Landscaping Projects That Actually Increase the Value of Your Boise Home

Whether you’re looking to sell your Boise home or simply want to enjoy your outdoor space more, landscaping is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, homes with excellent landscaping can sell for up to 10% more than similar homes with uninspired yards.

In Boise’s unique climate—with dry summers, cold winters, and a growing population—smart landscaping decisions can boost curb appeal, reduce maintenance, and add meaningful, long-term value. But not all landscaping projects are created equal. Here are the ones that actually pay off.

1. Curb Appeal: Make a Strong First Impression

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that’s doubly true in real estate. The front yard sets the tone for everything that follows.

Projects That Pay Off:

• Defined Flower Beds: Clean edging between lawn, beds, and hardscape makes a yard look organized. Use concrete, steel, or stone edging to reduce maintenance and enhance visual appeal.

• Colorful Perennials & Shrubs: Go for hardy, low-maintenance choices like purple salvia, yarrow, Russian sage, or Idaho-native blanketflower. These provide color from spring through fall and return each year.

• Mulch & Weed Fabric: Applying a few inches of bark mulch not only makes flower beds pop, it helps with water retention and weed control—both must-haves during dry Boise summers.

• Foundation Plantings: Frame your home with evergreens and flowering shrubs to soften the transition from lawn to structure.

  
  

Pro Tip: Avoid overplanting. Buyers are more likely to appreciate a clean, open look that feels intentional, not cluttered.

2. Build Outdoor Living Spaces Boiseans Actually Use

In a place where sunshine is abundant, outdoor living spaces are more than a trend—they’re a lifestyle.

Projects to Consider:

• Paver Patios & Pergolas: A stone or paver patio paired with a pergola creates a shaded spot to entertain guests or relax after work. Bonus: pavers hold up better than poured concrete in Boise’s freeze-thaw cycles.

• Gas Fire Pits or Wood-Burning Features: Create a four-season gathering space. Gas fire bowls are especially attractive to buyers for their ease of use.

• Outdoor Kitchens or Built-In Grills: These are a higher investment, but if your neighborhood supports a higher price point, they can be a huge selling point when it’s time to list a property—and very enjoyable for the homeowner in the meantime.

Don’t Forget Lighting: Low-voltage path lights, uplights for trees, and under-pergola string lights all add a cozy, upscale feel. Buyers touring in the evening will appreciate the ambiance.

3. Plant Shade Trees Strategically

Boise summers are getting hotter, and buyers are paying attention. Well-placed trees can reduce energy bills, increase privacy, and create a park-like feel.

Best Trees for Boise:

• Honeylocust – filtered shade and low maintenance

• Maple (Autumn Blaze or Norway) – fast-growing and colorful in fall

• Serviceberry – beautiful blossoms in spring and bird-friendly fruit in summer

• Pine or Blue Spruce – evergreen privacy and winter interest

  
  

Placement Tips:

• Shade the west-facing side of the house to keep things cooler.

• Plant 10–20 feet from structures to avoid future foundation issues.

• Think long-term: a healthy tree is one of the few landscape features that increases in value over time.

4. Upgrade to Smart Irrigation Systems

Water efficiency isn’t just environmentally responsible—it’s financially savvy. Boise homes that demonstrate water-wise practices stand out.

Smart Upgrades Include:

• Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers that adjust watering based on the forecast.

• Drip Systems for flower beds and shrub areas to reduce evaporation and overspray.

• Sprinkler Blowout Access Ports that make winterizing easier—a must in Boise’s freezing months.

  
  

ROI Booster: Include irrigation maps and controller instructions in your listing materials. Buyers love documentation and transparency.

5. Go Low-Maintenance Without Sacrificing Style

No one wants to spend every weekend on yard work. That’s why low-maintenance doesn’t mean boring—it means smart.

Design Choices That Attract Buyers:

• Synthetic Turf (in moderation): Perfect for dog runs, shady areas, or narrow side yards. Modern turf looks more natural than ever.

• Decorative Gravel or Decomposed Granite Paths: Affordable, clean, and great for controlling foot traffic.

• Drought-Tolerant Planting Beds: Fill with plants like sedum, ornamental grasses, echinacea, and lavender—beautiful and Boise-approved.

  
  

In some parts of town, especially newer subdivisions in Meridian, Star, or Kuna, less lawn and more xeriscaping is actually considered a plus.

6. Keep Up With Routine Yard Care

You don’t have to go big to make a difference. Basic maintenance plays a huge role in how buyers perceive value.

Must-Do Basics Before You List:

• Reseed patchy grass or bare spots.

• Prune trees and shrubs (no dead branches or awkward overgrowth).

• Power wash driveways, walkways, and fencing.

• Edge every bed and mow lines cleanly—presentation matters.

Enjoyment Today, Growth for Tomorrow

Great landscaping doesn’t just make your home prettier or more valuable—it makes it more livable. Whether you’re dreaming of long summer evenings on a patio under twinkle lights, or planning to list your home next season, landscaping is one of the few home improvements that pays off in both joy and dollars.

Need help connecting with trusted landscapers, designers, or maintenance crews in the Boise area? We’ve got you covered.