How much should curb appeal projects cost?

Realistically: $200-$500 spread across a season covers most meaningful improvements. Beyond that, you start hitting diminishing returns unless you're doing structural work (new walkway, fence replacement).

What single change has the biggest impact?

Edging, defining the line between lawn and bed cleanly. Free if you do it by hand, $30-$50 for a basic edging tool. A crisply edged yard reads as well-maintained even if the rest is modest.

When's the best time to start?

Early spring or early fall. Spring lets the season's growth fill in your work. Fall is gentler on plants and gives you a head start for the next year.

How long should plants take to look established?

First-year plantings look sparse. Second-year fills in. Third-year looks mature. Patience is the main ingredient, buying mature plants is expensive and they often struggle more than smaller ones.

Does adding a garden flag really help?

More than people expect. A seasonal flag in a small holder beside the walkway signals that the yard has someone paying attention to it. Cheap, easy to swap monthly, and it makes the entry path feel curated rather than generic.

Curb appeal in 4 weekends: small changes that compound