By the time fall rolls around, some fair-weather gardeners have tucked away their tools and retired to the indoors to let storm season run its course.

Spring and summer tend to be the most popular times for yard-work, while fall and winter are all too often the most popular for clogged gutters, untended plants and, in Oak Bay, substantial tree shedding.

But fall lethargy can result in a home selling for less than its top dollar, according to local RE/MAX Camosun agent Phil Warren.

Certified in landscape architecture, and with more than 45 years of experience in the real estate field, Warren has seen the impact proper yard and garden maintenance can have on potential buyers. Fall isnB次元官网网址檛 time for sellers to step away and let the wet and windy season take its toll; itB次元官网网址檚 time to manicure, plant and give a home the proper attention it needs to sell for its highest price.

B次元官网网址淢ost summer gardens last up until the end of September. After that time they are generally cleaned up and cleared out,B次元官网网址� Warren said. B次元官网网址淪o, you need to freshen up the garden.B次元官网网址�

Along with planting bulbs for spring during fall, Warren encourages the reverse: planting flowers for fall during spring.

Chrysanthemums are one such species which thrives during fall and often lasts until Christmas, Warren said.

Though itB次元官网网址檚 too late now to plant chrysanthemums and be sure theyB次元官网网址檒l withstand the fall and winter, winter pansies are best planted in the fall and can provide a different but equally cheerful show of colour during the drearier season. Warren suggests planting flowers in the warmer colour range, such as oranges, reds and yellows this time of year.

B次元官网网址淭he entrance to the home is very important. If you donB次元官网网址檛 have flower pots, make the investment of 200 dollars, get a couple of really nice ceramic pots and fill them up with fall flowers or winter pansies,B次元官网网址� Warren said.

As for the garden, most plants are generally not planted during fall, but basic landscaping and upkeep remain highly important. As always, weeds should be pulled, borders kept clean and the yard tidied.

B次元官网网址淩ake the leaves constantly, make sure the garden looks pristine B次元官网网址� I have 16 oak trees in my garden, and it is a constant battle for me because IB次元官网网址檓 a gardener. IB次元官网网址檓 on my hands and knees picking up leaves between all the plants,B次元官网网址� said Warren. But maintenance doesnB次元官网网址檛 have to be hard. Staying ahead of the game often means the difference between big work and small work.

B次元官网网址淯pkeep is minimal because IB次元官网网址檓 at it once or twice a week. It never gets out of hand.B次元官网网址�

Beyond the rakeB次元官网网址檚 reach, gutters should be cleaned, and, as soon as a storm passes, fallen branches should be collected and disposed of. Automatic sprinkler systems need to be drained for winter.

Even things like potholes in driveways are important to look out for, said Warren.

Investing in paving a pothole could be worthwhile in the overall price of the house, as the more damage a buyer sees to property, the more likely they are to bid lower.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a wow factor for most people when they come up to a house with an amazing garden. Even a well-manicured garden B次元官网网址� is indicative of how the house has been looked after,B次元官网网址� Warren said, adding that indoor plants count in terms of proper upkeep and care.

If theyB次元官网网址檙e wilted, replace them. If no plants are present, greenery might liven up a space.

B次元官网网址淚f you want to maximize your house price, youB次元官网网址檙e going to have to put a bit of effort in and clean it up and freshen it up,B次元官网网址� said Warren.

He suggests that those unable or unwilling to do physical yard-work hire a gardener to come out and work on the property for several days.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 going to be well-worth your investment. YouB次元官网网址檙e selling an $800,000 to $1-million home, or plus, in Victoria. A $200 to $300 investment to get your garden cleaned up is not big,B次元官网网址� he said.

B次元官网网址淵ou donB次元官网网址檛 need to be the prettiest house on the market, but street appeal is important.B次元官网网址�

editor@ oakbaynews.com