Landscaping can deter pests, fight climate change, and add value to your home. It also lifts people’s moods by creating spaces that bring people together. A professional will help you make your ideas a reality. They’ll be able to spot problems and have solutions ready while maintaining your garden and lawn at the highest level of quality.
Benefits of landscaping
Beyond the beautiful first impression that a well-landscaped lawn offers, there are several benefits to landscaping your home. Grass and trees provide cooler temperatures than asphalt, rock, or bare soil. Trees can provide shade and reduce glare in the summer months when planted correctly. It’s also excellent for the air, as trees and grass remove dust, smoke particles, and carbon dioxide while generating oxygen.
How does landscaping increase property value?
“When trying to increase your home’s value with landscaping, it’s important to be intentional. Your goal isn’t only to make the exterior look better but focus on the things that will give the most visual appeal without breaking the bank – focus on specific things that give you the most bang for your buck.
It also depends on how much time you have. For example, if you’re trying to increase the value but don’t plan to sell your home for five or ten years, you have time to plant some nice trees and plants and some nice grass for the yard. If you’re trying to sell more quickly, you may have to have some larger trees and plants transplanted and some sod for the yard. It can be helpful to hire a professional who knows how to balance out the design, just like an interior designer would do inside your home.
Landscaping isn’t just about plant life. You must also ensure the mulch, plant boxes, and walkways look nice. Sometimes this may mean creating something new or pouring more concrete, and sometimes a thorough cleaning must occur. A pressure washer works wonders when you need to clean everything up outside. The amount of work you put in will make all the difference, so take the time to plan your entire design (either yourself or with a pro) and then carefully start the project.
There are many inexpensive ways you can spruce up the outside of your home if you’re willing to put in the work. If you’re not willing to do the job, hire someone who does it daily.”
Kalen Bruce, Money Mini Blog
“Landscaping is a great way to make your home more beautiful and inviting, but did you know it can also boost your property’s resale value? Putting it this way makes good financial sense to invest in your home by putting together a landscaping plan to boost your curb appeal.
I always recommend hiring a designer or investing in some design software rather than doing things piecemeal.
When you have a plan, you can do everything at once or project in phases. Many people choose to do one portion of the project at a time, often due to budgetary or construction constraints. However, it is less expensive overall to do everything at once; spacing out the project can afford greater peace of mind.
Starting with a solid plan will allow you to create a list of priorities and objectives to achieve over time. Being able to envision where you are going from the beginning will make the project more organized and cohesive from start to finish.
If you cannot finish the project before you sell your house, you can give the plan to the new owners, which will give them an idea of what to do with the space.
On the other hand, if you intend to stay in your home for a long time, you can start putting a solid plan to help create years of enjoyment and maximize your long-term investment.”
Amber Freda, Amber Freda
“If you’re looking for a wonderful way to prepare your property for sale, pay attention to the outdoor spaces.
To sell quickly and for the best price, make sure your outdoor spaces are attractive and usable!
By taking the time to improve your balcony, garden, or terrace, you can attract buyers and increase the value of your property. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
- Aim for a clean, well-maintained space, mow the lawn, and rake the leaves.
- Add a synthetic lawn.
- Highlight the veranda as a transitional space between the house and the garden.
- Focus on adding a pool.
You can also bet on the virtual garden staging for the attractive side. This will take much less energy, money, and time.
Use a virtual outdoor staging company. Using existing photos of the property’s outdoor space, designers will add furniture, grass, trees, and other accessories to enhance its appearance. This will help you bring out the beauty of your garden, balcony, or terrace. This way, future buyers can project themselves more easily and fall in love with your property.”
Alison Dally, PLAN-IT-ALL
How to start
One of the best ways to get started is to create a plan. Use graph paper and draw a bird’s eye view of the property. Include the hardscaping – the manufactured elements such as walkways, fences, and driveways. Once you know what you have to work with, you can use your property layout to dream up what you want. Be aware of which areas of your lawn get sun, as this can make a big difference in your design decisions. When planning out your yard design, start simple; you can always add to it later. Keep a list of your favorite plants, and consider where you want to place them.
How to choose the perfect style for landscaping your home?
“Choosing the best design that fits your style depends on several aspects:
1. Decide what you like and dislike:
Having a necessary look depends on how you want to decorate the area you are landscaping.
2. Choose The Type of Plants Best Suited For The Area
Always think wisely and choose plants that suit the area best. You do not want to plant anything that will overgrow in small areas.
You can plant more giant trees and shrubs in wide open areas, whereas choosing low-growing plants for under windows or as border plants for planting under windows or near porches is best. Varieties of plants must also be considered.
