Lawn care in a drought

Don't get used to it.

With water restrictions already under way, and the scorching summer months still ahead, it's likely that San Antonio will experience more drought constraints, which can wreak havoc on your lawn and plants. This is especially challenging if you're trying to sell your house and need your yard to look as fresh and lush as possible.

Curb appeal

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” said Dayton Schrader, a real estate agent with Re/Max Associates. “That curb appeal, that kapow, that pop is critical.”

When looking for houses, most people are easily swayed by first impressions. With a nice yard, that first impression is enhanced.

“Everybody wants to and needs to keep up their curb appeal,” said Dan Eason, president of Energizedseller.com, a Web site that allows people to chat and blog and to ask questions related to selling their home. “Curb appeal is one of the most important improvements you can make in a home when selling it.”

A visually stimulating yard is also important for marketing your home on the Internet, which is where many home buyers start out their search.

“Nice lawns make a great picture that attracts people to want to see what's on the inside of the house,” Schrader said.

Though you probably can't see it from the curb, one way to overcome water restrictions while enhancing features of your house is by building or expanding a deck or patio.