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Brookside Landscape Design

Category: <span>General</span>

General

5 Best Outdoor Features to Increase Home Value (And Which to Avoid)

Is Your Yard an Investment or a Money Pit?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, you want to know, is this adding value to my home?

Maybe you’ve watched a few home makeover shows or scrolled Instagram and seen jaw-dropping backyards with massive fire pits, bubbling waterfalls, and lush gardens that look like something out of a resort. It all seems exciting—until you realize just how much time, money, and effort go into keeping up those features.

As a homeowner on the Kitsap Peninsula, you don’t just want a pretty yard—you want a smart investment. You want an outdoor space that makes your home more enjoyable now and more valuable when it’s time to sell.

We get it. At Brookside Landscape and Design, we’ve spent years helping homeowners like you create stunning, long-lasting, and serviceable outdoor spaces. And we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. We are constantly trying to maintain industry standards and educate our customers on the hows and whys.

That’s why we put together this list of the five best outdoor features that actually increase home value—and a few that sound good in theory but could cost you more in the long run. So let’s dive in!

5 Best Outdoor Features That Increase Home Value

If you’re looking for projects that boost curb appeal, improve functionality, and give you the best return on investment (ROI), these are the top five outdoor upgrades to consider.

1. A Well-Designed Patio (Not Just a Slab of Concrete)

Let’s be real—nobody wants to hang out on a sad, cracked concrete slab. But a well-designed, properly installed patio? Boom! That’s where the magic happens.

 

A patio extends your living space and gives buyers a low-maintenance (not maintenance free) outdoor area to relax and entertain. And if you choose durable, high-quality materials like Belgard pavers or natural stone, your patio can last decades with minimal upkeep.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Patios have an average ROI of 55-75%, depending on materials.
  • Low-maintenance patios are a huge selling point for buyers.
  • Well-placed patios make a yard feel bigger and more usable.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re adding a patio, make sure it flows naturally from your home’s layout and is big enough to be functional.

2. A Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace (If Done Right)

There’s something about a fire feature that makes an outdoor space feel cozy and inviting. Whether it’s a built-in stone fireplace or a simple fire pit, this upgrade adds warmth—literally and figuratively—to your yard.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can boost home value by 10-15%.
  • They make your patio usable year-round, even on chilly Kitsap nights.
  • Gas options offer a clean, hassle-free alternative to wood-burning pits.

🔥 What to watch out for: Skip the oversized, high-maintenance fire pits that require constant cleaning or expensive upkeep. Stick to practical designs that fit your space and needs.

3. Functional Outdoor Lighting (Because Nobody Likes a Dark, Uninviting Yard)

A beautiful backyard isn’t much use if you can’t see it at night. Strategic outdoor lighting doesn’t just make your space more inviting—it also boosts security and safety, which buyers love.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Professionally installed lighting can add up to 20% to home value.
  • Well-lit paths and patios make outdoor spaces safer and more usable.
  • LED landscape lighting is energy-efficient and low-maintenance.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on pathway lights, uplighting for trees, and soft accent lighting to highlight key areas of your yard.

4. A Smart Irrigation System (So Your Landscaping Doesn’t Die Before You Sell)

Nothing drags down curb appeal faster than a dead, patchy lawn or sad-looking plants. That’s why a smart irrigation system is a solid investment.

Today’s irrigation systems adjust automatically based on weather and soil conditions, so you’re not overwatering or underwatering.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Homes with healthy landscaping sell for 5-10% more than neglected yards.
  • Smart irrigation systems save water and reduce utility bills.
  • They keep your yard looking fresh and vibrant—even if you’re not a plant expert.

💡 Pro Tip: If you already have an irrigation system, upgrading to a smart controller can be an easy, cost-effective way to add value without too much renovation depending on your current system.

5. Low-Maintenance, Native Landscaping (Because Nobody Wants a Yard That’s a Full-Time Job)

Buyers love a beautifully landscaped yard, but they don’t want one that requires constant pruning, watering, and upkeep.

