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First impressions start in the garden, and they shape how buyers see the rest of the house. An overgrown lawn, tangled hedge, or crowded path can make even the best property feel unkempt. We spoke to handyman Shane Waaka, who has helped many homeowners lift their property’s street appeal, about why pruning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to add value.
Clear and tidy spaces
Pruning instantly makes a garden feel loved and low-maintenance. Trim hedges into clean lines, lift low branches to show off the house, and open up sightlines to the front door. Shane often sees neglected gardens holding properties back, and he says, “overgrowth is really bad… it clogs up your gutters and everything. But if you prune those plants back, it’s fantastic.” Keeping plants away from cladding, windows, and roofs not only looks better but also protects paintwork and reduces maintenance.
Light, safety, and flow
Well-pruned trees and shrubs improve how a home feels and functions. Thinning branches near windows brings in more natural light, while clearing growth from paths and entrances makes the property safer to move around. The result is a home that feels brighter, safer, and more welcoming to buyers.
A better first impression
The entrance is where buyers form lasting opinions. Shane points out that people take in a property step by step, starting from the street: “It’s the fence, the plants, and then the entrance.” Each stage builds the impression that follows, which is why pruning back plants that crowd paths or hide the front door is so effective. Even a quick tidy with secateurs can turn an overgrown garden into a polished, appealing space that adds real value at sale time.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Visit MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Visit MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Haydon Rogers, Category Manager at Altus Window Systems, to explore the often-overlooked role that windows and doors play in the comfort, performance, and visual identity of your home. From ranch sliders to high-performance glazing, Haydon walks us through the key decisions homeowners face when renovating or building, including how to balance aesthetics, ventilation, thermal efficiency, security, and cost. He explains why joinery isn’t just a finishing detail, but a crucial part of your building envelope that affects everything from heating bills to natural light, acoustic control, and resale appeal.
Search similar articles
First impressions start in the garden, and they shape how buyers see the rest of the house. An overgrown lawn, tangled hedge, or crowded path can make even the best property feel unkempt. We spoke to handyman Shane Waaka, who has helped many homeowners lift their property’s street appeal, about why pruning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to add value.
Clear and tidy spaces
Pruning instantly makes a garden feel loved and low-maintenance. Trim hedges into clean lines, lift low branches to show off the house, and open up sightlines to the front door. Shane often sees neglected gardens holding properties back, and he says, “overgrowth is really bad… it clogs up your gutters and everything. But if you prune those plants back, it’s fantastic.” Keeping plants away from cladding, windows, and roofs not only looks better but also protects paintwork and reduces maintenance.
Light, safety, and flow
Well-pruned trees and shrubs improve how a home feels and functions. Thinning branches near windows brings in more natural light, while clearing growth from paths and entrances makes the property safer to move around. The result is a home that feels brighter, safer, and more welcoming to buyers.
A better first impression
The entrance is where buyers form lasting opinions. Shane points out that people take in a property step by step, starting from the street: “It’s the fence, the plants, and then the entrance.” Each stage builds the impression that follows, which is why pruning back plants that crowd paths or hide the front door is so effective. Even a quick tidy with secateurs can turn an overgrown garden into a polished, appealing space that adds real value at sale time.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Visit MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Quick Guide: Marketing Your Home walks you through attracting more buyers, choosing the right strategy, and getting the most from your agent. Visit MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Haydon Rogers, Category Manager at Altus Window Systems, to explore the often-overlooked role that windows and doors play in the comfort, performance, and visual identity of your home. From ranch sliders to high-performance glazing, Haydon walks us through the key decisions homeowners face when renovating or building, including how to balance aesthetics, ventilation, thermal efficiency, security, and cost. He explains why joinery isn’t just a finishing detail, but a crucial part of your building envelope that affects everything from heating bills to natural light, acoustic control, and resale appeal.
Search similar articles
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