Achieving a successful landscaping project is not easy. There are many factors to consider, and everyone’s tastes vary, but some basic tips will help you get started on the right foot. Even if you have little to no experience with landscaping, there are plenty of ways to improve the exterior look of your home.
Here are nine hacks to help you make the most of your landscaping job:
Hack #1: Find out your soil type
With the right plants, mulch, or other materials that will help maintain healthy roots in your yard, it’s possible to transform your yard into a healthier, more attractive home for plants and wildlife. This will also help maintain the value of your home.
So, start your landscaping job by researching your soil. What kind of soil do you have? Is it mostly sand, clay, or a mix? Knowing this will help you determine which plants would work best for your yard.
Hack #2: Choose the right plants
Keep in mind that most native plants grow best in their natural environment, so they will require less water and maintenance than other plant types such as ferns or ornamental grasses, which need regular care.
If you’re in doubt about the right plant for your yard, visit a local nursery to get help from experts. This way, you can buy a plant that is compatible with your yard’s soil and won’t be difficult to maintain in the long run.
Hack #3: Be consistent with materials
The materials you use should have a “unity” of colour and texture. This will help them flow from one section of the yard to another. Using different materials, such as brick pavers and cobblestones, can make your landscaping look haphazard and thrown together.
If your existing yard design is already weather-damaged, consider getting brick paving repairs done to tie the pavers together. Or, if you want, you could also hire a landscaping service to lay synthetic turf that is soft underfoot while being easy to clean.
Hack #4: Create outdoor rooms
It’s possible to create separate areas in your yard for reading, dining, playing, or entertaining by using strategically placed furniture and other features. This will help you decide the proper layout for the type of life you lead at home. For example, if you have kids, you’ll likely need to pay extra attention to safety features like fences.
This is also the time to consider putting in outdoor lighting. Take your yard’s design into consideration when choosing the type of lighting you want to install since some models work better than others, depending on where they are installed.
Hack #5: Don’t neglect the front yard
Your home’s exterior is important for first impressions, so try to make your front yard stand out. Create a garden that matches the style of your house, and use plants that work well with what you already have on-site. Ensure to avoid chaos by maintaining all plantings and other features in the front yard.
Hack #6: Plant trees around the house
Trees are great for adding shade, which can lower energy costs. They’re also pretty to look at and provide homes for birds and other wildlife. Just be careful not to plant trees too close to your house because they can damage gutters, roof shingles, or the foundation if their roots grow underneath these structures.
Hack #7: Consider adding a water feature
Water features can improve the look of a yard and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. They can be relatively inexpensive to install and maintain, but some people may prefer to hire a professional company that does this work regularly.
Hack #8: Add splashes of colour
There are plenty of low-maintenance plants available that have bright blooms. This way, you can have the look of colourful plants without having to worry about deadheading flowers or other time-consuming tasks that are part of maintaining these plants.
For starters, you can go with annuals, which will typically need to be replaced every year or two. This may also be a good time to think about putting in a garden that is dedicated to these types of plants.
Hack #9: Be careful with burrowing animals
If you want to avoid the expense and hassle of removing damage caused by moles, gophers, or other burrowing animals in your yard, consider using wire mesh around the bottom of your fence. This will prevent these creatures from getting into your flower beds and causing further damage.
Landscaping is an excellent way of improving the look of your home, making it stand out from others on the street. Not only will this be a big benefit for those looking to sell their homes, but it can also ensure that your yard is a safe and attractive place where kids and pets like to play.