Native plants and low-maintenance landscaping not only look great but also thrive in Kitsap’s climate with minimal effort.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.
  • A well-landscaped yard can add up to 15% to home value.
  • It boosts curb appeal without adding a huge workload.

💡 Pro Tip: Swap high-maintenance flower beds for drought-resistant plants, ornamental grasses, and native shrubs that stay healthy with minimal effort.

Outdoor Features That Sound Great—But Often Aren’t

Now that we’ve covered the best outdoor features, let’s talk about the ones that seem like a great idea but don’t always pay off.

❌ 1. High-Maintenance Water Features

A pond or waterfall looks nice in photos, but it can quickly turn into a mosquito-breeding, algae-covered headache. However, we at Brookside Landscape and Design focus on building: ✅ Thoughtfully Designed Water Features

 

“While some water features can become high-maintenance, requiring constant upkeep, a well-designed water feature from Brookside Landscape and Design is different. We specialize in creating sustainable, low-maintenance water features that enhance your outdoor space without becoming a burden.

  • Expert Design: We carefully plan and construct water features to minimize maintenance and prevent common issues like algae growth and mosquito breeding.
  • Quality Materials: We use durable, high-quality materials from Aquascape that are built to last and require less frequent maintenance.
  • Eco-Friendly Solutions: We incorporate Bio-filtration systems, natural planting, and other eco-friendly solutions to keep your water feature clean and healthy.
  • Customized to Your Needs: We work with you to design a water feature that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.

A professionally installed and thoughtfully designed water feature from Brookside Landscape and Design can add a unique and beautiful element to your yard, increasing its appeal and value.

❌ 2. Oversized Outdoor Kitchens

A small grill area? Great! A massive, fully-loaded outdoor kitchen that rarely gets used? Not so much. If you love to cook outside, keep it simple and functional.

❌ 3. Swimming Pools(In our area)

In the Pacific Northwest, pools have limited use for much of the year, and they require constant upkeep. While some buyers love them, others see them as high-maintenance money pits.

 

Ready to Make the Right Upgrades?

Your outdoor space should be a place you love—but it should also be a smart investment. Whether you’re planning to stay for years or sell in the near future, the right upgrades boost value without creating unnecessary headaches.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we help homeowners in Kitsap Peninsula create beautiful, lasting outdoor spaces that add value, not stress. If you’re ready to transform your yard the right way, let’s talk!

Contact us today for a consultation—we’d love to help you build a landscape that works for your home and future.

The Biggest Problems Homeowners Face with DIY Landscaping

As a homeowner, you want to create the perfect outdoor space. You’ve seen those beautiful yards on Pinterest and Instagram, and you think, “I can do this myself.” After all, how hard can it be to plant a few shrubs, lay down some mulch, or design a new patio? The idea of saving money by tackling the landscaping yourself is definitely tempting. But, if you’ve ever tried to transform your yard on your own, you know it’s not as easy as it looks.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we get it. We understand the excitement and, honestly, the pressure that comes with wanting your yard to look perfect. You want to enjoy your space, have your neighbors compliment your yard, and feel proud every time you walk outside. But what happens when things don’t go according to plan?

If you’ve started a DIY landscaping project, or you’re considering one, you may already have experienced a few of these issues, or maybe you’re worried about running into them. Let’s talk about some of the biggest potential problems homeowners face when they take on landscaping and hardscaping projects themselves, so you can avoid the headaches and get a result you’ll be happy with for years to come.

1. Lack of Experience and Knowledge

You might be thinking, “I know what looks good, so I can just figure it out.” But landscaping is more than just picking pretty plants and laying down some stones. It’s an art that involves understanding your soil, the right amount of sunlight, drainage, irrigation, and so much more. Without this knowledge, your landscaping efforts can end up failing, and what was supposed to be a relaxing backyard retreat could become a source of stress.

