Outdoor Lighting

Lights that lead to your entryway welcome guests after dusk while also increasing their safety. Soft exterior lighting also makes your home appear more inviting and friendly, and it can emphasize landscaping and any other features you want to call out to anyone approaching your front door. Plus, the lights improve security by reducing dark spots near your house.  Solar lights are perfect for sidewalks and paths since they don’t require running electrical cable or the use of extension cords, don’t use any electricity from the house, and are easy to install—you just stick them in the ground. They provide a pleasant ambiance that’s not too bright. Most solar lights have a run time of at least six hours.

Plant Annual Flowers
Flowers along the sidewalk, in front of the house, inside flower boxes, pouring out of hanging baskets, or even in berms and raised garden beds provide a giant boost to your curb appeal. Planting flowers is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to make a big impact. Get recommendations from your local nursery on what plants and flowers thrive in your area. Just because a neighborhood garden center sells particular plants doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for your region. Sticking with perennials will eliminate the need to buy and plant new flowers every year.

Cover Up Dead Spots
The problem with robust trees is that their constant shade, along with their roots hungrily grabbing water and nutrients from the soil, kills the surrounding grass and leaves unsightly dead spots in the lawn. Instead of fighting an unending battle to restore the grass, make life easier on yourself and improve the yard’s appearance by planting flowers around the base of the tree that thrive in shade.  Or, for an even easier solution, apply mulch around the tree base. Covering the dead spots next to trees will make your entire yard look healthier. Mulch also helps retain moisture for the roots, but don’t apply it too thickly or it can suffocate the roots and provide a home for pests. About two inches of mulch is all you need to prevent weeds and provide cover.
Please read the next issue of The Magazine of Santa Clarita for the continuation of this article.