When preparing to sell your home, you don’t always need to take on a big renovation. Sometimes, fall lawn care can be a simple place to start.
Even small yard improvements can make a difference. A clean, well-maintained lawn can make your home feel more cared for and leave a positive first impression on potential buyers.
That first impression matters. Research from LawnLove, the National Association of REALTORS®, and Virginia Tech found that 97% of real estate agents consider curb appeal important when attracting buyers.
For homeowners planning to list after winter, fall is a good time to get the lawn in shape.
Simple, affordable maintenance can keep your yard looking its best while preparing it for the next growing season.
A Little Lawn Care Can Go a Long Way
Before you start thinking about a major landscaping project, take a look at what your yard actually needs.
You may not need a new patio, elaborate garden or complete lawn replacement. Basic maintenance can make a noticeable difference without a major price tag.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, standard lawn care had an estimated 217% cost recovery.
The report estimated a cost of $415 for six seasonal lawn-care applications, with the NAR estimating about $900 in recovered value at resale.
These figures are estimates based on U.S. projects and won’t apply to every home. However, they make a good case for starting with simple maintenance before spending more on larger outdoor upgrades.
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks Worth Doing Before Winter
You don’t necessarily need to redesign your backyard before listing. In many cases, the better place to start is with the maintenance you’ve been putting off.
1. Keep mowing while the grass is still growing
You don’t necessarily need to redesign your backyard before listing. In many cases, the better place to start is with the maintenance you’ve been putting off.
2. Aerate compacted areas
Fall is a good time to aerate compacted soil. Aeration creates small openings that help water, air and nutrients reach the grass roots, giving your lawn better conditions to recover from summer and prepare for winter.
3. Overseed thin or bare patches
If your lawn has thin or bare spots, fall is a good time to overseed. Filling in these patches can also give your yard a fuller, healthier appearance.
4. Deal with fallen leaves
A layer of leaves can help return nutrients to your lawn when they’re mulched into small pieces. However, too many leaves left on the grass can block sunlight and air, potentially damaging the lawn. If the layer gets too thick, rake them up and clear them from your yard.
5. Tidy up garden beds and edges
A little cleanup can go a long way in making your yard look more polished. Clear out dead plants, remove weeds and tidy the edges of your garden beds. These small details can make the entire exterior of your home look more cared for, which can help create a better first impression for potential buyers.
6. Take care of small problems now
Fall is also a good time to address lawn problems before they become bigger, more expensive issues. Health Canada recommends practices such as proper mowing, aeration and overseeding to help maintain a healthy lawn. Taking care of these basics now can help keep your yard in good condition and prevent problems that could become noticeable when you’re ready to sell.
Give Your Home a Fall Refresh
Fall lawn care may not seem like a major home improvement, but small updates can go a long way toward keeping your property looking well-maintained and ready for the market. Taking care of your lawn now can also help prevent bigger issues down the road.
Thinking about selling? Connect with a Zoocasa agent to learn more about what you can do to improve your property’s value and make the most of your home when it’s time to list.
