By Costanza Genoese Zerbi | RealTrends Verified Top Agent Southern California | eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles

Published August 2026 | Reading time: approximately 3 minutes

I talk to clients constantly about curb appeal and small upgrades that add real value to a home. This week, I got to be on the other side of that advice — tackling my own side yard project, from tearing out old plants to picking materials for a full replant.

Out With the Old

The first step was genuinely back-breaking work: removing overgrown plants that had outlived their usefulness in the space. Anyone who's done this kind of project knows it's rarely as quick as it looks — root systems, old irrigation, and years of growth all have to come out before anything new can go in.

Choosing Materials Matters More Than People Think

Once the space was cleared, the real decisions started. I headed to SiteOne Stone Center in Los Alamitos — known locally for years as South Coast Supply — to compare options for the planter beds, ultimately choosing black lava rock over red for a cleaner, more modern look against the new succulents I'm planting.

Here's what struck me while I was there: picking the right material is a lot like staging a home for sale. It's not about grabbing the first option that's available — it's about finding what actually fits the space, the light, and the overall feel you're going for. A rock or plant that looks great in isolation can completely miss the mark once it's actually in place.

Why This Matters for Home Value

Landscaping and hardscaping upgrades are consistently among the highest-return improvements a homeowner can make, especially in a market like Long Beach where outdoor living space carries real weight with buyers. A well-planned planter bed, updated hardscaping, or a simple succulent refresh can meaningfully change how a home is perceived — both by potential buyers and by neighbors walking by every day.

If you're thinking about updates to boost your home's value before listing, or you just want an agent who understands the process because she's out there doing it herself, I'm happy to talk through what upgrades are actually worth the investment for your specific property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does landscaping actually increase home value? Yes. Landscaping and curb appeal improvements are consistently among the highest-return home upgrades, particularly in markets like Long Beach where outdoor space is highly valued by buyers.

What's a simple, high-impact landscaping upgrade before selling? Refreshing planter beds with clean hardscaping materials (like lava rock or river rock) and drought-tolerant plants such as succulents is a relatively low-cost, high-impact update for curb appeal.

Should I do landscaping updates myself or hire a professional? It depends on the scope. Smaller projects like planter bed refreshes can be manageable as a DIY project, while larger hardscaping or drainage work often benefits from professional installation.

About Costanza Genoese Zerbi

Costanza Genoese Zerbi is a Broker Associate at eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles and the founder of Costanza Genoese Zerbi & Associates. She is a RealTrends Verified Top Agent in Southern California — five consecutive years — with 600+ closed transactions and more than $500 million in career sales volume. She serves buyers and sellers across Long Beach, the South Bay, greater Los Angeles, and Orange County.

Contact: 📲 (562) 221-4527 🌐 costanzagz.com 📍 1650 Ximeno Ave Suite 300, Long Beach CA 90804 DRE #01941438