Landscaping April 5, 2026 6 min read
10 Landscaping Projects Under $500 That Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, especially when selling a home. Studies show landscaping improvements return 100-150% of their cost at resale — one of the highest ROIs of any home improvement.
10 projects with maximum impact
- Fresh mulch in all beds — $100-$200 (instant transformation)
- Edge all beds and walkways — $50-$100 in rental + materials
- Add solar pathway lights — $50-$150 for a pack of 10
- Plant colorful annuals at the entry — $50-$100
- Power wash the driveway and walkway — $100-$300 (rent or hire)
- Paint or replace the front door — $50-$200
- Add a doormat and potted plants to the entry — $50-$100
- Trim overgrown shrubs — $0 (DIY) to $200 (professional)
- Define beds with decorative stone border — $100-$300
- Seed or patch bare spots in the lawn — $30-$80
The highest ROI project
Fresh mulch combined with bed edging is the single highest-impact curb appeal improvement. It costs under $300 for most homes and takes one weekend. Dark brown or black mulch creates the most dramatic contrast with green plants and a clean lawn edge.
When to hire a landscaper
Most of these projects are DIY-friendly. But if you want everything done in one professional session, a landscaper can handle all 10 projects in a day for $500-$1,000 including materials. The investment pays for itself if you're selling your home.
