Put down that cup of tea, throw on a coat (and scarf), and head outdoors to take a good look at your house from the street. In the weak winter light, do you see room for improvement? Here are 11 foolproof ways to add winter curb appeal:
Give Trees a Haircut
Above: Photograph by Meg Nicol via Flickr.
1. Prune trees so their silhouettes frame the house instead of blocking it.
The best time to prune most trees is when they're dormant; it's easier to see the structure and shape of a tree when it doesn't have leaves.
When pruning, remove diseased or damaged branches first. Then prune for shape: remove low-hanging branches that obstruct views or hang over walkways or block access to driveways. Thin the crown to allow light and air circulation. For tips, see DIY: Pruning Trees in Winter and Expert Advice from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Fix the Gate
Above: Photograph by George Hodan.
2. Replace a broken gate latch. You know the one: it doesn't catch properly (hasn't for years, maybe) and it annoys you every time because the gate doesn't close unless you fiddle with the latch. Winter is the perfect time to take care of this problem because there's not much else in the garden to distract you from the task.
Above: For our favorite gate latches, see 10 Easy Pieces: Gate Latches.
Feed the Birds
Above: Photograph via Heidi in the Garden.
3. Plant a bird garden. There are plenty of birds around in the winter, and their bright plumage looks like jewelry against the snow. To lure them to your house, Plant a Winter Berry Garden with shrubs such as burning bush, snowberry, and bayberry.
Above: Photograph by Erin Boyle.
4. Get a birdfeeder. If you don't have space to plant a bird garden, you can still lure a few flashy feathered friends. Make an easy DIY: Grapefruit Birdfeeder with a hollowed-out half.
Above: For more ideas, see 10 Easy Pieces: Birdfeeders.
Replace Ugly House Numbers
Above: Photograph by Bo Wayne via Flickr.
5. Replace house numbers. Is there an ugly font above your door? Chances are it's more noticeable—and annoying—during winter months when you're not distracted by other colors and textures in the garden. It's an easy fix; for ideas, see our House Numbers archives for Modern House Numbers and Enamel House Numbers and Parisian Gilded House Numbers.
Above: For more ideas, see 10 Easy Pieces: Tile House Numbers.
Plant Snow Flowers
Above: Photograph via Mariaemb.
7. Plant hellebores in the garden. Sturdy early-blooming perennials, hellebores (also known as Lenten roses) thrive in snow. Plant a few clumps at the edge of the path for winter color. For our favorite pink, white, purple, and black varieties, see 5 Favorites: Hardworking Hellebores That Stand Up to Snow.
Stop Tracking Mud
Above: Photograph via .
8. Get a boot scraper. As Janet pointed out recently, "Sometimes doormats just aren't enough to tackle the mud that garden boots love to collect." See 5 Favorites: Iron Boot Scrapers.
Let There Be Light
Above: Photograph via Vibeke Design.
9. Leave your holiday lights up until February. Twinkly white lights will welcome you home—an excellent consolation prize for a lack of daylight.
Wear Winter White
Above: Photograph via Willowday.
10. Add seasonal decor. Take advantage of winter weather: put ice lanterns on the front steps or flank the front door with potted pine evergreens. For ideas, see DIY: Winter Ice Lanterns.
Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Above: Photograph by Erin Boyle.
11. Wash the windows. All that winter grit and grime is making it harder for weak sunlight to get indoors. For an all-natural window cleaner, see The Secret Ingredient for Streak-Free Windows.
For more winter design ideas, see:
- Espalier in the Winter Garden
- Ask the Expert: Winter Garden Tips from Stone Barns
- 5 Favorites: Add Color to the Winter Garden
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