Landscaping is one of the surest ways to pump up the value of your Las Cruces home, but where do you start? It’s important to have a plan.  

We’ve seen on television programs like the DIY network’s “Desperate Landscapes” that going from a plain lawn and a concrete driveway to a well-landscaped lot makes for an incredible transformation. Transformations like these raise a home’s perceived value by more than you may think. The opposite is also true: A a thoughtless smattering of scraggly plants actually detracts from home value.

This begs the question: How much should you invest in upgrading your landscape? Professionals recommend budgeting 10% of your home’s value, but the important thing to remember is that success doesn’t depend on how much you spend. Landscaping doesn’t have to be expensive, just well planned. Here’s how to get started on a landscape plan of your own.

1. Consult a Pro

 In my recent blog, “Don’t Let Bad Curb Appeal Happen To You,” I mentioned that it would be a good idea to hire a landscape designer if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to beautifying the outside of your home. A trained professional can save you from wasting money on wrongheaded ideas and open your eyes to possibilities you haven’t considered. There are various types of landscape pros, and their expertise is priced accordingly.

If your yard has major issues or you have grand ambitions, consider hiring a certified landscape architect to design a comprehensive plan that includes such things as irrigation, lighting, architectural features, soil conditioning, and, of course, the growing stuff. A verbal consultation costs about $100-$150; a detailed plan can run from $300 to $2,500. The American Society of Landscape Architects offers a state-by-state “firm finder” on its website.

Landscape designers typically charge less than degreed landscape architects and are a good choice for simpler projects that don’t require construction. Horticulturists specialize in plants, not necessarily design. Then there are landscape contractors, the design-build firms of yard work. Start by asking friends whose yards you admire for recommendations. Your local home and garden center is another good source for contacts.

2. Set Your Priorities

Before you get any dirt under your nails—or hire someone to get dirty—you need to make two lists: a) what you want and b) what your property needs. These aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, but the exercise is important for setting priorities. It would be folly to spend big bucks on an outdoor kitchen before resolving potentially disastrous issues such as a diseased tree or drainage problems.

The first question that a professional will likely ask is: What do you see yourself doing in your yard? Hosting Sunday barbecues? Doing the crossword puzzle in a hammock? Swimming laps? Growing vegetables to sell at the Las Cruces Farmers Market? Clip pictures of outdoor spaces you like and don’t like to clarify the feeling you’re trying to achieve.

Remember that part of your landscape budget will go toward the “b” list. Those are things that may not lend themselves to sexy magazine spreads but can protect your Las Cruces property value—not to mention enhance your quality of life—by lowering water bills, reducing the need to mow or rake, or blocking the view of your neighbor who hot-tubs in the buff. We’re talking about practical considerations such as irrigation, fencing, lighting, equipment storage, privacy, and security.

3. Create a Floor Plan to Target Costs

To ballpark costs for materials and labor, think in terms of square footage, which is how landscapers charge. According to Costhelper.com, hiring someone to create a “naturalistic garden” averages $11 a square foot; the cost can double for a formal garden with walls and water features. Don’t forget to factor in long-term maintenance such as mowing, mulching, and pruning. Many homeowners here in the Southwest choose to xeriscape their yards to lower watering costs and nearly avoid maintenance altogether.

If you’re designing your own plan, start by measuring your property or getting a plat survey from Doña Ana County. You might even be able to find a topographical map indicating features like slopes and swales. You can sketch the basic layout to scale using old-fashioned graph paper or landscape design software. Prices have come down considerably on the latter, but quality varies widely, so check online reviews before purchasing. A free option: Google’s Sketchup, with cool apps for trees, pavers, shrubs, outbuildings, and the like.

Once you have the parameters, create a floor plan, marking off different sections just as you would rooms of a house. The front path is the foyer, there might be a “dining room” with a picnic table, a shady “bedroom” for a hammock, a “rec room” with play equipment. Consider the costs for each area of your plan, including materials, equipment, furnishings, greenery, and any specialized labor like irrigation or electricity.

4. Think Long Term

If your ambitions exceed your wallet (and whose do not?), go back to your priority list and pick a section or projects to tackle as your budget permits. What is the absolute most important thing you need to have done? What is bugging you most?

A carefully conceived plan will keep you on track during this gradual transformation, both in terms of vision and budget. And remember that patience pays off. Additions or renovations can start losing value once completed, while great landscaping literally grows in value over time.

What did I miss? Did you do the landscaping for your home? What lessons did you learn?

Many people don’t even consider the exterior of their home when first making the decision to sell. Whether you’re selling your home or not, it is always nice to have peace of mind pertaining to every aspect in the appeal of your home.

 For more possible ways to improve your home and in turn, your life, take a look at our free report, “Preparing Your Home for Sale” by clicking the link below.

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