curb appeal: I wish people would stop killing their trees... - 10/18/10 03:47 AM
While walking through our greenbelt this morning, I came across a home that has done some yard work in the last couple of weeks.  This particular update is fairly common, and one of the worst things you can do when it comes to the health of your trees:
Creating a raised bed around an established tree will likely choke the tree and kill it.
When a tree is planted, it is important to put it at the proper depth.  There is a point where the roots meet the trunk - this is sometimes called a Crown, or as I refer to … (8 comments)

curb appeal: Annuals? They should be called "Daily-ies"... - 09/08/10 04:01 AM
I was visiting a house in Round Rock last week for a Basic Stage Coaching and as I approached the front door, I scribbled on my notepad, "Too many pots... not enough flowers..." One of The Stage Coach's Greatest Hits: "Pots are OK - but they must have a live plant or flower." It's an easy rule: either put the pot in the garage or plant something new.
While discussing Curb Appeal with the homeowners, I brought up the pots.  One of the owners asked, "Should I plant some annuals?"
I smiled - I get this question a lot as almost … (1 comments)

curb appeal: So close... yet so far... - 07/23/10 06:17 AM
I had the pleasure of visiting a home yesterday for a Basic Stage Coaching service that was next door to a home I had worked on last November.  Going back to the same street after eight months wound up providing me with a good laugh. 
When I pulled up and exited the truck to take a picture of the facade, I noticed that the neighbor across the street had not done anything in their front yard since the last time I visited.  This is not unusual, were it not for the fact that they have left unopend bags of mulch in … (15 comments)

curb appeal: This question caught me off guard this week - 12/18/09 10:26 AM
Late last week, I ran out for a "Service Call" to help another Home Stager who needed some blinds hung and did not have the hardware.  While there, she told me all of the things they needed to get done before the home could go to market.  So I offered to throw my hat into the ring for some of the Exterior Maintenance items.  The home really needed some help with Curb Appeal.
I delivered a proposal for about a dozen different things that needed to be done on the Exterior, including, cleaning the gutters on the first level.  There was … (15 comments)

curb appeal: Listing next Spring? Start thinking about Curb Appeal NOW! - 09/10/09 04:53 AM
Not everyone has the luxury of taking six months to prepare their home for sale.  But I have to admit, I love working with them when they come along!
One thing I am pushing with this client is to start working on their curb appeal by planting next month.  In the Austin area, hopefully Summer will be turning down the heat a little before too long, and Fall Planting can begin.  This is a great time to put in new trees and shrubs so that they are well established before next year's 100+ degree heat.  And most importantly, you might get … (14 comments)

curb appeal: Are shorter days ruining your curb appeal? - 10/23/08 07:17 AM
As we enter the cooler season of the year, it quickly becomes apparent that the days are getting shorter.  It's like: one morning you open the door to go to work/school, and it is still pitch black outside.  Sunrise in Austin was listed at 6:39am this morning, and sundown is due at 5:51pm.  We used headlights for school drop off this morning, apx 7:30am so I am not sure where 6:39am comes from...
Believe it or not, these shortened day light hours can have an affect on your house's curb appeal.  Many buyers drive neighborhoods in the evening to see how … (8 comments)