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Curb Appeal Services for Home Sales in Des Moines
Curb Appeal Services for Home Sales in Des Moines
By Neat & Tidy Product Team Published on January 10, 2023
Categories: landscaping , services , maintenance Tags: curb-appeal , pre-listing , West-Des Moines

Curb Appeal Services for Home Sales in Des Moines

When it comes to selling your home in Des Moines, first impressions matter! With just one glance scrolling through listings or a quick drive-by, you have a limited time to wow potential buyers. If your yard looks lackluster, they might think the house is too! That’s where our expertise comes in. We specialize in delivering fresh, appealing, photo-ready exteriors quickly and affordably, ensuring your listing shines.


What’s the Problem?

Is your yard looking a bit worn out? Here are some common issues we can quickly address:

  • Weedy beds that lack definition and have faded mulch
  • Patchy lawns with moss and ragged edges due to uneven watering
  • Overgrown shrubs obscuring windows, address numbers, and precious sunlight
  • Dirty or slick pathways that make the entry feel uninviting in photos

Our Pre-Listing Curb Appeal Plan (Built for Speed & Stunning Photos)

We’ve crafted our strategy to deliver effective results in no time. Here’s what you can expect from our services:

  • Define Your Spaces — We’ll edge your beds, create crisp lawn borders, and ensure hard cuts around paths and driveways.
  • Weed, Shape, and Lift — Our team will selectively prune shrubs and hedges to enhance visibility and sightlines.
  • Fresh Mulch Installation (2–3”) — Instantly brighten your space, suppress weeds, and create a clean look.
  • Lawn Rehabilitation tailored to your timeline:
    • 48–72 hrs: Mow, edge, apply color feed, topdress, and green-up without scalping.
    • 1–2 weeks: Core aeration, overseeding, and a compost cap (prioritizing the front yard).
    • Sod Patches: Perfect for those bare spots that need to look perfect on photo day.
  • Entryway Refresh — Sweep and soft-wash, add seasonal color pots, swap out doormats, and prune for a welcoming reveal.
  • Hardscape Cleaning — Treat moss and algae on steps and paths; a light rinse without damaging the joints.
  • Detailing — Blow out debris, rake lines in mulch, tidy gravel seams, hide drip lines, and coil hoses for a polished finish.

Pro Tip: Avoid new plant installations 72 hours before photo day to prevent a “new and patchy” look. Clean lines, fresh mulch, and thoughtful pruning yield the best return on investment.


Packages & Timelines

Select the package that best suits your needs:

  • Photo-Day Blitz (24–72 hrs)
    Edging, weeding, selective pruning, fresh mulch, lawn care, entry pot arrangements, hardscape cleaning, and a thorough blowdown.

  • 1–2 Week Refresh
    Includes all from the blitz plus core aeration, overseeding of the front lawn, compost topdressing, irrigation adjustments, and shrub shaping.

  • Full Pre-Listing Tune-Up (2–4 weeks)
    Comprehensive care including sod patches, minor plantings to fill gaps, pathway touch-ups, gravel top-ups, and minor paver re-sand.

(Need help with HOA or inspection punch-list items? We’ll incorporate those into our landscaping scope!)

What’s Included

Our services encompass all the essentials for a fantastic first impression:

  • Bed edging and definition
  • Hand weeding plus pre-emergent application where suitable
  • Mulch delivery and installation (2–3”, kept away from stems and siding)
  • Lawn care: mow, edge, spot topdress; aeration/overseeding for longer timelines
  • Targeted shrub and hedge pruning (we promise no hack jobs!)
  • Hardscape moss/algae treatment and light rinse
  • Optional entry planters with seasonal blooms
  • Final clean-up: blowing, sweeping, and a photo-ready check!