3. Consider your planting zone and soil type: When you have successfully decided on your landscaping additives like stones, fountains, and rocks and where you want to plant them, and what type of plants you want, your location means everything. Ensure the soil levels are balanced adequately for the specific type of plants you want. Once the soil has been determined, it’s vital to find plants growing well in your zone.
4. Preparing The Area For Planting
Rich humus, soils, and even worm castings mixed and tilled are superior for planting any plants you choose. It’s advisable to till the soil, add your fertilizers then re-till the soil before planting. This offers the highest success rate in creating a design that will grow by leaps and bounds compared to other gardens and gives them a significant boost in the upcoming spring season’s vibrance and health.
5. Sprinkler System
Fall planting is the easiest. No irrigation is needed after the first 4-5 days, but in the hot summer season, irrigation needs to be set up for those months of low rainfall and drought.”
Tammy Sons, Tennessee Wholesale Nursery
What is key for lawn renovation?
“The key to an ideal lawn renovation is differentiation: know what your lawn needs and adjust accordingly! Ideal times for lawn renovations are typically just before autumn or mid-spring. We recommend taking a sample of your soil to analyze your lawn’s needs. If you kill off your existing grass and start fresh, you can use a non-selective herbicide to kill any existing vegetation. For healthier grass roots and to keep your soil moist while the vegetation dies, use a fork aerator to allow for drainage. Once your grass has died, use a mower and rake to dethatch and remove any dead grass. You can then level your lawn with the top dressing of your choice.
After these steps, you can plant your grass seed or “overseed” if you did not kill off your existing grass. Once your lawn is prepped, it’s time to spread your top-dressing! Compost and peat moss are two of the most common top dressings. Evenly distributing these materials properly is important to your grass and soil health. Once your new grass grows, it is important to maintain your lawn with consistent mowing and irrigation!”
Emily Maggioncalda, Landzie
Important aspects of landscaping
As you plan your landscaping project, you should consider several factors that could influence your decision-making process.
Why is it important to plan for all-year-round appeal landscaping?
“To keep the neighbors from getting jealous. But no, seriously, an all-year-round appealing landscape is essential because it can increase your home’s value, make your outdoor space more enjoyable, and save you time and money in the long run. The small amount of effort required to plan and maintain an all-year-round appealing landscape will be more than worth it in the end!
Plus, who doesn’t love a good outdoor oasis? Whether you’re planning on spending lazy days by the pool or hosting friends and family for backyard barbecues, an all-season landscape will allow you to do it all!
Also, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, an all-season landscape will ensure that your home is still looking its best, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
I was forced to create an all-year-round appealing landscape last year when my HOA threatened to fine me if I didn’t. At first, I was resistant because I thought it would be a lot of work and expense. But I’m glad I did it because it was a fun project, and my home looks much better.”
Chad, Unfinished Man
Climate
Your climate and location will play a big part in your landscaping design. If you have rocky soil, it’ll be much easier to grow plants that thrive naturally there rather than changing the soil to suit your ideas. Lean into your climate and soil, and you’ll find you have an easier time coaxing your garden to thrive.
Materials
Soil is a landscaping staple. Compost and nutrients add nutrients to that soil and discourage weeds. The materials you choose from your soil to your pathways significantly impact both function and aesthetics.
Why do you recommend adding a retaining wall to a landscaping project?
“Retaining walls can be essential to landscape projects on slopes and/or with large trees. Such walls might even be necessary to protect a house or other buildings on the property from erosion and weathering. Tall trees can benefit from extra soil that is sometimes brought in for a retaining wall. That soil sits on top of the roots and may act as an anchor, potentially preventing trees from falling during wind or snow storms. It’s always best to consult soil engineers, arborists, landscape designers, and other experts before building a retaining wall.
The retaining wall can also add visual interest, creating layers that move your eye to the far distance of a yard. Even outdoor areas without steep grades can benefit from the zones created by retaining walls. Zones act as “rooms” with dining areas, raised garden beds, play areas, meditation spaces, and so on! Walls of different heights provide boundaries for the various rooms and may camouflage areas, like garbage container storage, that one would rather shield from, say, a dining patio.
Retaining walls can be made from various materials to match the period of your home and natural surroundings. They can provide protection and privacy and appeal to any landscape project.”
Marie Taylor, This Dear Casa
Lighting
As you consider your garden design, you should know where the sun is most often and which areas spend most of their time in the shade. This awareness will help you decide what to plant and where to put them while also helping you determine what your want this space to be.
Is outdoor lighting important?
