Summer can be the best season to really showcase the exterior of your home, but on the other hand it can be the most labour intensive time.

Here are some tips to simplify the outside while you try to maintain the inside!

1) Trim back bushes every couple weeks; trimmings are small and will compost easily.

2) Use mulch!  Even if you aren't a fan it saves hours of weeding and watering and most importantly will reduce a ton of stress!

3) Cut your grass on a 45 degree angle to your house.  This gives your lawn a smoother look, even if it was cut in a rush.

4) Plant low maintenance annuals that pack a punch!  Decorate entrance with easy to maintain planters. Impatiens are perfect for shade, petunias, marigolds and lobelia love the sun.

5) Clean out those eaves!  Nothing spells neglect more than a maple tree growing from your eavestrough.

6) Maintain walkways, porches and railings - A good wash and dab of paint can give these areas a boost!

Finally, remember first impressions are important, but when its time to sell, keeping your work to a minimum is paramount!