Does your yard look a little... drab? Maybe you just moved in and have yet to make the landscape your own. Or perhaps you are considering putting your home on the market and want to boost the curb appeal. In either case, a few small improvements can go a long way. Our real estate agents proudly offer the following tips and ideas for improving your yard this summer.

• "Mulch" Your Beds With Stone
  Are you tired of wood mulch breaking down, washing out of your beds, and letting weeds poke through? "Mulching" your garden beds with stone is a great alternative. Stone will last forever, and stones are heavy enough that they won't get rinsed out of your beds when it rains. Opt for river rock if you want a smoother, more modern look. For a traditional or rustic look, opt for granite or lava rock.
  
  
• Line Walkways With Bricks
  Are you tired of your walkway always becoming lined with weeds or mud? A good solution is to line the walkway with bricks. You can use conventional red clay bricks or choose gray bricks for a more subtle look. Line them up long ways along both sides of your walkway. They'll not only look amazing but also protect the edges of your path from damage and erosion. 
  
  
• Plant Some New Trees
  Adding a few new trees to your yard can completely transform its look. You can purchase young trees at many garden centers. You'll need to dig a big, wide hole, place the root ball inside of it, and then backfill the hole with soil. Some attractive types of trees to consider include crabapples, Japanese maples, and flowering dogwoods. All three of these trees develop gorgeous flowers in the spring but don't require much maintenance. 
  
  
• Have an Irrigation System Installed
  Maybe your yard is nicely landscaped, but you have trouble keeping up with the watering. Contact a local landscaping company about installing an irrigation system. Modern irrigation systems are often equipped with timers, so your yard and gardens will automatically get watered every day. Your grass and plants will all stay greener and healthier with this added care.
  
  
• Add a Fire Pit
  A fire pit not only adds beauty to your yard but also makes the space more usable. Imagine being able to have weekend fires on your own land. You can purchase a pre-made metal fire pit and set it up on some bricks. Or, purchase some stones or bricks that you find attractive, and use them to construct your own fire pit. For an extra special touch, add some concrete seats or benches.
  
  
• Add Lighting
  Adding lighting to your landscape helps enhance certain features. It also makes your yard safer and more usable in the evening. If you don't want to go through the hassle of running wires and hiring an electrician, you can just put solar lights at various places throughout your yard. They charge in the sun by day and light up by night. 
  
  
• Paint Wooden Features
  Do you have any wooden features in your yard, such as fencing or planters? If the finish is worn or they are beginning to deteriorate, giving them a good coat of paint can really transform them. Choose a color that coordinates with your home siding, grab a paintbrush, and go for it.
  
  

Whether you use all of these ideas or one of them, your yard will soon be looking great. If you are thinking of putting your home on the market or are looking for a new home, contact us soon. Our agents will be happy to help.