Fall Home Projects That Deliver Spring Curb Appeal

This content was originally published on Thumbtack.com.

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Curb appeal isn’t only a warm-weather priority. Your home’s wow factor starts in the fall. The key to your dream yard is preparation. Many outdoor upgrades, like lawn aeration, overseeding, fertilizing, and weeding, require long-term tackling. Whether refreshing your space or preparing to sell, we spotlight the top fall home improvement projects that will set you up for success come spring. Plus, we reveal the top ten U.S. cities with standout properties. Read on!

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Fall Upgrades for a Spring-Ready Yard

Want the best-looking lawn on the block? Then autumn is your starting line. If you haven’t begun prepping your outdoor spaces, you’re already playing catch-up. Not to worry, though! With a few quick tips, you’ll be back on track to achieving a flawless yard by the time the trees begin to bud.

Here are the top fall projects to take on for a stunning home exterior next year:

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1. Overseed and aerate your lawn.

Aeration and overseeding are essential for a lush lawn in the sunny seasons. Puncturing the ground, or aerating it, helps deliver vital nutrients deep into the soil, while overseeding (spreading fresh grass seed over existing grass) fills in bare or thin patches to improve lawn density.

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2. Prune shrubs, trees, and perennials.

Keep trees and shrubs looking tip-top with regular trimming. Autumn is also the ideal time to cut back dried perennials to make room for fresh growth in springtime. While you’re at it, assess any trees near rooftops or power lines—proactive pruning now can prevent costly damage and disasters later.

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3. Fertilize and weed your lawn.

You don’t need a green thumb to know that weeds can be a nightmare. In fact, according to Thumbtack data, 47% of homeowners cite weeding as one of their greatest stressors, primarily because weeds must be dealt with continuously (every two to six months). Spare yourself the headache by getting a head start on weed removal this year. Bonus: “Weed and feed” fertilizers will give you double for your trouble—improving your lawn while eliminating weeds.

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4. Winterize your sprinkler system.

Before temperatures drop, be sure to winterize your irrigation system. Frozen pipes can burst if not properly shut down, leading to pricey repairs. And if your sprinkler system runs on a timer, don’t forget to switch it off or set it to standby mode.

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5. Rake leaves and clean gutters.

Trapping too much moisture in your lawn can cause severe damage. To avoid drowning your yard, rake and dispose of leaves and brush to ensure adequate hydration. Leaves can also clog your gutters, which should be cleaned twice yearly to safeguard your drainage system and the structural integrity of your roof.

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Budgeting for Fall Home Maintenance

Run-of-the-mill outdoor upgrades can cost anywhere from $850 to roughly $3,400 on average, according to Thumbtack data, depending on the project size and type. Adding an extra 10% to 20% cushion for unexpected mishaps or issues is always a good idea. Overall, homeowners should budget anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for routine lawn and outdoor maintenance.

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For DIYers, small jobs like mowing, fertilizing, weeding, and raking are a cinch. However, it’s best to call the pros for more demanding duties like gutter upkeep and tree trimming to avoid expensive and dangerous mistakes. Bundling home projects with lawn care professionals can also help you save money in the long run.

While prepping your lawn is essential, fall is also the perfect time to focus on outdoor weatherization projects. To protect against winter weather and keep moisture out, caulk gaps, seal your deck, and add insulation around doors and windows.

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Top 10 U.S. Cities Leading the Way in Outdoor Upgrades

Based on data from our partner, Thumbtack—a technology company connecting millions of people to local home service pros—we’ve identified the top U.S. cities leading the charge in exterior upgrades. Southern metros dominated, with Texas, Virginia, and North Carolina earning two slots on the list.

Here are the top 10 U.S. cities boasting the best curb appeal:

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Knock Out Your Fall Projects and Save with TownSq + Thumbtack

Fall is the time to invest in your home’s exterior. Get a leg up on lawn care, landscaping, weatherproofing, and seasonal maintenance to boost value, comfort, and curb appeal.

Ready to conquer your to-do list? Book a local home service professional in TownSq for a $50 rebate on your first Thumbtack reservation. Log in to TownSq Community and head to Offers to browse pros near you!