Like most homeowners, you probably think of landscaping as little more than mowing the lawn and planting a few flowers. As you know, landscaping is so much more than that! Landscape architecture is an art and science that can completely transform your home and property. We created this landscaping guide to walk through everything you need to know about landscaping, from choosing plants to creating a layout that will work for you. Ready to take your landscaping to the next level? Well, then read on for the ultimate guide to creating a stunning outdoor space!
What Is Landscaping?
From a high-level, landscaping is the art of altering the visible features of an area of lands, such as gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces. It involves modifying the existing terrain to improve its aesthetic appeal or functionality.
Landscaping, technically, can be as simple as mowing the lawn or trimming the hedges, or it can be more complex, such as adding water features, planting trees and shrubs, and installing stone walls or walkways.
The type of landscaping that is right for a particular space will depend on the desired look and feel and the climate and soil conditions. Landscaping can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a stunning retreat with proper planning and execution.
Landscaping Benefits
As you know, buying the right furniture, painting the walls a specific color, and buying wall art can transform a dull room into a really cool space to hang out. Similarly, the landscaping around your home can impact its curb appeal—and ultimately, its value.
A well-designed landscaping plan can improve the appearance and function of your yard. It can add value to your home, make it more energy efficient, increase your curb appeal and even help to protect your foundation from water damage. This section will cover the various benefits landscaping can bring to you and your home.
Increased Property Values
First, landscaping makes your home more visually appealing, which is often the first step in increasing its value. Neatly trimmed lawns, bushes, and trees signal to potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained. Most homebuyers do not want a house that looks terrible out front.
Secondly, it can help to reduce noise pollution and protect your home from the wind and sun. Properly placed trees and shrubs can provide privacy and wind protection, making a home more comfortable and energy efficient. This can happen while also limiting the potential damage that can be done to your home from the elements. We all know how winter can be around Tulsa!
In addition, landscaping can help to maximize the use of outdoor space, making it more enjoyable for owners and more appealing to buyers. The more benefits a home has, the more value it provides, and the more attractive the home becomes.
Improved Air Quality
Most people are aware of the fact that plants can improve air quality. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to purify the air we breathe. It stands to reason that landscaping can help enhance these benefits by adding plant life to your yard.
In addition to simply providing oxygen, they can help to filter out pollutants such as particulate matter and ground-level ozone. And, as they transpire, plants release water vapor into the air, which helps cool the surrounding air and reduce smog formation. Furthermore, trees and shrubs can provide natural windbreaks that help to reduce airborne dust and pollen.
And when it comes to autumn leaves, don’t despair! Once they’ve fallen to the ground, leaves actually help to improve soil fertility and retain moisture. So landscaping is definitely a step in the right direction when it comes to improving air quality.
Reduced Energy Costs
As any homeowner knows, energy costs are an expense, especially during the hot summer months. Landscaping can be a way to reduce these energy costs and save money year-round naturally.
One of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs is to plant trees around your home. Trees provide shade, which can help keep a home cooler in the summer months and reduce the energy needed to cool the house. Using native plants well-adapted to the Tulsa climate can also help reduce energy costs by reducing the need for irrigation and other water-intensive care.
Finally, proper landscaping can also help to insulate the home. By planting shrubs and other plants around the foundation, it’s possible to create an extra layer of insulation that can help keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
In short, there are several ways that landscaping can reduce energy costs. So, landscaping is worth considering if you’re looking to save some money in the long run and create a more energy-efficient home while being more environmentally friendly.
Increased Privacy
A healthy, well-tended lawn not only looks nice but can also help increase privacy. A row of evergreen trees or shrubs planted along the property line can provide a visual barrier that obscures the views of nosy neighbors.
Tall plants in strategic locations can also help muffle noise from busy streets. In addition, nicely manicured and landscaped lawns and front yards create a serene and inviting space, which can sometimes encourage people to linger. As a result, landscaping can effectively increase privacy and create a more peaceful home environment.
By carefully choosing the placement of trees, shrubs, and other plants, you can create an outdoor space that feels like your own personal oasis.
Improved Stormwater Management
Most of us take the water that flows from our downspouts for granted. In fact, if there is standing water after a storm, a waterproofing company usually checks the downspouts to see if the irrigation is done correctly.
But it’s just rainwater, right? But that rainwater—known as stormwater—can cause severe problems if it’s not managed correctly. Stormwater runoff can pick up pollutants like oil, fertilizers, and trash, and deposit them into our waterways. It can also cause flooding and erosion. Fortunately, there are some ways to manage stormwater runoff, and landscaping is one of the most effective.
When it comes to stormwater management, nature knows best. By replicating natural systems—like wetlands, ponds, and meadows—landscaping can help to absorb and filter stormwater before it has a chance to cause problems.
For example, planting trees and shrubs help slow water flow, while strategically placed stones can help channel water where you want it to go.
