When folks around here think about home improvement, they usually picture a new roof, some paint, maybe even updating the kitchen.

All good things. But as two Appalachian boys who’ve been climbing trees and mowing lawns across this region for decades, we’re here to tell you something folks don’t always realize: your yard may be one of the most valuable parts of your property, and how you maintain it can directly impact how much your home is worth — and how fast it sells.

We’ve seen it time and again. A well-kept yard with healthy trees and a clean lawn doesn’t just look good, it feels good — and it tells buyers, neighbors, appraisers, and even insurance companies that you care. In this post, we’re going to break down exactly how solid yard care can increase your property’s value here in the Tri-State, and what you can do about it even if your yard’s gotten out of hand.

First Impressions:
Why Curb Appeal Still Matters

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, and around here, that matters. In Wayne, Huntington, Barboursville, South Point, and Ashland, most folks still take pride in how things look from the street. Whether you’re selling or not, a tidy front lawn, trimmed trees, and a cleared-out walkway can make your house look newer, cleaner, and more “move-in ready.”

In fact, national studies show that basic lawn care and landscaping improvements can add 7 to 15 percent to a home’s value. But in tight-knit, visual communities like ours, we think that number’s actually higher. People notice when a home looks taken care of — and that starts with the yard.

We’ve worked on properties that sat on the market for months, cleaned them up over a weekend, and watched buyers line up the following week. It’s not magic. It’s presentation — and people respond to it.

Trees Tell a Story: Health, Safety, and Perception

An unhealthy or hazardous tree can actually lower your property value, especially if it poses a risk to the house, fence, or neighbors. We’ve had appraisers point out rotting trees as a reason for reducing a home’s value.

On the flip side, a properly trimmed tree that provides shade, beauty, and safety? That’s a selling point. And having a certified arborist (like we do on staff) document that your trees are healthy and stable? Even better.

We recommend a tree risk assessment if:

• You’re planning to list your home

• You’ve had storm damage or heavy winds

• You see fungus, hollow spots, or large dead limbs

• You’re building or expanding near existing trees

Don’t Let the Yard Kill the Deal

The house shows great inside, price is right, but the yard? A mess. And buyers walk away.

Here are the most common deal-breakers we see in Tri-State properties:

• Overgrown lawns or out-of-control weeds

• Piles of branches or brush in corners

• Uncut tree limbs hanging low or blocking light

• Old stumps in plain view

• Gutters overflowing with leaves

• Dead patches in the yard or dirt trails from lack of grass

Cleaning these up doesn’t require a complete overhaul — just the kind of solid, affordable work we do every week.

Small Investment, Big Return

A 2024 survey by the National Association of Realtors found that standard lawn care service has a 217% return on investment when selling a home. You might spend $300 to get your yard cleaned up, but it could raise your home’s value or offer price by over $600.

Even if you’re not selling, think about the long-term value. Well-maintained trees can live decades longer. Clean lawns discourage pests. And every time you pull into the driveway and see your place looking sharp, it feels like money well spent.

Yard Care Signals Ownership

Your yard talks. It tells people what kind of homeowner you are.

If the lawn is mowed, the trees are trimmed, and the beds are clean, it tells folks: someone takes care of this place. Someone pays attention. And that means something — to buyers, to neighbors, and to future generations.

We’ve helped young families buy their first homes. We’ve helped seniors get their places ready to sell. And we’ve helped kids clean up their parents’ properties after years of neglect. Every single time, it starts with the yard.

Final Word from Us

We’re not here to talk you into anything you don’t need. But if you’ve been wondering whether your yard could use some attention — or whether it’s worth doing before you list your home — the answer is probably yes.

Start with a cleanup. Trim back what’s overgrown. Get rid of the stumps. And if you’re not sure what to do next, visit us online  We’ll take a walk with you and figure it out together.