Your front yard landscaping is what will greet family, friends—and prospective buyers.

By J. A. Young

Your front yard landscaping is what will greet family, friends—and prospective buyers. Enhancing its appearance for great curb appeal is easier than you think and always begins with a retinue of window washing, weed pulling and the removal of unnecessary debris. Positive makeovers can be accomplished to fit any budget and the work you do may reap the reward of a successful sale or the knowledge that your home is the prettiest on the block!

Look at the front of your home with a critical eye and make some important decisions to repair, replace, mask, remove, or add to give the structure more visual appeal. A sagging awning might be replaced with freshly painted shutters. A front door might be painted or enhanced with the addition of an attractive brass door knocker or a dramatic sconce beside it. Giving the exterior a fresh coat of paint is a very dramatic enhancement.

The porch is an important area to improve. Apply a fresh coat of paint to the railings or install a new one. Repair any chips or dings in the steps. Add a new lighting feature along with a few strategically placed container plants to give your porch a refreshing change. Aim for the less-is-more concept and avoid clutter at all costs.

A tidy, well maintained front yard should be a primary goal. A landscape that is too busy will simply say to prospective buyers that they will have their work cut out for them should they buy. Be sure there is a clean path to the front door. Repair any cracks or perhaps lay a more attractive walkway of paving or flat stone. The lawn should be healthy and weed free.

Prune trees so that no branches unnecessarily detract from a view of the home. Reshape shrubs that mask your home, or remove them altogether and replace them with a terraced garden or a layered landscape of attractive plants—include many types to guarantee year-round interest or at least enough color to last throughout the growing season.

When it comes to plants and botanical features, much will depend on taste, but if you stick with healthy varieties and employ features that are not extremely demanding, you will meet with positive reactions from potential buyers.