Wendy’s Wanderings

Shopping for Curb Appeal

September 10, 2025

I enjoy looking at home-selling websites like Zillow or Redfin, not because I’m shopping for a new home, but because I like to see the different ways people approach landscaping — especially what they’ve done with curb appeal. It’s a bit like people-watching, only with plants. Landscaping often reveals the difference between homes that feel inviting and well-maintained versus those where plant choices seem like an afterthought. Here are a few things that tip me off.

Unpruned shrubs or trees that block windows, doors or walkways are a sure sign that care is needed — especially if you can’t even find the front door without a machete. Dead or distressed plants also signal neglect. Patchy turfgrass in the backyard suggests that maintenance will be needed right away. Cracked driveways, faded mulch or bare soil give the impression of a work in progress rather than a move-in-ready home.

One of the first lessons I learned about landscaping years ago is that the front door should always be the focal point. Foundation beds with layered, interesting plants help frame the entrance. Low shrubs and perennials provide structure, while seasonal color from annuals or flowering shrubs near the front door creates a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. Containers, hanging baskets or window boxes are easy additions that make a big visual impact.

For truly glowing curb appeal, neatly maintained turf or turf alternatives that has been mowed and edged shows care. Healthy trees and shrubs that are properly pruned for shade and safety are not only beautiful, but also appreciated by home shoppers. Even something as simple as a fresh layer of mulch signals that the landscape has been tended to — and, like a fresh coat of paint, it hides a multitude of sins. Outdoor spaces — whether patios, firepits or garden beds — should look tidy and inviting, hinting at the lifestyle a future buyer could enjoy.

Research shows that landscaping can increase home values by up to 15%. Buyers respond emotionally to homes that feel inviting from the curb, and the landscape makes that crucial first impression. Investing in a Florida-Friendly landscape not only improves resale potential but also provides daily enjoyment for current homeowners — without the drama of having to redo the kitchen.

A little planning, pruning and freshening up can make a big difference in how a home is seen and remembered. After all, the landscape is more than decoration — it’s the living welcome mat that sets the tone for everything that follows.