Additionally, landscaping can help reduce the number of impervious surfaces—like concrete and asphalt—contributing to stormwater runoff. So whether you’re trying to protect your property from flooding or keep your local waterways clean, landscaping can be an important part of the solution.
Planning Your Landscaping Project
It’s time to take your yard from dysfunctional to delightful. No matter the size or scope of your project, a little planning goes a long way in landscape design. This may seem daunting, but with some knowledge and careful planning, you can develop a plan that will transform your yard into an outdoor oasis.
Landscaping Goals
The first step in deciding how to landscape your yard is to figure out what you want your end result to look like and begin your design around that. Once you know what you hope to achieve, you can start to focus on the aspects of landscaping that will help you reach your goals. In other words, you want to figure out what you want the end result to be, and then reverse-engineer from there!
Here are some popular end “ideas” people have for their landscaping:
- A cozy space for entertaining
- An outdoor oasis for relaxing
- A low-maintenance landscape that will save you time and money
While it may seem amazing to have all 3, they may prove to be conflicting goals.
If you want a lush garden, you’ll want to focus on planting flower beds and choosing the right plants for Tulsa (flora is really big here). If you are hoping to create a backyard retreat, you may want to add features like a pergola or water feature.
If your entire goal is to impress the neighborhood and feel awesome pulling into your drive, focus on increasing curb appeal. This can include planting flowering shrubs and trees, adding a stone walkway, landscape lighting, or installing a cool fountain as a focal point.
By taking the time to figure out your landscaping goals, you can create a plan that will help you achieve your dream landscape.
Site Analysis
Once you have a goal in mind, step out and analyze your yard and determine your specific needs and the direction to take your design. It may seem silly, but this process will help you create a plan by considering your property’s unique landscape features.
Some aspects of site analysis that you’ll need to consider are the size and shape of your yard, how much sun and shade your yard gets, etc.
Additionally, the type of soil, and any existing features you want to incorporate into your design should also be considered. By carefully looking at and analyzing your yard, you’ll be way more prepared to create a beautiful and functional landscape that you’ll enjoy for years to come!
Design Process
To create a cohesive and attractive outdoor space, look at your yard’s layout, existing hardscape features (walkways, patios, etc.), and plantings you want to keep.
The design will begin with a site analysis and a scaled drawing to help visualize the size and shape of the yard. The plan may be as simple as a rough sketch showing the proposed placement of plants and hardscapes, or a detailed construction drawing complete with planting schedules and material lists. Regardless of its level of detail, the plan should be a flexible document that can be modified to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Once the plan is finalized, the real work of landscaping can begin.
Planting Plans
Planting plans and designs are important for any landscaping project, whether you’re planting a few flowers or an entire garden and landscape. Planting or garden plans can help you choose the right plants for your site, figure out how many plants you need, and determine the best placement for your plants.
As with everything, the first step is to assess the area where you’ll be planting. This includes taking note of sun exposure, soil type, and drainage. This will help you choose plants that can withstand the conditions in your area and select plants that can get the nutrients they need from the soil.
Once you feel comfortable with your yard, you can start to design your plantings and put together the plan. Consider which plants will work best in each space and how they will interact with each other. You’ll also want to think about the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. This will include a detailed layout of the plantings, along with information on each plant’s type, size, and spacing.
Landscape Construction
Now that the planning is done, we can start the fun part of bringing your yard to life! The site will need to be prepared, including clearing away existing vegetation and debris and grading the land if needed.
Once the site is ready, construction can begin. This may involve excavating for features such as ponds or flower garden beds, installing hardscaping elements such as pavers or retaining walls, and planting trees, shrubs, and other plants. You’ll want to install these first because they’re generally larger items. This is when any irrigation systems or drainage should be installed.
Once these elements are in place, softscaping is next to be installed. Softscaping includes planting grass, shrubs, and trees. This is where the landscape starts to take shape, and you can see everything come together.
Once these construction steps are finally completed, it’s time to add finishing touches such as mulch and lighting. With careful planning, execution, and attention to detail, Your space will be fully transformed into a beautiful, functional, and inviting outdoor area.
Landscape Design
Good landscape design balances the built environment with the natural one. To create an attractive, functional, and sustainable plan, the best designs consider:
- The lay of the land
- The climate
- Existing vegetation
Although there are many different approaches to landscape design, all successful designs incorporate certain basic elements.
In this next section, we’ll cover what you need to know to understand the basics of landscape design and some common elements and features to give you the best landscaping ideas for your home.
Landscape Design Basics and Principles
Landscape design is both an art and a science. The art of landscape design is in creating beautiful, harmonious, and inviting outdoor spaces. The science aspect of landscape design selects and places plants, hardscape materials, and other landscape elements in a way that merges the functionality and aesthetic of the space you will be updating.
