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Small Summer Garden Projects That Add Value to Your Home

A little landscaping can go a long way towards increasing the overall value of your home and property. You don’t have to spend a bundle to spruce things up and make your home more inviting and, ultimately, more attractive to potential buyers.

It is key to stick with simple weekend projects, and not just to save time and money. If your yard looks too fussy, filled with expensive and time-consuming gardens, you may actually scare off buyers. By taking some time to make small, noticeable improvements, you can keep your landscape looking both beautiful and effortless.

Your front yard creates the very first impression of your home, so start there. Start by keeping your lawn well watered and mowed, and work up from there. Trim hedges and bushes, pull weeds, rake up any leaves, and go to work on edging your lawn so that everything is neat and tidy. You can dramatically improve the look of your home in just one afternoon.

No matter what you plant, be sure to prepare your soil first—make sure it’s rich enough and has the proper pH balance. Also, keep in mind that plants grow: that little tree you planted might eventually crowd your window, and the herb garden might try to take over your whole yard. Avoid species that will be invasive, and plan for growth before you plant.

From there, it’s really up to you and your imagination (and budget). If you’re not much of a gardener, potted plants are a quick and easy way to line walkways and frame doors. Plant flowering trees for added color and shade; once they’re in the ground, the only maintenance is frequent watering and occasional trimming.

Install some outdoor lighting to illuminate the path to your door while highlighting all your hard gardening work. You can find a do-it-yourself kit at most home stores for around $100, and it’s a great investment. Add a few spotlights on distinctive trees or bushes for extra drama.

The key is to keep it simple, one step at a time. Just a few small improvements over the course of the summer will add up to major curb appeal, and increase the value and appeal of your home.

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