Add-Ons

Want to enhance your curb appeal even further? Consider these additional services:

  • Gravel top-ups and edge resets for drives and side yards
  • Paver joint re-sand for uneven entries (small areas)
  • Irrigation sanity check to ensure systems are set for showings
  • Minor drainage improvements to control water flow and splash
  • Low-voltage path light checks and easy fixture swaps

Why Curb Appeal Work Matters

Investing in curb appeal makes a significant difference for several reasons:

  • Photos Sell — Clean lines and vibrant contrasts look best on listing sites.
  • Fast Walk-Up Appeal — Buyers won’t wonder what other parts of the home were neglected.
  • Low-Risk Fixes — Items like mulch, edging, pruning, and lawn treatments are high-impact and low-drama.
  • Protects Staging — Clean entries and pathways help maintain a tidy interior during showings.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (for after you sell or if you’re staying put)

Keep your property looking its best year-round with our flexible maintenance options:

  • Quarterly — Spring and fall deep cleaning, plus two tune-ups to maintain that fresh look.
  • Bi-Monthly — Great for high-growth yards or properties surrounded by trees.

We pride ourselves on being a low-maintenance landscaping team. Fewer issues between visits mean less hassle for you!


How It Works

Getting started is a breeze:

  1. Free Estimate — Send us photos via text or email, or schedule a quick walkthrough; we’ll provide clear, upfront pricing.
  2. Choose Your Timeline — Opt for a blitz (48–72 hrs), a 1–2 week refresh, or a full tune-up.
  3. Service Day — Our crew will tackle edging, pruning, mulching, lawn care, hardscape cleaning, and entry detailing.
  4. Follow-Up — You’ll receive our “photo-day” checklist and simple watering instructions to keep everything looking sharp.

Why Des Moines Chooses Neat & Tidy

Here’s why we’re the preferred landscaping team in Des Moines:

  • A local crew that knows the unique challenges of marine layer mornings, winter moss, and tight alleyways.
  • Fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind.
  • Transparent pricing — all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal are included.
  • On-time, respectful, and clean work (no mulch left on the sidewalk!).
  • A green-first approach — we use peat-free inputs, integrated pest management, and smart water practices.

Ready to Get Sold-Ready in Days?

Call or text Neat & Tidy for a customized curb-appeal plan that looks stunning in photos and shows even better. We’ll keep it tidy—so you don’t have to!



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Seattle Invasive Weed Clean-Up Specialists

Struggling with a yard full of blackberry, English ivy, bamboo, horsetail, or other invasive plants? At Neat & Tidy Landscaping, we provide expert invasive weed removal in Seattle, clearing overgrowth thoroughly—from the surface to the root. Our eco-friendly clean-up services are tailored to your yard’s specific conditions for long-lasting results and minimal upkeep.

Clearing ivy from backyard fence with trimmer
Invasive Mix Removal
Weed barrier fabric installed to prevent regrowth
Mulch & Fabric Aftercare
Seattle backyard after invasive plant clean-up
Tidy, Low-Maintenance Yard

We remove invasive weeds—roots, vines, and all—for a truly clean yard.

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 Landscaping photo

Our experienced crew identifies all invasive plants on your property and uses targeted methods to remove them completely. From blackberry thickets and ivy-covered fences to bamboo groves and noxious weeds, we dig, cut, and haul it all away. To keep your yard clean, we offer optional aftercare like mulch installation or weed fabric to suppress regrowth. Whether you need a one-time yard recovery or seasonal invasive plant control, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free quote.

Seattle Landscaping Packages: Clean-Ups, Lawn Care, and Small Repairs

Garden Bed Clean-Ups

Remove weeds, trim, prune, add mulch, and refresh with low-care plants. Includes blackberry, ivy, and bamboo removal.

Neat & Tidy Garden Service

Lawn Care & Turf

Mowing, edging, weed control, fertilizing, plus sod installs and turf upgrades for a greener, healthier lawn.

Lawn Care Made Easy

Repairs & Small Upgrades

Fix pavers, add gravel paths or steps, repair fences, and improve drainage — simple updates that last.

Easy Upgrade Services

Trusted by Seattle Homeowners Since 2010

Book Your Free Landscaping Estimate

Why Choose Neat & Tidy Landscaping?

  • Honest pricing & reliable workmanship
  • Low-maintenance solutions that last
  • Family-owned in Seattle • 15+ years’ experience
  • 1,000+ happy clients across King County