Would you like to increase the value of your home by up to 20%? Landscaping tip: a well-designed yard improves the curb appeal and, hence, the value of your home. Whether you’re a new homeowner with a blank slate, or your current landscaping needs a little pizzazz, there are some basics you should follow when you begin to landscape your home.
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Landscape Your Home Following These Steps
Whether you’re wondering if it’s worth hiring a professional, or how to landscape the front yard by yourself, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s an outline of the key steps necessary to landscaping your property.
Make a Plan
What kind of landscaping do you desire? Do you plan to use your yard for entertaining? Will you fence the property? Maybe a water feature would be nice. Whether you choose to draw up a formal plan or a rough sketch, having a concrete idea of how you want your property to look at the end of the project is an important step.
Figure Out Your Budget
Familiarize yourself with landscaping costs. Decide how much you want to spend upfront, and what you can realistically do with that amount of money. Don’t begin with a blank check mindset because you’ll undoubtedly spend more than you intended.
Start Out Front
The front of your home is what the world views and the first thing you see as you approach the door. Beautiful landscaping wows neighbors and guests, but remember function is just as important.
Hardscape First
Before you install any flowers, shrubs, or trees, put in the hardscape elements. Hardscaping includes patios, sidewalks, fire pits, fencing, driveways, and porches. Construction impacts the soil and damages plants. Wait until these projects are complete.
Irrigation and Drainage
Drainage is important to keep water away from the house, as well as for the life of your plants. Make sure there aren’t any areas where water puddles, instead of draining properly. Equally important is your irrigation system to keep your plants watered regularly. Consider using drip irrigation for your shrubs and perennials.
Mulch
Once all of your plants have been installed and your design is complete, the last step is mulch. If you want to control weeds, keep moisture in, and add nutrients to the soil, use plenty of mulch! Applying mulch liberally adds beauty to your landscaping. There are many different types of mulch and some, like cedar, pine, or cypress, will even repel fleas, ticks, and gnats.
Up Your Curb Appeal
Now that you know the key steps to landscape your home, are you ready to get started? At Meadowbrook Design we offer a full range of residential landscaping services. Contact us today to see how we can make your dream a reality.