The difference between a ho-hum yard and a stunning outdoor space, often boils down to good landscaping. However, there is much to learn and explore, prior to putting a shovel into the ground for the first time. Take the ideas and tips in this piece to heart, and you will soon be capable of designing an impressive exterior space for your home.
Do you think you will be putting your house on the market soon? Unlike many home improvement projects, redoing the landscaping is likely to pay for itself, and then some. The front lawn is obviously more important for curb appeal, but a nice backyard can really drive up your home’s value, too.
Although some home owners swear by it, you will find that you can create a very attractive landscape on your own without the assistance of a professional. Doing this could cost you a huge amount of cash. While landscaping is a great do-it-yourself project, it is sometimes prudent to at least consult with a professional who can steer you in the right direction.
Always measure out how much room you have to work with before going out to buy plants. Knowing your measurements will help you understand how many plants you need, rather than guessing incorrectly at the store. You’ll save the time and effort you would have had to expend running back and forth to the store numerous times for additional purchases and returns.
Find alternative ways to get your materials. You can simply pick up stones on natural sites or bricks on demolition sites. Some cities give out free mulch or lumber. You should also talk with your neighbors and find out if they have any extra supplies they would sell you at a discounted price.
Try to promote deep root growth with your lawn. You can accomplish this through proper fertilization and watering, thatch control, and keeping an eye on the height of your grass. By having deep root growth, you will not have to water your grass as often, and it is less likely to suffer from drought.
The best way to screw up a landscaping project is to not have a plan. Without a plan before hand, your landscaping project will look like a hodgepodge of mismatched plants and items. Use a simple piece of graph paper and draw out your new plan prior to buying anything for the yard.
Plan out what time of the year you are going to buy your supplies in order to save money. For example, lumber does not cost as much in the winter as it does in the summer. You can also find better deals on trees, soil and perennials later in the season when not as many people are buying them.
Before you get out the shovel and wheelbarrow, make a careful plan for your landscaping project. You really need to think about what your goals are before you begin. What will you be using this outdoor space for when it is completed? Is it for sitting quietly and reading a book or for entertaining guests? Knowing your goals before starting will help you to achieve your desired outcome.
If you have a very small house, watch your use of big trees. Big trees can be overwhelming when they are placed in the yard of a very small house. They can distract from the house, and might even make it look smaller than it actually is. Choose smaller varieties instead.
Before you begin any landscaping project, it is important to check for any county codes or rules you may need to follow. For example, there are certain plants and heavy objects that will not be allowed on top of a septic drain field. A simple check with the county can locate the drain field and help you avoid disaster!
When planning a landscaping project for your house, be sure to be friendly with your neighbors and build up a relationship. This can be important because you may be able to save quite a bit of money by sharing equipment that you either purchase or rent. You may also be able to obtain or share a vast amount of experience and tips with each other.
Before you start on any serious landscaping project, consult with a professional and get their advice on your approach. It may take a bit of cash, but by having an expert tell you what they think you can avoid costly mistakes and save some time. A simple consultation is all you need to point you in the right direction.
Do you want your yard to look unique? Consider creating a rock garden. Rock gardens are easy to take care of and will look interesting throughout the whole year. You can get your rocks from a natural site and introduce plants such as lichen that will grow in between rocks.
Plant your lawn in layered horizontal segments for the most visual interest. The tallest plants are typically planted as a background element in the various segments of a landscaping plan. Position your other plants around them varying the height from tallest to shortest as you move away from the central element of a segment.
There is no substitute for good landscape design when it comes to creating a beautiful home. Because there is so much information available on the topic, it makes sense to spend the time necessary to find the ideas and concepts most relevant to your own specific needs. The guidance in this piece can be a perfect place to get started.