Make Your Yard A Paradise With These Landscaping Tips

Posted on November 30, 2012 in landscaping

TIP! Use unique textures for leaves such as variegated ones when doing landscaping. Work a few uniquely textured plants into an existing garden for greater depth.

Home decorating trends may come and go, but good landscaping is always in good taste. Even though it has an immediate impact and makes an impression on everyone who sees a home, many home owners do little or nothing to preserve and enhance their landscaping. Follow the advice in this article to create a landscape design you can be proud of.

TIP! Research your region’s hardiness zone, and choose plants that are most likely to survive based on that information. In 2012, the USDA updated the map that shows the hardiness zones.

If a more attractive landscape design is a priority, but funds are limited, you may want to propose splitting the cost of improvements with your neighbors. This involves pooling your money with your neighbors to purchase larger tools and supplies. Once the community has purchased tools and equipment, you can work out a schedule to determine who gets to use the tools each day.

TIP! Consider your needs and the space available around your home when designing your landscape. Hedges are great mufflers for sound from passing cars, if they bother you.

If you’re thinking of hiring a pro landscaper for your project, ask for a few references. Although price should be considered, it should not be your main focus. Instead, look at some of the professional’s work and call their references.

TIP! Most people choose to plan their garden along the edge of the fence, house or property line. While this is a good place to start, in the long run you should landscape your whole lawn.

Professional landscapers are available to help you plan your landscaping project. Before deciding on a professional, get several references from them, along with their cost and timeline estimates. Remember to have the designer give you references as well. Not only should they have personal references, they also need professional ones. Ask references to talk about how close to schedule and close to budget the designer came when working for them.

TIP! Many people overlook online shopping options when landscaping their properties. The surprising fact is that it is easier and convenient.

Buy your landscaping supplies online to pick from a bigger selection while also saving money. There are lots of online sites that sell well-made products at affordable prices. Always read other customers’ reviews when ordering products in order to get a good product. Always compare prices across different websites.

TIP! It is wise to leave the grass clippings on the lawn when you mow it. The grass will add nutrients as it decomposes, so you won’t have to use as much fertilizer to keep your lawn healthy.

When it comes to landscape design there are many elements to consider in addition to plants. When planning out a landscape for your yard, it is easy to only focus on the plants that will bloom there. It is important to think about using non-organic elements as well. Pots, stonework and other features can greatly enhance the appearance of your outdoor space, particularly when plants are not blooming.

TIP! Evergreens and foliage plants will lend an air of continuity and consistency to your landscaping. If you use only plants that blossom for a short period, there will be times when your yard is empty.

If your primarily justification for planting trees is to create privacy, it is wise to buy varieties that grow rapidly. Just as the name suggests, these trees grow at a more rapid rate than regular trees. A tree like the weeping cherry has become popular, in part due to its rapid growth time.

TIP! Remember that cheaper is not always better. While you can locate inexpensive supplies, the quality can be below what you want or need.

Water features like ponds or fountains can add spice and elegance to your yard. You may find these additions to attract wildlife while making your garden more personable. Just remember to be a bit cautious when thinking about a fountain; remember they require an electrical source, so plan accordingly.

TIP! Learn where the property lines are between your neighbor’s yard and your own before beginning any landscaping. This is even more important if there is no fence easily dividing your property from your neighbor’s.

Curves add interest and beauty. Curved beds that flow through areas of your property attract the eye in a pleasing way. Not only will it please the visual senses, but it could also add value to your home according to studies. Although it’s a little harder to construct than a straight border, the payoff is worth it.

TIP! Including flowering plants and different kinds of trees will add interest and beauty to your landscape choices. Not every shrub is green, and many have a certain flowering season, or have colors which aren’t green.

Using plants to create a privacy screen that is natural for your yard is a good idea. When you utilize taller plants in your landscaping, they can act as natural privacy shields to keep unwanted eyes from your home. These plants can also help obscure a neighbor’s ugly yard or keep children and pets inside your yard.

Covering Plants

TIP! Knowing how to time your purchases at the right time can save you a lot of money. Wait until near the end of season to purchase certain types of plants that nurseries want to get rid of.

Develop a healthy yard to stop the uncontrolled growth of weeds. The right design should include weed prevention in the form of attractive, ground-covering plants. Concentrate on making a healthy and dense cover. Prevent weeds from becoming a problem by eliminating any nutrients and sunlight available to them. Supply covering plants with all of the water and fertilizer they need to keep them strong.

TIP! Make your yard look beautiful all year by creating a garden that incorporates all seasons. Look for plants and shrubs that bloom at various times throughout the year.

Ground cover can spruce up any yard. You can cut down on lawn mowing by using plants such as juniper, ivy and creeping plants. They also let your landscape have color, dimension, and depth.

TIP! To ensure you don’t waste any money, plan everything out before making your purchases. Try creating a rough sketch of your landscaping idea so that you can figure out precisely what materials you need.

Working together on a landscape project can be a fun family activity while improving the look and function of your home. So make sure you go out and have a fun time with your landscaping while bonding with the family. A beautiful yard and pleasant memories will be the end result of all your hard work.