DigytaliaTo undertake your landscaping in phases you must first have an overall landscape plan drawn up by a professional. It should take into consideration your property as a whole, as well as your short and long term goals. Not having a comprehensive plan could cost you more in the long run. Many homeowners have had to alter their landscaping or hardscape, such as placement of a patio or a deck, after only two or three years because it was limiting other projects and because it was not part of a bigger picture.
Why You Need a Professional
There are many factors that will determine the types of plants, trees and shrubs that can be planted on your property.
Climate is a big one. Your local climate and growing season will dictate the type of plant life that can be included in your landscape design.
Temperature is another factor. Certain plants thrive in cool temperatures, while others do better in hot regions. Many varieties can not tolerate extremes in temperature.
Closely related to these factors is exposure to sun, shade and wind. These variables change through seasons and through the day.
Rainfall is a consideration not just for a particular region, but also within a property. Run off from gutters and slopes of hills concentrate water in certain areas. Other pockets on your property may not receive a lot of water.
The way in which the ground is sloped and the direction it is facing will greatly affect the ground’s temperature and moisture levels, thus influencing what will flourish in a given location.
Additionally, plant roots compete with roots from trees and shrubs for the soil’s nutrients. The later could overpower smaller plants.
A professional landscaping company takes all of these factors into consideration to design a landscape that is specifically suited to your property. They also know where and how deep to plant each type of tree, shrub and plant to
1) allow for successful root establishment,
2) so that its matches the scale of the landscape, and
3) so that it looks natural.
What About Hardscape?
Hardscape features like stone walkways and paths, fences, walls, patios, decks, trellises, gazebos, lanais and steps provide structure to landscaping. They are the “bones of the garden”. Other hardscaping you may want to include in your design are fountains, birdbaths, benches and statues. Fire pits, fireplaces, build-in barbecues, outdoor kitchens, TVs, pools, hot tubs, spas and waterfalls are a some of the other more upscale hardscape that will add to your enjoyment and value of your property.
