I Just Moved Into a New House, How Can I Add Curb Appeal?

Just moved into a new house and your yard is a mess?

Don't worry! Enhancing your home's curb appeal is easier than you think. In today's real estate market, many homebuyers make compromises on their dream landscapes. But with a few strategic fixes, you can quickly add value to your new property.

Well-designed front, back, and side yards are crucial to any well-planned property. These spaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also significantly increase property value. However, an unbalanced, overgrown, and unmaintained landscape can drastically lower your home's worth.

WhyLandscaping MattersTop 5 Landscaping Tips for New Homeowners

1. Create a Natural Area

Ensure you have at least one "natural area" on your property. This space can be used to:

• Dispose of organic material: Leaves, grass clippings, and yard waste can be blown or raked here.

• Reduce weeds: Organic material acts as compost, adding nitrogen and carbon to the soil.

• Save on disposal costs: Reuse yard clippings naturally by topping them with mulch or pine straw for a finished look.

2. Keep Permeable Areas

Water damage is a major concern for properties. To mitigate this, maintain a high percentage of your yard as permeable:

• Avoid impervious surfaces: Limit the use of concrete, asphalt, and roofs.

• Use permeable materials: Consider permeable pavers, gravel, and wooden decking to allow water to drain into the ground.

3. Maintain Tree Cover

Trees are vital for a healthy property:

• Reduce energy bills: Trees provide shade, reducing cooling costs.

• Manage water runoff: Trees absorb ground water, preventing flooding.

• Protect your home: Trees act as windbreaks during storms, reducing damage to your house.

4. Frame Your House with Landscaping

Use landscaping to frame and highlight your home:

• Direct attention: Trees, plants, and accent walls should focus on your house's best features.

• Hide imperfections: Use plant material to conceal undesirable views.

• Complete the picture: Include smaller plants in the foreground and larger trees with high canopies to frame the top.

5. Rethink Fences

Fences aren't the only option for privacy:

• Build community: Avoid solid 6’ privacy fences that block interactions with neighbors.

• Opt for green screens: Low, mid, or elevated greenery can create a natural screen.

• Explore alternative fences: Consider 3 beam, 4 beam, horizontal lattice, picket, or farm fences for a softer, pleasing boundary.

Ready to transform your yard into a stunning landscape that enhances your home's curb appeal?

Contact Thorpe Landscapes today for a consultation and let our experts bring your vision to life!