Your yard is the first thing people see when they come to your home. Whether you're expecting party guests, potential buyers, or friends and family, it needs to look appealing. Unfortunately, changing weather conditions and other problems can take their toll on your lawn.

Here are five easy steps for ensuring your yard looks great, year-round:

1. Choose the right grass.

Different grasses grow better at different times, in different climates, and in different soils. Talk to your local gardening store and find a hearty grass that will thrive under your local weather conditions, and do well in your particular soil. If you really want to go the extra mile, you might consider using two different types of grass, one for the summer and one for the winter, and switching them up throughout the year.

2. Add plants.

Grass isn't everything. Trees, flowers, bushes, and decorative planters can add color and character to your yard. But again, be aware of the seasons. Choose a variety of seasonal plants that bloom at different times, so your yard will look great no matter what the weather.

3. Water regularly.

Using manual sprinklers to water your yard is a good start, but remember that different plants and different areas of your yard need different amounts of water. Certain times of day and weather conditions are preferable for watering, too.  Since most people are too busy to babysit their lawns from spring through fall—especially during vacations and long weekends—automatic sprinkler systems are becoming a popular solution. You may be surprised how impactful an installed irrigation system can be.

4. Address bare spots and dying plants.

Patches of dead grass detract from all your lawn-care efforts. Even in gorgeous yards, our eyes are drawn to the imperfections: bare spots, scorched grass, and spindly shrubs. These things are bound to happen from time to time, and there’s always a reason. Sometimes plant problems stem from pets or pests. Your yard might need more water or better drainage.  Whatever the outdoor challenge, an expert can advise you about causes and solutions.

5. Spend time on upkeep.

Of all five easy steps for ensuring your yard looks great year-round, this is the most important. But a lot of people don't commit to it. To keep your yard attractive, you need to spend time on regular weeding, mowing, feeding, and more. You should also treat it with pesticides, to keep aphids and other bugs away. These are relatively easy tasks, but they can also be time-consuming. If you don't have the time to maintain a project like this, you might want to hire a landscaper to help you out.

These five easy steps for ensuring your yard looks great year round are just the beginning. There are plenty of other ways to make a great impression with your yard. It all depends on how much time and effort you want to put into it. Good luck!