As a homeowner, you want your home to be the best on the block. This means extensive landscape design along with regular exterior home care. But where do you start? Many homeowners shy away at the thought of a new landscaping project. However, your home landscaping and maintenance processes don’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Following these tips can help you have the curb appeal you’ve been looking for.
How Can I Improve my Landscaping?
We’ve all been there. You move into a home and the yard is grass. There are no trees, bushes, or flowers; no sidewalk or pathway or dimension at all. But landscaping ideas can be difficult to come by, especially for people without a green thumb or eye for design. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to create a beautiful, relaxing exterior for your home, whether you are a style extraordinaire or have never planted a flower.
What is the Landscaping Design Process?
Landscape design can be approached in various ways. However, the simplest way to consider your exterior project is beginning with the outer edge and working inward. This helps to create boundaries naturally and can aid in planning location and object use. Once you have your boundaries, you can plan the materials that will be used including stones, plants, shrubbery, and any statues, decorations, and other features you plan to have. When you have your concept plan, you can begin work on your masterpiece. Be sure to check weather predictions before beginning to ensure that your project goes quickly and smoothly.
What are the Basic Principles of Landscape Design?
In landscaping, there are certain basic principles that one should follow to achieve an appealing space. These landscaping basics can help you design a simple, pleasing atmosphere easily.
The Concept Plan
It seems logical to have a concept plan before beginning a landscaping project, but what is a concept plan? What does it include? A concept plan is a basic idea of what your finished project will look like. This will include a generalized overview of the entire space as well as more intricate examples of each specialized area. In order to achieve a well-designed concept plan, follow these organizational ideas:
Proportion
Proportion
Use the theory of “the golden rectangle” to arrange and place both your live and stationary objects. This theory, also known as the golden ratio is explained as the ratio between the long and short sections is equal to the ratio of the long section to the sum of both sections (a/b=b/a+b). This ratio can be found in almost every object, both living and nonliving and is said to create the most appeal.
Order
Order
The order of your objects is also important. It’s a good idea to arrange your plants in groups and by size from front to back. This way, each type stands out to the fullest extent. You also want to consider balance between hardscapes and plantlife to ensure that your landscaping project doesn’t turn out to feel or appear lopsided.
Unity
Unity
This concept demonstrates the idea that all of the items within your space are connected and work together to create a big picture. Ensure that your landscape design plan not only includes spatial arrangement, but also a clear picture of what the entire project will look like.
Does Landscaping Increase Property Value?
Landscaping can increase the value of your home, but only when other exterior services are completed. All siding installation and repair, fence repair, roof work, and window services should be completed along with your landscaping to ensure complete exterior upkeep and value maximization. In order to keep your property adequately maintained and cared for, inspect your siding, roof, and secondary components at least twice per year and after severe weather. This will help to identify and alleviate damages and imperfections before they turn into big problems.
When Does Landscaping Season Start?
Typically landscaping takes place in the Spring, around the beginning of March. This protects against the majority of freezes which can easily freeze sensitive plants and still leaves sufficient time for growth before flowering in the Summer. Some landscaping is also done in the Fall and includes sprinkler and irrigation inspection, and Winter annual planting.
Inexpensive Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
- Add a Splash of Color: Small, inexpensive plants are perfect for lining flower beds and trees and provide a colorful, pleasant atmosphere.
- Line Your Beds: Concrete and rock liners are available at most home improvement stores and can add extreme depth to your home’s exterior. Consider lining the outside of your flower beds for added structure and appeal.
- Don’t Rule Out Decoration: A well-placed birdbath, fountain, or other objects can bring new life to a drab space and can be picked up at most home supply stores.
Whether you’re designing your home’s exterior landscaping for the first time or you have decided that it’s time for a new look, the professionals at MDM Landscapes can help. We work with you throughout your landscaping project to deliver the look you expect and a price that’s right. Call us today at 817-396-0125 to learn more about our landscape design services in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.