It’s that time of year when everyone is out working in their yards and creating beautiful, enviable landscapes. It’s also the time of year when I need to keep an especially close eye on my husband and his use of our checkbook. Once the weekend comes, if he’s not working in the yard he’s at the nearest home and garden center buying stuff for the yard: plants, trees, shrubs, fertilizers, do-it-yourself pond kits, outdoor lighting fixtures…and that’s just what he bought last weekend! I keep telling myself that it’s an investment in our home and his sanity. I just wish I had one of his green thumbs (and maybe a few more greenbacks in our bank account) by the time summer is over. But I have to admit, he does a great job of making our yard look good.

Trees and shrubs can add a lot to your property and your landscape. They provide shade, privacy, and beauty year-round. By shielding your home from the hot sun and creating a wind break, some trees and shrubs can make your home more energy-efficient. But selecting which trees or bushes to plant is not something to do on a whim. Think about why you want that particular tree or shrub and what purpose it will serve.

When adding trees and shrubs to your yard, it is important to look at many aspects. Of course, you are going to consider the tree itself. Decisions should not be made based solely on what the tree looks like. Instead think about how large it will get and in what conditions it will thrive. Does this tree need a lot of sun, or will it grow well in the shade? How much water does it need? Does it require a lot of upkeep and maintenance? If so, are you up for the challenge? What kind of soil does your yard have? That blooming so-and-so is sure beautiful, but will it withstand the hot, dry summers and the clay-like soil in your yard? Are you looking for shade, colorful foliage, or privacy? Does your neighborhood have power lines overhead? If so, consider how tall your tree will grow. If you live in an urban area, some trees are not able to flourish due to pollution or salt-spray from city streets.

There are certainly a lot of things to consider, and it can all be very confusing. Visit your local lawn and garden center or your professional landscaper and they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

One of the most popular trends in landscaping right now is to include a water garden. An aqua oasis from the humdrum of traditional grass and shrubs will most certainly liven up your yard. Fountains, waterfalls, and ponds are all options that can be explored with the help of your local home and garden center or landscape professional.

Including fish or aquatic plants in these environmentally friendly water gardens can add a whole new dimension to your landscaping pursuits. Not only will these new additions make your yard more serene, but they may peak the interest of potential buyers in the future. Of course, safety is always a concern. If you have children in your family or even in your neighborhood, you might think that adding water features to your landscape isn’t a good idea. If that is the case, then a pond-less waterfall may be for you. This low-maintenance alternative is often less expensive than a full pond and won’t be a drowning hazard for young children.

If you are considering adding water features but are concerned with water conservation, there are solutions. There are many options available, including smaller, easy-to-care-for ponds that use less water as well as fountains that re-circulate the water used.

All of these suggestions can really get your mind going, but sometimes if the upkeep is not easy, it probably won’t get done. Be sure to look into ways that can make the time you spend out in your newly beautified yard enjoyable. Cutting, watering, and fertilizing the lawn are three of the biggest headaches and time-consuming parts of caring for your yard. But is there any way around them if you want lovely landscaping? Yes, yes, and yes. Let us count the ways:

First, think of investing in an automatic sprinkler system. It can save time, money, and headaches when it comes to having your lawn watered. How many of you are tired of checking the sprinkler and moving it all around the yard? Not to mention the wasted water that keeps the driveway and sidewalk freshly hydrated. Those mini-rivers that flow alongside the curb during summer watering time are always so beneficial to water conservation, don’t you think?

Everyone wants to have that manicured lawn and beautiful yard, but with today’s busy lifestyles, few people have the extra time it takes to maintain it. Mowing the lawn is another time-consuming chore that some of us would rather do without. Many people are turning to low-maintenance alternatives to grass such as clover or moss. You might think it odd, but consider the advantages clover provides. It is soft, green, and rarely needs cutting. It is weed-, insect-, and drought-resistant. Clover also aerates the soil, and it won’t discolor when man’s best friend pays a visit.

Some other options for a low-maintenance yard are plants native to your area. These types of plants are used to fending for themselves and require little attention on your part. Perennial ground cover plants require less attention when it comes to mowing and watering. And rock gardens…well, enough said. Be sure to explore your options when it comes to making your life easier and your yard more environmentally and user-friendly.

In recent years, the trend in landscaping has moved from exotic plants to adding plants that are native to your area. “Eco-Chic” landscaping is the name given to the selection of plants that have been bred to stand up to insects and disease without the use of chemicals. Eco-friendly critter repellants will fend off insects as well as other landscaping interlopers such as moles, rabbits, and the like without harming their health.

Another bright spot in today’s landscaping trends is outdoor lighting. Not only does adding lighting allow you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings any time of day, it also increases the security of your home and the safety of your family. Shedding light on a garden path, illuminating your walkway, or adding lights to your waterfall, pond, or fountain will only enhance the uniqueness of your landscaping. Lighting is affordable and a relatively easy way to create a grand impression.

I know a lot of this may seem overwhelming—it does for me. There are so many things to consider. How much does it all cost? What are the right plants to use? Which plants will thrive in my yard, and where do I buy quality plants in the first place? It almost seems too much for one person to take on. That is why many of us have decided to turn to our local professional landscape contractor. There are many reasons you might want to turn to a professional when it comes to creating the yard you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

For one, quality landscaping can add value to your home. Proper planning is essential when deciding what plants to put where; place a small sapling too close to your house and in a few years you could have major problems. Another reason to hire a professional is for your own peace of mind. Spare your lawn from being needlessly ripped up or destroyed in the process of landscaping.

Professional designers have high-quality equipment such as rubber-tracked crawlers, which are very gentle and barely add any weight or pressure to your lawn. Using a landscaper that has the latest equipment can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Along with the proper machinery, professionals also have the knowledge of which plants thrive in your area and which do not. Also, the contractor you hire can help you plan not only how your yard will look, but also design it around the time and effort you will be able to put into maintenance and then plant accordingly.

An elaborate yard is certainly beautiful, but do you have the time for the upkeep? If not, your contractor can suggest a lovely, yet low-maintenance plan. And lastly, think of your landscaping as an investment. Not only is a quality landscaping design pleasing to the eye, but it can be pleasing to the pocketbook as well. MONEY magazine reports that high-quality landscaping may recover as much as 100% to 200% of your investment.

When choosing a professional landscaper, it is a good idea to ask friends and family for referrals. Once you have a few you are interested in using, be sure to see photographs of their work. Try to find examples of landscaping similar to what you have in mind for your own yard and those similar to your own budget. Get a written, itemized estimate. Research your contractor’s relationship with his or her suppliers and subcontractors—are they paying bills on time? And most importantly, don’t forget to ask for proof of insurance.

With warmer months just around the corner, the yard of your dreams isn’t far behind. Whether you decide to hire a professional landscape designer or choose to venture out on your own, it is important to do your homework.
Taking shortcuts may seem like the way to go, but be sure to look at the big picture. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well so that you can enjoy your yard and all the beauty it has to offer for years to come.



  

Landscape
Designing
By Traci Osuna