How to Improve the Appeal of Your Yard Landscape
Whether you want to plant new flowers or install a paved driveway, it can be challenging to know where to begin and what not to do. However, the good news is there are a few expert tips you can use to get the project started the right way. If you are looking for the best ways to improve your yard landscape, this post discusses the professional tips you can use to add texture, colour, functionality and interest to your landscape without breaking the bank.
Determine Your Landscape Needs and Wants
Obviously, you can’t implement every idea you see, or that is recommended to you. That is why the first thing you must do is make a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘can do without’. If you have kids, you will have to consider setting up an area for them to play. If you love growing organic vegetables, a site for a garden has to be chosen.
You need a rough sketch of your yard and plot out everything you will need. That way, you will not leave anything crucial out. You don’t want to have to remove a perfectly installed natural stone walkway because you forgot you needed a retaining wall, do you? Sketching everything out helps avoid missing important things. Make sure you run your ideas by a professional landscaper. The expert will let you know if you are missing anything important such as proper drainage.
Plan for Year-Round Appeal
You don’t want to only love your yard only in spring, do you? Landscaping has to be done with all seasons in mind. Start by making sure there is proper drainage with rainwater flowing away from your house. Secondly, the elements you add should be able to hold up against harsh weather.
One of the best things you can do is plant evergreen shrubs. These will retain their leaves/needles all year. They will be providing colour and cover constantly. Having evergreen shrubs will give interest in winter. Consider planting these shrubs near the house. They can be used to soften the vertical lines of your house when they are planted in front of the corners of your house.
Use Walkways to Connect Points of interest
There is nothing more disturbing than a makeshift path on a perfectly manicured lawn. This will certainly be the case in your yard if you don’t take the time to build pathways to points of interest. For example, you should consider adding a paved walkway to your fire pit, garden or patio. Concrete stepping stones, crushed stone, natural flagstone or decorative brick will work great. They are better than trampled-down, dead grass.
Paved pathways are perfect for connecting different elements in your landscape. When constructing the paths, use material that is similar to what is used on the exterior of your
Build a Berm
One way of breaking monotony on your landscape is by building a berm. This can be a mound that you cover with a flower garden or rocks. The beauty of having berms is that they add texture and colour to an otherwise dull landscape. Consider adding coloured stones on the berm or planting a variety of flowers.
Berms can be placed just anywhere in your yard. They, however, work great in corners of a lawn. These corners are often unused areas. To add character to your yard landscape, you can add a berm in the unused spaces.
Make the Water Feature Look and Feel Natural
If your budget allows, you can install a fountain in your yard. This can be small and self-contained. However, the rule of thumb is to make sure the water feature looks natural. The feature must never feel like it is forced. Build it using natural stone and if possible, use the same material as the one used on your house.
The use of too many different materials on your water feature can backfire. Stick to a maximum of three elements. The last thing you want is for the fountain area to look cluttered.
Consider Adding a Seating Area
There is no better escape than a patio at the edge of your yard. You can build the patio out of stones, pavers or concrete. For some privacy, consider building it near tall flowers or trees. Keep the patio about 6 feet from the property line.
There are endless possibilities when working on your yard landscape. You will only be limited by your imagination and definitely your budget. To avoid getting overwhelmed, one of the best things you can do is work with a landscaping expert. The expert will have the knowledge, equipment, and resources needed to transform your yard into something unique.
At Arad Incorporated, we are happy to take care of all your landscaping needs. We have the high level of expertise you need to transform your outdoor space into an invaluable area. Get in touch with us to find out what we can do for you.
