10 steps to beautiful landscaping

When taking care of the lawn and garden become overwhelming, break your task list down into the basics. Take care of the obvious tasks like mowing and raking, first. Then run through the following checklist to make sure your house looks as great on the outside as it does inside.

1. Remove leaves and sticks. A chipper or shredder can convert most small lawn debris to usable compost.

2. Prune dead or diseased limbs from trees and shrubs.

3. Clean up any edging that has started to look ragged from contact with mower blades or encroaching turfgrass. A power edger can quickly create clean lines.

4. Wash the driveway. Seal an asphalt drive if needed and if you have time. Concrete drives can be sealed, patched or cleaned also.

5. Clean the house itself, including brick or siding that are mildewed and areas of the foundation where rain may have splashed up mud. A pressure washer can make quick work of a cleaning job. Make sure you use the proper nozzle to avoid damaging siding. Use the washer to clean gutters and downspouts, too (inside and out).

6. Add a new layer of mulch to the planting beds and paths. For an even quicker fix, stir up the existing mulch to make it look fresh.

7. Add clay pots and other attractive containers with in-season flowering or foliage plants. These will help to draw the eye away from the spots you'd rather not have people looking at.

8. Clean and seal your deck, especially if you are hosting any outdoor gatherings.

9. Install low-voltage lighting for security and to highlight your home's best features.

10. Build simple enclosures for the "service" areas such as trash cans and utilities. Lattice or fence panels can be installed relatively quickly.

Source: Lowe's Home Improvement