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Blooming flower bushes, lush hedges, freshly trimmed grass—they’re pillars of curb appeal, and yet, for those of us in cooler climates, fleeting. Autumn brings brown lawns and lots of raking, but true yard work? Not so much. Well, don’t lock up the garden shed just yet. According to a new report from Thumbtack on the U.S. cities with the best curb appeal of 2024 (and the projects people are booking the most in the fall), there is still plenty to be done. And the projects you tackle now will only help boost your curb appeal in the spring.
Here’s a look at the 12 tasks you can do this season to elevate your outdoor space, plus how much they’ll cost you if you hire them out.
- Aerating lawn ($242)
- Overseeding lawn ($277)
- Fertilizing lawn ($257)
- Gutter cleaning ($235)
- Leaf cleanup ($222)
- Outdoor insect control ($248)
- Pressure washing ($362)
- Shrub trimming ($326)
- Sprinkler system ($152)
- Tree trimming ($782)
- Weeding ($209)
- Window cleaning ($264)
Tally that up and you’ll find that the average cost of a fall exterior revamp comes to $3,756. Of course, you don’t have to take on every last job mentioned above. The first five are the most crucial, says Thumbtack. Overseeding and aerating your lawn allow nutrients to sink into the soil and improve your grass coverage; pruning perennials promotes healthy new growth next year; and getting into those gutters ensures the integrity of your roof stays sound. Luckily, you’re probably familiar with the last one: becoming best friends with your rake to avoid moisture getting trapped in your lawn. Because when 71% of people admit to judging their neighbors’ yards, you don’t want to be that house on the block come March.