How to increase curb appeal in 2025? (North Carolina guide)
Why curb appeal still rules in 2025?
Landscaping upgrades can deliver up to 200% ROI when you sell, out‑performing most interior remodels.
Prospective home buyers first see your listing from the street (or Zillow/Realtor thumbnail). A beautiful front yard can raise click‑throughs on listings by double‑digits.
Statewide demand remains strong despite higher rates, so the homes that look move‑in‑ready capture offers fastest.
Here’s 10 landscape upgrades to boost your curb appeal in 2025:
Front yard statement tree
Why it works? A unique tree is like a living piece of art. A distinctive tree provides a clear focal point when viewing from the street, adding depth, height, and consistent seasonal interest that makes your front yard stand out.
Thorpe Tip: Plant it offset from the front door (rule of thirds) so it frames, not blocks, the entrance.
Stone edging & dark mulch
Why it works? Clean, straight borders make garden beds look intentional and stop grass from creeping. And it always feels like your garden/lawn has a fresh haircut.
Thorpe Tip: Choose a local gray or buff stone that matches your walkway and refresh mulch each spring for contrast.
Light up your house numbers
Why it works? Numbers lit from above create a luxury feel and helps guests (and deliveries) find you.
Thorpe Tip: Mount numbers at eye level on a wood or metal backing board; use warm (2700 K) LED spotlights for nighttime curb appeal.
Bold front‑door color
Why it works? An easy and inexpensive way to add a pop of color, grab attention, and give your home personality and charm.
Thorpe Tip: Use the same color (or complimentary colors) of the door in planters for an Instagram‑ready entrance.
Layered Lighting
Why it works? Path + accent + canopy lights create “wow” after dark and improve safety for mountain drives.
Thorpe Tip: Use 2700 K LEDs for warm Southern ambiance; connect to Wi‑Fi timer.
Pollinator‑friendly native beds
Why it works? Milkweed, coneflower & common blue curls (the 2025 NC Wildflower of the Year) thrive in every region, support wildlife & cut water usage.
Thorpe Tip: Group plants in odd‑number masses; top‑dress with local hardwood mulch to suppress weeds. Click here to learn more about pollinators.
Regenerative Landscaping
Why it works? Adds soil‑building understory plants, reduces lawn area & runoff—key on coastal slopes.
Thorpe Tip: Swap 300 sq ft of turf for a low‑mow fescue/creeping thyme mix.
Hardscapes
Why it works? Adding a backyard firepit, patio, or stone walkway instantly turns your outdoor space into an extension of the home and a relaxing place to gather and enjoy.
Thorpe Tip: Seal pavers with breathable, non‑gloss sealer to avoid slick surfaces. Learn more about hardscaping here.
Dark‑trim accents
Why it works? Charcoal fence stain & black window frames gives your home high contrast and makes your lush greenery pop, it’s also on‑trend for 2025 exteriors.
Thorpe Tip: Use a low‑luster finish to hide pollen film common in spring.
Coastal resilience plants
Why it works? Salt‑tolerant muhly grass & sweetgrass keep coastal yards green after hurricanes.
Thorpe Tip: Mix with flood‑proof permeable gravel beds to drain stormwater fast. Learn more about drainage here.
Are you ready to level up your curb appeal?
Schedule a free estimate with Thorpe Landscapes (Want more landscaping tips? Explore our Blog)