FOUR WAYS TO ENHANCE CURB APPEAL BEFORE IT SNOWS

Fall is the best time to plant and protect plants and trees.

Keep your dream home looking warm and inviting all winter long by tackling these four curb-enhancing projects that will pay-off for years to come.

1. Shed some light. Fallen leaves will soon be replaced with falling snow (shudder)! Exterior lighting is often put on the back burner after building a new home, however it is particularly important during winter months. Strategically placing exterior lighting helps to ensure that family members and guests will enter your home safely, without any slips and falls. Consider installing a few lanterns along your drive- and walk-ways. Not only will your home appear more beautiful when illuminated at night, but it will be much safer for guests. Replacing a bright porch light with a soft-hued light bulb will make your front porch appear more inviting. Solar lights have become very popular because they are easy to install and easy on the environment. Remember that less is more. Don’t over-do exterior lighting so that pathways appear more like an airport runway.

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2. Lengthen the life of your landscaping. You more than likely already invested in a beautiful lawn, so be sure to protect it during Michigan’s frigid winters. Rake leaves and any fallen debris to help your lawn look its best during the winter. Apply two to three inches of mulch around all plants to protect them from harsh temperatures. Barriers of mulch help plants retain moisture. Laying a lot of woodsy mulch will enhance the appearance of your landscaping during winter months.

3. Plant now; bloom later. The fall season is the ideal time of year to plant early-blooming bulbs such as daffodils which will pop up through patches of snow in late winter. There are plenty of varieties from which to choose—from crocuses to tulips, so rest assured you will find options that complement your home’s landscaping.If you are considering planting new perennials, shrubs and/or trees, fall is also the best time to plant them. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), warm fall soil is best for root development. Planting in the fall also helps plant and tree roots to establish themselves before the summer heat arrives. Bonus—many trees cost less during the fall months because demand is less than in the spring and summer.

4. Dig into additional elements of exterior design. When you built your home, your goal was probably to, well, build it so you could move in. Creating an ideal interior atmosphere often renders exterior details overlooked. Now is the time to make small changes for big impact. For example, a fancy set of address numbers, or even a custom address sign, can add tons of personalized curb appeal. A new doorknob, wreath, mailbox, lamp post, etc. are all small investments that when done together, maximize your home’s aesthetic appeal all year long.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow