Preliminary Cleanup
Step1
Pick up all debris, toys, branches old pots and planters and everything else that doesn't belong in the front yard.
Step2
Pull out all the tall weeds and dead plants in flower beds, planters and window boxes.
Step3
Prune and trim any shrubs and plants to make them look neat throughout your landscape.
Step4
Mow the lawn and edge the flower beds.
Step5
Sweep the porch, steps, driveway and sidewalk.
Add The Finishing Touches
Step1
Purchase several bags of bark dust or mulch or have a load delivered if the area is large. Buy enough to cover all the front beds in a 2 to 3 inch depth to create a clean landscape.
Step2
Lay several thicknesses of newspaper on all the flower beds, entirely covering any remaining small weeds. If the flower beds look too small or are misshapen, use the newspapers to enlarge the area or change the shape of the bed.
Step3
Sprinkle the newspapers lightly with water to keep them in place.
Step4
Spread bark dust or mulch over all the newspaper in the flower beds, at least 2 to 3 inches thick, making sure to cover all the newspaper. Water the mulched beds to settle the dust and keep the bark in place.
Step5
Estimate how many small, blooming plants you will need to make the front yard look cheerful and full of color. Purchase potted plants, such as impatiens or petunias, making sure all of them are full of blooms and buds and are healthy-looking. Choose bright colors to give the landscape a bold punch.
Step6
Tuck the plants, pots and all, into the bark dust. Be sure the pots are completely hidden under the bark, and keep them well watered. If you keep the plants watered, they will bloom and thrive throughout the season, adding interest to your yard.
Step7
Paint the front door if it looks tired and worn using a new, bright color. Touch up the paint around windows, shutters, planters, pots and window boxes to give them a new look to compliment your landscape.
Step8
Keep the front lawn mowed and water it often to keep the grass green. Keep plants watered and don't forget to water the pots, planters and window boxes too. Stand back and admire your work and wait for prospective buyers!
