Real estate agents will tell you that landscaping can add 10-20% to your home’s value, but most homeowners blow their budget on expensive hardscaping or trendy plants that die after two seasons. Want to know what actually moves the needle when appraisers and buyers evaluate your property? Mature, well-placed evergreens—specifically arborvitae.
I’ve worked with dozens of homeowners preparing to sell, and the ones who invested in strategic arborvitae plantings consistently saw higher offers and faster sales. These evergreens deliver that “professionally landscaped” look that buyers pay premium prices for, and they do it without the maintenance headaches that scare off potential buyers. Let me show you exactly how to use them to maximize your home’s market value.
1. Street-Facing Privacy Hedges
Buyers consistently place a high value on privacy, and homes with established privacy screening sell faster and for more money. If you have a mature arborvitae hedge along your front or side property line, buyers will know they won’t be living in a fishbowl. I’ve seen this one feature increase sales prices by $10,000 to $15,000 in markets that are competitive.
The crucial term in this situation is “mature.” Nobody is impressed by a row of three-foot saplings, but ten to twelve-foot established arborvitae? That has immediate value. Plant Green Giants now if you intend to sell within three to five years; they grow three to five feet a year and produce significant screening quickly.
Why privacy hedges boost value:
- Addresses buyer’s top concern immediately
- Shows investment in long-term landscape quality
- Creates functional outdoor living space
- Demonstrates property boundaries clearly
Space them 5-6 feet apart for a solid screen. Buyers see this and mentally add thousands to their offer because they won’t have to install expensive fencing or wait years for privacy.
2. Foundation Plantings That Frame Architecture
Homes with deliberate foundation plantings that enhance rather than obscure the architecture are what appraisers truly notice. Dwarf varieties of Arborvitae foundation beds produce a polished, well-maintained appearance that exudes “this house has been cared for.”
I recently replaced scraggly, overgrown foundation shrubs with uniformly spaced Little Giant arborvitae to set up a house for sale. Within two weeks, the house sold for $8,000 more than the asking price. The “landscaping updates” were specifically mentioned by the buyers in their offer letter. You can take that ROI to the bank.
Getting the Proportions Right
Foundation plantings fail when they’re the wrong scale for the house. Use this simple guide:
| House Height | Max Plant Height | Best Variety | Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Story | 3-4 ft | Mr. Bowling Ball | 3 ft apart |
| Two Story | 5-6 ft | Little Giant | 4 ft apart |
| Large/Multi-Story | 8-10 ft | Emerald Green | 5 ft apart |
Proper scaling makes your house look larger and more impressive. Wrong scaling makes it look like the landscaping is eating your home. Buyers notice this stuff, even if they don’t consciously realize it.
3. Bordered Driveways
Do you want a simple value-add that looks great in listings? Use arborvitae to line your driveway. Your property appears far more expensive than it actually is because of this one feature. I am referring to the type of images that receive numerous requests to be shown after being posted on social media.
The “estate feel” that buyers identify with more expensive homes is produced by bordered driveways. When you drive through an entrance lined with trees, even a modest suburban house appears upscale. The psychology is strong; even before they see the house, buyers believe it is worth more.
I’ve used Emerald Green arborvitae for most driveway borders because they stay narrow (3-4 feet) and won’t crowd the pavement as they mature. Plant them 4-5 feet apart on one or both sides, depending on your driveway width. This is honestly one of the highest-ROI landscaping moves you can make, IMO.
4. Defined Property Lines
Boundary disputes tank home sales faster than almost anything else. Clear, established property lines using arborvitae markers eliminate this concern entirely. Buyers see defined boundaries and breathe a sigh of relief—one less thing to worry about.
When preparing homes for sale, I always advise planting arborvitae along surveyed property lines. It avoids those awkward “where does your yard end?” discussions during showings and lets buyers see exactly what they’re getting. Real estate lawyers and title companies adore this because it makes closing more straightforward.
Strategic placement for maximum value:
- Plant exactly on survey markers
- Use tall varieties (10+ feet) for clear visibility
- Space 6-8 feet apart for continuous line
- Choose hardy varieties that look established
This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about removing buyer objections before they arise. Properties with clearly defined boundaries appraise higher and sell faster. That’s just market reality.
5. Outdoor Room Creation
Arborvitae produces these “rooms” more effectively than any other plant, and customers pay a premium for usable outdoor living spaces. I created outdoor rooms with carefully positioned arborvitae walls to transform underutilized side yards into useful bonus spaces. Because buyers actually receive more usable square footage, these features can add a significant amount of value.
