durable materials like vinyl, wrought iron, or treated wood. These options not only withstand the elements but also require minimal maintenance. An attractive, sturdy fence can enhance curb appeal and create a polished, cohesive look, making your home stand out.

Excessive Hardscaping

Hardscaping involves using inanimate elements like stone, brick, and concrete to craft patios, pathways, and retaining walls. It significantly shapes your backyard’s aesthetic and usability. Excessive hardscaping can lead to a lack of green space, making your backyard feel like a concrete jungle rather than a tranquil retreat. 

Buyers often seek a harmonious blend of soft elements, such as plants and grass, with hard features for multifunctional use. Homes with well-balanced landscapes, combining 40% hardscaping and 60% soft landscaping, sell for up to 15% more than those with unbalanced yards. If you’ve already over-hardscaped, don’t fret! Potted plants, vertical gardens, and grassy areas can soften the look. 

Poor Lighting

Dimly lit backyards can make the space feel uninviting and unsafe. Imagine walking through a poorly illuminated garden path and tripping over unseen obstacles – not the best experience, right? The U.S. Department of Justice notes that proper lighting can reduce nighttime crime significantly, making homes feel safer and more secure.

Start by installing a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to highlight key areas and create a welcoming atmosphere. For instance, soft pathway lights can safely guide guests through your garden, while string lights can add a whimsical touch to your patio. Solar garden lights can save homeowners approximately 30% of their electricity bill.

Swimming Pool Installation

Installing a swimming pool can reduce your home’s value by up to 7%. Firstly, the cost of maintaining a pool is quite significant. Annual upkeep, including cleaning, repairs, and the hefty utility costs, can set homeowners back by $1,200 to $5,000. The added worry of accidental drownings or injuries can make pools more of a liability than an asset, especially for families with young children. 

Consider creating a versatile outdoor living space that appeals to a broader audience. Think low-maintenance landscaping, a cozy patio with seating, or even a charming garden nook. Adding an outdoor kitchen or fire pit can offer significant allure without the drawbacks associated with a pool.

DIY Projects Gone Wrong

Mistakes in structural elements—like a poorly built deck or an amateurish gazebo—can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs. Buyers are often wary of homes with numerous DIY fixes, fearing hidden problems and potential code violations. 

Hiring a certified contractor for significant undertakings like decks or outdoor kitchens ensures quality and compliance with local building codes. Websites like Udemy and Home Depot offer classes that cover a range of DIY tasks, from basic carpentry to advanced landscaping.

Outdated or Damaged Play Equipment

Over time, play equipment can become worn, rusty, or even unsafe. Buyers, particularly those with children, may see these outdated fixtures as hazards rather than amenities. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing equipment made from durable materials like cedar or plastic, which are less likely to splinter and decay. David Sobel’s “Backyard Playground: Build A Safe, Affordable Play Area For Your Child” offers excellent guidance on creating a fun and safe play space. 

Cracked Driveways and Pathways

Cracked driveways and pathways not only look unattractive but also pose safety hazards. A study by the Insurance Information Institute (III) found that 18% of home accidents are due to slips and falls, many of which could be attributed to uneven or cracked surfaces. 

Depending on the severity of the cracks, you might just need a simple DIY patch job. Hiring a professional ensures a polished finish for larger cracks and structural issues. HomeAdvisor says the cost to repair concrete driveways average between $300 and $600, a small investment with potentially significant returns.

Unpermitted Structures

Any structure lacking the necessary permits is technically illegal. Buyers want the confidence that comes with knowing every part of their new home is up to code. Imagine investing thousands into a beautiful outdoor kitchen, only to be told it has to come down! 

It might seem like a hassle but permits ensure that your work is safe, sound, and up to code. A study by Remodeling Magazine found that a properly permitted and built deck adds significant value to homes, with a return on investment (ROI) of nearly 75%. 

Water Features

Water features like ponds, fountains, or small waterfalls can add tranquility to your backyard. However, ponds and fountains require regular cleaning to prevent algae buildup and mosquitoes, and many homeowners find this maintenance cumbersome. Additionally, families with young children may view these features as safety hazards.

Consider more flexible alternatives like a decorative birdbath or a portable water fountain. These options provide the soothing sound of flowing water without the long-term commitment and maintenance hassles. A pond-less waterfall recirculates water through an underground system, reducing safety risks and upkeep.

Noisy Features

Adding noisy features like loud water fountains, outdoor speakers, or even particular wind chimes might seem like a great way to enhance your backyard ambiance. However, imagine potential buyers wandering into your backyard only to be greeted by a cacophony of sounds they can’t control. 

A modest, babbling brook or a subtle water feature can provide a soothing background noise without overwhelming the senses. For entertainment, opt for portable, wireless speakers that guests can control or turn off easily. Installing sound barriers like privacy fences or dense shrubbery can also help mitigate unwanted noise.

Unkempt Trees and Shrubs

Untrimmed plants can obstruct views, reducing your yard’s aesthetic appeal. They can also intrude on structural elements such as the roof, siding, and electrical wiring, leading to costly repairs. Dense, unmanaged greenery provides an ideal habitat for pests such as rodents and insects, which is not something any homeowner wishes to deal with.

The International Society of Arboriculture states that routine pruning can help eliminate dead or diseased limbs and promote healthy growth. Incorporating a mix of deciduous plants and evergreen can provide year-round curb appeal.

Lack of Environmental Features

A backyard without green options, such as native plants, rain gardens, and efficient irrigation systems, can be a deal-breaker. Traditional lawns consume excessive amounts of water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, which can be a turn-off for eco-conscious buyers looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Start with native plants that require less water and maintenance. Implementing an efficient irrigation system like drip watering increases water efficiency by up to 70%. 

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