Submitted by: Rebecca Lowther - Marketing Department Its been said a hundred times that first impressions are important. Whether going to a job interview, on a date or meeting the future in-laws, those first few moments are crucial in establishing yourself as a person of worth. The same principle applies to houses as well. Any potential buyer begins judging your property the minute they drive up and that first view could be a deal breaker. While fresh paint and clean windows can go a long way in making your house appear more valuable and inviting, don’t make the mistake of neglecting your lawn. An overgrown or sparce yard could ruin the first impression of an otherwise immaculate house. All it takes are a few simple touches to make your yard and your house more inviting; no green thumb required.
The first and perhaps most important item for your attention should be the lawn itself. Flowers and shrubs will do little to hide brown or bald spots in the grass itself. Use grass seed or sod in sparce areas to fill in the lawn and seasonal weed & feed products to green up and thicken your grass. Also, keep the lawn mowed. Tall weeds and an overgrown lawn give the impression that the property as a whole is unkempt.
If you wish to add a splash of color to give some zing to your curb appeal, there are numerous hardy plants available to make your yard pop. Annual such as Petunias come in a wide array of colors, but bloom only once and will have to be replanted. If you are putting your house on the market and need a “quick fix”, annuals are a great way to get color bang for your buck. If you want a more permanent solution, perennials such as lantana are hardy and will continue to grow. They usually bloom once or twice a year.
The best advice for lawn care is to visit your local gardening or home improvement store. There, you can find professionals to help you pick the right grasses, plants and shrubs for your particular yard, whether it be sunny or shady. They will also be able to help you pick water-saver and native plants to minimize watering costs and maintenance. Gardening is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your lawn and improve the look of your home. It’s amazing what a few flowers can do.
