Weather you buy or sell a home in one of the Denver neighborhoods, chances are the outside of the home is an impression you never forget. Well groomed landscapes affect the bottom line of the home prices. Typically, beautiful outdoor environments can fetch between 8-10% of the purchase price. Consider these tips that boost curb appeal:

1. Minimize the grass – especially the hell strip – the narrow strip of between the sidewalk and the street. Unkempt, barren strips are the first thing people see when they approach your property.

2. Plant Trees! Through Denver Digs Trees & The City, The Park People offer discounted & free trees for those who will plant in them along the parkways and hell strip. Old established trees need to be pruned and kept healthy. Check out theparkpeople.com

3. Work with what you have! Hire a landscape designer to identify what is valuable and what to discard. Have a big picture of the garden & tackle it area by area. A phased approach is always smart. Hire yourself, or students to turn soil, weed, & divide plants. Remember choosing the right plants are the secret to a garden transformation. Check out plantselect.org

4. Plant foundation plants first—trees, large shrubs & perennials. These materials frame the house, deck & walkways. Try fragrant shrubs or fall color specimens near windows & doorways. This will immediately welcome potential buyers!

5. Creating a landscape map with the type of plants in your garden tells the story of your investment & is a marketing tool.

6. A well planned landscape will decrease heating & cooling bills saving long term costs. It can also reduce unwanted noise & protect your asset from nosey neighbors or unsightly messes.

7. Make a statement - purchase a few significant planters. Place them near the entry ways and fill them full of colorful seasonal annuals!

8. Bring fresh cut flowers from the garden inside. Place them in the – entry, bathroom & bedside. Bringing the outside in denotes the importance of both spaces.

My favorite source for urban gardening tips? Urban Roots, located in the Golden Triangle at 10th & Acoma. Owner Diane Stahl provides horticultural solutions for small spaces. She’s serving Denver’s close in neighborhoods & city gardeners who have limited space but unlimited desire. They’re open from Monday- Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10 am – 6pm.