Whether it’s the scent of freshly mowed grass, space for your dog to run around, or preparing a home-grilled meal for friends, there’s no doubt that the outdoors is one of the biggest advantages of owning a home. As an added bonus, taking good care of your yard can also help improve your home’s value over time.

Curb appeal can play an important role in determining the value of your home and lush green grass can often make a positive first impression! Whether you’re new to homeownership or you've owned your home for many years, make sure you’re doing your best to care for your home’s exterior. Below are a few quick and easy tips for maintaining your yard.

Mow and Water Your Yard Frequently

During the summer, your lawn should be mowed about once a week and should get an inch to an inch and a half of water during the same period. If you don’t want to invest in an automatic irrigation system, you can purchase an inexpensive programmable hose timer to help you monitor your watering schedule. Just be sure to check your local laws and be mindful of potential local watering restrictions.

If you’re worried about not being able to set aside time to maintain your yard, consider hiring a professional lawn care service. They will be able to care for your lawn or even install convenient landscaping options like xeriscaping or low-maintenance turf.

Fertilize and Aerate Your Lawn Seasonally

Aerating allows your grass and plants to stay healthy by making room in the soil for nutrients and water. Some cities may require you to remove noxious or non-native weeds. In most cases, you can use weed-killer to remove unwanted plants in your yard — just be careful since some herbicides can be dangerous to other plants as well as humans and animals.

Remove Debris from Your Yard

Leaves and other yard waste can hurt the grass underneath if left unattended. Trim and prune overgrown trees and shrubs to promote new growth, and add fresh mulch to areas that need it. Edging the lawn along your sidewalks and curbs is an effective way to add a professional appearance to your lawn.

Care for Tools and Equipment

You want to make sure all of your tools are properly cared for, especially your lawnmower. Mower blades should be sharpened at the beginning of each season to keep your lawn healthy and to prevent grass from being damaged or cut inconsistently. You should also check the height setting on your lawnmower to make sure it's not set too low, which could dull your blades or damage your grass. And last but not least, always remember to use safety equipment while you work on your lawn, including ear plugs, safety glasses, long sleeve shirts, long pants, close-toed shoes, gloves and sunscreen.

Hopefully these tips will help you achieve a well-maintained yard that you can enjoy with family, friends and neighbors. As always, if you have questions on your home or the current real estate market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am happy to assist!

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