Tips For Landscaping In A Colder Climate

Posted on September 10, 2013 in landscaping

TIP! If you want to transform your yard, try re-edging your flower and rock beds using a soft, curved design. A curving bed offers a more contemporary look than the classic square and rectangular planting areas.

No matter what type of project you are undertaking, make sure you have the adequate knowledge before starting. If you don’t know what you’re up against, you’re highly likely to fail. Reading this article will help you get your landscaping project under control.

TIP! Use native plants whenever you landscape. Your garden should contain greenery that is indigenous to the area for best results.

Make a sketch of your landscaping project ideas before you start digging. A sketch can help you to visualize the results and have a better idea of the materials you will need to complete the project. Making changes to a sketch is much simpler than making a change to your yard.

TIP! Native plants are a joy to work with and should be used whenever possible. It is easier to take care of native plants since they can thrive with the normal conditions in your area.

Add soft curves to the edges of your rock beds and flower beds for an instant update. Curved beds are all the rage these days, while right angles are considered boring and passe. Cutting fresh edges could be an inexpensive task that could have a great impact on the way your flower bed and lawn looks.

Use marble or granite in your outdoor kitchen design. Marble and other materials are cheap, but granite is heat-resistant and easy to maintain.

TIP! It’s well worth the money to get a soil test before you landscape your garden or yard. Having your soil tested could help you know what you need to add to it and what you need to eliminate.

Drip watering systems are perfect for plants. This type of irrigation is very easy to put in, and it lets you moderate the water flow to your plants for continuous or off-and-on watering. You also save money on water as it’s all being used by the plants, none will run off or be evaporated by the sun.

TIP! There is more to landscaping than just planting grass and trees. To add distinctive beauty with texture, try using different woods, cement or even wrought iron pieces.

Speak with a professional before beginning any landscaping work on your yard. A short discussion about your ideas and approach with a pro can widen your perspective and uncover any issues in your design that need rethinking. If you are new to landscaping design, this step is especially important.

TIP! Time your purchases in such a way that you save money. Wait until the winter months to buy your lumber, and buy trees, shrubs or mulch late in the season if you can.

Think about the existing structures around the landscaping project before starting on it. Check out where your gutters, cables, air conditioning units, and things of that sort are located; you want to make sure you don’t interfere with where they’re at. To protect yourself, call your city to find out if there are any cables located where you will be placing your landscape designs.

TIP! Talk to a professional prior to starting on a landscaping project. Although they need not take part in the whole project, paying a little money up front for their advice may mean the difference between a stress free project and one that is fraught with mistakes.

When starting a substantial do-it-yourself landscape project, consider a short consultation with a professional landscape designer or architect to get their perspective on your materials and design. An experienced professional can give you some valuable and time-saving tips that significantly cut costs and time in the long run. Even though the hourly cost of a consultation can be about $75, the investment can save you time and money.

TIP! Measure your work area before buying materials. This will make it easier for you to figure out how much stuff you need.

Anyone who intends to do their own landscaping must first plan a budget. Begin by writing down everything that you’ll need to complete your project. Next, figure out where to purchase all these materials. Prices can vary wildly based on where you make your purchases. Also look into buying reclaimed materials and industrial scraps to save some money.

TIP! Stop thinking that you should try and spend less on every item. There are many places to buy discount supplies, but the quality is often questionable.

When hiring a professional of any kind, even landscaping, make sure you ask for professional references. Price is a very important consideration; however, you must also look of the work of the landscaper you are considering to make a final decision. Ask for photos, or even better, addresses of the jobs the landscaper has completed.

TIP! Peat moss will improve virtually any flower bed. Peat moss has a lot of helpful nutrients for the plants that they might otherwise lack.

Talk to an expert before beginning your project. Even if you have chosen to do your project solo, it’s always good to talk to a pro before you start. Professionals can offer great advice and tips to help you with your project. They are able to offer great tips or opinions that you may have missed.

TIP! Create a softer look in your yard with curved borders. These are more pleasing to the eye than square, blocked beds.

If the goal of your landscaping project is increased privacy, then choose a variety of tree that grows quickly. These trees will quickly offer expansive coverage. A weeping willow or cherry tree are excellent choices for this use.

Native Plants

TIP! In order to have greenery year around, remember to include some evergreens and other trees and bushes in your landscape. A lot of plants will blossom for only a short time, and you might end up with a dull yard in between seasons.

If you wish to produce a design that is easy to maintain, use native plants as much as possible. Foreign plants find it harder to adapt to your home’s environment, yet native plants have already adapted to this environment, so they’ll fit in with ease. Local plants don’t need as much supplemental irrigation and this can save you cash on your bill for water.

TIP! Speak with an experienced professional before beginning your project. Even if you are landscaping yourself, it is always a smart move to take the time to speak with a professional.

Before you plan your landscaping project, pay to get some professional guidance. You may have to accept the upfront expense in order to save greater amounts down the road. A consultation will help you begin your project on the right foot.

TIP! Consider the impact that your project will have on your home. If you do not take the proper precautions, you may find that some plants with roots can harm underground pipes or bushes that block your view when leaving your driveway.

Landscaping is similar to home renovation; knowledge, in these instances, is power. Read as much as you can and keep what you learn in mind as you create your plans and sketches; this will lead to a positive landscape renovation.