Do you need around-the-house landscaping ideas? The front of your house is the first thing people see but is often overlooked during home improvements. I have 5 budget-friendly landscaping projects you can implement easily.
Your home’s exterior says a lot about you. If you have an unkempt lawn or overgrown bushes, you give the impression of a negligent homeowner. If, on the other hand, the front of the house is well-kept, it makes your home more inviting and beautiful.
Many homeowners shy away from undertaking home improvement projects because they assume that they will be too expensive. Fortunately, this is not always the case. You can improve your home’s curb appeal considerably with some easy diy projects.
If you are looking for affordable ways to improve your home’s appearance you have come to the right place. Here are some of the best ways to spruce up the landscaping around an old house while sticking to your budget.
Get Rid of the Junk
Nothing detracts from your curb appeal as much as junk. Dilapidated vehicles, old lawn furniture, and empty plant pots make your home much less appealing.
The first thing you should do to improve your curb appeal is to get rid of these items. It’s a great idea to sell or give away salvageable stuff. If an item has reached the end of its lifespan, don’t hesitate to toss it out.
Removing eyesores from your yard will cost you little, but it will have a considerable effect on your outdoor space.
Granted, you may still need some items that are not aesthetically pleasing. These include trash cans and garden hoses. The trick is to find an inconspicuous storage spot for these items so that they don’t detract from your home’s appearance.
Read more about How To Purge and Declutter Your Home
Spruce Up Your Exterior
Another thing you can do to boost your curb appeal is to upgrade the area. It’s a good idea to repair crooked steps and cracks on your pavement or retaining wall.
You should also consider elevating your outdoor area using these pool deck ideas. Don’t forget to maintain any furniture on your deck properly.
If your exterior has poor lighting, consider installing new lighting. Classy light fixtures can give your home a fresh look and they enhance security. People are reluctant to break into a well-lit home where everyone can identify them.
You could also power wash your walls and pavements. Cleaning your windows until they sparkle can also significantly improve your home’s appearance.
If you have a front porch, beautify it. You can use planters and flower pots to display beautiful blooms on the patio. Nothing makes your home more welcoming than a pot of showy hydrangeas or knockout roses.
Other excellent choices to spruce up the exterior:
- small seating area
- water feature
- fire pit
- rock garden
- flower beds or a garden bed
- ground cover or new plants
- ornamental grasses
Need more around-the-house landscaping ideas? Learn more about building a garage or paving a driveway here
Mow The Lawn
No amount of outdoor improvement can hide a poorly-kept lawn. If your yard has issues, deal with them first before embarking on other areas.
Overgrown grass needs to be cut. Once you determine the appropriate length of grass for your lawn, avoid letting it grow past that point.
If you have any brown patches or bare spots, consider using fertilizer to encourage more growth. You could also turn to a lawn expert for help.
Rake the leaves on your lawn regularly, and keep the edges perfectly manicured. Following these lawn care tips will undoubtedly revive your lawn, and you will be filled with pride every time you look at it.
Need more around-the-house landscaping ideas, Read more about the ABCs Of Lawn Care Here
Fix Your Front Door
Your front door is the first thing that people notice when they come into your home. Because of this, it deserves extra attention during your curb appeal improvement mission.
If the door looks faded, consider washing or repainting it. If you opt to paint the door you can choose a color that complements the rest of your house or make it a focal point with a pop of color. If the door is too damaged for an external makeover, consider replacing it entirely.
You should also ensure that the hardware on your door makes it look good. Rusty door knobs and old knockers need to be replaced. Installing a shiny new kick plate is a great option to add elegance and style to your door.
Having a beautiful doormat on your front door also goes a long way in making the area attractive. You can also invest in a wreath of flowers for added splendor.
Care For Your Trees and Shrubs
Having trees on your property makes it look majestic and mature. If you can, plant a few small trees or even dwarf trees to improve the appearance of your home. This is a simple landscaping idea that will benefit you for years to come.
Be sure to care diligently for your trees. This means pruning large trees regularly and keeping them free of pests. If you neglect them, they will overgrow and overshadow other plants in the garden.
You could also plant a few low shrubs to hide the foundation of your home. Plant them at least 2 feet from the house so the root systems don’t affect the foundation. Never let shrubs grow taller than 4 feet. It is crucial to choose the right plants for the area and going with native plants that blend with the natural surroundings is always a good idea. Your consistent effort of caring for your shrubs and trees will ultimately make your home more appealing.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, improving your home’s curb appeal need not be expensive. In fact, all you need is to dedicate some time to care for your home’s exterior and your compound will be beautiful.
Start by following the steps on this post, and your home will thank you for it.
Need more around the house landscaping ideas? Click here for 4 Ways To Care For Your Lawn
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Thank you so much for the great tips, Chas. I am working hard on my curb appeal these days.
Thank you so much friend, I know with all of your flowers you’re going to rock it!