Want More Green for Your Home?
Spruce up your green space with these lawn care tips
Even in today's tough housing market, you can help make your home stand out from the rest without going to extremes. Consider this: A University of Michigan study¹ shows that landscaping improvements can boost your home's value by 5% — 11%. On top of that, Money Magazine² reports that you can get a 100% — 200% return on your landscaping investment, versus 75% for kitchen remodeling. That's less money, less hassle — and some good news for a change!
While this doesn't give you an excuse to skip the fresh coat of paint or necessary repairs, a lush, welcoming landscape will take you far in making the cut with prospective buyers. Even better, you can get the benefits with a limited budget simply by focusing on your lawn. After all, the lawn makes up the majority of most homes' landscaping.
Not only will a thick, healthy lawn attract more interest in your house by adding to its curb appeal; in the buyer's mind, a well cared for lawn translates to a well maintained home, inside and out. Plus, the buyer won't be put off by the thought of loads of weekend work just to repair scraggly, weedy grass.
¹ Money Magazine, March 2007
² Money Magazine, March 2003
How to make your yard move in condition
The steps you should take to get your lawn in tiptop shape depend on where you're starting from. See what category your yard falls under and then find the right advice that can reward you highly.
Unkempt and unruly landscape
Maybe you've been cutting your grass too short…or watering too little. However your grass lawn got in not-great shape, a change in routine can turn sparse, pale, weed-ridden grass into a lawn you'll love. Get the know—how your need here:
Bad Lawn, Bad Lawn. Whatcha Gonna Do?
The Yard Doctor's Best Healthy Lawn Tips
Prescription for a Healthy Lawn
Get Those Weeds Under Control!
Basically good, maybe a few bare spots
You follow lawn care basics as much as possible, but you may need a little more insight and consistency to go from good to glorious. Check these out for better results for your grass lawn:
Fertilizing 101
How to Water Your Lawn Correctly
Mow Your Way to a Better Lawn
Prescription for a Healthy Lawn
Lawn care junkie lives here
If it's daylight, you're most likely to be found working in your yard. You diligently follow the correct methods for mowing, watering and fertilizing and your thick, green grass shows it. But maybe you need something more to make your landscape really stand out. Consider these ideas:
Edging Around Garden Beds
Adding Color to Your Yard with Flowering Shrubs and Trees
Five Ways to Use Your Pressure Washer Now
Easy Landscape Fixes That Add Value to Your Home
Of course, you don't have to be selling your home to put these practices to use. Start fresh today and you'll have beautiful surroundings you can enjoy and be proud of for years to come.
