There are beautiful homes to be found throughout San Antonio, and if local homeowners want to maintain their curb appeal, there are a few tips and tricks to take advantage of this fall to set yourself up for success next spring.

So says Thumbtack's recent study revealing the top "Fall Home Projects That Will Boost Your Curb Appeal Next Spring." The study was based on an analysis of curb appeal projects from August 2023 to August 2024, which was ranked by project frequency.

Maintaining beauty doesn't come cheap. Thumbtack, a home services website, found Americans should budget nearly $3,600 for their autumn outdoor projects – such as gutter cleanings, sprinkler system winterization, tree trimming, lawn fertilizing, and more.

The report also made suggestions for outdoor weatherization projects, which San Antonians should heed now that Texas winters are less predictable due to climate change, they say.

"To protect your home from rain, cold, and snow, we recommend sealing your deck, caulking gaps, and insulating doors and windows," the report's author wrote. "These steps help keep warm air in and moisture out, ensuring your home’s exterior is ready for winter."

Homeowners who want to make a big impression with their lawn next spring should start working on it this fall, the report says. Projects like overseeding and aerating the yard, regular weeding, and pruning shrubs, trees, and perennials ahead of the winter months will help improve curb appeal for the next year, according to the report.

But if a homeowner prefers the trendy look of a less manicured (yet still green) yard, we're not here to judge. Leaving more room for greenery in the backyard can make a home look more lush.

San Antonians love a cozy backyard where the green grass grows. Photo courtesy of J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

What it all costs
Of course, service costs are a major factor when determining how much to budget for these projects. The national average cost estimate for tree trimming can ring up at $718, while pressure washing or shrub trimming can easily cost over $300.

"Some projects like leaf cleanup and fertilizing can be DIYed, but others like gutter cleaning and tree trimming should be left to the pros to avoid costly, and dangerous mistakes," the report said. "Bundling home projects like aerating, fertilizing, weeding, and overseeding with a lawn care professional can also help you save money as you plan ahead."

In 2023, Thumbtack estimated San Antonio homeowners would spend up to $14,582 for the year to boost their curb appeal on "medium-sized" home improvement projects like garage door or gutter replacements. For multiple large-scale projects – such as exterior repainting, property fence replacement, or sprinkler system installations – costs could add up to $27,000 in San Antonio. (No such annual figure was given in the new report.)

U.S. cities with the best curb appeal
The report also released its rankings of the top 10 cities with the best curb appeal nationwide. Atlanta, Georgia claimed the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row, followed by Austin (No. 2). Elsewhere in Texas, Dallas' curb appeal improved over the last year to land the city in the No. 4 spot.

The top 10 cities with the best curb appeal are:

• No. 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
• No. 2 – Austin, Texas
• No. 3 – Charlotte, North Carolina
• No. 4 – Dallas, Texas
• No. 5 – Washington, D.C.
• No. 6 – Denver, Colorado
• No. 7 – Tampa, Florida
• No. 8 – Orlando, Florida
• No. 9 – Seattle, Washington
• No. 10 – Raleigh, North Carolina