How your lawn can sell your house

(NC)—The way your house looks from the street says a lot to prospective buyers. This is the all-important first impression.

If you're selling your house, the curb appeal should be a priority,” says Scott Ride at Husqvarna, the world's largest producer of outdoor power products. “A big percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house based on what it looks like from the outside. Proper maintenance and investing in the right tools will make sure your house and lawn look great at first glance.”

Ride supplies some additional tips from the pros:

Clean up, blow away and rake. 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 molding or decaying. Use a leaf blower or a rake. Don't rake the lawn until it has started to grow.

Act like a buyer. 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 5-9 cm you will have a fine, sustainable lawn.

Trim the hedges. The way to get a good-looking hedge always starts with the hedge cutters. Today, hedge trimming can be smooth and easy. Trimmers that are ergonomically balanced and lighter in weight are the perfect addition to any tool shed.

Clear away 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.

Trim the lawn. If you want your lawn to look really great, don't forget to trim the edges.

Install outdoor lighting. 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 www.husqvarna.ca.

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