Spring is here, and that means blooming flowers, green grass and the return of yard work. If you are selling your home during the warm weather seasons ahead, it is important to spend some time sprucing up your home’s exterior.

The goal in creating a well-kept yard is to give potential buyers a positive first impression, while also making them feel that your property is easy to maintain. The following tips can help achieve these objectives:

• Prune overgrowth. Trees can hide a home’s best features if planted too close to the house or if they are allowed to grow unchecked. Be sure to remove any branches that touch the house, cover a window or block a path.

• Blast winter away. Use a power washer to remove the cobwebs, mold and dirt that have accumulated over the winter. This is a quick and easy way to improve the appearance of decks, patios, fences, windows and siding.

• Add color. Use potted flowers and hanging baskets to direct attention to your home’s finest features. Plant low-cost annuals such as impatiens, petunias and geraniums, and use mulch that retains its color throughout the season for added impact.

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