Tips to Add Curb Appeal to Your Landscape

As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression. The saying also applies to your home. With a little help from Mother Nature, you can demand a second look with a show stopping front yard. You can transform a ho-hum landscape into a real stunner with these simple tips to add curb appeal to your landscape .

The first step is to start with a clean slate. In other words, mow the lawn, get rid of any weeds and leaves, edge your lawn along any sidewalks or driveways. Trim any trees or bushes you have in the front yard. Add a layer of dark, natural mulch to any flower beds and under trees.

Now that you've cleaned up your landscape, take a good look and see where you can enhance the best features and minimize the worst. Determine where you want to add curb appeal to your landscape. Fill empty spaces and add interest to a drab corner or hide unsightly spots with colorful, ever blooming plants such as shrub rose bushes.

The entry to your house is the most visible and sets the entire mood for your house, whether it's formal or relaxed, it should draw your eye to the front door. Plant bushes in pairs to create a symmetry to your landscaping. Add a light fixture that matches your home's exterior and shows your personal taste.

For individuals who have small front yards, one of the best tips to add curb appeal to your landscape is to place planted containers around your entrance, or you can plant perennials in the small area to have color year after year, or combine these two ideas to add drama to a small area.

Express yourself in the landscaping that you decide for your front yard. If you have a special treasure or statue, incorporate that into your landscaping. Use color or different plant textures that emphasize your specific focal point.

Tips to add curb appeal to your landscape should include easy maintenance. Pick plants and shrubs that are easy to grow, require a small amount of water and don't take a long time to keep them looking great.

Enjoy the days you get outside to renew your yard and garden. You'll have people taking a second look.