That Million Dollar Curb Appeal for the DIY-er

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April showers bring Mayflowers…or so they once said! Hopefully that English proverb holds true for ushere in the Pacific North West this spring. While it has been dreary outside,long days and warmer weather await!

But what to do with yourfront yard once the weather turns?

Right now it is useless. Itlooks tired. It looks old. The neighbours think the house is abandoned (notactually but you get the point). This spring you are going to make your yardscream modernity – and on a DIY budget no less! Now roll up your sleeves andprepare to transform your tired yard into a magnificently modern masterpiece.

Lawn TLC

The key to a beautiful house isa beautiful lawn. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for lawn repair and abag of turf builder, combined with a regiment of moss killer and weed remover,are quick and cheap options to restore that deep green hue.

Consider borrowing yourneighbour’s push-mower to get that short uniform look and do not forget to edgethe lawn. With proper edging and a close shave, you will have a fantasticlooking lawn all summer – don’t forget to water!

Plant A Tree

A regularly pruned tree ofmoderate height, say…no larger than 7 feet, can be a focal point in yourgarden. It draws eyes from the house itself and provides depth to a wellmanicured lawn that is cut both short and uniform. You can grab a juvenile treefor around $20.

Be Bold: Stain Your Cement

The world of stained cement isa marvelous one. You are only limited by your imagination…and maybe yourbudget. But I know you are a DIY master with a small pocketbook. Fear not! Thepeople over at doityourself have a wonderfulbreakdown of staining that cement, and for as little as 50 cents per squarefoot. Not bad at all!

 Accentuate with Native Shrubs

Small, upright shrubs placed instrategic areas in your front yard provide multiple benefits. Shrubbery helpsto define features by framing or highlighting them and provides privacy whenused as a hedge.

Using native vegetation isbetter because you know it can survive in your yard and requires less maintenanceover time. It can also be cheaper as you can transplant vegetation from a localforest significantly reducing the costs associated with preparing your yard(don’t snag any plants from your neighbourhood park).

Also, using native vegetationwill attract wildlife such as butterflies and birds. Local vegetation can beused to create waterwise gardens too; meaning you can havea garden that looks like a million bucks, and is environmentally friendly!

Modern Lighting for Any Budget

At this point your front yardis most likely the envy of the block. But you can really make this thing pop.Small, stainless steel bollards are a perfect accent to a well manicured yardthat can give that million-dollar curb appeal for under 100 hundred dollars.

There is a HUGE selection ofbollards to choose from, but we are going for an ultra modern aesthetic andshort, stainless steel bollards are all the rage. If you buy solar, you don’thave to pay for electricity or bury any wire! Double Bonus.

I should warn you though.Making these simple, easy changes to your front yard may cause realtors toapproach you with an offer of selling your house. That is the price a successfulDIY-er must pay for their ingenuity.

Credit to Realspace 3D forthis post.