If you're looking for some ways to make your home stand out in a crowded sales market, or if you simply want to ensure your block looks its best at all times, it pays to put a little elbow grease into the outdoor areas of your home. After you make these changes it's important to keep on top of maintenance to keep the new features looking their best.
Even if you have limited time or a tight budget, there are plenty of things you can do to spruce up your yard and add curb appeal. One of the most effective ways to clean up your yard is to consider purchasing one of the best cordless battery powered pressure washer machines. Pressure washers are extremely multi-functional for homeowners trying to spruce up their yard. From cleaning the patio to washing off the fencing, they're handy to have in the shed. Of course, these jobs can be done in other ways too! Read on for some simple yet effective tips you can follow today, whether you only have a few hours, a few days, or a few weekends to spare.
Lawn Care
One of the first things that people notice when they arrive at a home or step into the backyard is the lawn. Keep in mind that there is more to proper lawn maintenance than just running the mower over it every so often. It is important to have a regular schedule for mowing your lawn, as this helps to keep it neat and tidy and free from weeds and insects. However, do make sure not to cut your lawn back too often (or too closely) in the cooler months of the year when the grass just doesn't grow as quickly.
When it comes to general spring, summer, winter or fall lawn care tips, you should pay attention to things like watering, raking, aeration and fertilization. While you must be careful not to overwater your lawn (this can lead to excessive top growth), you do still need to make sure it is getting enough moisture year round to sustain growth, especially during the hot summer months.
It also pays to rake the leaves from your lawn and remove the accumulated layer of plant debris that can build up over time. Doing so helps your lawn to breathe better, and ensures that the grass receives enough water flow. Lawn aeration also helps to increase the amount of air, water and nutrients that can get to the roots of your lawn. Fertilization, through the use of a slow-release formula, should be done every season too to help create and maintain growth.
Gardening
When it comes to your garden, there are plenty of jobs you can do to spruce it up. For starters, if your yard looks messy and overrun, it's time to clear out the clutter. Trim back any overgrown trees or shrubs, and pull out any flowers or other plants which have died and need to be replaced. If you have hedging, paring this back into shape will also instantly give your yard a face lift.
Next, add some new plants to liven up bare spaces in the front and back of your home. You can inject color and pizzazz through the use of trees, flowers, shrubs and other plants, without having to go overboard. It can help to put in rows of the same plants to give uniformity to your landscaping, or to add flower boxes to windows, fence railings or entranceways to dress up plain areas - particularly those that are near the front door where people enter.
Fixtures
Another simple yet effective way to give your home's exterior more style is through replacing fixtures, painting front doors, and adding fencing. For example, while you may not stop to think about your mail box or house numbers very often, they are one of the first things people see when they pull up to a home, and can make a difference to the first impression that is received. If you are considering putting fencing up, you might want to know that recycled plastic fencing doesn't rot like wood when selecting a product.
If your mail box is rusted and your house numbers are falling off or hidden behind bushes, spend a little time to rectify this. It doesn't cost a lot to replace these fixtures, and the money will be well spent.
Similarly, your front door is also important. If it is very old or has an outdated design you should consider replacing it or at the very least freshen it up with some colorful paint and a modern-looking door knocker and/or handle. It is also a good idea to paint the trim around your doors, plus any shutters on your house in the same, or complimentary, hues. This will help to bring instant curb appeal.
Fencing
Depending on your budget and the time you have available, you may want to consider updating, repairing, replacing or installing new fencing around your home. If the fence is in reasonably good condition you might be able to simply fix a few posts or put on a lick of paint to freshen it up. Alternatively, you may need to add a completely new fence or replace a falling-down one. While this can be an investment, remember that fences really frame a home, and can affect re-sale value.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
So many perfect tips for outside! I sure to miss our yard and patio!
Dawn McAlexander says
Our lawn looks ok, nothing stellar. I admit that we could do some more to spruce it up, but it is so hot outside (it was 95 degrees today) that I just will not allow my husband, who already has a weak heart, to go out and do that type of work. He mows and trims once a week during this heat, that's all.
Colleen Lanin says
Love that window box. It would work in hot AZ, where I live, though. Maybe if I filled it with succulents & cactus?!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
These are good points for outdoor house care.
It is a good idea not to cut the grass too low in the real hot times either.
Meagen Brosius says
We needed this! It's been so humid and hot here lately that the outdoors is kind of taking over! Hopefully a great weekend project here soon!
Amanda Love says
It's nice to take care of your front lawn too especially if you're planning to sell your house. But aside from that, who doesn't want a house that looks good, right? These are great tips and a lot of people will find this useful!
Nikki Wayne says
I always want to create our garden but our space is just limited. Maybe when we have our own home.
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
I definitely have to pay attention to our fencing and garden fixtures. These are such great tips!
Stefanie says
I am so happy with my outdoor space this year. I have been working away planting and weeding and my flower beds look great!
Joyce Brewer says
We're still renting, but there are projects I'd like to do - just to make the place feel like our own.
Great insight!
Liz Mays says
These tips are really helpful. I do want to make some improvements to our lawn. I wouldn't mind adding a fence!
Val says
These are all super easy ways to keep the outdoor looking spruced up. I never realized how simple it could be, just seems like a bit time consuming and takes dedication for sure!
Jeanine says
Great tips! while I've been focusing on my inside I need to shift my focus to our outdoor space. These are all great ideas to get to it!
Lindsey Paris says
Our home could do with a little power washing and certainly some colorful annnuals.... maybe this fall is the time to get the beds ready!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
It's amazing what a difference lawn care can have on the overall look of your home. My husband trimmed our butterfly bushes back yesterday and it looks so much better!
Debra says
We're getting a new fence this week - a decorative one for the front to match the house and a chain one in the back where it won't matter.
Kelly Hutchinson says
My husband is so obsessed with keeping the lawn manicured. He is on the mower at least twice a week!
Monica says
Love the idea of how window box can have such a big impact. My yard needs serious help and you have me motivated. 🙂
Pam Wattenbarger says
These are great tips for sprucing up the outside of your home. We recently added some fencing in our backyard and it looks really nice.
Kita Bryant says
Unfortunately, it's been raining so much here that we can even barely keep up on the mowing and we often have to do that while it's wet. Hoping for some dry days soon to work on the yard!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are great tips. One of the best and easiest ways to spruce up the yard is just weeding the flower beds. It makes it look so much cleaner. Do it on a day after a good rain, and it's super easy!
mary says
I love the flower box in your picture. So pretty. I definitely don't have a green thumb,but you're motivating me.