by Melissa Marie

Created on: June 13, 2008   Last Updated: September 04, 2008

Landscaping a home exterior can be a considerably daunting task. However, if you are determined enough to do this on your own, there are some considerations that you will want to employ.

First things first. The biggest concept that has been born out of the art of landscaping is something known as "curb appeal". Simply put, this is how your landscaped home is judged from standing at the curb or driving by. The idea is simple, and if done correctly the impact will be huge with just a bit of work on your part. The notion of how your yard looks from the street is what should fuel all of your efforts if you are trying to sell your home. However, if you plan to remain, curb appeal as well as function should be on the forefront of your planning.

How to make the outside of your home appealing from afar:

~Keep it simple and uncluttered. There is nothing that will turn off a potential onlooker or buyer more than if your home is sporting too much. This can imply that it is unkempt or that it is just going to be a hassle to maintain.

~Use foliage and flowers that will bloom in different seasons or different times of your growing season. This will give a manicured look at all times.

~Use plants that are native to your area. There is nothing more disappointing than spending your landscaping allowance on plants that mat presently look pretty, but its a shame when they just won't grow.

~Utilize cement or natural stone for your walkways. Make sure that there is always a walkway between your drive way or garage and your front door. Cement and natural stone are clean looking and need little maintenance.

~Keep your grass trimmed and dandelion free. Everybody knows that dandelions are weeds.

~Keep your trees manicured, your edges trimmed, and the weeds at bay.

~Remove any shrubs or bushes. These have gone by the wayside in the past few years. They are seen as unsightly and time consuming projects that yield little results.

~If you have a natural stone fence or bank, never, ever paint it. Painting stone looks like you're trying to cover something up. Instead, have it repaired if necessary and sealed if possible.

Voila! Those are the basics. Not to difficult really. But if you want to give your newly sculpted landscape a feel of something special, there is one more easy fix that I would recommend.

Easy Tree Pots:

Utilizing flag stone or any other flat landscaping stone, build up a 6" fence around your tree(s). You can do one or many depending on your budget or if you have a special one that stands out from the rest, include that tree as the centerpiece.

Next, fill with potting soil and some perennial flowers that have begun to bloom. I strongly recommend petunias since they are hearty and fill out almost anywhere you put them.

And that's it!

Landscaping your yard does not have to be difficult, so long as you know what you are doing. I guarantee that these tips will work well for you, wherever you are located and whatever your budget may be. Landscaping doesn't have to be difficult. Go on, give it a whirl.

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