For example, you might plant flowers in an area that gets too much sun, or use soil that isn’t ideal for certain plants. Over time, those plants may wither or die. Or, maybe you build a patio without thinking about how water will drain. The next time it rains, your new outdoor space could turn into a puddle.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we know that landscaping isn’t just about what’s aesthetically pleasing, it’s about creating a space that lasts. Understanding your unique yard’s needs is key to making sure your efforts won’t be wasted.

2. Underestimating the Amount of Time and Effort Required

DIY landscaping sounds like a weekend project, right? But once you get started, you quickly realize it’s not a small task. Planting a tree or installing a walkway can take much longer than you expect, especially if you’re not familiar with the tools and techniques needed.

Time quickly adds up. If you’re working a full-time job, have a family, or just have a busy life in general, finding hours or even days, maybe weeks depending on your ambition to commit to landscaping can be overwhelming. And if the project ends up taking longer than you anticipated, it can get even more frustrating. What started as a fun project can become a never-ending to-do list.

If you’ve found yourself with half-completed projects or feeling like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, you’re not alone. Many homeowners begin with the best of intentions but quickly realize they don’t have the time to finish what they started. That’s when the stress starts to kick in.

3. Incorrect Tools and Equipment

When you decide to take on landscaping yourself, you might not have the right tools for the job. Tools aren’t cheap, and buying all the necessary equipment for one or two projects doesn’t always make sense. But trying to make do with what you have can lead to mistakes, delays, and frustration.

For example, using the wrong shovel for digging holes or trying to lay pavers with inadequate equipment can lead to uneven surfaces, cracked materials, or even injuries. Some tasks, like installing irrigation systems or building a proper gravel base for a patio, require very specific tools and expertise. Without them, you could end up wasting time and money trying to fix mistakes.

It’s also important to remember that professional landscapers, like us at Brookside, have access to specialized equipment that makes the job easier, faster, and more efficient. These tools allow us to complete projects to a higher standard than what’s possible with basic tools from the hardware store.


4. The Risk of Injury

Landscaping might look like an easy, hands-on project, but it involves physical labor that can take a toll on your body. Digging holes, hauling heavy bags of soil, lifting pavers, and using power tools can lead to strained muscles, cuts, and even more serious injuries if you’re not careful.

Even simple tasks, like trimming hedges or pulling weeds, can turn into painful chores if done incorrectly. It’s easy to forget about your body’s limitations in the excitement of the project, but we see it all the time—people injuring themselves while trying to save a few dollars.

If you’ve already hurt your back or wrists from a landscaping project, or you’re worried about the physical toll it might take on you, it might be time to reconsider DIY. We at Brookside can do the hard work for you, ensuring the job is done safely and professionally. Let us take that risk so you don’t have to.

5. Mistakes That Are Expensive to Fix

When you’re a DIY-er, mistakes happen. Maybe you accidentally planted the wrong flowers in the wrong spot. Maybe your patio isn’t level, or your irrigation system leaks. These kinds of issues not only affect the look of your yard but can also end up being expensive to fix. And fixing them means extra time and money spent.

For instance, if your patio or driveway isn’t properly installed, you might find cracks, gaps, or unevenness after the first few months of wear and tear. A simple fix could quickly turn into a much larger project that could cost more than hiring a professional in the first place.

At Brookside, we know how to handle these issues from the start. We make sure everything is done right the first time, saving you time, frustration, and extra costs down the road.

6. Unrealistic Expectations

There’s no doubt about it: DIY landscaping can be fun, and seeing the transformation in your yard is rewarding. But many homeowners go into the project with high expectations. Maybe you’ve seen a gorgeous outdoor space in a magazine or on a neighbor’s property, and you think, “That’s exactly what I want!” But what you may not realize is that achieving that kind of perfection requires a lot of expertise and knowledge.

