3 Tips for a Front Lawn that Stands Out

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

3 Tips for a Front Lawn that Stands Out

Whether you’re settling into a new home or preparing to list your old home, you want your lawn to make a statement. If you’re moving in, a great lawn will help the place feel more like home and will create a more inviting first impression for visitors. It also helps to extend your living by creating an appealing outdoor space to enjoy with friends and family. If you’re moving out, your front lawn goes a long way to boosting your curb appeal and drawing the attention of homebuyers.

So how do you cultivate that perfect lawn for your home? Here are a few of our tips:

Water Before Dawn

The sweet spot when it comes to lawn irrigation is between 3 and 5am. Irrigate too early and your lawn could be too wet, causing mold, mushrooms, and fungus. Irrigate after dawn and the steam could damage your grass. Fortunately, with advancements in technology, you don’t have to wake up between 3 and 5am in order to water the lawn. Many sprinklers come with timers for just that purpose. Set your sprinkler to water the lawn before dawn, and you won’t even have to think about it.

Adjust the Soil

Before you start a garden or any elaborate landscaping, you’ll want to test the soil of your lawn. Get a soil kit and test the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The neutral pH for your lawn is 7. If the number is less than 7, it’s too acidic, while a number greater than 7 is too alkaline. However, if you want to start a vegetable garden, you’ll want your lawn to be slightly on the acidic side, about 6.5. What can you do to get the pH level you want? Sulfur, iron sulfate, or organic materials such as peat moss, can lower high pH levels, while pulverized lime is often used on acidic soil. Fertilizing the soil in autumn will also help ensure that it stays prime for your landscaping plans.

Add Some Color

Some of the color of your curb appeal can be done through the front door or trim of the house, and that certainly makes a pleasing impression. However, you can also add color to your lawn. Plant a flower bed or a vegetable garden. Perennial flowers are the most popular choice here, so you can keep the color year round. Others prefer succulent gardens, which offer some color but also require much less maintenance. You can even paint the front door to match the color in your lawn for a more cohesive aesthetic. Man-made lawn decorations here and there can also enhance the color of your lawn.

While it’s a great idea to give the front lawn a makeover whether you’re moving in or moving out, keep in mind that you have different purposes for each case. If you’re moving in, you want to really make a stamp on your lawn. Make choices that suit your taste and make you happy. If you’re moving out, however, try to follow popular lawn trends and stay neutral so as to please the next owner of the house. And if you need more tips to stage your home before the big move, talk to a realtor.