You can make your home more appealing for resale or make improvements to it to improve its enjoyment.

 

Curb appeal definition

Curb Appeal is the way someone perceives a property from the street. Curb appeal can be described as a subjective appraisal of a physical asset. It is simply a subjective opinion about how attractive a property looks from the street. There are many benefits to curb appeal, such as increasing your home’s value. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), houses with good curb appeal sell for an average of 7 percent more than homes without landscaping.

How to increase curb appeal

The right landscaping is the best way to improve the yard’s beauty and curb appeal. The combination of color, texture and size creates a unique environment that adds beauty and value to your property.

Many homes have poor plantings due to neglect, disinterest and just plain lack of imagination. These homes can be easily identified by the plop-and drop, contractor-special shrubs that are scattered about the house in cookie-cutter gardens. It doesn’t have be this way.

Plantings can be a great way to create a positive environment for those who use them. You might want to create a welcoming pathway that invites family and friends to your home. You may have a favorite color of flowers or leaves, so choose plants that complement it and place them in key locations to draw the eyes to your property.

Although plantings are an important factor in curb appeal, they are not the only factor. What I call the “Four Ps” are what create your home’s attractive appeal.

  1. Pathway

    An inviting and attractive pathway leading to your front door says it all: “Welcome!” A curvy, casual walkway to your front door.

    Natural stone

    Unique pavers are a warm way of welcoming someone in. A more formal, classic walkway with bricks or cobbles makes a striking entrance. You can make any approach more casual or formal by adding fragrant and colorful plants that stimulate all the senses.

  2. Privacy

    Strategic plantings can increase curb appeal and give your home a sense of community.

    Privacy

    . If you don’t already have anchor plants, get some. Without an anchor, a large house will feel empty and barren. Large trees such as the

    native sugar maple

    Or a large native tree with a lot of flowers, such as the Carolina Silverbell. These trees are naturally grown and can frame your home while remaining relatively small.

    Easy to maintain

    . You can also use them to shade your home in the summer. These trees can be overwhelming so keep your lawn tidy.
    You can complement your anchor plants by planting smaller deciduous and evergreen shrubs, and trees that are compatible with perennials, such as foundation gardening. The right plants will add depth and color to your garden. Choose plants that are different in height and texture. Consider their bloom times and colors . Choose plants that compliment each other all year, adding a unique look to your home.

  3. Pruning

    A common trick to make a home more appealing is

    pruning

    . It is surprising to see how many homeowners allow their plants to become neglected, untidy, and even overwhelming.

    Proper pruning is essential

    You can give plants more shape, definition, or proper proportions, which will make them look better in your landscaping. No matter how complex or simple the landscape, proper pruning will make it look neater, cleaner, and more pleasing to the eyes. Pruning is something that every home can do.

  4. Paint

    Add a fresh coat to strategically important elements of your home, like the front door and shutters, if they are available.

    architectural features

    Paint can make your house look better and more appealing. You can make a big difference with a little paint.

Ideas for curb appeal landscaping

It is amazing how easy it is to improve curb appeal of your home with little effort or money. These are just a few ideas that you can implement in a weekend.

Potted plants can be used to beautify walkways and doors.

Just a few potted plants can make all the difference. Place two identical pots side-by-side for a timeless and elegant design that will always look great. You can also use a single flower box that has a variety of different colors, textures, heights, and plant types. Plants that require little maintenance, such as evergreens and boxwoods, are easy to maintain.

Flower borders and flower beds can be added

You can line the front of your house’s exterior with flowers, or plant a border around it. Choose one flower type in one or two colors for a clean and modern look. You can add more variety and colors to create a traditional English garden look. Pack the flowers tightly.

Outdoor lighting can create nighttime appeal

The solar light fixture is a cheap and simple project that can make an impact. They charge in sunlight so no wiring is required. Place the staked fixtures in a path or in flower beds. Your yard will glow with light when the sun sets. Pro tip: Many homeowners use too many solar lights for their yard. Your walkway shouldn’t look like a runway. Your lights should be placed in a way that accents a feature or element of your landscaping. It will be amazing how dramatic and sophisticated your landscaping looks when it isn’t looking like it’s trying to land an aircraft.

Add border edging

There are many options for border edging to match any landscape and architectural style. You can line shrub and flower beds with edging material, to keep them neat and tidy and prevent grass from growing in your beds.

These are just some landscaping ideas that will make your property more appealing to potential buyers and neighbors. There are many things you can do to improve your property’s beauty and value if you have the time and desire to do it yourself.

Partner with a landscaping company that you trust if your property requires more attention or you have bigger goals. Ask your family and friends for recommendations. You can search the internet to find potential landscapers. View their projects and read reviews. Do your research to make an informed decision and increase curb appeal.

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