Landscaping done right can put as much as 4 in your pocket for every 1 you spend, according to the Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS(R). So what are you waiting for?
Grab a shovel, and lets go.

#1 Mix Rocks with Bark Mulch
Front yard landscaping using rocks and mulchImage: Dundee Concrete & Landscaping Surrounding bark mulch with a rock moat makes for a tidy, everything-in-its-place yard. It also makes maintenance easier because mulch smothers weeds and keeps plant roots cool and moist. And the rock mulch next to your homes foundation is smart, because it keeps water away. Best of all, this is a simple landscaping idea to DIY: Put rubber garden edging along your beds. Put down weed guard. Pour bags of mulch and gravel in the beds. Done.

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#2 DIY Window Flower Boxes
Front yard window boxesImage: Molly Patton Design Window boxes are like jewelry for house, adding bling to the blah. If youre handy with tools, make your own, but you can also buy prefab ones and mount them yourself. Fill with plants, and your curb appeal improves at point five past light-speed. TIP: Leave an inch of space between the window flower box and the house to prevent moisture from destroying your siding.

#3 Build a Dry Stream
Dry stream landscaping in a front yardImage: Doughty Residence - Rancho Murrieta, Ca. Heres why we love dry rock streams: They add a touch of mountain-y rugged to your yard. They drain water away from the foundation of your house. They dont need to be mowed, watered, or fertilized. Oh, and its a simple two-step install: 1. Dig a trench. (Itll replace your cardio and strength workouts for the week, so prepare accordingly.) 2. Place the rocks.

#4 Build a Paver Path
Front yard paver pathwayImage: Custom Walkway by Stone Arch Landscapes, Minneapolis, MN Creating a path from the curb to your door to adds a civilized touch and makes your front yard feel designed. It also means less lawn to mow and weed. You can do this one yourself with pavers or bricks.

TIP: Choose a brick pattern with staggered edges to handle curves without the drag of cutting bricks.

#5 Light Your Walkways
Front yard walkway lightsImage: Rosann Kelley, photo/Outdoor Artisan, Inc., design and install The only thing better for your curb appeal than making a walkway is making a walkway and lighting it. LED lighting adds the most value, but you can DIY it with a solar lighting kit. Lighted walkways look very Architectural Digest, and theyll keep you from taking a header when youre bringing in the groceries.

#6. Plant Flowers and Trees
Flowers and trees in a front yardImage: Jude Parkinson-Morgan I want a yard devoid of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Said no one, ever. Adding plants (a.k.a. softscape) to your yard adds to your home value.Youll get every penny you spend on plantings back when you sell your house. So apparently money does grow on trees. Plants get more valuable as they get older, so take care of the tree saplings and azaleas you planted. Youre getting ROI as well as flowers and shade.

#7 Grow Grass
Front yard with lovely curb appealImage: A Dogs Life Photo/Getty If you do nothing else to your yard, plant a lawn or reseed a patchy one. Americans love lawns, so for every dollar you spend planting a lawn from seed, youll get more than 4 back when you sell your home. Its hard to beat a 400% return on an investment.