Create Curb Appeal on a Budget

We're flashing back this Friday to Ashley's post about how to get back your home’s curb appeal without breaking your back...or the bank.

Work with what you have

Improving your landscape starts with what you already have. Taking the time to weed beds, to trim the bushes and trees, and to repair dead spots in your lawn will immediately improve the look of your lawn and gardens. If you have a plant or tree that isn’t doing well, talk with your local garden center or nursery to find out if there is something you can do to revive it. Once everything is clean and healthy you may find adding a few flowers will make your space perfect for the season.

Start small

If you want to get started but don’t want to bite off more than you can chew with a major landscaping project, start with container gardens and window boxes. This is a great way for beginners, busy homeowners, or those with small spaces to really brighten up their surroundings. Because they are small, they are less expensive to fill and less work to maintain, yet they offer a wonderful pop of color to your front porch, deck, window, fence, or even around your mailbox or lamp post. Garden centers usually sell prearranged containers which are lovely, but you can also do it yourself and save some money. You can search YouTube to find videos or read some gardening blogs to get the most out of container gardening. There are hundreds of hints and tutorials on how to arrange them, what plants work best, and how to keep it healthy.

Start with seeds

Buying seeds and starting them inside is far less expensive than buying plants at a garden center or green house. On the other hand it is more work, but you can make it fun! Get the family involved. What kid doesn’t like getting their hands dirty? I know my children have a great time helping me plant and they are really adamant about making sure I remember to water the seedlings. Also, if stored correctly some seeds can last for years  - so this could be something you can benefit from for years to come. You can start a network of friends, family and neighbors that may be interested in swapping some seeds or plants they have started. This can be a great way to meet new people and get more tips while expanding your plant collection for little to no cost.

Create your own path

If you are ready to sculpt your lawn with a path or walkway there are some great ways to create the look you want for less. For example, if there is a landscape stone that you love but can’t afford to fill a path with it, try lining the walkway with the stone you love and filling in the middle with gravel or pea rock. Doing the work yourself will also help to reduce your cost.

Make a plan and take your time

Before you start your projects plan out exactly what you want to do. Do your homework and ask questions so you know the time and money you are putting into these projects are well spent. Make sure you are getting the right plants, trees and shrubs for the amount of light, the type of soil and climate you have. Then, take it one project at time and enjoy every accomplishment. Because with every step you are making your home a little more you!

Want some unbiased budgeting advice on other ways to save money or pay off debt? Call LSS Financial Counseling today at 888.577.2227 or go to our website. Our Financial Counselors will provide ideas and tangible steps for you to improve your financial situation. You can do it!

Author Ashley Hagelin is a Certified Financial Counselor with LSS Financial Counseling, and she specializes in Reverse Mortgage Counseling and home improvement projects.