Curb appeal, the general attractiveness or vibe of a home when viewed from the sidewalk, isn’t just important when you’re selling your home. It matters all the time.
“Curb appeal is your home’s first impression; it implies what your residence looks like when someone is driving by, and it keeps the whole neighborhood looking good,” says Dave Graham, owner of Denver’s Phase One Landscapes. “The right elements can also add charm and character and increase the value of your home. It may be as simple as keeping a tidy, manicured front lawn and planting areas.”
Curb appeal isn’t limited to just landscaping. Elements of a spruced-up exterior include new or touched-up paint and updated hardware like house numbers, light fixtures, and mailbox. And Graham advises not to forget another important aspect of curb appeal: hardscaping.
“Hardscaping—like borders, retaining walls, walkways, and patios—adds much-needed texture and dimension to your home,” Graham says. “It can also expand your outdoor living space, increase your property’s value, reduce costly erosion, and create areas of privacy.” He also suggests adding front patio or porch seating areas and a water element like a fountain.
So, grab your gardening tools (or call on a professional) and get started with these easy ways to improve and maintain your home’s curb appeal, all year long.
Lawn and Order
Clean up the yard. Remove any plants that didn’t make it from last season and rake up any dried-up thatch in the grass.
Prune trees and shrubs. Pruning is not just cosmetic; it also improves the plant’s structural health.
Stay on top of weeds. Remove invasive weeds before they block beneficial light or crowd out the roots of other plants.
Keep the lawn (if you have one) mowed. When you remove the top portion of the grass blades regularly, the grass focuses on root growth to sustain itself. Plus, a neatly mowed lawn just looks prettier.
Go vertical. Non-invasive climbing plants on a trellis, like clematis, wisteria, and climbing roses, add height and drama. They also help soften your home’s edges.
Add color. Bushes and flowers in vibrant hues will instantly brighten up your yard. Choose a variety of annuals and perennials that bloom at different times to keep your yard bursting with color nearly year-round. “Add flowers in beds or pots,” advises Graham, “and you can also enhance them with seasonal garden art.”
