Adding landscaping to your home's front yard has been proven to add sustainable value to your assett according to this article in CNNMoney.  It cites a university study that a well landscaped yard can add 5 to 11 percent to the property value.  The good new is that you can do it all by yourself over time by buying plants and taking care of them.  If an entire neigborhood participates, the synergy creates a greater effect.  The challenge is finding plants and trees that not only look great, but work for the area you need regarding shade tolerance, drought tolerance, and height of growth.