Worth it to redo the backyard

[nephron]

When I first read the subject of the thread, I was thinking that I would post that I would be opposed to spending thousands of dollars in the creation of plants and trees that would either die or be overrun by weeds. If you are spending thousands of dollars to create hardscapes/concrete in your backyard, I think that is a good investment. I may redo my yard before we sell the place, but spending thousands of dollars to pull weeds and plant new flowers is a waste in my opinion. Turning potential weeds into concrete is a good investment. I'm not a big fan of hot tubs, but I've never looked into their return on investment. I imagine that they are similar to pools in being a devaluation for a house, but I don't know.

[StarTrekDoc]

Pools don't earn back anything. Nada. Zero. It may help sell a house. Certainly made a difference in pandemic sales. Same for having home office and zoom spaces for the kiddos that's not their bedrooms.

Our new house going to be really expensive as truly three yards. Front curb appeal, back yard oasis with pool and garden, and hacienda courtyard with koi pond aspirations.....oi

[VentAlarm]

When I first read the subject of the thread, I was thinking that I would post that I would be opposed to spending thousands of dollars in the creation of plants and trees that would either die or be overrun by weeds. If you are spending thousands of dollars to create hardscapes/concrete in your backyard, I think that is a good investment. I may redo my yard before we sell the place, but spending thousands of dollars to pull weeds and plant new flowers is a waste in my opinion. Turning potential weeds into concrete is a good investment. I'm not a big fan of hot tubs, but I've never looked into their return on investment. I imagine that they are similar to pools in being a devaluation for a house, but I don't know.

It’s not an investment/I expect 0 ROI, but I LOVE having the nicest lawn on the street with lots of flowers. It’s an investment in my happiness and everyone that walks by - we literally get numerous comments every week from people passing by commenting on how nice it looks.

[TXDoc21]

Your ducks are in a row. If it will make your family happy, then do it. I would!

[Kamban]

Personally, I am not in favor of turning a limited backyard space into a concrete, stone and metal jungle. I have seen many a such monstrosity. Just because you can do something does not mean you should do something. I would consider dedicating 1/2 the space to greenery and flowering items. This can be done strategically and still get good use of the space. Sometimes, less is more.

I was about to want to say the same thing without coming across as an arrogant tree hugging Greenpeace activist. I have come across backyards filled with patio concrete, kitchen, pool, spas, hottub and an assortment of man made structures with not a shrub, let alone a tree, in sight. It looked depressing and unappealing to me.

Why not have a small patio, some furniture, a grill and plant some trees and shrubs and a little flower garden that can bring some joy and peace. Less money spent and more overall value. But that is just me.

[Kamban]

It’s not an investment/I expect 0 ROI, but I LOVE having the nicest lawn on the street with lots of flowers. It’s an investment in my happiness and everyone that walks by - we literally get numerous comments every week from people passing by commenting on how nice it looks.

I spent $175 on 400 bulbs of tulips, some crocuses, allium, muscari and wild flower bulbs mix. It has put on such a show of gorgeous flowers from March until May that all my neighbors, friends and even the postman commented on the beautiful riot of color. It made me so happy that such a small amount money can bring such joy to people. Now the irises are in bloom and the gladiolas are starting to peep out. A nice garden will add more value to a property than a pool will, at a fraction of its cost.

[uksho]

We have a small house with small backyard, but some day, when we have more space, would like to have a lot of flowers, even a single flower makes us all very happy. So would a hot tub too. Backyard is such an important part of house, if you can afford it, please go ahead.

[Tim]

Redoing my backyard has been on the to-do list for about 10 years. You guys are inspiring me! OP, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is to plant it today! Or something like that!

The wife wanted Mexican Fan Palms. Tropical look by the pool. Seven of em. 20 years. They grow and grow and grow. Ain’t gonna climb 40ft up with a chain saw for trimming. Debris in pool and annual trimming bill.
Two other tree on HOA property, roots grow 40 feet. Under drive, fence and garage.
Shade tree 50 feet wide and 30 feet tall equals no grass and drainage problem.
Four trees down and back braking work reclaiming land.

Be careful what you plant and where. Your older self will thank you in 20 years.

Don’t put an 8-9’ deep end. PITA brushing and 75% of the chemicals and pool equipment use.

[Tangler]

When I first read the subject of the thread, I was thinking that I would post that I would be opposed to spending thousands of dollars in the creation of plants and trees that would either die or be overrun by weeds. If you are spending thousands of dollars to create hardscapes/concrete in your backyard, I think that is a good investment. I may redo my yard before we sell the place, but spending thousands of dollars to pull weeds and plant new flowers is a waste in my opinion. Turning potential weeds into concrete is a good investment. I'm not a big fan of hot tubs, but I've never looked into their return on investment. I imagine that they are similar to pools in being a devaluation for a house, but I don't know.

Replacing plants with concrete is good investment.
Hmmmmm
That just sounds sad.
Maybe i am just a country boy, but planting trees and bushes for both fruit and fragrant flowers is fun and beautiful. I agree, don’t waste a ton of $.
Consider planting yourself.
Planting a garden yourself is priceless.

[Tim]

It’s not an investment/I expect 0 ROI, but I LOVE having the nicest lawn on the street with lots of flowers. It’s an investment in my happiness and everyone that walks by - we literally get numerous comments every week from people passing by commenting on how nice it looks.

Yard of the Month! Curb appeal in subdivisions impact property values.

[Lordosis]

We have a small house with small backyard, but some day, when we have more space, would like to have a lot of flowers, even a single flower makes us all very happy. So would a hot tub too. Backyard is such an important part of house, if you can afford it, please go ahead.

The deer ate all our spring flowers except 1 tulip. However it does look nice in it's own way standing alone

[pedsmd]

Replacing plants with concrete is good investment.
Hmmmmm
That just sounds sad.
Maybe i am just a country boy, but planting trees and bushes for both fruit and fragrant flowers is fun and beautiful. I agree, don’t waste a ton of $.
Consider planting yourself.
Planting a garden yourself is priceless.

Unfortunately in HCOL areas you have to pick and chose. I drop $200 on flowers every year for the front of my house and my landscaper makes it look nice. However, our backyard (really the side yard, since the back of our house abuts the house next to it) is only 37x37 and 1/2 of it has a patio. Not enough space to throw a ball around. I have a patio set so you can hang around a table but that's about it.

If we sold our house and moved out in the country we could probably get an acre or more..

[uksho]

The deer ate all our spring flowers except 1 tulip. However it does look nice in it's own way standing alone

At least you get to see Deer in your backyard . That is priceless too .

[NumberWhizMD]

My dad has a fabulous outdoor kitchen/patio area as well as an upstairs outdoor balcony. He put it in when he built the house and uses it often (lives in the South where weather is warm most of the year). Only you know how much you will use it, but we use it every time where visit him.

We are definitely considering something similar +/- pool. Probably not until next year, and we know it's going to cost us a pretty penny, but we love being outdoors and live in an area where the pool would definitely add value to us (also tends to help with resale, although not necessarily the price). I vote, go for it!

[afan]

Our kids would have much preferred a lawn where they could play. Run around on the grass, pick up soccer, have adventures, wrestle and whatever was going through their minds as the played.

A hardscaped surface would not be conducive to any of that. Perhaps a place for boring old people to simply sit still and do nothing. No appeal to a kid. Why would they care about an outdoor kitchen?

Setting a side the cost and payback, if any, I would not view it as an upgrade in appeal to kids

Maybe once they are fully grown and out of the house, then their preferences as children would no longer matter.