A well-maintained yard does more than look nice. According to SFGate, good landscaping can raise a home's value by as much as 12.7%. Even so, plenty of sellers put it off, assuming spring is the only time worth tackling yard work.

Spring is ideal for certain plantings, but lots of landscaping projects can be done in the heat of summer, and some you could knock out this weekend. Here are four ways to make a big impact.

1. Tidy Up What's Already There

Start with the basics. Pull out annuals that have been scorched by the sun, weed the garden beds, and mow the lawn with your blade set a little higher so the grass holds on to more moisture.

Next, spread fresh mulch. It keeps the soil cooler, holds back weeds, and instantly makes the yard look cared for. Just keep it pulled back from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent root rot.

Hold off on pruning trees in August. That's when they start getting ready for dormancy, and cutting them back strips away nutrients they need and leaves them more open to pests. There are a few exceptions:

  • You live somewhere with a year-round growing season, like Florida or California
  • The tree has dead branches
  • A limb could be dangerous in high winds or a storm
  • An arborist has given you the go-ahead

2. Plant What the Season Allows

What you can plant depends on your gardening zone. Queen Palms do well in Arizona, and across much of the South, Crepe Myrtles are already in full bloom. For most of the country, hardy options like kale, marigolds, alyssum, and evergreens deliver quick results.

Stop by a local nursery to see what's ready to go in the ground now. Late-season clearance sales can help your budget go further. If you have room in a side or back yard, you can even start a fall vegetable garden with cucumbers, beans, squash, lettuce, spinach, and radishes.

3. Invest in Hardscaping

Hardscaping covers all the non-living parts of your yard: retaining walls, stone walkways, fountains or ponds, outdoor lighting, decks, and driveways. It improves the look of your property without much upkeep, which appeals to buyers who don't want to spend weekends tending elaborate gardens. A few ideas:

  • Stone edging around easy-care shrubs
  • A patio laid with attractive pavers
  • Decorative millwork
  • A fresh coat of paint on an existing porch
  • Outdoor lights that spotlight your home's architectural details

Decorative stone and gravel are another easy upgrade. Options include crushed seashells, smooth river rock, polished pebbles, volcanic rock, and colorful tumbled glass, which looks especially nice around fire pits and ponds.

4. Create an Instant Garden With Containers

Potted plants give you the look of an established garden right away, with far less work than planting a tree. The pots themselves add style, too. Concrete planters, for example, have a modern feel, especially when filled with sculptural succulents.

If you want your container garden to last, ask a local nursery for recommendations. A good rule of thumb is to pick plants rated for two zones colder than yours, since pots don't insulate roots as well as the ground does. Greenery tends to be more forgiving than flowering plants. Yucca and boxwood, for instance, grow well across a wide range of zones.

A Little Yard Work Can Pay Off

Buyers gravitate toward homes with well-kept landscaping over those that look neglected. Even small efforts like fresh mulch or a few container plants can make a difference when it's time to sell. If you're getting ready to list, reach out and I'll help guide you through the process.