Landscapes are a great way to add beauty and value to your home. They can also boost your curb appeal and reduce energy costs.
However, landscaping can be daunting if you need to become more familiar. So, if you’re looking to get started, here are some tips to help you get on your way!
Know Your Limits
Knowing your limitations is one of the best ways to make your landscaping endeavors successful. It includes the flora and fauna you can’t grow and the hardscape that won’t crack in the cold. Likewise, it’s wise to have a clear vision of what you want your landscaping to entail and make sure that you communicate this clearly to any contractor you consider engaging.
Knowing your limitations will prevent you from making the wrong gardening choices, which can have severe repercussions. In addition, some seasoned gardeners will tell you that knowing your limitations will make you a better landscaper in the long run. Ultimately, the most critical step is identifying which plants and shrubs will flourish in your zone and weeding out those that need to be added.
Know Your Materials
Whether you’re a DIY-er with a dream of creating your backyard paradise or you’ve hired a landscaper, knowing landscape products is one of the most critical aspects of your landscaping project. It will help you ensure that your yard is beautiful and functional.
The material you choose for your landscaping project should complement the rest of your yard and be able to hold its own. It includes soil, mulch, and sand or gravel.
Soil is essential to landscaping because it helps keep the ground healthy and supports plant growth. Additionally, it gives plants a range of nutrients they need to flourish.
Know Your Plants
Plant selection is a crucial design element, and it should be based on the plants’ characteristics and ability to fit into the site. Even the most detailed planting plans and practices can only succeed if plants are appropriately selected for the site conditions.
Understanding your local climate and how it affects the plants you plan to grow can save money and help you create a more functional and beautiful yard.
When deciding on plant species, consider shade trees, conifers, small ornamental trees, broadleaf evergreens, rhododendrons and their kin, flowering shrubs, groundcover options, and rare flora.
Know Your Space
When it comes to landscaping, knowing your space is critical. It includes the area that will house your home, how much sun and shade it gets, and what utilities are nearby (think sewers, water pipes, etc.).
Knowing your space lets, you plan for the best landscape design solutions. It includes the right plant choices and a good mix of hardscapes, like paths, walkways, and green spaces.
Knowing your space will help you design the perfect landscape that withstands the test of time. Remember to ensure your plants are the best for your specific conditions and choose the most efficient ways to manage your hardscapes and irrigation to ensure your lawn lasts longer. Choosing resource-efficient plants and consciously managing your landscape’s resources can help protect the planet for future generations.
Know Your Curb Appeal
The aesthetic appearance of your home is essential when it comes to attracting buyers. Curb appeal sets expectations for buyers and can help determine whether they want to see the inside of a property or move on to the next one on their list.
A well-designed landscape boosts curb appeal by enhancing the look of your home and increasing its value. It also makes your yard more functional for everyday living and entertaining.
