With more people working from home, now could be the perfect time to start landscaping projects … especially for those who enjoy spending time outside during the summer months.

Landscaping improvements can require creativity and some investment, but choosing the right projects can potentially help maximize a homeowner’s return on investment when selling the property.

Here are four budget-friendly tips for homeowners:

• Choose climate zone plants for outdoors. These plants are an environmentally-friendly choice, save on water usage and create a nature oasis in the backyard space.
• Make sure that the soil stays moist. Use a soil moisture meter or screwdriver to dig into the soil and see if it is sufficiently damp. Sometimes the soil appears to be dry on the surface, but is not at the root.
• Try to plant flowers close together without going overboard. By doing so, the garden will look very structured and the time spent on maintenance to the lawn could be reduced.
• Make sure to use a preemergent weed killer. Killing weeds at the roots early on can help protect the yard and reduce the time spent on weeding.

Homeowners can learn more about landscaping improvements by visiting the Appraisal Institute’s website or contacting a Designated Member of the Appraisal Institute using the organization’s Find an Appraiser directory.