Outdoor landscape lighting can make your home stand out at night by accentuating the positive features of your house and garden. In addition to aesthetics, a well-lit home is also essential for safety, security, and function.
If you’re trying to sell your home, highlighting specific features like a swimming pool, stone walkway, or gazebo will bring added value to your home. In addition, because so many property viewings occur at night, outdoor landscape lighting can play an important role in luring buyers from their cars.
Landscape lighting will provide security to your home by protecting against intruders and falls. Ideally, it would help if you had enough lighting along stairways, steps, and paths for safe maneuverability in the dark.
In addition to aesthetics and safety, outdoor landscape lighting will extend the time you enjoy being outdoors. A well-planned outdoor entertainment area will include a variety of lighting methods for different functions.
Whether you’re trying to sell your home or staying put, adding outdoor landscape lighting will greatly enhance the livability of your home.
–Marcy Laureen, Stage My Own Home
How do I choose the best lights for landscaping?
“When it comes to choosing the best lights for landscaping, there are a few key considerations that should be taken into account.
Firstly, consider the purpose of your lighting needs and what you are trying to achieve with the lights. If you plan on illuminating pathways or highlighting certain features in your garden, then warm white LED downlights or floodlights may be the best choice. If you are looking to create a more ambient atmosphere, then colored LED strip lights could be the way to go.
Secondly, determine what type of power source is required for your lighting needs – battery operated or mains powered?
Thirdly, consider how much light is needed to achieve the desired effect. Generally speaking, brighter lights will require more power and should be selected with care.
Finally, consider where the lights will be located in relation to plants and other objects in your landscape to avoid any potential damage. With these steps in mind, you should have no trouble in selecting the best lights for your landscaping project.
Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing lights for landscaping is to ensure that the lights you select will meet your specific needs and provide a safe and effective lighting solution.”
Viktor, The DIY Plan
Garden, Flowers, and Plants
Plants and gardens can provide several functions within your landscape. Flowers offer beautiful scenery and scents. Low plants can create physical barriers without disrupting the view, whereas trees and bushes can provide privacy and shade.
Why are hanging plants a good option when landscaping a small yard?
“Small yards can be as huge as you need them to be. What is the trick?
Let your imagination run wild in ways that show deep appreciation for your space. Hanging plants are a great way to add another dimension to your small yard! Even if you live in a high-bustling city where concrete is the only thing you connect with and greenery is nowhere to be found, you should still have the luxury of bringing nature home.
Ever passed by a house boasting a captivating landscape design and couldn’t help but turn your head to marvel at its sheer beauty? Believe it or not, incorporating hanging plants in your landscape design increases the value of your property so you can steal the show from your neighbors.
If you are looking for ways to revamp your small yard and save it from becoming just another storage room, opt for hanging plants to transform your small space into an outdoor oasis without costing you a fortune. You will be able to display your favorite flowers and vines and bring a sense of tranquility to your new environment.
How would you feel sitting on this piece of furniture with no plants to give this yard the spirit of nature it is dying to have? Imagine being enveloped by hanging vivid flowers and captivating blooms that bring blank walls to life, spark up your yard design, and add instant charm to your outdoor space.
Nothing beats the soothing influence of nature after a long hectic day. Smart touches like hanging plants and vertical gardens never fail to bring charm to your small yard.
Investing in a landscape design is a clever way to do your space justice and reward yourself by fashioning your private retreat!”
ShrubHub Staff, Shrub Hub
What is your best advice for creating a perfect succulent garden?
“Succulents are beautiful plants that grow well indoors and outdoors. They’re drought tolerant, require little maintenance, and come in many different shapes and sizes. But creating a perfect succulent garden can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you create a perfect succulent landscape.
Start small. Start with just a single plant. Then add another. And another. Before long, you’ll be surrounded by lush green foliage and colorful blooms.
Keep them healthy. Watering succulents regularly helps keep them healthy and happy. Be careful not to overwater, though. Overwatering causes roots to rot and leaves to wilt.
Add color. Add bright reds, oranges, yellows, greens, purples, blues, pinks, and whites to your garden. These colors complement each other beautifully.
Create a shady area. Shade areas encourage succulents to bloom. Choose a location where the sun doesn’t shine directly on the plants. This will prevent scorching and wilting.
Give them room to breathe. Don’t crowd your succulents together. Leave at least 6 inches between plants. This gives them space to spread out and grow.
Remember the soil. Succulents need poor, loose soil. Soil should be well-draining. Avoid clay soils because they hold moisture too tightly.”
Janie Low, Succulent Alley
How do you design a garden?
