Landscape Designer Tips, a blog for landscape designers and homeowners, provides expert advice on designing a garden using the latest trends in landscape design. Landscape design doesn’t have to be a mystery. Here are the common mistakes that people make and how you can avoid them.
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Landscape Designer Tips
You’ll Probably Regret Artificial Grass
If you want greenery but you’re tired of managing a lawn, artificial grass is not the answer you’re looking for. Here’s why… Fake grass actually holds on to heat and can get hot in direct sunlight. It’s also not the most eco-friendly or cost-effective choice, either. A much better option would be to plant a no-mow lawn, like micro clover, or a blend of local wildflower seeds and grasses for a sweet meadow the birds will love.
You Still Need Mulch
We know mulch can be kind of messy, but it’s good for the soil and your plants. You might be tempted to use gravel as a replacement, but rocks are actually a poor substitute for the nutrients mulch can provide. If mulch just won’t stay put, though, you might consider planting a flowering ground cover, such as creeping myrtle.
Codes Aren’t Written in Stone
Unfortunately, codes can and do change, which often slows down building projects. If you’re planning a new local landscape design, don’t be surprised if there are delays with local planning and building departments. These rules are beyond your landscape designer’s control, but they’ll do their best to help you get everything in order. It may take a little time and patience, but landscape designers deal with permits on a frequent basis, so they know the ropes.
Drought-Tolerant Plants Still Need Water
Even the most drought-resistant plants still need to be watered, especially for the first few years they’re in the ground. This gives them time to become established. Installing an irrigation system is the simplest way to conserve water and cut down on labor. It can also be adjusted based on the season. For example, you won’t need to water during the rainy months, or not nearly as much.
Plan For Good Drainage
It’s more exciting to think about what you’re going to plant in your Walnut Creek landscape design, but good drainage is essential too. Dense, clay-based soils can cause flooding, so be sure to ask your landscape designer what needs to be done to prepare for spring and winter rain.
Be Realistic About Maintenance
It also pays to be realistic about how much time you really have to devote to the upkeep of your landscaping. For example, you might love the idea of a big veggie garden on the side yard, but if you’re working a 9-5 while raising young kids, you might not want to spend your weekends pulling weeds. A landscape designer can help you determine how labor intensive each project will be before you get started.
Schedule Walnut Creek Landscape Design Tips
If landscaping your yard interests you, contact Meadowbrook Design to schedule a consultation by calling (925) 200-3661. You can also view past projects by clicking here. Meadowbrook Design offers a full range of residential landscape services in the east San Francisco Bay Area. Our team approaches all aspects of a project with an expertise that’s informed by experience as well as the latest innovations. Take advantage of our experience. Let’s talk.