Key takeaways
- Get the garden tidy before the listing photos, not just before the first open home.
- Trim hedges and shape trees, but keep enough growth for privacy.
- Clear clutter and green waste so outdoor spaces look usable.
Start before the photographer arrives
Listing photos stay online for the whole campaign, so the garden needs to be ready before they're taken. OneRoof points out that a tired lawn looks even worse in photos. Book any garden work a week or two ahead so there's time for a final tidy.
Trim hedges and shape trees
Neat, square hedges and tidy trees make a property look looked after. Cut out dead branches and shape anything overgrown, but don't take off so much that you lose privacy. Buyers value that too. Front hedges along the street are worth doing first because they're in nearly every exterior photo.
Clear the beds
Weed garden beds, cut back overgrown shrubs and clear out dead plants. A fresh layer of mulch makes beds look finished and keeps weeds down through the campaign.
Keep it simple
Many buyers want a garden that's easy to look after. A few healthy, well-kept plants look better than a lot of plants that need work. A little colour near the entrance helps, as long as it suits the house.
Clean hard surfaces
Paths, decks, driveways and fences can collect mould and grime. Cleaning them makes the property look fresher and safer for people walking through.
Get rid of the clutter
- Take away piles of clippings and green waste.
- Store tools, hoses and pots out of sight.
- Hide wheelie bins on open home days.
During the campaign
Keep the lawn mown and paths swept between open homes. A quick tidy before each one makes a difference.
Need a hand?
I can get your garden ready before the photographer arrives. I trim hedges, cut back overgrown plants, clear beds and take all the green waste away. See garden clean ups or get a free quote.