Have you considered hiring a professional landscaper? It can be a fun project to complete on your own instead. You simply need some new ideas, knowledge and skill. Read on to learn some tips and tricks that you can use to create a nice-looking yard.
Native plants are a joy to work with and should be used whenever possible. Native varieties require less attention because they are living in an environment that is naturally conducive to their growth. These means that you will have to take less time to help keep them growing. Check out a local gardening store and see what plants are actually native in your area.
Before beginning your project, be sure to learn the difference between plants–annuals and perennials, hardiness zones, bulbs and seeds. You must also remember your seasons when landscaping as well. You need to keep all this in mind as you draft your landscaping plans.
Making your garden multi-seasonal will allow you to take full advantage of your landscaping. Select certain plants that will bloom in different seasons according to your location and its accompanying weather. Evergreens and trees with nice foliage help make your yard look lively and interesting all year long.
Before you go to a gardening store to get your materials together, measure out your work area and make sure the measurements are exact. This makes it much easier to determine how much of each item you actually need. Having this knowledge will help you to avert buying too little or too much of anything.
When doing a DIY landscaping project, try getting a brief consultation with a landscape architect or designer to see what they think you should get for your design. An experienced landscape professional can give advice to help you save time and money over the long run. An hour-long meeting with a professional averages about $75, which is a small price to pay for the insight and money-saving advice they can provide.
Grass Clippings
Leave some stary grass clippings where they fall after mowing the lawn. As they decompose, the grass clippings will provide nutrients to your yard, so the lawn will be in less need of fertilizer.
Keep all four seasons in mind as you design your landscaping. What this entails is that the plants you have should be able to blossom in both spring and summer. Also, you could add in pine trees to make your yard green in the winter. The key to a year-round landscape is to research plants.
Mulch is a necessary foundation for most flower beds. Mulch lets plants retain moisture. This is especially useful in areas that are really hot. With mulch, your plants will have sufficient water.
Do not overlook the impact certain kinds of landscaping could have on your home and yard. If you don’t use caution you may plant things that interfere with your pipes underground or maybe a bush that blocks your view when you try to turn out of your driveway. Plan out your landscape appropriately so that these issues don’t come up later.
Make sure you add in water to your design. As an example, you may consider using water features such as pumps, small pools or even fountains. If you feel uncomfortable with the equipment involved, you can even hire a professional to do the installation for a nominal fee. A well-executed water feature makes a terrific focal point for your overall landscaping design.
The cheapest materials aren’t always the best bang for your buck. When it comes to the quality and reliability of landscaping products, you often get what you pay for. Weigh all your options before buying anything. Sometimes, spending a little extra will save money in the end.
If you are going to use any large plants in your design, keep in mind that they will cast a shadow. This can be used to cool your patio or even help with privacy. Be certain not to put small specimens in the shadowy space.
After reading this guide, you are ready to landscape your yard. Great job! You’ve just saved a bunch of cash and are going to be able to have a little fun. Take the initiative to create your dream yard and then put in the effort to make it a reality.