How attractive a home looks from the outside is often a good indication that a
homeowner also takes pride in the interior. You can improve your home’s
curb appeal with a few minor landscaping upgrades.
Clean and repair – Weed gardens, flower beds and edging, cut back
overgrown plants and shrubs that block windows or spill over walkways, trim
trees and power-wash paths, sidewalks and porches.
Focus on the front porch – Place potted evergreens or other plants at the
base of front steps, hang flowering baskets and replace worn welcome mats.
Block what’s ugly – Hide unsightly air conditioning units, meter boxes,
propane tanks, rusty sheds and more with plants or accessories.
Add Color – Edge sidewalks and tree bases and add brightly colored flowering
annuals.
Rethink walkways – Carve a path to your front entry or seating area near your
yard’s most attractive spots, using gravel, wood chips or landscape blocks.
Refine foundations – Design landscaping beds closest to the front of your
home to look interesting year-round. Combine various types of plants, rocks,
mulch and shrubs with flowering annuals when perennials aren’t blooming.
Plant a tree – Trees can add much value to your home. They can help prevent
erosion, improve air quality and even reduce utility bills with the shade they
provide.
Add a structure – Fences, pergolas, arbors and landscape blocks can define
and complement different areas and promote year-round curb appeal.
Have a seat – Create a spot that invites people to sit out front. Place an
attractive bench beneath a large tree or tuck a bistro table and chairs on a porch
or amidst a densely flowered garden.
Light the way – Low-voltage outdoor lights can be used to define a walkway,
spotlight a tree, highlight landscaping, showcase shrubs or accent an entry way.
