Spring rains have saturated the Ann Arbor area, making it the perfect time to enhance your yard — especially if you plan to sell your home this summer.
Landscaping is a known added value for home sellers, serving as a first impression of a home. Agents and buyers agree that a lush lawn and tidy landscape add to a home’s value and curb appeal.
The four most common areas of landscaping that have the biggest impact on buyers are:
- Lawn and landscaping
- Outdoor Lighting
- Fencing
- Front entrance (including the driveway and walkway)
You don’t need a massive landscape overhaul to enhance curb appeal. Here are some instant upgrades you can make without breaking the bank:
- Maintain a Trim and Healthy Lawn: Regular mowing and line trimming keep your lawn looking its best.
- Trim Bushes and Mulch Garden Beds: Edging around garden beds, pruning shrubs, and mulching around plants and trees will help keep your property looking great and your plants happy and healthy.
- Clean Outdoor Light Fixtures: Remove dust, cobwebs, and dirt from outdoor light fixtures for added appeal.
- Add Solar Lights: Illuminate walkways and flowerbeds with solar lights for nighttime charm.
- Repair and Paint Fences: Give your wood fence a fresh coat of paint and fix any loose boards or holes.
- Weed and Clean Driveways: Keep driveways and walkways weed-free and tidy.
- Create a Welcoming Entry: Freshen up the front door with a coat of paint, add potted plants, a rocking chair, and a welcome mat.
Lawn Care Tips:
1. Know Your Lawn
Before throwing down any seed or sod, make sure you know what lawns do best in the Ann Arbor area. Grass types are classified as warm-season grass or cool-season grass. Cool-season grasses thrive in the northern regions of the country, as they prefer cooler daytime temperatures. A common type of cool-season grass found in Ann Arbor is Kentucky Bluegrass. Local gardening stores will sell grass types that thrive in the region, but I recommend doing some research to determine which grass type is best for your yard.
2. Test Your Soil
Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to ensure it’s ready for planting. The MSU Extension Program provides a great soil testing service.
3. Fertilize
Different types of grass require different fertilizers. As previously mentioned, know what type of grass you have in your yard and fertilize appropriately and at the right time. If you have pets or children, be sure to purchase a fertilizer that is safe for them.
4. Mowing a Lawn
Stick to the 1/3 rule and try not to remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade length in mowing. Also, mow when the grass is dry, as this is when the blades are upright, and they will clump together less.
While you’re mowing, aim mower clippings (unless you bag them) toward the area you have already cut. It’s a good idea to leave the clippings on the lawn, as they will help return nutrients and nitrogen to the lawn. If you bag your clippings, consider composting them.
Mow in the morning or night because mowing in the heat of the day can damage the grass.
Gardening Tips:
1. Pruning
Prune away winter damage once plants have lost their leaves, and cut limbs back to live wood.
2. Mulching
If you’re mulching a large area, use a cheaper hardwood mulch for the filler, then top-dress it with your mulch of choice. You can also top-dress old mulch by just adding a 1-inch layer on top. It’ll look brand new, and then you’re not paying for something you don’t see.
3. Planting Annuals
Annuals are plants that live for only one season. Late spring is the best time to plant annuals such as Petunias, marigolds, and impatiens.
4. Gardening Resources
Plants, flowers, and shrubbery are great ways to add allure and definition to a home’s landscape. Flowering plants are a wonderful addition, but homeowners should consider the appeal when the plants are not in season and flowering. Also, planted herbs are easy to plant and maintain. They also do great in pots for entryways and backyard patios.
One of the best gardening tools is a monthly landscaping calendar. To see one for your specific area, visit The National Gardening Association’s website. Plug in your zip code, and you’ll get a specific plan for your area.
Here are a few local places we recommend for your landscaping needs:
By investing a little time and money into the yard this spring, you can easily increase your home’s valuable first impression and “wow” factor.
Interested in learning more about preparing your home for sale? Fill out the form below, or give us a call at (734) 845-9700.
