First impressions are often lasting impressions. For better or for worse, people form fast opinions about appearance, including your home’s appearance. Your front yard is the first thing people see when they arrive at your house, so it's worth your time to make it look great.

This is especially true if you're planning to sell your house. A little landscaping can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal and attract more prospective buyers. Here are a few tips on how a great-looking front yard can add value to your home.

Trees

A large, deciduous tree (one that loses its leaves in winter), such as an oak or willow, is a great way to increase your home's value. It's beautiful and inviting, majestically enhancing the scenery in your yard. But it's also practical. A well-placed tree provides shade for your home. That shade can help cut cooling costs by up to 20 percent. Then in the winter, it sheds its leaves, allowing sunshine to come through, keeping your home warmer.

If you're planning on selling your home in the near future, planting a tree probably won't help much, as it takes time to grow. But if you want to add value to your home long-term, an elm or maple in front is a great way to do it. But remember, as with any landscaping, it requires upkeep. Trim it annually to keep the branches from getting too unsightly and out of control.

Grass

Is your lawn overgrown with weeds? Threadbare, with large patches of dirt throughout? Your grass is a textbook example of how a great-looking front yard can add value to your home. A lush, even carpet of hearty grass makes your yard look picture perfect, and your home more desirable. But a bad lawn makes the whole rest of your house look run down and dilapidated, less welcoming, and less valuable.

Choose a grass that will thrive in your climate, and in your particular soil. Water it every day and add nutrients such as nitrogen and magnesium sulfate that will make it grow thicker and greener. Mow the grass regularly, but don't cut it too short. A lawn that's a little longer, around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches, generally grows better and is healthier. And most importantly, if you start to get bare patches, reseed them immediately.

Color

A few well-placed flowers and shrubs are a quick way to add color to your yard and value to your home. But choose the right ones. Install plants that will thrive in your particular soil. If you’re not sure when or how to install larger plants, consult a professional. There’s more to do than simply dig a hole.

These are just a few examples of how a great looking front yard can add value to your home. Remember: quality landscaping isn’t often a do-it-yourself project. Some yards have persistent problems related to drainage, soil quality, grading—things you can’t fix with a rake and a wheelbarrow. If you think your outdoor space needs a major overhaul, call experienced professionals for a consultation.