Landscaping your Western North Carolina home not only creates a pleasing presentation for you and your guests, it can also enhance the value of your home. According to a survey by Turf Magazine, landscaping enhances the perceived value of home between 5.5% and 11.4%. Depending on how extensive it is, landscaping costs can run the gamut, but even the tightest budgets allow for improvements that will go the distance.
Design with intention
If you’re starting with a blank slate, you have the luxury of planning out your yard’s design. Landscaping that works with your home’s design will add value: For instance, modern mountain architecture’s minimalism can be echoed in the clean lines of compact evergreens, geometrically placed plants, gravel-filled beds and concrete paths, patios and steps – all reflecting the symmetry and balance of the home.
When it comes to plantings, taking time to plan is important. Rather than grabbing whatever looks good at the greenhouse or nursery, seek out plants that will offer some seasonal balance. Consider each plant’s personality – when it will bloom and whether it will offer year-round interest – and strive to create groupings that complement rather than compete. Your goal should be to create a landscape that will look good regardless of the season.
Perennials and natives
Adding flowering perennials to your landscape is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your home. Once planted, 
flowering perennials offer the drama of color year after year with minimal effort.
Native plants have built up physical and biological characteristics specific to regional elements, and as a result, they are hardy and environmentally friendly. Many attract an array of pollinators, and they are a natural way to reduce erosion and minimize maintenance. From wispy wildflowers to low-growing groundcovers, native plant options in the Asheville area are diverse, offering a multitude of ways to easily enhance your property.
Lighting and retaining walls
By investing a bit more money, you can come away with an enviable look that pays off in greater property value. Add soffit lights to 
highlight the architecture of your house and ground lights to accent trees or bushes. Choose the perfect porch lights to exude an inviting warmth. Add lighting around your yard to stretch the enjoyment of your outdoor property well into the evening.
Retaining walls serve to protect your property, as well as boost curb appeal. If you are building a retaining wall, consider natural stone materials – like the entrance to the Arboretum. Allow for space in between your retaining walls and driveways for plantings to help soften its appearance. And when space allows, break your retaining wall into stair-step sections so that it is not one large monolithic structure.
Before you list your home
Asheville is close to being a temperate rainforest, and when it’s the growing season, landscapes can get out of control quickly! Putting some effort into sprucing up your home’s curb appeal is important. Typically, landscaping is the last step in the home staging process right before listing photos happen. Fresh mulch, cut lawns, clean lines between grass and mulch, weeding and getting rid of leaves can all help make your home feel inviting.
About the Author
Mike Figura is the Owner/ Broker of Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty in Asheville, a boutique real estate firm helping buyers and sellers on their journey to a new home. In his spare time, Mike enjoys mountain biking in the beautiful mountains surrounding Asheville. Mosaic Realty is proud to be a Community Partner of The North Carolina Arboretum.