Landscaping Questions Answered

Do you know what all apartment complexes, houses, churches and offices have in common? They all have landscaping. No building is complete without some grass, a few plants and some shrubbery to help enhance the quality of the building. The added value of curb appeal can make the difference when selling a house or increasing the value of a home. Any little bit helps and you do not always need a professional to do the landscaping for you.

It never hurts to have some professional advice or a little bit of knowledge before you start ripping up your front yard, though. In this article we will cover some of the basics of landscaping so that you can have an idea of how landscaping is done and how it can be easier than you might think. A few trees, some nice green grass and you will have it down pat before you know it. Who knows? Maybe you will decide it is a career that you may be interested in pursuing.

What is landscaping?

Landscaping is any alteration to the land. It can be through a variety of means. It may be through the use of flora. It may be through the use of fauna. There are different methods of landscaping and the types of landscaping used often depend on what type of climate the area is located. Landscaping also refers to natural structures and manmade structures such as terraces, decks, platforms and seating areas. Ponds and waterfalls can be natural or manmade depending on the terrain. In order to save money many people elect to take advantage of as many of the natural features of the area as possible.

Can I do my own landscaping?

Yes, you can do your own landscaping if you have a little information on how and can have the time to do so. You will be getting your hands dirty. Plus you will need to have knowledge of what plants are the best for your terrain. If you are creating man-made structures such as ponds or decks, you will have to have some carpentry and plumbing skills. You will also need to know how to upkeep the pond because the last thing you need after putting in all that work is to develop a body of water filled with mosquito larvae and algae.

When should I hire a landscaper?

You should hire a landscaper if you do not have a "green thumb" and you are not going to have the time to devote to removing the old landscape and planting the new. There are certain steps that must be put into place to prevent soil erosion so it will require at least a weekend of hard work. Landscaper's are not cheap but you can find one at a reasonable price depending on how large the area is and how much labor you intend to do yourself. If you are going to maintain the area, you will save money as well.

What credentials should I look for in a good landscaper?

A good landscaper will have a photography album of all the landscape designs that he or she has created. They will have a background with an education in landscape architecture or have plenty of actual experience in landscaping. If you want to see an actual landscape they have designed and planted, the landscaper should not balk at showing you or providing you with the contact details of the owner of the property. It is in their best interest to have happy and satisfied clients.

If I decide to landscape my home myself, what are some designs and ideas to help me?

There are many software programs out on the market currently that can help you design your own landscape. You will have to input the shape of your yard and then select from the type of terrain and climate you live in. The software can give you recommended plants and shrubbery that is best suited for your yard. If you want manmade terrains or structures, you will want to consult a carpenter for ideas or a do-it-yourself website for instructions.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

Both are, of course, plants but the difference is in how long they last and how often you have to replant them. Annuals must be replanted every year. Examples of annuals are any type of vegetable, sunflowers and flowers such as violets. Perennials are plants that will renew themselves. They include trees, bulb plants such as lilies, tulips and include roses and other hardy plants that go dormant that during the winter months. Most ornamental grasses are considered to be perennials.

How do I decide which type to plant?

The type of plant you choose will depend on your climate and how much you want to water. It will also depend on how much sun your yard receives during the day. Some plants thrive in the shade while others will wilt. For those individuals who live in drought prone areas, they should consider planting hardy plants that require little water and actually help conserve the soil from erosion. Many people elect to have rock gardens and cactus if they live in desert climates.

When is the ideal planting season?

The ideal planting season depends on what type of plant you want to grow. Bulbs are best planted in the fall so that they have time to root. Other plants are best suited to planting during the spring months. Some plants will not produce flowers or fruits until one or two seasons later so you have to prepare for this. Trees will have to go through several years before they become large enough to give adequate shade or produce fruit.

How can I protect my newly planted greenery and flowers from the weather and elements?

During the early weeks and months many plants are in danger of dying from the elements but you can take steps to help prevent this. Wind and rain are two of the biggest threats. To protect your plants from both you will need to provide them with shelter. You can put down a protective barrier between the plant and the ground. This will help secure the plant's roots and prevent too much water from soaking into the ground. The added benefit will be prevention of weeds from growing up through the barrier. To prevent wind erosion of the soil, scatter hay or straw around the plants to help protect the soil. If you think that the cold weather is going to harm your plants, you can place a protective bag around the plant that will keep the plant warm enough to prevent frost.

How much will it cost to landscape my home?

Without knowing how large your yard is, what condition the ground is and what type of plants you want to place in your yard it is impossible to estimate how much it will cost. You can generally guess that it will be at least five hundred dollars and can easily run upwards of several thousand for exotic plants and intricate features. A landscaper can give you an estimate for the cost.

Will it increase the value and curb appeal of my home?

A great lawn can add tremendous curb appeal and value to your home. It will make the features of your home stand out and if you are looking to sell your home, it is one of the first details that potential buyers will notice. There is nothing quite like a well manicured lawn and carefully trimmed hedges that add immense immediate value to a property.

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