landscape tips before selling your house

A few low-cost landscape improvements and maintenance can help make your home more attractive to buyers; for example:

• Lawn care can have a return on investment of more than 200%. Ideally plan ahead to over-seed and fertilize the September before you sell.

• Prune shrubs to create a well-maintained look and showcase the architecture. Shrubs should be properly pruned to heights below window sills. Correctly prune trees to remove dead branches and to improve views to the front door to create a welcoming entry..

• Power-wash walkways and driveway as applicable. Power-wash and stain any wood decks and fencing.

• Remove weeds from planting beds, and between paving stones. For any patios or walkways with hand-tight pavers set on stone on gravel, sweep new sand between paving joints.

• Add large pots with colorful flowering annuals. In planting beds, install annuals in large groupings in highly visible locations.

• Clean up any wooded areas by removing brush, logs, dead trees. Remove any invasive plants such as stilt grass and invasive vines including English Ivy

• Hand spade edge planting beds and edges of wooded areas. Install shredded hardwood bark mulch.

• Replace any old or worn outdoor furniture, put it in storage; or refinish it and add new cushions if applicable.

• Possibly install a new mailbox that complements the color and style of the home.