Landscaping tips can help sell your home sooner

Curb appeal is essential when selling a house. A well-maintained lawn, for example, proves you care about all the details of your property and provides onlookers confidence that the house is well preserved.

"A big percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house based on what it looks like from the outside," said Michelle Sordi at Husqvarna, a world leader in outdoor power products.

"Proper maintenance and investing in the right tools will make sure your house and lawn looks great at first glance and demonstrates to potential buyers how much you care for your home."

Sordi supplies some additional tips from the pros: Great yards begin in the

spring, not the summer.

Start the spring-cleaning when the snow has melted and the soil has dried up a bit. Remove layers of leaves that can lead to the grass moulding or decaying by using a leaf blower or a rake. However, don’t rake the lawn until it has started to grow.

Would you buy it? Walk around your entire home’s exterior with a critical eye. Take notes on what needs repairing, replacing or cleaning.

Add colour. Replace overgrown bushes with leafy plants and colourful

annuals. Surround bushes and trees with dark or reddish-brown bark mulch; this will give a rich feel to the yard. Potted plants are another way to add a splash of colour and can be taken with you when you move.

Mow the lawn.

Remember not to cut the grass too short. With a grass level of five to nine centimetres, you will have a fine, sustainable lawn.

Trim the hedges. The way to get a good-looking hedge always starts with

the right tool. With an ergonomically balanced and lightweight hedge trimmer, creating clean cuts and a smooth line will be easy.

Get out of the weeds. Get rid of any weeds as early as possible. Also be sure to cut away withered leaves and grass from cultivated parts of the garden bed.

Shape and edge your lawn. If you want your lawn to look really great, don’t forget to trim the edges.

Bright idea. Landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and security. It isn’t unusual for potential buyers to drive by homes in the evening and lighting can provide an attractive view of your house at night.

More lawn tips and information about tool options for proper maintenance can be found online at Husqvarna.ca.

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