Landscaping isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” project. What works for one property might not work for another. Without professional advice and guidance, you might find that your vision isn’t as easy to achieve as you thought.

We understand the desire for a picture-perfect backyard, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process to make sure your vision becomes a reality—without disappointment.

7. Lack of Long-Term Maintenance Planning

Even if your DIY landscaping project looks amazing right after completion, the work doesn’t stop there. Your yard will need ongoing maintenance to keep it looking great. From trimming trees to replacing dead plants and ensuring your irrigation system works properly, the upkeep can add up.

Many homeowners who tackle landscaping on their own underestimate how much work goes into maintaining the yard. A lot of the time, the long-term care of your landscaping is what gets neglected, and over time, it can lead to a yard that looks tired and run down.

At Brookside, we offer long-term care and service options, while we don’t mow, trim, or maintain lawns, we do maintain hardscapes, irrigation systems, and water features keeping them looking fresh year-round year after year. We can help you develop a plan for regular maintenance, so your investment continues to pay off for years to come.

Conclusion: Should You DIY Your Landscaping?

When it comes down to it, DIY landscaping can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of risks and challenges. From lacking the necessary knowledge and tools to making costly mistakes and facing physical strain, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before starting a project.

If you’ve been considering DIY landscaping, take a step back and evaluate whether it’s the right choice for you. Ask yourself: Do I have the time, skills, and resources to do this properly? If not, you might want to consider hiring a professional like Brookside Landscape and Design. We understand the ins and outs of landscaping, hardscaping, and more, and we can help you create a beautiful, functional outdoor space that will last for years to come.

Whether you’re looking to install a patio, update your garden, or create an entire outdoor living area, we’re here to help guide you through the process—without the stress. You deserve a yard that you can be proud of, and we’re ready to make that happen.

Ready to make your dream yard a reality? Contact us today for a consultation!

The Drawbacks of Low-Cost Landscaping Services: What to Watch For

Thinking About Hiring a Cheap Landscaping Company? Read This First.

You want a beautiful, functional backyard—maybe a new patio, a fresh lawn, or some well-placed plants that make your space feel like a retreat. You start looking for landscaping companies, and suddenly, you’re seeing a huge range of prices. One company offers to do the work for half the cost of others. It seems like a great deal. But something in the back of your mind whispers: Is this too good to be true?

We get it. Landscaping isn’t always inexpensive, and everyone wants to save money where they can. But after years of fixing botched jobs and hearing from frustrated homeowners, we can tell you: hiring the cheapest landscaping company often costs you more in the long run.

Here’s what you need to watch for—and how to make sure your investment in your yard actually lasts.

1. Cheap Materials = Short Lifespan

A lower price often means cutting corners, and one of the biggest ways this happens is with materials. If you’re getting a paver patio, a low-budget company might use thin, low-quality pavers that crack under pressure. If you’re having a lawn installed, they may use subpar sod that struggles to take root.

At first, everything might look fine. But a year later? You notice pavers shifting and cracking. Your grass is full of brown patches. Your retaining wall is starting to lean. Now, you’re paying again to have it fixed.

🔹 What to Look For: Ask the company exactly what materials they’re using. If their pricing seems significantly lower than others, ask why.

🔹Pavers from big box stores might be made by the a big name paver company that you recognize, but there is a difference. The paver companies manufacture “homeowner grade” pavers and “Professional grade” pavers. The Homeowner variety might look the same in appearance but are usually thinner and more cheaply made whereas the “Professional Grade” is thicker and more robust.

2. Poor Drainage and Grading Can Ruin Your Yard

This is a big one, especially here in the Kitsap Peninsula, where we get plenty of rain. Proper grading and drainage aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. If a landscaping crew doesn’t properly prepare the area, water will pool in the wrong places, leading to:

  • Puddles on your patio
  • Erosion in your yard
  • Water damage to your home’s foundation

Unfortunately, many budget landscapers either don’t understand drainage or don’t take the time to do it right. They lay down pavers or sod without considering where water will go, leaving you with a soggy mess after the first heavy rain.

