10 Total Landscape Makeover Tips

It’s the middle of summer. You’re surveying your landscape. You throw up your hands, sigh heavily and exclaim, “I need a total yard makeover!” You came to the right place. With these top lawn and yard makeover tips, you can enjoy instant (or nearly instant) improvements to your outdoor space – and savor them late into the season.

1. Mow high . If you’re mowing too low, or “scalping” your lawn thinking you won’t have to mow as often, chances are you’re looking at a thin lawn with brown patches, bare spots and weeds. That’s because your short lawn isn’t as well protected from dry, hot weather and weed infestation. So start your lawn makeover by standing by and letting it grow (and watering it enough, too), and then only cutting off one-third of the blade during any mowing. You’ll soon see a thicker, healthier lawn that can hide some imperfections and crowd out weeds.
2. Edge your lawn. You’ll be amazed at how a little extra trimming and tidying can give your lawn an edge it’s never had before. For that “perfect lawn” effect, string trim around flowerbeds, trees, lawn ornaments and pavement each time you mow. Never done it? We have the string-trimming advice you need.
3. Fill in bare spots. Nothing spoils a lawn-side view like patches of brown dirt. With just a little time, you can take care of them – and watch green grass take over. Here’s how.
4. Fertilize. If dreams of a lush, green perfect lawn linger in your mind, fertilize your lawn – and do it regularly. It’s one of the most important things you can do to nurture thick, healthy, weed-free grass.
5. Pull ‘em up. Even in the best of lawns, weeds happen. But there is a safe and simple way you can prevent them from overwhelming your lawn: When you see one, pull it out. If you’re overwhelmed by weeds you may have to pull out the herbicides—learn more about battling weeds.
6. Sweep it up. Admit it. You notice it when neighbors make the extra effort to sweep up leaves, lawn clippings and other debris from their driveways and walkways. A few back-and-forths with an outdoor broom can make all the difference in your landscape makeover.
7. Wash it up. The most beautiful landscapes can be spoiled if the rest of your property is soiled. Get out a pressure washer and get that outdoor space (including siding, pavement, decks, lawn furniture and lawn ornaments) glistening.
8. De-clutter. There can be too much of a good thing – and too much of bad things. During your yard makeover, take a hard look at your outdoors and rid yourself of anything that’s too much. Pare down on the lawn ornaments and planters so they can be appreciated instead of distracting. And clean up kid’s toys, pet toys and lawn and garden tools.
9. Create a focal point. Choose a spot you want to emphasize and zero in on that. The most obvious example is the entryway. Create a welcoming atmosphere in your landscaped front yard with colorful potted flowers.
10. Light it up Savor what you’ve done to makeover your landscape beyond the daylight hours with some outdoor lighting. Not only will you be extending your enjoyment, you can add some instant drama to your landscape with a few well-placed spotlights or a trail of lanterns.

Want more? Check out our most recent Yard Smarts Intervention winners from Tarpon Springs, Florida. Grant and Melissa Stephans received a total yard makeover from the Yard Smarts team last month. Watch the Intervention in action.