Your home’s yard and outdoor aesthetic can be almost as important as the inside of your house. Great curb appeal creates a welcoming environment for guests and adds to your home’s overall value. In this article, Jennifer Miree Cope explains four great ways to make your home look great on a budget.
1. Install Window Boxes
Window boxes are a charming detail for any home type. They add visual detail without overwhelming the other elements of your home. These boxes also allow you to express your personal style, as you can fill them with any type of plant or flower.
Window boxes are highly customizable, can be easily changed, and are inexpensive. They can be easily installed as a DIY project with a yard sign during a single weekend. If you don’t have time for DIY, hiring a professional to install them can still fit within your budget.
2. Plant a Tree or Two
If your yard lacks visual interest, a simple way to add curb appeal on a budget is to plant a tree or even a cluster of trees. Many homeowners associate planting or moving trees with a big budget, but this doesn’t have to be the case.
Visit your local garden center or home improvement store — you may be surprised to find how affordable a young tree is. Planting a young tree in your yard can take a bit of work, as you need to make room for it to root and give it time to grow. However, the process can be incredibly rewarding, and it can add lifelong value to your home.
Take some time to consider what type of tree complements your home the best. Jennifer Miree Cope also recommends consulting with a local gardening professional to make an informed choice that will work for you in the long term.
3. Replace Mulch
It only takes a season or two for mulch to become worn down and dull. You’d be surprised what a few bags of mulch can do to liven up your yard. The great thing about mulch is you can make a little go a long way.
If you are on a budget, it doesn’t take much to do a quick refresh to your landscaping. New mulch can transform your yard and make it look new and fresh with just a few hours of work.
4. Add Texture
If you don’t have the budget to re-do the landscaping in your yard, work with what you’ve got by adding texture. Adding a rock, stone, or mulch border to your existing landscaping or walkways can provide a lot of visual detail without a big investment.
Many homeowners stay away from detailing because they are intimidated by the work. However, laying stone or rock is more simple than you may think, and it is one of the most affordable ways to add visual detail to your yard.
About Jennifer Miree Cope
Jennifer Miree Cope graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1985 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Renowned for her passion and talent as a landscape designer, Jennifer’s associates often praise her for being organized and thorough. When not hiking in the mountains of North Carolina, attending University of Alabama sporting events, or exercising, Jennifer is often volunteering with one of the many charitable endeavors supported by Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama: STAIR tutoring, Holiday House, or the Children’s Fresh Air Farm.
