Spring Yard Zone

In colder months, as long as your plants are pruned, and the routes are to the shovel, it does not matter if the lawn is mowed and the gardens are weeded. Sell your house this spring a new set of challenges that we do not see during the winter.

When potential buyers drive and see a cluttered yard, a lawn patchy, not maintained or garden, it makes an impression that they carry with them as they toured the rest of the house. A positive first impression goes a long way to increase your chances of an offer. Use this list as a guide to make your home in shape for a spring sale.

Give your lawn the attention it deserves, after a long cold winter. Apply an herbicide containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to build a bit. If you're really motivated, take a soil sample to check the pH level. If the pH is below 6.0 bed, you can improve that by spreading lime on your lawn. If it is above 7.0, apply an acidifying agent such as sulfur gardener. When it is time to cut your lawn, raise the blade about 3 inches to reduce stress on the grass and reduce water requirements.

Get out your scissors and trim the shrubs and proliferation on the branches. Reduce the risk of mildew by ensuring all plant material is kept at least a foot of your coating.

Get rid of weeds now before they become a real problem.

Mulch, mulch, mulch! It's easier, faster and cheaper to make a garden shine instantly. Chipped mulch tend to last longer than shredded versions, but they do look more impressive. spread it on thick, stand back and prepare to "WOW" potential buyers.

Clean your edges. Defining the boundaries of your garden borders. Run a length of pipe or attach a string between two sticks to get a straight line and using a flat blade shovel, dig a small trough of four to six inches in the ground. Voila - now border without the cost.

Rev. pressure washer. Power wash the porch, passage garden furniture, eaves, siding and windows. Stay away from soffit vents or other openings where moisture can cause damage. After washing the windows, double check them inside the house when the sun shines through. Sometimes you think they are clean, only to discover they are filled with unsightly scratches when it is sunny in the afternoon.

Remove the paint can, short of repainting the porch all or a fence, at least touch up tired or worn areas. Pay special attention to the porch and entry.

Invest in a fresh welcome mat to show your entry.

Make your garden come alive with the planting of annuals bright and colorful. Perennials are great for planting long-term, but for quick color, dynamic use of geraniums, impatiens, marigolds and petunias. Place hanging baskets to your driveway or a large container filled with greenery. They are not planted in your garden, you can take them with you when you move.

Find a shady spot between two poles or trees to hang a hammock. Show potential buyers What a comfortable, relaxed your home can be.

Create small areas or gathering around a focus. If you have a fountain or a birdbath, place a couple of chairs next to give the impression of a lounge.

Finally, step back and see your house from the road to see if you have a good first impression.