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ABOUT GARDEN ACCENTS
Landscaping Overview
Looking for ways to improve the property surrounding your home? Landscape renovations help you transform your yard, driveway, and curtilage with the right complementary accents for your home's style.
What is a Landscape Renovation?
Landscape renovation is a process of updating, restoring, and revitalizing outdoor spaces. It involves making improvements to your garden, yard, patio, or any other outdoor area of your property. The goal of landscape renovation is to create an inviting and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space that meets your individual needs. By renovating your outdoor area, you can transform it into a place of beauty and functionality. This can include adding new plants, hardscaping elements such as patios and walkways, and revamping existing features like ponds or water features.
Landscape renovation can also involve installing outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, and other amenities to make your outdoor space more enjoyable. Renovating your landscape can help improve the value of your home while also providing a peaceful retreat for you and your family. If you're looking to give your outdoor space a facelift, landscape renovation is the perfect way to make it happen.
Do you need help designing your new yard or landscape idea? Get help from expert landscapers with specialized knowledge in horticulture, exterior design, and seasonal planning. Our experts bring all of these skills together to make your yard a masterpiece.
What Are the Compontents of Landscaping?
Landscaping is a great way to improve the aesthetic of your property, create a sight you will enjoy, and increase your home's value. Doing local area research and working with a local expert will give you the best results. Some of the best practices to follow when landscaping your yard include planning out your project, understanding the right plants to use, incorporating the elements of exterior design, and keeping the project maintained using seasonal planting.
Planning for Size
Your landscaping plan would account for the size of the project. Start by measuring your working area and yard. Set your your project specifications like number of plants, features, and resources accordingly.
Climatology and Planting
Understanding the climate of your area is really important when selecting plants for your landscaping. Choose plants which will thrive based on natural moisture levels, area sun exposure, and seasonal temperature levels.
Horticulture
Use the best practices of horticulture to plant complementary ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs. This helps ensure you evaluate the soil, study related pests, and use appropriate fertilizers with mulches and irrigation to ensure optimal growth.
Landscaping Design
A trained eye for design knows when you have gotten your landscaping right. Consider the existing architecture and the climate of the area when selecting plants and materials for exterior landscaping in order to create a design that lasts.
NEXT STEPS
Find Landscaping Help
Understanding landscaping and finding the right contractor makes all the difference in your renovation success. Start by having a plan for the yard or area in mind, understand your climate, and seek professional help as needed.
Plan Your Landscape Renovation Project Budget
Start with your budget. Planning your landscape renovation project budget is an essential step in ensuring the successful completion of your outdoor renovation. Before you begin gathering materials and hiring contractors, it is important to determine exactly how much you have to spend. To do this, you should make a detailed list of the items and services you need to complete the project. This list should include both one-time and recurring expenses such as materials, labor, landscaping equipment, and any other supplies required. This will help you find a suitable contractor and account for the plants and resources needed.
Once you have a comprehensive list, you can compare prices to determine which options fit your budget. Don't forget to also factor in all applicable taxes and fees associated with the project. It is important to research all available incentives and discounts for which you may qualify, as these could help reduce the cost of your landscape renovation. If you have a larger project, ask about discounts for adding on additional areas or multiple plant purchasing price breaks. By taking the time to properly plan your budget beforehand, you can ensure that your project will be completed on time and on budget.
Choose the Right Landscape Renovation Contractor
Choosing a landscape renovation contractor can be a challenge, so here a few quick tips. Taking the time to research local landscaping experts and select the right contractor for the job is essential to ensure a successful project outcome. Before you start your search, consider the scope of your project and determine how much help you need. Do you need a landscape designer to help you plan your renovation, or will you be doing most of the planning yourself? How about the manual labor? Knowing this will help you find a contractor who can best meet your needs.
Next, ask for landscaper referrals from friends and family. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be a reliable way to find quality contractors. Once you have identified a few potential contractors, look into their credentials. Are they properly licensed and insured to work? Have they completed similar horticulture projects in the past? Check their online reviews and contact past customers when it is possible. Finally, set up consultations and a space walk through with each contractor to get a better understanding of their specialties, capabilities, and expectations. Discuss your landscaping budget, timeline, favorite plants, and any other details relevant to the project. Taking all these steps will help you find the right landscape renovation contractor for your project.
"Digging" Into the Project
Diagram and Plan the Landscape Plot
Creating a well-designed landscape plot starts with the right plan. Diagramming the plot can help you visualize the design and decide how you want to arrange your plants and other features. Start by selecting a scale and drawing a plan of the area that includes existing structures, fences, and trees. Once you have that mapped out, use a ruler and graph paper to sketch out the paths, beds, and other features for your landscape. Outline shapes that will be filled in with plants, and mark off areas for paving or other materials. This is also a good time to draw in any features you’d like to add, such as a water feature or gazebo.
