As a Greenwich landscaping professional, I am often asked what simple tasks a frugal homeowner can undertake. I am happy to give advice, mainly because a grateful homeowner is usually a future customer. So it’s good business strategy for me to help do-it-yourselfers get into landscaping – sooner or later, they’ll be calling me with a job too big to do themselves. Here is a list of the types of inexpensive fixes that can add curb appeal to your home:
- Clean up debris such as old planters, toys, etc. that have no place in the front yard.
- Kill and pull out weeds from your lawn, planters, flower beds and window boxes. Remove dead plants as well.
- Check to see if any plants or shrubs need trimming or pruning. A neat look adds curb appeal.
- Get out the mower and keep the grass cut, though don’t cut it too short. Don’t forget to edge the flower beds.
- Got a broom? Good! Use it to sweep the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch.
- Cover small weeds in the flower beds with several layers of newspaper. You can also use this technique to enlarge or reshape beds. Lightly shower the newspaper with water to keep it in place.
- Figure out the amount of mulch or bark dust you need to cover the front beds with about three inches of material. Purchase what you need and/or have it delivered. Apply to all your beds, on top of the newspaper, to create a clean landscape. Spray with water to keep the dust down.
- Survey the front yard to estimate how many small flowering plants you need to add a cheerful and colorful look. Go to your local nursery or home store and buy potted plants such as petunias or impatiens. Verify that the plants are fully in bloom and healthy-looking. The brighter the colors, the more punch will be added to the landscape.
- Insert the plants (in their pots!) into the bark dust or mulch. Ensure the pots are fully hidden, and water them often. These flowers will add interest to your yard all season long.
- Do a little painting to spruce up the front door, windows, planters, shutters and window boxes. Use new, bright colors to perk up old, tired-looking areas.
- Water the lawn frequently to keep it green and gorgeous. You can add fertilizer, weed-killer and insecticide if you wish.
You can easily do all these tasks yourself, but don’t hesitate to bring in a professional if you need help with more challenging work.