Whether you are selling your home or simply trying to make it more pleasant for those who already live there, the landscape can have a huge impact. The following are the three main areas of landscaping. 

Cleanup

Cleaning up your yard is the first place to start. Rake the leaves and pick up any trash. If necessary, pressure wash the driveway. Pressure washers are often available to rent from hardware stores. Consider moving bikes, scooters and other sporting equipment to the garage or a shed. Most play equipment can be cleaned with dish soap and a water hose. If you have a swimming pool, skim it regularly and make sure the water is clear and clean. When the pool is closed, don’t forget to remove debris from the cover.

Hardscaping

Your yard’s hardscape consists of all its hard elements: walkways, patios, fences, etc. Make sure all of the existing structures are in good repair. Replacing cracked paving stones and painting the fence are fairly easy ways to freshen up an outdoor space. If you would like to add to your yard’s hardscape, a service such as masonry Avon MA can help you choose practical and decorative structures that can enhance your yard’s usability and appearance.   

Softscaping

The softscape of a yard includes all of the living elements: grass, trees, flowers, etc. Keep your grass cut and your shrubs trimmed. Remove weeds as needed. Choose plants that complement your overall landscape and thrive in your area. The USDA Hardiness Zones map can help you determine which plants will do well in your yard. 

Any yard can be beautiful. The key is to begin with a clean and tidy area, then strike a balance between the hardscape and landscape. Too much hardscape can make your yard feel cold and commercialized, while too much softscape can make it seem overgrown.