Article written by-Miranda Appel
The landscaping around your home is a reflection of you as a homeowner. Plenty of people simply overlook the landscape of their home and think that people aren’t too concerned with this, yet this isn’t always the case. If you would like to spruce up the appearance of your yard, keep reading this article to learn some great tips and techniques for doing so.
One of the most important tips one can use with regards to landscaping, is to come up with a plan before you start doing anything. It is important to carefully consider exactly what you want your yard to look like,and then make a detailed plan as to what steps you will need to take.
Consider why you want to landscape your yard before you begin your project. Are you looking to add beauty? Are you trying to add privacy? Is your goal to reduce the overall maintenance of your property? The answers to these questions can help you to select the right variety of plants, making your landscaping project easier to complete.
If you fear damaging power lines or other infrastructure the next time you need to dig for your landscaping project, contact a ‘dig safe’ helpline first. The service, popularized in the northeastern United States, allows you to double check before digging to ensure that you don’t damage anything while performing your landscaping work.
Utilize the Internet and mail-order catalogs in order to buy what you need for your landscaping project. Both of these sources are more likely to have rare plants and other products that area stores don’t carry. You may also find a good deal, but be careful to pay attention to shipping costs before you purchase.
Before beginning a landscaping project, go to a home improvement or gardening store first to ensure you have the right equipment. Home Depot and other popular big box retailers not only carry everything you need, but also have knowledgeable staff who can provide advice and recommendations to help you on your next project.
If you want to achieve your dreams with your landscaping plan, you might want to seek the consultation of a professional. Landscape rock fountain hills has done many landscaping jobs, and has the experience to see how natural features in your yard can be utilized to minimize cost, and enhance the appearance.
It can be very difficult to guess and plan how much mulch, sand, rock, etc. you might need in order to successfully finish your whole project. In part, you should make sure you do everything in phases. As far as planning the amounts of each of these materials, do your math and pay attention to specifications.
Always use the proper tools when doing any landscape project. If you have a stump that needs to be removed, rent a backhoe and remove it properly, do not try to do it with a truck. If you have a lot of material that needs to be moved, use wheelbarrows to reduce strain. Use the right tools for the job, and you will save yourself some grief.
Before you embark on a large landscaping project, contact your homeowner’s association, if you have one. Many neighborhoods have guidelines and specifications regarding what you can or cannot do to parts of your property that are visible to other neighbors. They can even force you to change things, if you are in violation of set rules.
Learn how to properly layer your beds. You should have a first row with your tallest plants and keep your shortest plants for your last row. The tallest plants should be facing North to protect the smaller ones from cold winds. Make sure all your beds are organized in the same fashion.
Do it yourself landscapers would be wise to scatter annual plants throughout their design rather than solely using perennials. Perennials only bloom for short periods of time throughout the year, while annuals will bloom all season allowing your landscape to look more complete, and attractive a majority of the time.
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!
Whenever you are planning to take on a landscaping project yourself, it is generally a good idea to talk to a professional first. While you don’t have to hire a landscape architect to do your landscaping for you, getting a quick consultation won’t cost that much, and it will give you some great information.
Flowing water always adds a dramatic, and soothing effect to any landscaping. Waterfalls, or ponds can bring a level of tranquility, that is impossible with plants alone! Your local garden center will have many pre-made options, that you can add to your landscaping, or you can look to build your own! There are many terrific guides online on how to do so.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking cheaper is better when you are designing your outdoor living space. Landscaping is expensive, so it can be tempting to buy the cheapest materials available. However, there are times when it pays to spend a little more and get quality that is going to last. Furthermore, you may get a money-back guarantee if you pay a little more in the beginning, and that can be invaluable if expensive plants die.
Think about continuity when you are designing your landscaping. Try to incorporate a few anchor plants that you will utilize throughout your landscaping so that it has a sense of unity. You can pick some shrubs or repetitive patterns in your planting to give your landscaping a sense of continuity.
Do not underestimate the beauty of patterns within flower beds. Many annuals come in a variety of colors, that can be combined in countless patterns to add beauty to any flower bed. Bulk landscape rock are diamonds, stripes, and swirls. Patterns show attention to detail, and bring an increase interest by the one viewing the flower bed.
There are so many options out there that you can use to add some magic to your home’s landscape. From a simple zen garden with benches to creating a garden full of color and life, you can create a landscape that you can call home. Doing some effective landscaping work is usually enough to make your home stand out (in a good way!) in your neighborhood. Don’t wait! Put what you’ve learned here to use this weekend.