What is the best way to go about beautifying your yard? There are so many variables with do-it-yourself landscaping, such as budget, climate, level of skill and knowledge, and personal tastes. Maybe you’re landscaping for your own use and enjoyment, or to help sell your house. Either way, here are some easy landscaping tips to help you get started.
Before You Plant, Sketch
It is incredible the difference a well-laid-out plan makes when landscaping. Research ideas and note what you like or do not like. Sketch a design to help you plan each phase in a series of steps. You do not need to be an artist; a basic sketch of what goes where is enough. This way, you can tackle one section of your yard at a time, keeping you from feeling overwhelmed.
Year-Round Appeal
Your goal is to plant a yard with year-round interest: this means flowering plants in the spring and summer, fall foliage in autumn, and good makeup in winter. Consider these options:
- Bulbs and flowering trees in spring;
- Colorful annuals and a lush lawn in summer;
- Perennials and deciduous trees in the fall; and
- Evergreens in winter.
Evergreens are popular because they retain their leaves and needles and green appeal all year round.
Layer Flowerbeds
To create vibrant pops of color and a sense of unity across your yard, layer your flowerbeds. Layering means you plant the tallest plants in the back, and each forward row is shorter. It also provides shape and texture to your flowerbeds, making them a pleasant visual focal point.
Connect Points of Interest with a Path
Lay walking paths between high-traffic areas, like the back door and garage, or the curb and front door. Also, protect your lawn from trampling feet by putting down attractive walkways of wood or stone. These, then, connect elements of your landscape for easy viewing and enjoyment.
Incorporate Hardscaping
Hardscaping refers to any decorative or practical structure, like a driveway, fence, or patio. These features help balance and tie together the softer features of your yard. For example, fences help frame your yard and contain all the elements to one visual space.
There is a heightened interest among house buyers to interact with the outdoors. A patio or deck helps tie the inside with the outside of the house and elevates your backyard. You can recoup 75% of a deck’s cost upon sale of the house, while for a patio, the return ranges anywhere from 30% to 60%.
Clean and Maintain
Both your front yard and backyard need attention, not just every season, but at least every other week. This includes regular weeding, mowing, pruning, and raking of leaves. Consider hiring professionals to do the maintenance if you lead a busy life.
The good news is regular lawn care recovers an estimated 267% of the upkeep costs when you sell your house.
Save Money, Sell to an Investor
If you are getting ready to sell, you can forgo landscaping and other house projects by selling to an investor. Most investors will make a cash offer on the house AS-IS, without repairs, renovations, or landscaping. You can enjoy a quick closing and spend your money instead on beautifying the outside of your next home.
