By Jule’ Dunham
Greetings from the World of Real Estate with Julè. Today’s topic: Curb Appeal. Looks like spring has arrived early. Beautiful flowers are in bloom and grass is growing.
Tools are a very important part of your curb appeal. After all, without proper tools and proper maintenance of those tools it makes the job of lawn maintenance more difficult than it needs to be for you. So, now is a good time to get your yard equipment in shape if you have not already done so. Your lawnmower blades should be sharp and balanced for your grass to be cut properly. A sharp blade leads to a neater looking lawn. Shovels and clippers should already have been prepared for winter storage several months ago which makes them ready to use now for planting your new plants. Has the oil and filters been changed in the lawnmower and trimmer? Always clean and store your equipment in a dry enclosed area. Leaving your equipment in the outdoors will cause rust and other problems. Proper maintenance on these tools adds to the lifetime of the tool and fewer replacements. What does that mean to you? Money saved!
Hmmmm, let’s see what other equipment do we need to discuss. Of course, the most important equipment of all. YOU!! Gloves will help protect your hands from blisters and reduce other needless injuries. Water will keep you hydrated. Drinking soft drinks and other beverages with caffeine will only dehydrate your body and cause you other issues. Rest – proper rest is your friend. It helps you think more clearly and reduces strain on your body. Stretching before performing yard work may help reduce injuries and help you move more easily. There is simply no fun in a torn or strained muscle. A patio umbrella attached to a wheeled dolly can provide portable shade for you while you work in the sunny areas. My husband did just that and it works great.
Time for preparing those flower beds with your desired method of weed prevention. I prefer, weeding the beds, placing down sheeting and mulch to slow down and hopefully prevent weed growth.
If you have not chosen your flowers and/or vegetables to be planted, now is the time before the good healthy plants are no longer available at your favorite plant nursery. Planning your garden is helpful before you get to the nursery to make your purchases. First thing to do is measure the space you have available. Second is to evaluate your budget. Just how much money do you want to invest in your garden. Third, call 811 before you dig to prevent damaging any underground utilities. This is very, very important.
What size plants do you want? How much attention and time do you have to devote to the garden? Can you deal with the heat of the summer for garden maintenance? Do you have critters that tend to damage your plants? All these questions need to be addressed during the planning process.
Layering the small ones in the front of the bed and the tall plants along the back row will allow sunlight to get to the shorter ones and allow them to be seen better as well.
Do you want to plant trees and herbs this year? Consider what you like to eat and maybe you can grow it yourself. A garden of fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil and so forth is fantastic. You just can get it any fresher than your own back yard. Various fruit trees may be something to consider. Should you plant any type of tree(s) please be mindful to not plant them under power lines and consider if their roots may grow into your water lines. Be sure not to cut any underground cables, pipes or other lines that may be buried underground. Also, you will not want to plant any type of tree to close to your home. Planting a tree close to the home can possibly eventually cause roof and/or foundation damage. That is an expense no one wants to tackle.
A colorful garden and a well groomed lawn adds a great deal of curb appeal to your home which not only is pleasing to you, but to others who may be interested in purchasing your home should you wish to sell it in the near and distant future. It simply shows you care about your property and take pride in its appearance.
Now, get paper and pen and start planning how to improve the outward appearance of your home. You and everyone else will be glad you took the time for improvement.
Should you have a topic you would like addressed, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for reading my column and have a blessed week.
Here is your local realtor, Julè Dunham, signing off until next week.
Crye-Leike Realtors
Julè Dunham, Affiliate Broker, SRES, RENE. Contact her by phone at 901-828-8471 (cell) or 901-840-1181 (office) or by email to: [email protected] for an appointment to speak with you, your group or club.
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