4 Outdoor DIY projects you can do in an hour

Efficiency is king and nowhere is this truer than in outdoor home improvement for busy homeowners. You can spruce up your home's exterior quickly with these four outdoor DIY projects that you can complete in an hour or less.

Driveways, decks and sidewalks are easily neglected. Frequently used and rarely cleaned, they can accumulate dirt and grime at a rate that's imperceptible. Thankfully, they are fairly easy to clean. Take a trip to the nearest hardware store and rent a pressure washer. Next, use the washer to remove years of buildup of dirt, moss and other unwanted grunge. You'll be surprised how much better your property looks after a vigorous wash.

One of the fastest ways to increase the curb appeal of your home is to replace the most prominent hardware with contemporary pieces. This means replacing old light fixtures, weathered or scratched address numbers, the front door, doorbell, mail boxes, slots and posts, and front porch or walkway railings. Aside from a brief trip to the hardware store, these projects shouldn't take up more than an hour of your time.

If you have a fireplace, watch out for the area surrounding where you store your firewood. Once a year, take the time to straighten it up this. That means stack any stray wood pieces, discard rotting wood and sweep up any bark, twigs, or other debris. Invest in a sleek stand and weatherproof covering to make this area as neat as possible for the future.

If you've owned a home for a while you've likely experienced a tree falling in your yard. This often leaves an unsightly and intimidating stump in the middle of your yard. However, removing a stump is easier than you might think. Rent a stump grinder from your nearest hardware store. Grinding a small- to medium-sized stump should take you less than an hour. Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear while you work, including safety goggles, heavy gloves, steel-toed boots, and long pants and sleeves.