Keeping Up Appearances? Don't Forget About the Outdoors This Fall

Keeping Up Appearances? Don't Forget About the Outdoors This FallExterior-enhancing project ideas from Lowe's can help improve your home and keep it sailing into spring

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Landscaping can add between seven and 15 percent to a home's price tag according to the Gallup Organization, so keep your dwelling in tip-top shape and embrace fall's chill while upgrading the outdoors. With simple value-adding projects and guidance from Lowe's, your curb appeal will help you enjoy your yard with neighbors and friends this season.

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Protect Your Turf

It is necessary to take action now in guarding grass and shrubs from winter's wear and tear to promote a well manicured lawn come spring time.

-- Fertilize in September and again in late October to deliver a protective vitamin burst to your lawn. Adding grass seed to bare spots will allow roots to develop before colder weather arrives.

-- Defend against disease by pruning, raking and clearing away debris. Start a compost pile using healthy yard waste to create a mineral-rich soil substitute you can use during planting season.

--Spread mulch around bushes and trees to help the plants retain moisture and insulate them during chilly nights.

Refresh Your Home

Help homes look well tended from the street with these cost-efficient projects.

-- Beautify the exterior by power washing siding, doors and windows. Brighten the home by adding light fixtures to your porch or landscape lighting along a sidewalk.

-- Clean out leaves and twigs from gutters throughout the fall season to keep them from clogging and causing overflow rain water.

-- Restore an aging deck with a water repellent stain to shield it from ice and snow and create a warm, welcoming glow.

-- Create a stunning entryway by adding color -- paint the door a vibrant color and fill planters with seasonal flowers like chrysanthemums or pansies. And while you're looking at flowers, consider fall and winter houseplants varieties for your home's decor like Orchids or Lucky Bamboo.


    Recommended Products
    -- Pennington Smart Seed (Item #289567, $25.97)
    -- Sta-Green 5M Phosphorus Free Winterizer Fertilizer (Item #166940,
       $9.97)
    -- Corona Clipper Tree Pruner (Item #86252, $39.98)
    -- Tru Temper 30 inch Poly Leaf Rake (Item #88196, $9.97)
    -- Scotts Nature Scapes Mulch (Item #'s 109463(red), 154799(black),
       241344(brown), price varies)
    -- Valspar 1-Gallon Duramax Exterior Paint (Item #74233, $32.98, Color:
       Quite Red, 1011-3)
    -- 2-Pack Outdoor Wall Light (Item #56872, $34.96)
    -- TroyBilt Pressure Washer powered by Honda (Item #289035, $319)
    -- Cabot Oil Decking Stain (Item #238830, $31.97)


    For more fall upgrade ideas, visit Lowes.com or your local Lowe's store.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2007 sales of $48.3 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,575 home improvement stores in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com .

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.