1. Evaluate your space.
Draw a simple, to-scale layout that includes any existing structures you plan to keep, such as decks, patios, and walkways. You’ll need to incorporate these into the design. And make a note of existing trees, shrubs, and garden beds you want to keep.
Make a list of everything you’d like to include in your garden design. When you have a complete list, ask yourself if you have enough room to incorporate all the elements you have in mind. Eliminate anything that won’t fit.
It’s also important to note how much sun each area of your garden gets. And get your soil tested so you know what type of soil you have and what you may need to add as amendments before you start.
Once you have a clear idea of the space you have to work with, you can begin to plan your garden design.
2. Keep the overall aesthetic of your garden in mind.
When selecting plants and other decorative elements, you’ll want to focus on bringing the space to life while creating a sense of harmony and balance.
Consider the colors, textures, and sizes of the plants and other elements you choose. A well-balanced garden should have a mix of tall, medium, and short plants and complementary colors, shapes, and textures. A plan ahead of time will help ensure a cohesive, beautiful garden.
3. Select plants according to your climate.
One of the most important steps is selecting plants suited to your climate. Proper plant selection is key to creating a healthy and vibrant garden.
Start by selecting plants adapted to your climate or native to your region. Narrow down your list based on how much sun your garden gets and the plants that’ll do best in your soil.
If you’re unsure which plants to choose, check with a local nursery for advice. Once you have a list of plants that’ll thrive in your climate, you can start creating your dream garden!
–Cheryl Spencer, Simply Smart Gardening
Landscaping and pest control
Landscaping Professionals know that pest control and a healthy lawn go hand in hand. Certain plants can help repel unwanted pests because they show signs of pest infestation when it occurs. You can quickly isolate pests, so they don’t spread around your yard.
Curb appeal by landscaping vs. backyard landscaping
Curb appeal is the aesthetically pleasing appearance of your home, which creates a sense of welcome for guests. You’ll want straightforward paths to your door and a well-groomed lawn to create beautiful curb appeal. Also, maintain your plants to help them thrive.
Backyard landscaping has become more prominent over the last few years as an extension of the home. People use it to create a space where they have privacy to play, cook, and enjoy dreamy afternoons. For these spaces, functionality is the primary focus. If you prefer space for barbequing over gardening, you’ll arrange your landscaping to accommodate that preference. Landscaping that prioritizes space within the backyard is an increasingly popular choice among potential buyers.
Common mistakes
One common mistake many people make is planting trees too close to their homes. Trees can disturb roofing materials as they grow, and both trees and shrubs can destroy a home’s foundation with their roots. A home inspector may raise concerns if a deep-rooted plant grows too close to your home, as roots can compromise your foundation. Many first-time landscapers fail to research their new plants’ conditions to thrive. Without proper care, those plants won’t flourish. For example, keeping the lawn too short or too long can stunt the grass or invite pests.
Hire a professional
A professional has far more knowledge than most DIY gardeners. They’ll analyze your soil and create solutions to implement what you envision for your home. They’ll also know which plants are best for your climate and which are not. Best of all, professional landscapers maintain a schedule that changes as the seasons do. If problems arise, a pro is more likely to spot it and develop a solution early on. These factors are only a few reasons professional landscapers are best suited for bringing your dream backyard to life.
What are the mistakes to avoid when hiring landscaping services?
“When hiring contractors, including landscape contractors, you must vet them thoroughly by conducting a background check. You can google their and company names and check your local BBB and sites like Yelp. The key is beyond license checks and referrals, which do not always give you information about complaints or lawsuits.
Be aware that many unlicensed individuals are doing this kind of work and will likely not have insurance or the required surety bond with the Contractors State License Board. Always ask for their license number and pocket license so you can compare it with what is on the Contractors State License Board on their website.
You want to get bids from at least three contractors to understand what costs are involved with your project. If there’s a large difference between the quotes, you’ll want to find out why. That’s a red flag so be sure to get to the bottom.
You’ll want to ask questions about their expertise and years in business and view examples of their past work. Find out your state’s contractor laws regarding downpayment and payment schedules. Every state is different, but it’s up to the homeowner to hire the best person for the job and avoid getting involved with a dishonest contractor.
Be sure to have a signed, written contract that spells out exactly what the job entails, including materials and supplies. You want to avoid any surprise expenses, but if you add any changes, be sure to get a signed Change Order reflecting the extra costs, which are added to the project’s overall cost.”
Jody Costello, Contractors from Hell
Landscaping has countless benefits for your home, mental health, and overall happiness. Adding aesthetic value to your property transforms your space into a quality area that suits your needs.