Tips On Hiring A Professional Landscape Designer
Maybe you have thought about hiring a landscape designer to improve your garden. You may not realize that it's less expensive and more enjoyable to do your own landscaping! You simply need to be informed on the issue. Read this article for more tricks and tips you can use for a nice yard.
You do not have to hire a professional to design your landscape for you, but it might be worth your time and money to quickly meet with an architect. You will get a better idea of how much your project will cost and perhaps avoid mistakes that would end up costing you money.
Make sure you plan thoroughly before you begin landscaping. It is a great idea to sketch out your landscaping design when it's still a plan, so you can get a good mental idea of what it is going to look like. Make notes of the plants, flowers, shrubs, etc. that you plan on using to improve your landscape.
Do not forget your hardscape when it comes to your landscaping plans. A deck or patio is an important aspect in your landscape's appearance. There are many options for decks and patios that include rock designs or woods that coordinate with the colors of your trees, shrubs and flowers. Do not forget this important aspect.
Spending less is not always the right thing to do. While you may find cheap supplies for your project, your probably looking at quality that is not up to par. Specialty stores may be a little bit more expensive; however, for newcomers to the subject of landscaping, they can provide a wealth of information and support.
Always use odd numbers of plant groupings. It is more pleasing to the eye and more natural looking to see groups of 3, 5 or 7 plants than groups of 2, 4 or 6. Aim for plantings that are more triangle-shaped than square-shaped, and your landscaping will have more eye appeal.
Consider using rain barrels to water your yard. Rain barrels are easy to add to any yard, and they serve the purpose of collecting rain water. You can then use that rain water to hydrate your lawn, and plants. This is an easy way to save on the cost of watering plants, and it is an environmentally friendly option too.
It can be very difficult to guess and plan how much mulch, sand, rock, etc. you might need in order to successfully finish your whole project. In part, you should make sure you do everything in phases. As far as planning the amounts of each of these materials, do your math and pay attention to specifications.
Check the quality of your soil before planting your flower bed. Dig a hole and fill it with water to see how quickly it drains. Do a pH test. If necessary, do some soil amendment to achieve ideal drainage and good moisture to oxygen ratio. Give your plants the best possible chance to thrive by preparing the soil properly.
If your landscape includes a waterfall or pond, it is important you surround these areas with decorative stones and flowers that will not cover up the design of your structure. Make sure that any water items you have are complimented nicely so that it doesn't take away from their natural appeal.
In order to create a successful landscape design, it is necessary to assess the different zones of sunlight in your yard. By understanding which areas receive full, partial or no sun during the day, you will be able to select the plants most likely to thrive in your specific outdoor space.
Cheaper isn't always better. Since landscaping is so expensive, many may be tempted to buy the cheapest materials out there. This can be a huge mistake and can end up costing you significantly more in the long run. Do your research. Look at reviews, expert opinions and customer feedback before you make a purchase.
If you are planning to hire a landscape professional to design your yard, be certain to get a price quote in writing. Many landscapers under-bid a project to get the business and then find they have to ask for more money. If the quote is in writing, they must honor their original price.
When planning your yard, think about maintenance. If you do not have the time to trim your plants regularly, transfer them or put them inside for the winter, choose low-maintenance plants. If you have plenty of time to take care of your yard and really enjoy it, do not hesitate to select more delicate plants.
With the information provided here, you're ready to get started on your landscaping project. Congratulations! By choosing to do it yourself, you will save yourself a great deal of money, and will have a good time doing it. Start planning your ideal lawn now, and then break that plan down into attainable steps.