8 garden mistakes that could reduce your home’s value
First impressions really do matter when it comes to the garden. From clutter to pest control, just a few mistakes could put prospective buyers off — and consequently reduce the value of your home.
Simple garden mistakes can be an easily overlooked but impactful way to lower your home’s value.
Sales and Marketing Director of Jukes Estate Agents Harlow, Geoff Flewers says: “Keeping your garden neat, choosing the right plants, and adding thoughtful design really matter, 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 kerb 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.”
On that note, take a look at the top garden mistakes below:
1. Neglected lawns or overgrown paths
It doesn’t take much for lawns and paths to look a little neglected, but if you’re looking to sell, it’s worth taking the time to tidy them up.
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. This 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.
2. Clutter and poor organisation
A cluttered garden not only reduces the enjoyment of your space, but it may also negatively affect the value of your home. Tools, toys, and mismatched plant pots scattered without any order can make the space feel chaotic.
“Keep tools tucked away. Clear pathways and tidy borders will make the entire space feel much more appealing.
3. Ignoring pest and disease control
8 garden mistakes that could reduce your home’s value
Pest control 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.
4. Lack of fencing and screening
If your garden is overlooked, it’s worth investing in fencing, screening, or climbing plants, particularly in key spaces such as patios, key seating areas, or decking, where extra privacy might be needed.
Without a set of well-structured boundaries, your garden can be left feeling exposed to neighbours and onlookers.A dding 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. (Data from https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/).
5. Badly maintained garden features
Don’t forget to turn your attention to unkempt garden features such as broken paths, rusted fences, broken toys, or peeling furniture.
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.
6. Not mulching or weeding
The sight of overgrown, untended gardens can be enough to put anyone off a property. Eliminating weeds can take time and effort (depending on their size), but the results will pay off.
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.
7. Poor drainage and soil problems
Waterlogged gardens are most gardeners’ worst nightmares. Typically occurring over winter, they can leave lawns soggy and wet for weeks at a time.
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.
8. Not thinking about your planting scheme
And, finally, pour some time into deciding what planting scheme would best suit your plot.
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.
It also pays to add a few decorative accents, such as a small water feature, a bench, or a bistro set laid with a posy of fresh flowers.