Make sure to include paths and other hardscaped features between all planned areas so that you can easily access each part of your landscape. When you’re finished sketching out your plan, consider how your design will work with the changing seasons and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, you’re ready to start putting your plan into action. Get ready to transform your space into an attractive, functional landscape plot! Prepping the soil is next, so get your tillers ready!
Prepare the Soil
Preparing the soil around your landscape project is essential for successful planting. Following the best practices helps to ensure that your plants have the best chance to thrive. The first step is to assess the soil type at the depths of your plant root levels. This is normally about 8 inches below ground level for garden plants or around 24 inches for bush roots. This can be done by taking a soil sample and doing a DIY soil test or sending it to a local extension of a nearby university for analysis. Once you know the type of soil you are dealing with, you can begin to prep it for your plants.
Check the test results for things like pH levels, water capacity, and micronutrient levels. Match these soil components with the environment your planned plants need to thrive. If necessary, you can add organic material such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage and water-holding capacity. You should also add fertilizer if needed and adjust the pH level to make sure it is suitable for the plants you will be using. Once all of this is done, you can begin to till the soil and break up any clumps. Finally, you should rake the surface smooth and level it out so that water can drain away from your plants. By taking the time to prepare the soil around your landscape project, you will be setting up your plants for success.
Prepare the Plants and Care For Them Regularly
Prepping the plants is the next step. Situating all of the little plant root balls is incredibly rewarding as you bring more nature into your space. Follow the original plan you established and any plant starter requirements for smaller bushes, seedlings, and sapling trees. This often requires care, time, and dedication to keep them well watered on drip lines and growing steadily.
Be sure to space your plants far enough apart so they have room to grow and use stakes to provide extra support if necessary. Once plants are in the ground, make sure they receive plenty of water and regular maintenance. Add more fertilizer, compost, stakes, or trunk protectors as needed. You should inspect your new landscape project regularly to check for pests and disease, as well as remove any weeds or dead foliage and make sure things are growing as planned.
Have Landscaping Professionals Do the Heavy Lifting
Do you want to spruce up your yard, but don't have the time, energy, or knowledge to do it yourself? Landscaping professionals can take the burden off of you, and make your property look beautiful. They have the expertise to create a landscape that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They can provide advice on selecting the right plants, trees, and shrubs that will thrive in your climate and soil type. They will also be able to install all of the elements that you select and ensure that they are properly placed.
Landscaping professionals are also familiar with the best materials to use for hardscaping, such as stone pavers, boulders, and gravel. Beyond constructing the landscape, they can also offer services such as lawn mowing and seasonal maintenance. This way you can rest assured that your yard will always look its best. By enlisting the help of a landscaping professional, you can get the beautiful yard of your dreams without having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Add Decorative Elements to Your Landscape Renovation
Next, think about adding some decorative elements to your landscape renovation. Stick to the plan and add complementary elements. From classic stone pathways to modern fire pits, adding decorative elements can bring a unique touch to your outdoor space. Not only can these elements add beauty, but custom features they can also help to increase the value of your home and create a functional space for entertaining when created around outdoor kitchens and patios. The right decorative elements can make all the difference during your landscape renovation. Here are a few of the best additions to consider.
Hardscaped Pathways
Stone pathways made out of flagstone pavers provide a timeless look and can be used to connect one part of your landscape with another. Brick laid or sandstone walkways can also work depending on your exterior design plan, but we like flagstone best. These pavers are a popular choice for pathways and patios due to their beauty and durability. Flagstone is a sedimentary stone that is made up of quartz, shale, limestone, and sandstone. This makes it an ideal choice for pathways because it is incredibly strong and long-lasting.
Flagstone pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, allowing you to customize your pathway to fit your needs and tastes. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, flagstone pavers are also slip resistant and able to withstand heavy traffic. They are also easy to maintain since you can sweep them regularly to remove any dirt or debris, and they will look brand new! With the right care and maintenance, your flagstone pathway will be a beautiful addition to your outdoor space for years to come.
Outdoor Firepits
Outdoor fire pits provide warmth and ambiance in any outdoor space. Not only do they provide a beautiful aesthetic, but they can also provide warmth and light on chilly nights. They can be used for entertainment and as a focal point for outdoor gatherings. Firepits are also a great source of heat for outdoor meals and can help create an inviting atmosphere for family and friends. They can be used to cook food, with some fire pits having adjustable grills to make the cooking process even easier. Firepits are also ideal for small spaces since they don’t take up too much room. They are easy to maintain and require only minimal upkeep. Lastly, they come in a range of sizes, styles, and materials to fit any outdoor patio décor. With all these features, it is easy to see why outdoor firepits are an important addition to any outdoor patio.