Consider this: a 15-by-15-foot outdoor space with arborvitae walls offers comparable lifestyle advantages at a fraction of the cost of adding a sunroom. Purchasers can imagine creating a private haven, entertaining, or unwinding. You’re not just selling plants to them—you’re selling an experience.
Creating the Effect
A patio or seating area should have three sides defined by arborvitae, with one side left open for an entrance. For solid walls, use 8–12 foot varieties spaced 3–4 feet apart. Include lighting, furniture, and perhaps a fire pit. This is a feature that buyers remember and appreciate when they tour your house.
I’ve seen outdoor rooms add $15,000-20,000 to sale prices in markets where outdoor living is valued. That’s way more than the $2,000-3,000 investment in plants and basic staging. The math works.
6. Symmetrical Entrance Framing
In real estate, first impressions count, and each buyer pays close attention to your front door. Arborvitae placed symmetrically on either side of your front door or walkway provide instant curb appeal, look great in photos, and convey quality to potential buyers.
The simplest high-value landscaping decision you can make is this one. Purchase two identical arborvitae (I like Emerald Green or Degroot’s Spire), plant them five to six feet from your door on each side, and observe how your listing photos change. Because it produces organic framing that attracts attention to your entrance, real estate photographers adore this feature.
Why this works for home value:
- Creates symmetry and balance
- Makes entrances appear grander
- Frames listing photos perfectly
- Signals attention to detail
FYI, staged homes with entrance framing sell 30-40% faster than similar homes without it, according to multiple realtor studies. Buyers associate this feature with higher-end properties, even on modest homes.
7. Year-Round Green Backdrops
The majority of sellers overlook this: while buyers tour properties throughout the year, dead, brown scenery kills potential buyers in the fall and winter. Your yard will always appear lush and well-maintained thanks to Arborvitae backdrops, which has a direct effect on perceived value.
Arborvitae are my go-to backdrop “walls” for framing outdoor spaces, behind flower beds, and along fence lines. Buyers who tour in November or February see green, structure, and intentional design instead of dead stems and bare branches. Unbelievably, comparable properties with dormant landscapes sell for five to ten percent less than winter listings with evergreen structures.
Strategic Backdrop Placement
Position arborvitae behind deciduous plants and perennial beds. When everything else goes dormant, the evergreen backdrop maintains visual interest and structure. Buyers perceive the landscape as professionally designed rather than neglected or seasonal.
The best part? Arborvitae require almost zero maintenance, so buyers see a beautiful landscape without the intimidating upkeep. That’s a massive selling point for busy professionals or anyone who doesn’t want yard work becoming a second job 🙂
The Investment Math Actually Works
I recognize that investing several thousand dollars in landscaping just before you sell may seem counterintuitive. Strategic arborvitae plantings, however, offer some of the best returns on investment of any home renovation. We are discussing returns of 200–300% in numerous markets.
A $3,000 investment in mature arborvitae can easily add $10,000-15,000 to your sale price. Compare that to kitchen remodels (60-70% ROI) or bathroom updates (55-65% ROI), and suddenly landscaping looks like the smartest money you can spend.
Plus, unlike interior updates that buyers might not love, everybody values privacy, curb appeal, and professionally landscaped yards. You’re betting on universal preferences rather than hoping buyers like your tile choices.
Timing Your Plantings
Invest in the largest specimens you can transport and afford if you plan to sell within six to twelve months. Yes, they are more expensive up front, but you need results right away. Customers will pay for what they see now rather than premium prices for potential.
In two to three years, do you intend to sell? Now plant varieties that grow quickly, such as Green Giant. Before listing, they will grow ten to fifteen feet in height and appear remarkably established. Because you get both the intrinsic value of mature plantings and growth-based value appreciation, this is the ROI sweet spot.
Selling in 5+ years? You can plant smaller specimens and let time do the heavy lifting. Even modest 3-4 foot arborvitae will mature into substantial features that command attention and boost value.
Making Every Dollar Count
The outcome of landscaping that increases the value of a property? Because they focus on what buyers truly want—privacy, curb appeal, defined spaces, and year-round beauty—Arborvitae regularly generates returns. These classic landscape elements are valued by buyers, real estate brokers, and appraisers; they are not fads that could backfire.
I’ve witnessed homeowners question why their properties are for sale after ignoring their landscapes in favor of granite countertops and paint colors. Properties with strategically placed arborvitae receive multiple offers in the interim and sell for more than the asking price. The correlation is undeniable.
Therefore, stop worrying about interior trends and make some outside investments if you’re considering selling your house or simply want its value to increase. If you plant those arborvitae and take good care of them, the value of your property will increase. Both your bank account and your prospective buyer will appreciate it.