🔹 What to Look For: Ask how they handle drainage. A professional will explain their process clearly and adjust the design based on your property’s slope and soil conditions.

3. Inexperienced or Untrained Workers

A landscaping company is only as good as the crew doing the work. Some budget landscapers hire day laborers or inexperienced workers to keep costs low. The problem? Landscaping, especially hardscaping (like patios and retaining walls), requires skill and precision.

We’ve seen paver patios installed with no edge restraints, meaning the pavers start to spread apart after a few months. We’ve seen retaining walls built without proper support, collapsing under the weight of soil and water. These are expensive mistakes to fix.

🔹 What to Look For: Ask who will be working on your project. A reputable company will have trained, experienced crew members who know what they’re doing.

🔹Ask if they provide training opportunities and what qualifications their employees have. Here at Brookside, we pride ourselves on the amount of continuing education all of our employees do staying up to date with the latest industry standards, installation techniques, and products.


4. No Insurance, No Guarantees, No Accountability

Here’s something that should make you nervous: Many low-cost landscapers operate without proper insurance or business licenses.

Why does this matter?

  • If they damage your property, you could be stuck paying for the repairs.
  • If a worker gets hurt on your property, you could be held liable.
  • If something goes wrong with the project, they may disappear without fixing it.

A professional landscaping company invests in liability insurance and stands behind their work with warranties. A fly-by-night operation? Not so much.

🔹 What to Look For: Always ask for proof of insurance, proof of bond, and check if they offer a warranty on their work. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.

5. Rushed Work Leads to Costly Problems

When you hire a budget landscaper, you’re often paying for speed over quality. Their goal is to finish as quickly as possible and move on to the next job. This can lead to:

  • Improperly compacted base layers (which cause pavers to sink and shift)
  • Thin layers of mulch or gravel (which wash away after a storm)
  • Plants that aren’t spaced correctly (leading to overcrowding, root competition, or big holes in your landscape)

Landscaping is a blend of art and science. It takes time, planning, and patience to do it right. A rushed job might look okay on the surface, but underneath, problems are waiting to appear.

🔹 What to Look For: Ask about their timeline. If they promise a complex job done in a suspiciously short time, that’s a warning sign.

6. Lack of Communication and Poor Customer Service

Ever hire a contractor who disappears for days (or weeks) without updating you? It’s frustrating. Unfortunately, many low-cost landscapers juggle too many jobs at once, leading to:

  • Missed deadlines
  • Inconsistent work schedules
  • Unanswered phone calls and emails

A good landscaping company values clear communication. They’ll keep you updated on the project’s progress, answer your questions, and show up when they say they will.

🔹 What to Look For: Read reviews and pay attention to how they communicate before you sign a contract. If they’re hard to reach now, it won’t get better once they start the job.

How to Get Quality Landscaping Without Breaking the Bank

We know price matters. But the goal isn’t just to spend less—it’s to spend wisely. Here’s how to make sure you get quality landscaping without unnecessary expenses:

  1. Get Multiple Quotes – If one company is significantly cheaper than the rest, ask why.
  2. Check Reviews & Past Work – Look for companies with consistently high ratings and real project photos.
  3. Ask About Materials & Methods – A good company will be transparent about what they’re using and why.
  4. Understand the Contract – Make sure everything is in writing, including timelines, warranties, and payment terms.
  5. Prioritize Long-Term Value – Sometimes, it’s better to wait and save up for a quality job than rush into something cheap that won’t last.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we believe in doing things right the first time. Our focus is on long-lasting, serviceable patios, water features and landscapes that will stand the test of time here in the Kitsap Peninsula. If you’re considering a landscaping project and want expert advice, we’d love to chat—no pressure, no gimmicks, just honest guidance.

📞 Give us a call or 📩 send us a message to start the conversation. Your backyard deserves better than shortcuts.