Patio Furniture
Patio furniture pieces can be used to create a weatherproof, comfortable seating area for entertaining guests. Selecting the right pieces of furniture provides comfort and style and helps to define the area with intentional functionality. Outdoor furniture can be used for seating, allowing you to take advantage of the natural beauty of your backyard. You can also use outdoor furniture for dining, providing a convenient place for meals and snacks. Some outdoor furniture pieces can be used to provide extra storage inside the seats, creating an organized area for items such as tools, toys, and cushions. Outdoor furniture is also an ideal choice for entertaining guests, as it allows everyone to interact and enjoy the outdoors in comfort. All these benefits make outdoor furniture an essential part of any outdoor patio.
Water Features
Adding water features such as ponds and fountains can bring tranquility to your outdoor space and provide a soothing atmosphere for relaxation. There are a variety of different types of water feature designs available which can be used to enhance the look and feel of your landscape. From small ponds and waterfalls to larger natural lakes and streams, each type of water feature can offer something unique and special to your outdoor area. It is best to work with natural elements first and then add unique design touches to fit your design during the planning phase.
Fountains are a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to a yard, while ponds are an excellent way to attract wildlife and provide a calming atmosphere. Waterfalls can be used to create a stunning visual effect, while streams can help with drainage or act as a natural boundary between two areas. No matter which type of water feature you choose, it's sure to make a beautiful addition to your landscape. With so many options available, adding decorative elements to your landscape renovation can help turn your outdoor space into something special.
Maintaining Your Landscape Renovation
Maintaining your landscape renovation efficiently and safely is an important part of keeping the results you want long-term. Regular maintenance includes inspecting the area for any damage that may have occurred, pruning plants, ensuring water drainage is running off properly, and making sure irrigation systems are functioning. To ensure efficiency and safety, you should start by inspecting the area to identify any potential hazards. This could include fallen branches, loose stones, or exposed wires. Make sure to remove these hazards and secure the area as soon as possible.
Pruning your plants is also important to maintain their health and appearance. Make sure to research the proper pruning technique for each plant species you have so you don't inadvertently harm them. Lastly, ensure the water drainage and irrigation systems are functioning properly. Check for blockages in gutters or sprinkler systems and make sure any pipes are functioning correctly. With proper maintenance, your landscape renovation will continue to stay on track looking beautiful.
Contract Out Seasonal Improvements
Contracting out seasonal landscaping work is a good way to maintain your property's outdoor aesthetic. By hiring a professional landscaping service, you can ensure that your yard looks its best throughout the year. Landscaping contractors have the experience and industry knowledge to properly assess and address your yard's specific needs. They can also provide accurate estimates to help you plan and budget for seasonal landscaping projects along with advice on how to improve the natural beauty of your property.
Professional landscapers usually have access to the latest tools and lawn care products, enabling them to quickly and efficiently complete a wide variety of outdoor projects. Whether you need help with planting, pruning, weeding, edging, or trimming, a good landscaping contractor can provide the expertise you need. Not only does contracting out seasonal landscaping work save you time and money, but it also ensures that your property looks its best all year long.
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LANDSCAPING FAQs
Looking for landscaping and horticulture answers? Check out the list of questions below.
Seasonal yard planning is an important part of maintaining a healthy and beautiful outdoor space. It involves evaluating your yard's condition and making decisions on how to best care for it throughout the year. This includes selecting plants, trees, and shrubs that thrive in different weather conditions, as well as making sure that your lawn and garden beds receive the right amount of sunlight and water.
Landscape renovation is an important aspect of improving the aesthetic of a property. A well-maintained landscape can significantly enhance the atmosphere and beauty of a home or business space. It can also have practical benefits such as improving privacy, controlling stormwater runoff, and providing a healthier environment. Renovating your landscape can add to the beauty of your property, improve the health of your soil, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
A few landscaping best practices include planning out your landscaping before beginning, considering the climate, and preparing the soil. Consider the size of your yard and decide what type of plants and features you would like to have. Take into account the climate of your area since certain plants may not thrive in certain climates. Prepare the soil by adding a layer of mulch or compost to help retain moisture in the ground and promote healthy plant growth.
Horticulture is an important part of landscaping because it provides an essential foundation for creating beautiful and sustainable landscapes. Horticulture involves the science and art of cultivating plants, including the selection, planting, and care of ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs. It also includes the evaluation of soils, the study of pests, and the use of fertilizers, mulches, and irrigation to ensure optimal growth.
How often you need to redesign your landscaping will depend on the style, location, and materials you choose. For example, if you have a rock garden with xeriscape plants that require little maintenance, then you may only need to redesign your landscaping every few years. However, if you have a more elaborate design with plants that require regular care, then you may need to redesign or replant your landscaping every year.
The cost of a landscaping project can vary greatly depending on the scale and type of work that you are looking to have done. On average, a basic landscaping project might cost between $3,000 and $8,000. However, more complex projects that involve extensive hardscaping, larger plants, and extensive labor can cost upwards of $20,000. When considering the cost of your project, it is important to factor in the materials you will need and the labor costs associated with the project.