Written by: Carl Trinkle
4 min read
Curb appeal is a term used to describe how attractive a property appears from the curb or the street to potential buyers. Creating curb appeal or improving the curb appeal of a property can help raise the value of a home or business and even bolster property values for other homes in the surrounding area.
If you are a homeowner who is considering putting your home on the market, you may be wondering how to create curb appeal for your home. The following tips consist of simple but effective ways to enhance curb appeal at your own property, whether you are planning to sell, or you just want to maximize your property’s appearance and value.
1. Elevate Landscape Design for Enhanced Curb Appeal
Landscaping like plants, shrubs, and flowers are often the first elements to draw the eye when it comes to curb appeal. Upgrading the landscaping on a property can be a great way to enhance curb appeal. You can elevate the landscape design for a home or business in several ways, including:
- Flower Rotation: Rotating your flowers throughout the growing season ensures your landscape stays vibrant. A professional landscaper, such as those at Gallivan Corporation, can help identify which plant combinations will thrive and look their best seasonally and take care of the rotation.
- Regular Lawn Care: Properties that have lush, green lawns are instantly appealing. Regular fertilization, mowing, and proper landscape management are good practices for keeping landscaping updated.
- Water Features: Adding a fountain or pond as a landscaping element can instantly elevate a property’s curb appeal. Many water features are easy and quick for professionals to install in a way that integrates with the existing landscaping.
2. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting for Aesthetic and Functional Enhancements
Outdoor lighting can help a property shine, no matter the time of day. Property owners may have security lighting in place for safety and functional purposes, but the aesthetic appeal of proper outdoor lighting should not be ignored. Improving lights on the front door, porch, and facade of the building can help create curb appeal.
Additionally, installing visually appealing outdoor lights on a property that doesn’t already feature lighting can make a substantial difference. For example, uplighting that focuses on trees and shrubbery can create a dramatic shadow effect at night, and lights on water features or flowers highlight the colors and movement much more effectively. Lights can even be mounted in high places to mimic the effect of natural moonlight.
Outdoor lighting professionals who also know landscaping will make sure your lighting integrates with existing landscaping features and doesn’t impact other maintenance activities like watering, mowing, and pruning.
3. Advanced Maintenance Techniques for Year-Round Appeal
Maintaining your lawn throughout the year is an essential part of upholding curb appeal. Landscapes that are not properly cared for each season are at risk of becoming unhealthy. Regular maintenance for year-round curb appeal may include:
- Regular watering
- Fertilization and aerating
- Mowing, edging, pruning
- Tree trimming
- Replanting when necessary
- Seasonal preparation (e.g., leaf management in fall, planting in spring)
- Snow management
Many property owners do not have the time or inclination to perform all the landscape maintenance that is necessary for year-round curb appeal. A professional landscaper can help with everything from designing your yard in a way that minimizes maintenance requirements to scheduling regular maintenance appointments. If you want to feel secure that your landscaping is always going to look its best, consider investing in professional maintenance.
4. Incorporate Modern Hardscaping Features
Hardscaping is a wonderful way to add both aesthetic appeal and functionality to your outdoor space. These types of features are made from durable materials, such as stone, wood, and concrete, rather than plants, trees, and flowers. Hardscaping should integrate with the natural features of the landscaping and often includes walkways, pathways, patios, decks, and gazebos.
The addition of hardscape features adds to the beauty of any landscape design and should also create more areas to enjoy in your outdoor living space. For example, installing a stone patio or fire pit will add to your property’s overall curb appeal and give you and your family a place to relax and enjoy all your landscaping efforts.
Partner with Gallivan Corporation for Expert Curb Appeal Solutions
Some property owners may want to DIY their landscaping improvements, but a lot can go wrong with this type of project. From installing the plumbing for a water feature to wiring outdoor lighting to making sure plants will thrive in the same landscape, most untrained individuals simply do not have the expertise to do it alone.
Fortunately, the experts at Gallivan can help with all aspects of landscaping for your home or business. From planning the perfect flower bed to adding dramatic outdoor lighting to installing hardscaping that will last for years, our team has seen and done it all. Contact us today to request more information and get started on giving your home the curb appeal it deserves.
