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The official beginning of Spring is just around the corner …. And if you are anything like me I can’t wait for it to arrive! The smells, the new life, the sunshine, all of it - just gets me so energized. With the snow melting my attention is quickly riveted to my yard.
What are some easy project to tackle and what yard DIY projects give you the best bang for your buck? A well designed and landscaped yard can add up to 10% on your home’s value and you will most likely see 100% of your investment returned at the end sales price.
My first suggestion is MAKE A PLAN and DO SOMETHING!
The first mistake people make is they don’t plan ahead. Not making a master landscape plan usually means you end up with a hodgepodge of plantings and gardens that create a disorganized feel. You want your yard to be a fluid extension of your living space. Spend the money and time to do the research and to do the renovations right. Plan out your steps (even if it takes months or years to get the finished product) and you won’t regret it – neither will the person who buys your home in the future! (: It will pay off in time and sellability to install sprinkler systems and drip lines, and it is a good idea to hire a professional if needed.
After you have made a plan, DO SOMETHING. Doing nothing often communicates the wrong message to neighbors and potential buyers. Please understand, you don’t need to keep up with the “Joneses”, but you do need to continually update the interior and exterior of your home. Trends change, and things go out of date. If you are not updating your home and landscape, believe me people will quickly see and feel you are out of date. People want to see upkeep, and your yard is the first impression people will see when coming up to your home. Please make it a good one!
DIY projects can be as simple as installing some lighting, placing pavers, or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, installing a fence, or laying sod. Here are our top eight landscaping projects!
1. Create a pathway.
To guide you and visitors throughout your yard and link different areas together, install a pathway. You can use materials from a variety of materials, including reclaimed pallet wood, flagstones, gravel, and more to add texture and color.
2. Add a wall or border.
Installing a flagstone, rock, or brick wall around flower beds or trees adds a sleek, clean look to your landscaping and helps separate different sections of your yard.
3. Install a water feature.
Nothing says zen quite like the sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard. You can start simple with by purchasing and installing a small feature powered by a solar panel or create a larger focal point in your yard by installing a waterfall wall or small pond.
4. Light the way.
An easy way to transform your yard is to strategically use lighting. Place hanging lights to surround your patio space and create an inviting backyard oasis. Use solar powered pathway lights to naturally guide the eye and highlight objects or plants.
5. Plant upwards.
Expand your yard space by drawing the eye to the sky with a trellis fence or screen made of wood or metal. Once you install your trellis, select your climbing plants and vines and get to planting! This will especially help a small backyard feel more open and inviting.
6. Finish fencing
Fencing your yard is sooo important! It will appeal to more than 80% of your potential buyers. I’ve have seen buyers walk away from multiple homes and deals because the property didn’t have a fence. The reasons vary - They might have animals, children, want the privacy of a fenced back yard, it’s too much works to put their own fence in, etc. – whatever the reason – buyers want a fully fenced back yard. A fenced yard will dramatically increase your home’s ability to sell.
7. RV pad
RV pads or dedicated spaces for small trailers, etc. are super appealing to buyers. If it is something you’ve always wanted do it and enjoy it now – not just when you sell the home! An RV pad will increase your home’s value and appeal. In addition, buyers often search by specific features (e.g. RV PAD). Be seen by the most people possible and give your home one additional feature that might help it rise above the rest!
8. Be happy – be green
Weather it is grass, flowers, or plants - having quality green spaces has a profound effect on you. Research shows that functional and quality outdoor living spaces can provide stress relief, encourage physical exercise and help people feel more content and more happy. HAPPY LANDSCAPING = HAPPY PEOPLE!
This spring make a resolution to go out there and get your hands in the mud! Do the research, have fun, and experience the home ownership benefits of intentional landscape planning and put together the outdoor living area of your dreams!
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