Your outdoor spaces are the first guests will see as they arrive at your front door. Whether you’re looking to sell or you simply want to make your home look its best, prioritizing the outdoor spaces can ensure you’re making a good first impression.

Plant a Tree
Trees can provide shade, visual interest and even fruit. A good tree can boost any yard—just be sure you plant it in the right spot. Remember, a tree too close to the house can spell trouble over time. Tree roots can damage underground pipes, and lush trees can become a fire hazard if too close to any building exteriors. A well-placed tree can be a benefit for years to come.

Start a Garden
Gardens add lush greenery to well-manicured spaces, which ensures visual interest in your yard. That is before you take into consideration the delicious homegrown fruits and vegetables you can grow. Check with your local garden center or gardening group to find out what will grow in your area in each season—remember, some veggies like the cold. Don’t feel that you will have an unused spot in your yard through half the year.

Opt for Native Plants
Native plants are an eco-friendly option for landscaping. Because they are native to your home’s climate, they require little—if any—maintenance and additional water. This ensures they are inexpensive long-term and can make it easy if you live in an area limiting water usage. Native plants will also attract friendly pollinators, which is a great thing for your yard’s growth.

Consider Color
Spring blooms naturally make us consider color options when it comes to our landscaping. With all the choices out there, everyone is naturally more careful to think about their plants and color selections. Don’t forget to do this all year long. Winter may be less colorful in your area, but be sure that you find winter-loving bushes with berries, hearty flowers, and plants with colorful leaves that can add contrast to your yard.

Paint and Polish
Painting the exterior of your home is easier than you might think. With consumer-grade paint sprayers and a plethora of painting tools available at your local hardware store, all you need is a little expert advice to choose the right kind of paint. If you aren’t ready to commit to such a big task, keep the exterior of your home looking good by giving it a quick clean with a pressure washer. You’ll be amazed what a bit of paint and a good polish can do for your outdoor space.