Every home landscape offers both challenges and opportunities. It's a good idea in the late fall or winter to take stock of your landscape's performance in the previous year.
By carefully considering your observations and preferences about your landscape, you will be better prepared to make the changes you desire.
A review of your landscape can start with these questions:
Plants thrive when they're in the right place.
How did you use your outdoor space? How would you like to use your outdoor space?
What mood or feel do you want to create? Or, what aspects of your landscape are creating the mood or feel you desire? What are your favorite plants and trees? If you already have some of these, how did they perform in the past year? What problems do you want to solve? What is your budget? How much free time do you have for landscaping work?
Your review might include these additional factors:
Trees and shade. Do you have too much shade? Not enough shade? While you can’t move the house or garage that’s casting a shadow on your property, you can reduce shade by trimming your trees or even removing a tree. Keep in mind that trees have many benefits, including lower utility bills. Plus, the challenge of shade is also an opportunity to select plants that don’t need much light to thrive.
Structure. Does your landscape have a focal point? Does it include space for activities that are important to you and your family? How does it appear in winter? Water. Few things are more vexing than too much water in the landscape. Perhaps your soggy spot could be made more beautiful and functional with a dry creek bed, designed to remove water from trouble spots – and look beautiful in dry periods. Worried about a hot, dry summer? Consider an irrigation system or design your landscape to reduce your need for water.
Privacy. Do you go indoors to be alone? Sure, you can install privacy fencing. Other options are strategic plantings and water features. A pond or small fountain can provide the relaxing sound of running water, which also serves to block out white noise nearby. If you are desperately seeking solitude, here are some other tips on creating privacy in the landscape.
Flower beds add curb appeal to this home.
Curb appeal. Are you planning to sell your home next year? If so, you may want to give your front yard an entrance a more welcoming look and feel. Landscaping is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the value of your home – and make it easier to sell.
When you're ready to make plans for the next step, give us a call for a free consultation.
Serving our central Ohio customers since 1988. P.O. Box 528, Galloway, OH 43119
