The spring season is the best time to start sprucing up your lawn, especially if you're thinking about selling your home. A buyer's first impressions may hinge on the pride you take in manicuring your garden. Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's time to get out your lawn mower and get to work! Here are a few quick fixes to make your yard look great:

• Get rid of the weeds. By weeding your lawn in the spring, you prevent the weeds from producing thousands of seeds. Buy an organic herbicide to get rid of the weeds before they crop up. Herbicides make the process much easier than getting on your knees and pulling them out one at a time (scattering seeds as you go).

• Get out the rake. It's important to rake out the dried grass and weeds that have taken up residence amongst the live grass. If you're planning on seeding your lawn then this is absolutely necessary to ensure that the seeds will take root in the soil. If you still have leaves sitting on your lawn from a late Fall then this is a good time to rake them up as well.

• Tend to trees and shrubs. Chances are that during the cold winter season you did not have the opportunity to work on any overgrown or damaged trees and shrubs. Take this time to scale back tree limbs that have been damaged by storms or snow. The damaged branches should be trimmed fairly close to the base of the tree. Also, trim down shrubs and bushes so they look neatly groomed and manicured.

• Deal with the soil. Winter is extremely hard on your lawn since soil hasn't had a chance to breathe and get water down into the roots. Start by aerating your lawn to loosen the soil and then spread a little moss with a rake. Aeration allows greater movement of water, fertilizer, and air and stimulates healthy grass. It's best to do this when your yard is wet.