Garden plants that could increase your property’s value by £5,000

A few fully grown plants could make a huge difference to what your home is worth

Homeowners hoping to increase the value of their property can look to their garden for an alternative boost. While original features and extensions can drastically increase prices, a few pretty plants can work just as well in the long run.

Strategic planting, especially of mature, statement trees, can not only enhance kerb appeal but increase your home’s perceived value by more than £5,000 or more, depending on species, size, quantity and placement.

To uncover the smartest spring garden upgrades, My Home Improvements partnered with property expert Lewis Harford, a Shropshire-based valuer, and gardening consultant Simone Ray, who maintains the outdoor spaces of multi-million-pound homes across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

According to Lewis, homes with thoughtful, mature planting sell faster and often attract stronger offers, especially in competitive markets. He said: “A tree may cost a few hundred pounds today, but once it matures, it could be worth four or five times that and elevate the entire feel of your outdoor space.

“Buyers walk into a garden and make an emotional judgment within seconds. If the trees look considered and well-maintained, the rest of the home feels higher-end.” Below are five trees which can add thousands in perceived garden value, depending on maturity and species.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

• Full-grown value: £1,000–£1,200
• Why it works: Elegant, seasonal colour and compact enough for smaller gardens.
• Care tip: Prefers dappled shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis)

• Full-grown value: £800–£1,000 (for topiary pair)
• Why it works: Framing front doors or paths, it boosts kerb appeal and formality.
• Care tip: Trim two to three times a year and water well in pots.

Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

• Full-grown value: £1,000–£1,500 (for gnarled, aged varieties)
• Why it works: Adds instant Mediterranean luxury to patios or borders.
• Care tip: Needs full sun and good drainage. Protect in cold snaps.

Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

• Full-grown value: £400–£600
• Why it works: Tall, graceful and low-maintenance — ideal for soft screening.
• Care tip: Thrives in sunny, open spaces with well-drained soil.

Cloud-Pruned Topiary (e.g. Ilex or Buxus)

• Full-grown value: £1,000–£1,200
• Why it works: Architectural and eye-catching — popular in luxury landscaping.
• Care tip: Prune regularly and feed in spring.

You can find more gardening tips and tricks here.