This Summer, Have the Best-looking House on the Block

During the summer, everyone wants to go outside. That means your backyard will turn into the family playground, and your front yard will be seen by everyone who passes by. Here are four ways to make sure your house will be the envy of the neighbors.

Lawn

There is something calm and inviting about a lush green lawn. Lawns not only look cool, but they can actually reduce the temperature in your home by several degrees, so they are an essential part of a great summer. Start with general clean up. Remove stray branches, leaves and debris. If it snows in your area, you may be surprised what has been hiding under snowdrifts and in corners. Follow the cleaning phase with aeration and fertilization, then pest and weed control.

Lawns require constant care: mow and trim the edges at least once a week, adjusting according to climate and temperature. Hot spells call for taller grass and increased watering. However, if you water too much, you may end up with mold or mushrooms. Maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn can be challenging and time consuming. You may want to invest in professional lawn care services to save you heartache and frustration throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Hardscape

If you want to boost your curb appeal, it may be time to rethink the hardscape. Adding pavers, decorative fencing and some well-placed planters can improve the overall look of your home. Identify a focal point and use it to inspire all the elements of the front yard. Emphasize a cottage-style house by using cobblestones on the driveway and creating a flagstone path to the front door. Draw attention to a striking red front door by flanking it with red brick pillars or crimson planters. If you love your front yard waterfall feature, surround it with boulders and a decorative bridge. Whatever you choose, keep your hardscape in good shape. Nothing looks quite as shabby as cracked pavers, stained concrete and a broken fence.

In your backyard, your hardscape plans may include an entertaining space, complete with outdoor kitchen, seating area and firepit. A deck or patio is a must. It is often worthwhile to splurge on materials, as the back deck will get a great deal of use. Use composite decking material for the best wear and easiest maintenance.

Softscape

While the hardscape is necessary to define and anchor your outdoor design, the softscape is needed to soften and enrich it. The living elements — plants, lawn, trees, vines — make up the softscape. The key to a successful softscape is to start with the largest elements, the trees. If you are fortunate, you already have trees; if not, plant some. Trees are beneficial to the air and soil, as well as being beautiful. State universities almost always offer free advice about which trees should thrive in your area. Local nurseries are also great resources.

Once you have planted a tree or a group of them, move to shrubs and other greenery. Tall hedges offer privacy and help define a space. Hostas and other shade-loving plants thrive under trees and around tall structures such as houses and fences. Be sure to leave room for colorful flowers. Install raised planter beds around walkways and porches, then fill with flowering annuals. Experiment with new blooms each year until you find the perfect combination.

House

Finally, make sure your house is as appealing as your yard. Clean out gutters and replace any shingles or roof tiles that may have been damaged in winter storms. Use a power washer to clean the exterior walls and windows. Take a weekend to make small repairs and install updated lighting fixtures. If the exterior paint is beginning to show wear but you are not ready to repaint the whole thing, freshen up the look by giving the trim a new coat. Feel like a little extra oomph? Add personality by swapping out your drab front door. Paint it a fun color or replace it with a striking new style.