According to RE/MAX Metro realtor Estelia Mesimer, a lush green lawn not only improves the look of a property, but helps to increase its value. Similar to a fresh coat of paint or updated fixtures, a well-maintained lawn will boost curb appeal and help potential buyers fall in love with your home at first sight.

While most popular major home renovations such as kitchens and bathrooms offer 75% to 100% return on your investment (ROI), because of the low costs and high value of lawn care, simple lawn maintenance typically results in a 100% to 200% ROI for home sellers.

Lawn Care Projects from The Lawn Doctor

Fertilization
The key to keeping your lawn healthy and green is regular fertilization with nutrient-rich materials. In particular, your lawn needs a steady diet of nitrogen, which fertilizer provides. Without it, your lawn is vulnerable to weeds, disease and dead grass. Because of its low cost and visual appeal, fertilization often has the highest ROI of any lawn improvement project.

Regular and Proper Watering
Water your grass three times per week – this includes rainfall. The most effective time to water is generally morning, when you will lose the smallest amount of water to wind drift and evaporation. Keep in mind that too much water interferes with healthy grass growth and makes the lawn susceptible to pests and diseases.

Regular and Proper Mowing
Take the time to learn how often and under what conditions your lawn should be mowed to keep your lawn at its healthiest. For example, knowing the ideal cutting height for the type of grass you have is very important. Keeping the height in check also means you’re clipping off weed seed heads before they can mature and seed your lawn.

Weed Control
You want to be able to enjoy your lush, green lawn, without unsightly weeds taking up your view and eating up your lawn’s nutrients. However, one size does not fit all when it comes to weed prevention and removal. You need to know what type of weeds you’re battling, and whether they are annual or perennial. Annual weeds can grow multiple times in one year, while perennial weeds establish roots in your lawn and can last for multiple seasons. Perennials need to be removed entirely, including the full roots, or they will just keep on growing.

Estelia Mesimer reminds sellers that spending money on a few landscaping projects can have a big impact. For example, installing outdoor lights. They are easy to install, low in cost, and pleasing to the eye. Outdoor lighting has been named “essential” by 41% of home buyers in a recent survey. Trees and shrubs play a major part in your home’s curb appeal. They add value to your home in a number of other ways, including protecting your lawn from storm runoff and reducing your home’s energy costs by providing shade.

Landscaping Projects

Front Garden
A well-kept garden is a great way to beautify your home. While some gardens can be costly and time-consuming to maintain, a good landscaper or garden center can help you choose native plants that can be maintained with little work and at a low cost. Don’t forget mosquito control – mosquitoes can be a major turnoff for potential buyers.

Add a Deck or Patio
Adding a deck or patio can increase your enjoyment of your outdoor spaces and is likely to improve your property value. Although a deck requires a larger financial investment, it often adds more to resale value than a patio does.

Bottom Line: Lawns are appealing to buyers not only because they are aesthetically pleasing, but because they extend the living area of a home by providing an ideal setting for outdoor recreation, entertainment and relaxation.

Related Links
The Big Book of Garden Designs: More Than 110 Complete Landscaping Plans for Every Garden Space, by Marianne Lipanovich and Tom Wilhite
The Homeowner’s Complete Tree & Shrub Handbook: The Essential Guide to Choosing, Planting, and Maintaining Perfect Landscape Plants, by Penelope O’Sullivan (Author), Karen Bussolini (Photographer)

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one and are thinking of selling, talk to The Mesimer Team.

St. Petersburg Communities

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle