Most people think of winter as a pretty dour time, and not without reason. Your trees have since shed their leaves and most of your plants have gone dormant, so your garden may not be as colourful by then. However, just because the snow is falling and the days are a little greyer doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up your landscape.

Decorating your home’s interior does matter, but renovating the exterior is just as important. Whether you’re thinking of selling the house or just want to make it look nice during the holiday season, here are a few curb appeal ideas to make your home look striking.

  1. Clear the drivewayKeeping your driveway clean and well-maintained is one of your fundamental home-care tasks. Rake away any leaves left over from fall and patch up any cracks. Doing repairs does more than make the driveway look presentable; it’s also a good way to keep water from seeping into the concrete and causing further damage. While you’re at it, put away any toys, vehicles, and lawn equipment you normally keep in the area to make the space more orderly.One rule of thumb is put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. Keep in mind that buyers picture themselves walking into “their” home. Keeping the driveway clean helps buyers visualize themselves coming home to a clean house and makes them more amenable to a sale.
  2. Clean the front lawnOne good way to boost curb appeal during winter is to keep the yard clean. Remove any clutter and shovel away any snow from your walkway and driveway. Removing the snow also makes the paths safer, which helps when you’re showing off the house to buyers or guests.For shrubbery near the walkway, trim it back to ensure icy spots on the walkway get some sun. Get some help from a licensed arborist for proper shrub and tree pruning to ensure your plants stay healthy. For those in warmer climes, add some coloured mulch or gravel to keep the weeds at bay and add a splash of colour to the yard. In colder areas, create some contrast with potted evergreen plants or artificial shrubs to brighten the front entryway.

Keep your garage organized

  1. Organize your garageA neatly organized garage can say plenty about how the rest of your home has been maintained. Bring some order to your garage to make a good impression on visitors. Add some shelves and reorganize your boxes to free up space and make the interior look larger. Many buyers may be interested in some garage space for DIY projects, so it pays to make the garage look large and inviting. Clean any clutter on the floor and remove any oil or paint stains you find. While you’re at it, organize your tools and lawn equipment by placing them on storage hooks and in tool cabinets after you’ve taken them inside.

Set up lights in strategic locations outside to set the scene

  1. Add outdoor lightingWintertime means less daylight, which can make it a challenge to light up the house and make it look more inviting. Install some lights to make the house look cheerier and more festive to counter the darker, shorter days. Strategically placed lights can do plenty to entice guests and buyers to take a peek inside. You can also take advantage of exterior elements like trees to hang up more lights. Set up some hanging lights to illuminate the yard and cast a warm glow over areas that would normally stay dark. These lights can work well if you decide to host outdoor events.Get some help from a licensed arborist to ensure you install the lights without harming yourself or your tree. All these lights also add to your security, making it easier to deter intruders and make the house more secure.

Install festive decor to get in the spirit of the holidays

  1. Decorate for the holidaysA little seasonal decor is a great way to embrace the holiday season and get into the spirit of things. Even a few decorations can make a large impact and entice your guests (or buyers) to take a look inside. Think about adding some holiday lights to a tree or putting a wreath on the door to make the house a little more festive.In case you’re selling your home, it usually pays to be more conservative when it comes to decor. You may not be sure about your buyer’s tastes regarding holiday decorations, so err on the side of caution and keep things simple but tasteful.

Repaint your door to add some colour to your home

  1. Repaint the front doorYour front porch and door are more than just an entrance; they’re the centrepiece of the house’s curb appeal. Take advantage of this part of the house to set the scene for the rest of the house. The easiest thing you can do is spruce up the front door with a fresh coat of paint. Bold, cheery colours are a good fit here, especially if they set the tone for the house’s interior design.Another thing you can do is add some lanterns and lights around the door to brighten up the area and make guests feel welcome before ever stepping inside. You don’t need to stop at the door, however. New address number plates, light fixtures, and doormats can make a world of difference in making your home look fresh and inviting.

Winter-resistant flowers are a great way to add some appeal

  1. Plant some winter-blooming plantsGardening isn’t usually on most people’s minds during winter, but there are some plants that can thrive at that time of year. Think about using some curb appeal landscaping ideas to bring a little colour back to the yard if your winter is a little too grey for your tastes.Look into shrubs that bloom in winter. Plants like camellia, winter jasmine, and huckleberry are good choices that can make the landscape pop in an otherwise dreary season. If the weather allows, you can also plant some cold-resistant flowers to spice up your yard. Pansies, calendula, and ideal violets are great for adding more colour to contrast the gray and white of winter.

First impressions always matter. Good curb appeal is key to making the right impression on visitors, particularly when you’re looking to sell your house. Keep these winter landscaping tips in mind to make sure your home’s exterior stays appealing and attractive. Even if you aren’t selling, it helps to make your home look warm and inviting, and all the more so if you’re having guests over for the holidays.

Taking proper care of your trees is another chore for any homeowner, but sometimes you could use a helping hand. Dave Lund Tree Service & Forestry Co. LTD. is here to help with all your tree service needs, from tree removal to pruning. Give us a call now at (905) 884-0511 (Richmond Hill) or (905) 775-1020 (Brampton) for a comprehensive tree care package.