This Old House

Bang-for-the-buck projects

Most homeowners focus first on interior upgrades, which means it can take years to find the money to whip a yard into shape. But there are smart, easy-on-the-wallet moves you can make to deliver a big impact. It starts with upkeep. “You’d be surprised what a boost to curb appeal you get from simply pressure-washing and decluttering,” says TOH landscape contractor Jenn Nawada. So begin by approaching your yard with a visitor’s fresh eye, and tackle the to-do list of simple fixes, like pruning away dead plant material, freshening up outdoor furnishings, and touching up paint, as needed.

Then turn your attention to what’s missing: Are there bare areas in planting beds? Does your yard lack color

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