How The Stars Of HGTV's Unsellable Houses Beautify A Sideyard For Better Resale Value

If we're being honest, side yards are not the most fun and exciting home project to tackle. They're often neglected and deprioritized compared to the front and back yards, leaving them to become muddy, overgrown, or even a catch-all for random yard items that don't quite have a proper home. But if you're looking for ways to improve the resale value of your home, you're going to want to enhance its curb appeal so that it makes a stellar first impression to future buyers — and that includes fixing up the side yard. That's why twin sisters and home renovation experts Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb decided to add a stunning trellis to their client's side yard in Season 4, Episode 4 of their HGTV show "Unsellable Houses".

By adding a large yet simple trellis to the sideyard, the design duo quickly turned a blank exterior wall into a show-stopping focal point with character and dimension. The new yard addition, Lyndsay explains (via the episode's YouTube recap), is what will help spark intrigue and interest at first sight. To complete the look, they planted vines at the base of the trellis posts that will eventually grow and wrap around the structure to create a statement piece that's full of lush greenery. Here's how to bring the same look to your own yard.

There are tons of options when it comes to trellis ideas that will maximize your outdoor space and add value to your home. But first, you'll want to decide if a DIY or store-bought trellis is right for you. You can purchase stunning trellis sets from Home Depot like the Heartwood Cedar Trellis for about $305. Although assembly is required, you could have this project complete in around two to three hours and all you need is a power drill, hammer, tape measure, level, shovel, and cement (optional, for in-ground installation). For a more arched look, you can snag the 7ft Outvita Fir Wood Arbour Trellis from Amazon, currently available for $118, which would be the perfect addition to a side garden for plant climbing support. 

For DIY options, there are several fun and custom ways to incorporate a trellis on your property. You can repurpose old lawn and garden items into a plant trellis or even add privacy with a DIY wooden trellis screen. It can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be. But if you're looking for a simple, one-sided, ornamental trellis to add to your side yard similar to the one featured on the Season 4 "Unsellable House" episode, you can build your own using three cedar or pressure-treated 4x4 support posts, two 2x8 planks, 1x2s for the slats, screws or nails, a level, a power drill, and exterior paint or wood stain (optional).

An important step when it comes to planning your trellis is to think about which plants you'll want climbing the structure. Many homeowners install trellises to their gardens for added support to their plants through seasonal harvests. But if you're planning a statement piece-style trellis, you'll want to consider what you want it to look like a year or two down the road when the plants continue to grow and climb. For example, do you prefer climbing plants with bold, colorful blooms, like Bougainvillea, or those without foliage like English Ivy? Fortunately, there are dozens of plants perfect for using with a trellis, so you're bound to find one that fits the vision for your yard.

A few things to keep in mind when choosing the right climbing plants for your trellis are the plant's growth habits, light and water needs, maintenance, seasonal blooms, and support needs. So, be sure to check which USDA growing zone you're in before making any decisions. A few climbing flower favorites include clematis, morning glory, wisteria, and the black-eyed Susan vine. If you're looking for more simple, but equally as stunning vining plants without blooms, try Boston Ivy or Virginia Creeper.

Needless to say, the options are aplenty. Whichever plants you choose to climb your trellis, there's no doubt it will become a stunning focal point in your yard. If you're looking for more ways to help boost your home's curb appeal, check out these backyard landscaping ideas that will transform your space.