11 Important Landscaping Tips for Homeowners
Did you know that if your home has great landscaping, it could lead to a 20% increase in its value? Even if you’re not interested in selling your home any time soon, investing in the upkeep of your yard can pay off big in the long run.
This is why homeowners across the country are turning their attention to their yards and outdoor spaces, looking for ways to improve the curb appeal of their homes.
Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the near future or you just want to enjoy your outdoor space more, there are a few key landscaping tips that every homeowner should know.
Landscaping Tips for Homeowners
There are quite a few things to consider when landscaping, such as the type of plants you want to use, the layout of your garden, and the climate in your area.
Regardless of where you live or what your yard looks like, here are some simple landscaping tips you can follow.
1. Attack Weeds Early
Weeds are one of the most frustrating aspects of landscaping. Not only do they detract from the overall appearance of your yard, but they can also crowd out other plants and steal nutrients from the soil.
The best way to deal with weeds is to attack them early before they have a chance to take root. This is particularly true with tough weeds like nutsedge, for example. What should you do when you find tough weeds on your lawn?
Hand-pulling is often the most effective method, but you can also use a hoe or tiller to loosen the soil and make it easier to remove the weeds. However, if you have persistent problem areas, consider applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.
2. Find Out What Kind of Grass You Have
There are many types of grass, and each type has different characteristics. For example, some grasses are more drought-tolerant than others, and some are better able to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Knowing which type of grass you have will help you to choose the best care and maintenance practices. There are several ways to identify grasses. Each blade of grass is unique, so one way to identify grass is to look at the blades under a magnifying glass.
The shape, texture, and color of the blades can all be distinctive features. Another way to identify grass is to look at the seed heads. The shape, size, and color of the seed heads can also be helpful in identifying a particular type of grass.
Once you have identified the type of grass you have, you can research the best care practices for that particular variety. If you’re looking for a long-lasting green alternative, consider installing artificial grass in San Pasqual Valley, CA. This will cost you less in the long run.
3. Install Water Features
A water feature can be a beautiful addition to any home’s landscape.
Not only do they add visual interest, but they can also provide the perfect place for wildlife to drink and bathe. And, there are so many different kinds that you’re sure to find one that matches your home’s exterior style.
Install a preformed pond liner, or excavate a hole and line it with a rubber liner. For a more natural look, create a streambed with rocks and gravel. Be sure to include a pump to circulate the water, and consider adding plants and fish for added interest.
With a little planning, you can create a stunning water feature that will be the centerpiece of your home landscaping efforts.
4. Aerate Your Lawn Properly
Want to know how to get green grass? Aerating your lawn helps it to stay healthy and looking its best.
Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow water, air, and nutrients to reach the grassroots more easily. This is especially important in lawns that are subject to heavy foot traffic, as the compacted soil can prevent these vital resources from reaching the grassroots.
Ultimately, lawn aeration is a simple and effective way to keep your beautiful lawn looking its best. And, when done properly, it can help your lawn to resist wear and tear, stay healthy, and recover quickly from damage.
5. Incorporate Hardscape
Common hardscape features include patios, walkways, retaining walls, and ponds. Incorporating hardscape into your landscaping can help you define different areas in your yard, provide a place to entertain guests, or add a water feature.
When incorporating hardscape into your landscaping, be sure to consider the scale of the materials in relation to the rest of your yard. It’s important to keep in mind that too much hardscape can make your yard feel closed in, while too little can make it feel unfinished.
6. Use Natural Fertilizers
When it comes to landscaping, using natural fertilizers is one of the best things that you can do for your plants. Natural fertilizers contain a variety of nutrients that are essential for plant growth, and they also help to improve the structure of the soil.
As a result, your plants will be healthier and better able to withstand pests and diseases. In addition, using natural fertilizers can also help to reduce the amount of water that your plants need.
7. Think About Your Home’s Color Scheme
One of the best landscaping ideas is to think about the colors of the trees, flowers, and shrubs in your landscaping. You may want to consider paint colors that will complement these colors. After all, the colors of your home’s exterior should coordinate with the natural surroundings.
You may also want to think about the color of your home’s roof. For example, a red roof will look best with earth tones, while a green roof will look best with complementary cool colors.
If you’re not sure what color scheme to choose, you can always consult a professional painter or designer.
8. Focus on Curb Appeal
Many people think that the only time to focus on curb appeal is when they are selling their homes. That is certainly not the case. If you want to improve the look of your home and increase its value, you need to focus on curb appeal all year round.
One of the best ways to improve curb appeal is through landscaping. By planting some flowers or shrubs, mowing the lawn, and trimming the hedges, you can make a big difference in the way your home looks.
Don’t worry about investing a lot of money in these types of home improvements either! Even simple changes like new shrubs can go a long way towards making your home more attractive.
9. Plan for All Seasons
No matter what season it is, there’s always something that needs to be done in the yard.
For example, spring is a time for planting and preparing the garden beds, summer is a time for watering and weeding, and fall is a time for raking leaves and mulching.
Whether you have a large estate or a small city lot, proper landscaping can help you make the most of your outdoor space and enjoy your yard all year long. By planning for all seasons, you can create a landscape that is both beautiful and functional.
10. Get Creative With Textures
Landscaping is all about creating visual interest. One way to add visual interest to your landscaping is to use textures. You can use textures in flower beds, borders, or even in container gardens.
Some common textures that you can use in your landscaping include:
- Foliage
- Flowers
- Bark
- Rocks
Get creative with textures in your landscaping for a look that is sure to turn heads. Remember not to mix too many textures, though. When it comes to landscaping, we suggest sticking to two textures per area. Otherwise, you risk having a bit of a mismatched lawn.
11. Create a Landscaping Budget
Just like with any other type of home improvement project, it is important to have a clear idea of how much you are willing to spend before you get started. Otherwise, you could end up spending more than you can afford, which can cause problems down the road.
The good news is that creating a landscaping budget is not as difficult as it may seem.
Start by evaluating your landscape. Take a close look at your yard and make note of any areas that need improvement. This will help you to determine how much work needs to be done and what kind of materials you will need.
Next, set a realistic budget. Once you have an idea of the scope of the project, research the cost of materials and labor so that you can set a realistic budget. Keep in mind that landscaping can be an ongoing project, so don’t forget to factor in the cost of maintenance over time.
Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you are working with a professional landscape company, they may be willing to work with you on price. Be sure to get several quotes before making a final decision so that you can compare prices and services.
Explore More Design & Lifestyle Topics
Not sure how to add flare to your front yard and home’s curb appeal? Hopefully, these landscaping tips have helped. If you need more inspiration then browse through all of our other lifestyle articles to read more about design trends, real estate topics, and more.
