Basic Landscaping Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.