Tricks And Tips On How To Make The Most Out Of Your Landscape

Posted on October 15, 2012 in landscaping

TIP! There’s much more to landscaping then simply planting some grass and trees. To add substance and texture, look for places to add wood, iron or cement structures.

Landscaping can be as simple as a few changes around the home. Other people are not content with simple projects. So, they choose to go big with a major landscaping plan that radically updates their home’s appearance. Whatever type of landscaping interests you, the advice contained in this article is sure to be of great help.

TIP! Remember that your landscape is more than just plants. When you landscape, focusing just on the plants is simple.

Consider using plants that have unique leaf textures as you embark on your landscaping project. Incorporating these plants into an existing landscape can offer dramatic contrast and interest to your design. For maximum effect, disperse them evenly about the yard.

TIP! Look at resources past stores and catalogs. Your local arboretums and botanical gardens or centers often have plant sales with different varieties that grow well in your area.

If you are looking to landscape your yard but budget is of concern, keep in mind that you do not have to complete the entire project all at once. Depending on how large your landscaping project is, you can do the project in phases and learn new things every step of the way. Simple updates can make a huge difference to the overall look of your yard.

Foliage Plants

TIP! As you mow, let some of the grass clippings stay wherever they fell. The decomposing grass is great for your lawn, and it cuts down on your fertilizer bill.

Create continuity of you landscape with evergreens and foliage plants. Many plants only blossom for short periods, causing your yard to look dull in between blossoms. Use foliage plants or evergreens to fill in your yard so it stays green.

TIP! Don’t forget about autumn as you design the landscaping for your yard. When you choose your plantings in the spring, consider how those plants will look during different seasons of the year.

Select plants wisely, because that could seriously affect the result of your overall landscaping project. You shouldn’t use plants that need sunlight in shaded areas. You’ll be unhappy if a tree is planted in a place that won’t give it room to grow. Plant plants that are going to flourish where you plant them.

TIP! Don’t buy everything all at one time. There aren’t many people who can just go out and buy all the supplies they need in one go.

Anyone contemplating the inclusion of large specimens needs to realize that they will create shadows. You can use these plants to create natural shade near your house or to improve the environment for smaller plants that thrive in shady areas. See to it that you don’t place smaller plants in the shadows.

TIP! When you need to plant seeds as part of your landscaping project, you should work in the biggest batches possible. It doesn’t take much more time to seed a large area than a smaller area, so save time by seeding larger areas all at once.

Landscape designers can be of great assistance with planning projects. Prior to engaging the services of any professional, it makes sense to solicit samples, cost estimates and reasonable completion timelines. Also make sure the designer gives you references. References should include both personal and professional references. When you are checking references, make sure you ask if the landscaping was completed within budget and on time.

TIP! If landscaping on a budget is what you’re considering then remember that the entire project can be broken down into segments. In fact, it is often a good idea to break your project up into different steps and even seasons.

Be sure that plants are properly trimmed so your lawn looks nice. Many plants such as holly, azaleas and forsythia can become overgrown and should be trimmed every year. It may seem extreme, but cut them nearly to ground level and they will grow out beautifully in spring.

TIP! By properly timing what you purchase, you could save yourself a bit of money. Winter can be the best time to purchase lumber while mulch, trees and plants may be cheaper at the end of the season.

As you plan out to create your landscape, make sure you make room for your plants to grow. A smaller tree may look nice beside your house, but within a few years may present problems for the foundation. Take the size of whatever you are planting into consideration in order to have the proper balance between your plants.

TIP! Add dimension to your landscaping design with multi-level elements. You can enliven a boring and flat environment by adding design elements such as terraces, steps and fountains.

Use plants for creating natural privacy screens around the property or patio. Good plants that help separate your yard from your neighbors include ornamental grasses, tall hedges and evergreen trees. Such elements also work to camouflage ugly features in neighbors’ yards and to contain kids and pets.

TIP! Many people don’t think about online shopping regarding landscaping. This can not only save you money, but it can also help you to find plants that are more rare and not carried locally or even in specialty stores in your area.

Take some time to learn about different landscaping techniques. For example, the consistent use of a specific plant can create continuity. You also want to look into the textures of your plants, this can help your design have variety. There are plenty of landscaping-themed books and websites that describe these techniques.

TIP! Prior to starting a landscaping project, talk to a professional. Although you may not need their help on your whole plan, a consultation is worth it, seeing as you can avoid costly mistakes.

Before you start landscaping modifications, gain a better understanding of where your utility wires and other structures are located. You need to make sure your landscaping changes will not interfere with any features on your property, such as sprinklers, overhead wires, air conditioners and gutters. Also call your local municipality to come out and mark the underground wires before you begin digging.

TIP! Make sure you add in water to your design. You can install pumps for a fountain or pool for example.

Consider using the available areas of your home to complement your landscape design, keeping a few possibilities in mind. Use plants to add beauty to your yard but can also have a useful function, such as blocking the view and noises of a busy road. Make a play place for your kids. A popular landscaping option is to create an entertainment area for spending time with family and friends.

TIP! If you want to put in trees on your property for privacy, consider buying trees that fast. Just like they sound, these trees grow at a higher rate than most normal trees.

For anyone designing their own garden, it would be prudent to place mulch in any of the flowerbeds. Mulch provides a protective layer that retains moisture and can provide nutrients. A key function of mulch is its ability to distribute water to plants as needed.

TIP! If you think you may soon sell your home, it is crucial that your landscaping and curb appeal is attractive. A healthy lawn, some pretty stones or maybe a birdbath will be more attractive than a boring and drab yard.

Landscaping provides different benefits depending on how you go about it. For some, it’s simply a small job to improve their property, for others, it is a huge artistic process involving a great deal of time and effort. The tips listed here will help you make your yard look fabulous.