We’re meticulous about what the interior of our homes look like, but what about the outside? Sure, we may keep the lawn mowed and the leaves raked in the autumn, but did you know that nice landscaping can add value to your property? In fact, with even the most basic lawn maintenance, you could get an estimated 267% of the maintenance costs when you decide to sell!
If you’re not sure where you should start, we have a few landscaping ideas that’ll improve curb appeal without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look!
1. Upgrade the pathway to the front door
You may have boring concrete slabs that lead up to the front door, but they aren’t necessarily inviting - especially if they’re dirty! You could take a power washer and power wash the dirt and grime away or you could have a professional come in and replace concrete and do something different, like have them design a beautiful pattern using stone, gravel, or brick.
The cost to upgrade your walkway is going to depend on the materials, square footage and labor (if you’re not doing it yourself).
2. Create a patio for al fresco dining and entertaining
Patios, decks, and balconies are in high demand right now and rightfully so. They’re a great place to entertain, have an al fresco meal, or even relax and get some fresh air. Of these options, a deck or balcony will be expensive projects that you’ll want to hire a contractor for. However, if you’re going with a patio (the cheapest option), all just ask to have a concrete slab poured to your desired dimensions.
If you want a patio with a little more pizazz, instead of using a concrete slab, you could use brick pavers, slate or even wood!
3. Clear out dead plants and replace with new greenery
Flower beds are a great way to add some color and dimension to your property, but if you neglect them, it defeats the whole point of having them! You can try to have a beautiful flower bed simply by getting rid of all the dead plants and replace them with flowers that are suitable for your area.
When choosing flowers or greenery, you have to consider:
How much sun the plants will get throughout the day
plants like begonias, summer snapdragons and latanas requires direct sun
plants like anemone, geraniums and hibiscus requires partial sun
plants like ivy, sweet alyssum, and torenia can grow in the shade
General temperature in your area
Colder climates are suitable for winter jasmine, pansies and petunias
Warmer climates are suitable for sunflowers, hydrangeas, and blazing stars
How often they need to be watered
Drought resistant flowers include yarrow, agave, and black eyed susans
Plants that do well in wet areas include daylilies, lily of the valley, and bugbanes
4. Get toasty with an inviting fire pit with seating
Fire pits are a great way to spend time outdoors when it's colder out. Heck, even during the summer nights you can’t go wrong with a nice fire, especially if you love s’mores! A fire pit is an excellent addition to any backyard because family can gather and bond without being glued to their smart devices.
Let’s not forget that when it comes to selling your home, a nicely done fire pit is certain to catch a buyer’s eye!
5. Illuminate walkways with solar walkway lights
No one likes to walk in the dark and a simple way you can brighten your walkway is by installing solar walkway lights. These can be found at your local Dollar General or something similar. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you could always hire a professional to help you choose the type of lights, where the lights should go and answer any questions you may have.
As a homeowner, it’s normal to want to make your home as comfortable as possible but you can’t ignore the landscaping. You’ll find that when your landscaping looks amazing, you’ll feel a sense of pride when you pull into the driveway. Plus, it’s always nice being the nicest house on the block!
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