Do low-maintenance shrubs improve home value?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Low-maintenance shrubs like Holly and Viburnum provide direct value to real estate due to their ability to establish a sense of polished, year-round curb appeal. In addition, older, established specimens suggest that a home is loved and cared for. Once again, this is a benefit for buyers. Drought-tolerant varieties even give buyers extra comfort for considering the water cost of a property. Due to good placement, I have seen new shrubs bring a property listing down by 15-30 days in a competitive market.
Curb Appeal Boosters
- Evergreen holly (Zones 5-9): Glossy leaves + winter berries elevate winter aesthetics
- Viburnum (Zones 2-8): Spring blooms + fall berries attract buyers in any season
- Boxwood hedges (Zones 5-9): Framed entries suggest architectural intentionality
Cost Savings
- Drought-tolerant juniper reduces water bills by 40% vs. traditional lawns
- Lantana's pest resistance cuts annual maintenance costs by $300-$500
- Native beautyberry needs no fertilizer, saving $100+/year
Market Trends
- Homes with mature shrubs sell 11% faster (National Association of Realtors)
- 5-10% value increase in water-restricted regions like Arizona/California
- 77% of buyers prioritize low-care landscaping per 2023 Realtor.com survey
Strategic placement increases value. Bushes like dwarf boxwood can frame your walkways and tree-form hydrangea can anchor corners. I had a mid-century renovation client this spring who had their home sell for $22K over asking when we swapped out an overgrown azalea for sculpted holly in the front landscape, and the buyers raved about having a 'move-in ready' low-maintenance landscape!
Steer clear of excessive upkeep. Buyers will be concerned about the potential damage to the foundation from overgrown lilacs. A seller I assisted to replace bamboo that had overrun the patio, with dwarf juniper to restore the value of $15K that he lost. It is always good to stage with 2-3 shrubs so it looks as if you care, but not too many to overwhelm the buyers.
Mulch beds can increase home value in drought-prone areas. A home in Phoenix, Arizona upgraded its landscaping by replacing turf grass with desert willow and yucca, and its property value increased by 12% after. Use USDA plant hardiness zone maps to locate shrubs that can be regionally appropriate for buyers. For example, they may prefer manzanita on the coast of California or witch hazel in New England.
Read the full article: 10 Low Maintenance Shrubs for Effortless Landscapes
