Use edging

Edging creates a neat point of visual separation for your garden as well as functioning to keep your mulch in place. Edging will also prevent grass from growing into your garden beds. It helps improve drainage and maintain soil structure, helping your plants grow better! There are lots of appealing edging options available from wood timbers to stone pieces.

Plant flowering plants in beds to create curb appeal landscaping

Flower beds are a classic and attractive way to boost your curb appeal. For a time-honored look plant one or two varieties in a bed. Flowers can be swapped out seasonally or you can go for perennials that will return year after year.

Take care of your lawn

One of the most noticeable aspects of your home’s curb appeal is your grass. Before seeding your lawn research what species of grasses do best in your conditions. Be sure to fertilize and aerate your lawn when it is recommended for the type of grass you choose.

If keeping a grassy lawn isn’t possible where you live, consider alternate forms of ground cover like gravel or clover. You can even choose aromatic herbs as ground cover like creeping thyme or Corsican mint.

Pressure wash

It’s a good idea to clean up your front yard with a good pressure washing to remove grime from sidewalks and siding. Be sure to use both hands when using a pressure washer and stand at least 18 inches from whatever you are washing.

Freshen mulch to improve your home’s curb appeal

Mulch has a tendency to settle and change colors over time, so if you want to spruce up your front lawn, take a weekend to head to the garden center and get some fresh mulch to add. Be sure to rake and aerate the mulch underneath before you add more.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown trees and shrubs just look sloppy and can hide your beautiful house, so be sure to take some time and prune them or have them professionally pruned into a neat shape. Pruning is healthy for your trees, allowing air and light to reach the crown area, encouraging new growth.

Pruning should be done when your tree is dormant in winter. You can tell it is time to prune when you see leaf drop or color change indicating your tree is entering dormancy.

Update your outdoor lighting

Lights are a beautiful addition to your outdoor landscaping. There are a number of lighting options available to create an appealing look. Landscaping lights highlight the trees and shrubs you have planted, while wall sconces light up your entryway.

A combination of lights including pathway lights, landscaping lights, and entryway lights will make for a bright and beautiful evening show.

Decorate with potted plants

Potted plants are a nice way to create variety in your front yard. Potted plants are very easy to care for and can be brought inside during inclement weather. You can go for easy to care for potted topiaries or even window boxes to brighten up your siding.

Trailing plants like ivy create a dramatic effect while flowering plants like petunias and geraniums can add a bright pop of color. You can mix and match tall and short plants to create visual interest.

Add a place to sit

Adding a seating area on your front porch or in your front yard is a nice way to make a homey feel, as well as create an enjoyable spot to drink your coffee. Seating areas don’t have to be complicated.

You can use gravel or pavers to create a base and then add a pair of comfortable chairs. Outdoor rugs can be used to delineate a seating area, as well.

A fire pit is also a nice addition for the fall. Choose a shady area of your lawn to add a seating area or consider adding an arbor. An outdoor seating area is a great way to entertain guests and make your home more welcoming.

Update your mailbox

Your mailbox faces the neighborhood, so if you want to improve curb appeal consider sprucing it up. Martha Stewart suggests starting with a classic mailbox and adding on to that with plants and edging. You can change out plants every season for a fresh look.

Coordinating your plants with the ones closest to your home will tie your yard together! Adding fresh street numbers or cleaning the ones you have is a cheap way to brighten up your mailbox and quickly improve your curb appeal.

Upgrade your front door

It doesn’t have to cost a lot to get your front door looking like new. You can give it a fresh coat of paint in a bright color and upgrade the hardware for less than $200. Also take time to replace the numbers on your door if you have them and add a wreath or welcome sign! Painting your front door can give you a big aesthetic change without spending a lot of money.

Remove weeds

Nothing reduces curb appeal more than a yard full of scraggly weeds. Take time to remove weeds from your lawn, garden beds, and walkway. To remove weeds from between cracks douse them with vinegar or boiling water. These methods work as a natural herbicide, but will kill desirable plants, as well, so they are best used on pathways or places where you don’t want any plants.

For the rest of your yard you will need to remove weeds by hand. Don’t use commercial herbicides in a garden you plan on growing food for consumption in. If you want to use herbicides on your lawn or other parts of your garden opt for a non toxic variety that can be purchased from your garden center.

You can keep weeds out of your garden bed over winter by putting down a layer of mulch over the bare soil. Planting native ground cover is another way to reduce weeds as your yard will be populated with appealing native plants instead of invasive ones.

Use a variety of plants at different heights

Varying the height, color, and texture of the plants in your front yard adds a lot of visual interest. Choose plants that frame your home’s exterior rather than obscure it. You can spice up dull siding with brightly colored flower beds or flowering trees.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Cleaning up your front yard to improve curb appeal can be simple, but if you don’t want to do the work yourself or want more extensive work done, consider hiring an experienced landscaper like the ones at bhild.com. Call us today, or fill out our form here for a free estimate on lawn services!