Tips for Entering a Neighborhood Yard Contest

Want to have the best looking yard in the neighborhood? It's not exactly an easy task, however a great looking yard will not only win the neighborhood yard contest it will increase your home curb appeal and increase your home value. Yard contests usually concentrate on design, colors and landscaping. Winning the blue ribbon will take a lot of planning and hard work. Here are 10 tips for homeowners who are looking to enter the neighborhood yard contest.

1. Do some research and plan ahead - Go for a walk around the neighborhood and scope out the competition. Get some ideas of how you want to design your landscaping. Plan and design everything out on paper before you start the actual landscaping process. You don't want to start digging up your yard only to change your plans in the middle of the project. You'll save time and money by planning ahead.

2. Water and fertilize your grass - Water the grass, but don't over water. Over watering can cause problems as well as drought. Also fertilize at appropriate times. You could damage your lawn by fertilizing it during hot dry months. You'll want to start this process well in advance of the competition.

3. Trim the grass to the appropriate height - The most important part of your yard is your grass. Since it makes up the majority of your yard you want it looking it's best. Not only should you water and fertilize your grass appropriately but you should cut it appropriately as well. Most experts agree that grass should not be cut too short. A recommended height is around 2.5 and 3 inches. It not only looks better when it's taller but it keeps the grass healthy as well.

4. Prune trees and shrubs - Nothing looks worse when it comes to landscaping as over pruned or under pruned bushes and shrubs. Trim all landscaping to the appropriate height so it's looking it's best.

5. Make sure to mulch your shrubs and trees - Mulching helps to retain moisture and prevents evaporation. New mulch also makes your shrubs, flowers and trees look their best for the big day.

6. Clean up the sidewalks and driveways with a broom - It may sound easier to spray off the sidewalks and driveways with a water hose, but it not only wastes water but also makes grass clippings clump and look messy.

7. Don't overdo decorations - It may be tempting to display a bunch of yard decorations but be careful, too many decorations and yard art can cause your yard to look tacky. You're not trying to win most tacky award you want the blue ribbon.

8. Color makes a difference - Don't be afraid to use colorful floral arrangements in your flower gardens. Color plays an important part in a yard contest, just be sure your colors compliment each other. Again do some research here and take a look around the neighborhood and surf the Internet.

9. Pull the weeds - Weeds are a horrible eye sore to any yard or flowerbed. Take a few extra minutes to pull every weed from your flower gardens and grass and you will have a prized yard.

10. Consider searching for some landscape design software or ask an expert - If you're going to win this competition you want to use all resources you have handy. There are many free and commercial landscape and yard design software programs available. Many can be downloaded for free or on a trial basis. You may also want to consider a professional opinion if the contest involves big prize money.