Transform Your Home’s First Impression: Expert Curb Appeal Tips for Summer Landscaping
There’s just something about a home with beautiful landscaping – trimmed hedges, a manicured lawn, well-maintained plants. It simply makes the entire property feel more inviting and well cared for. That’s the magic of curb appeal. And if you’re thinking about selling? That first impression could add thousands to your home’s value.
According to an 2023 survey by Thumbtack and Nextdoor, over half of homeowners believe that a nice-looking landscape and exterior can shape how buyers see and home and boost its resale value by at least $20,000. Whether you’re listing your property or simply craving a more inviting exterior, summer is the ideal season to refresh your landscaping.
Top Landscaping Tips to Instantly Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Before you even think about landscaping – clean up your yard and garden! Mow the lawn regularly, get overgrown bushes under control, remove dead leaves and twigs, and pull pesky weeds. Once your yard is tidied up for the season, it's easier to start visualizing how you want your landscaping to look. But where do you start?
- Landscape With Purpose
A common mistake in landscaping is skipping the planning phase. Thoughtful landscaping not only makes your yard beautiful but also complements your home's structure and style.
For instance, a large home with a flat front might benefit more from medium-sized plants or layered shrubs rather than small flowers. Or, if you want to draw attention to your entryway, frame your front door with symmetrical landscaping and place seasonal flowers on the sides for a burst of color. This creates a focal point for neighbors, guests, and potential buyers and adds structure to your home.
- Choose Plants That Will Thrive
Your landscaping will only be as successful as your plant choices. A garden zone, or hardiness zone, is based on your geographical climate and can help you determine what plants will thrive in your area. Central Ohio is typically in zone 6a, which is great for plants like peonies, lilies and tulips.
Ohio soil tends to be clay-heavy, so consider adding compost or mulch to improve drainage and root health.
- Balance Perennials and Annuals
Before you begin planting, you’ll want to decide on using perennials, annuals, or a mix of both. Your choice should depend on a few things: how quickly you want your plants to bloom, how often you want to replant, and whether you’re planning to sell your home.
Perennials are a great long-term investment as they come back year after year – saving you both money and time – but they take longer to bloom. Annuals, on the other hand, add an instant pop of color to your yard but die at the end of the season.
Pro Tip: Use annuals in pots or border areas for pops of color and instant charm.
- Consider Native Plants That Support Wildlife
If you want to create a landscape that’s both stunning and sustainable, native plants are the way to go. They’re adapted to Ohio’s climate, require less water, and attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Planting milkweed is known to attract Monarch butterflies, while bee balm is a vibrant plant, not only adds a pop of color to your landscape but is a favorite for bees and hummingbirds! These plants aren’t just beautiful—they're part of a growing trend in eco-friendly landscaping known as “rewilding,” where nature and design coexist beautifully.
Think Beyond Plants to Elevate Outdoor Living
While flowers and foliage are the stars of beautiful landscaping, don’t overlook your front porch, walkway, and lighting. Small upgrades like updated house numbers, new lighting fixtures, or a seasonal wreath can take your curb appeal from nice to next level.
Want a more dramatic effect? Try:
- Lining your path with solar-powered lights
- Painting your front door in a bold, fresh hue
- Installing a modern mailbox or stylish outdoor furniture
Whether you’re preparing to list your home or simply want to fall in love with your front yard again, boosting your curb appeal is a worthwhile investment. Great design doesn’t just turn heads, it welcomes you home.
And if you’re thinking about a bigger move, Trinity Homes is here to help. As custom builders in Central Ohio, we offer a comprehensive design center where you can personalize every element inside and out. Let’s bring your dream home to life, from the curb to the kitchen.
