Investing in your landscape is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be strategic about how and when you spend. With a little planning (and a few insider insights), you can stretch your budget further while still getting a beautiful, lasting result.
Whether you’re thinking of a simple backyard glow-up or a full backyard transformation, any improvements you make to your landscaping will have a positive impact on your home’s value. Studies have shown that quality landscaping can boost a home’s value by as much as 10–15%, making it one of the more cost-effective investments homeowners can make when preparing to sell or simply looking to build long-term equity.
It’s important to carefully review your landscaping proposal and ensure you’re comparing apples to apples, but waiting too long can actually cost you. Most landscaping proposals are only valid for 30 days. And right now, with a volatile economy, material and labor costs can shift quickly. That means if your proposal expires, the updated price could be considerably higher than what you were originally quoted, as vendors absorb higher fuel and shipping costs.
Smart move:
If you’re serious about moving forward with your landscaping project, lock in your pricing within that proposal window. If your vision is still evolving, ask your landscaping contractor if you’re able to continue to tweak your project after you make a deposit. Even if your installation is scheduled a bit later, securing your spot early can protect you from potential price increases.
Think of it as price insurance for your project.
When that tax return hits your account, you can think of a million ways to spend it. It’s all too easy to fritter that money away on trips and extra dinners out, but it’s actually a perfect opportunity to invest in something that adds long-term value to your home. Landscaping consistently ranks as one of the best home improvements for return on investment, especially when it enhances curb appeal, usability, and overall design cohesion.
Instead of going on a spending spree, consider putting it toward:
Smart move:
Using your tax return means you can fund part (or all) of your project without taking on additional debt or financing costs—saving you money in the long run.
If you’re ready to go beyond a basic upgrade—a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a smart financing tool. And right now, the timing is especially favorable. As of late March 2026, average HELOC rates are around 7.04%, which is a significant drop from the early 2024 peak of 10.16%. That’s the lowest level in over three years—making borrowing more affordable than it has been in quite some time.
Smart move:
If you’ve been holding off on a larger landscaping investment, these lower rates can make it easier to:
And because landscaping adds value to your home, you’re investing borrowed money into an asset—not just an expense.
Saving money on your landscaping project doesn’t mean doing less—it means making smarter decisions about timing, funding, and planning.
With the right strategy, you can create a landscape you love—while keeping your budget working for you. If you’re thinking about a project this season, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. A well-planned landscape doesn’t just look good this year—it adds value, enjoyment, and curb appeal for years to come. 🌿
Heath Outdoor, a premier, local, family-owned landscaping company established in 2009, proudly serves the vibrant communities of Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Strategically located in the heart of Indianapolis, we extend our expert landscaping and hardscaping services to both commercial and residential customers in Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, Zionsville, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, McCordsville, Greenwood and beyond.
Custom gardens and landscapes, paver patios and walkways, water features and recreation ponds, custom outdoor fire pits and fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, pool and spa vaults, tiny houses, storage sheds, pergolas and decks, retaining walls, fencing and playgrounds.
Mowing, mulching, planting and watering service, irrigation and drainage system installation and repairs, seasonal property clean-ups, and snow and ice management. In 2024, Heath Outdoor added eco-focused private gardening and garden coaching to our property maintenance services through a partnership with Spotts Garden Service.
We’re not just in the business of landscaping—we’re in the business of finding solutions and bringing dreams to life. Whether it’s crafting breathtaking commercial outdoor spaces or creating custom outdoor living areas from scratch, we’ve got the passion, expertise, creativity and team to make it happen.
At Heath Outdoor, we’re also committed to giving back to the community, through our Juneteenth service project, annual participation in the Indy Pride parade, Butter Art Fair and Feast of Lanterns sponsorship and neighborhood beautification efforts.
Heath Outdoor is a Hurst Brothers company. Other brands in the Hurst Brothers family of companies include: DIGS Garden Center, Indy Insulation and Spray Company and Spotts Garden Service.
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