And in order to be successful, landscape design must take into account both the artistic and scientific aspects of the discipline.
There are a few basic principles that you should keep in mind. First, creating a sense of unity and coherence in your design is important. This can be done by using similar materials and colors throughout the landscape.
Second, creating a sense of scale and proportion in your design is important. This means using plants and other elements in proportion to your landscape’s size. An example of bad proportion would be to installing a tiny landscape fountain in the middle of a large backyard. It needs to all make sense.
Third, creating a sense of balance in your design is important. This can be done by evenly distributing plants and other elements throughout the landscape.
Softscape Design
Lawns, gardens, and other plantings are often referred to as softscape. As the name suggests, softscape design focuses on living, organic landscape elements like trees, shrubs, and flowers. It also includes mulch beds, planting beds, sod, etc.
You’ll want to consider the amount of sun and shade each plant needs. Once you have selected the right plants, proper placement is key to ensuring their success. When placing plants, play with some texture and color variations. Be sure to allow enough room for each plant to mature and spread out.
Lastly, don’t forget about ongoing care! Regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning will help your plants stay healthy and look their best. And although nobody enjoys doing it, weeding helps to make your softscapes pop even more.
Hardscape Design
Good hardscape design can transform your outdoor living space from a blank canvas to an extension of your home that’s perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. But what exactly is hardscape design? In short, it uses hard materials like stone, brick, concrete, and wood to create functional and visually appealing outdoor spaces.
And while there are endless possibilities for what you can include in your hardscape design, there are four key elements that every successful design should incorporate: function, form, texture, and color.
Function
When it comes to function, your hardscape design should consider how you plan to use your outdoor space. For example, if you want to create a quiet seating area for reading or conversation, consider things like the placement of furniture and the amount of traffic flow in the area. If your seating area is going to be in a section away from the home, you may want to consider adding a walkway. Otherwise, you may be walking through the grass each time.
Form
Form is all about creating visual interest and balance in your design. This can be achieved through contrasting materials or interesting shapes and patterns.
For example, pavers are a beautiful option for walkways, but they may not be the best choice if you live in an area with cold winters because they can be slippery when covered in snow or ice. Similarly, concrete is a durable material that can withstand a lot of foot traffic. Still, it may not have the same aesthetic appeal as stone or brick. Here in Tulsa, the winters can get pretty cold, which can crack concrete. So while you can use concrete for a patio, we don’t advise it.
Texture
Texture refers to the feel of the materials used in your hardscape design. For example, smooth stone pavers would create a different feel than rough-hewn granite blocks.
We like to use stone that makes it look natural to the Tulsa landscape. If you want to create a more modern, minimalist hardscape, using the same texture throughout the project will help to achieve that.
Color
And finally, color can add both visual interest and a sense of unity to your hardscape design. By carefully selecting colors that complement each other and work with the overall style of your home, you can create a harmonious outdoor space that’s both stylish and functional.
Water Features
Here at Backyard Depot, ponds and water features are our specialties! So as you can probably guess, this section is our favorite to write about.
Water features are a common element in landscape design; many consider them a must-have. Not only do they add visual interest and a touch of uniqueness, but they can also help to cool the air and provide a natural source of white noise. Sitting next to a water feature can e very therapeutic.
Water features also serve an important function in the landscape, providing a home for wildlife and helping to regulate the local ecosystem. If you go with a water feature, you’ll find that a lot of birds will use the water feature as a natural bird bath. Unfortunately, we do have heron here in Tulsa. So if you have a water feature with koi fish, you may have to take some security measures to ensure the heron doesn’t eat your fish!
Many types of water features can be incorporated into a landscape design, from simple birdbaths to elaborate ponds and fountains. A small fountain can be a great addition to a patio or deck. This can act as a focal point for morning coffees or family dinners.
On the other hand, a larger pond or waterfall may be more suited for the actual backyard. A popular place we install these are next to the patio or the deck.
In terms of materials, stone is most commonly used for construction. Stone provides a natural look to the feature as if it has been in the ground since the beginning of time, which is the entire goal of a natural pond.
Concrete is another popular option, but it takes away from the natural aesthetic so we don’t use it at Backyard Depot. However, we are able to maintain these fountains since we have a strong maintenance program.
When selecting a water feature for your landscape, it is important to consider the size of the space and the level of maintenance you are willing to commit to.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Nowadays, many homeowners are incorporating outdoor living spaces into their landscape designs. They are a great way to extend your home’s living area and enjoy the beauty of your yard. Depending on your budget and needs, outdoor living spaces can be simple or elaborate. Common features include patios, decks, outdoor lighting, planting beds, and fire pits. An outdoor living space combines many different landscaping elements to create a space you can hang around.
When designing your outdoor living space, there are several aspects to remember. First, consider what you’ll want to do in your space. Do you want a place to relax and entertain guests, or are you looking for a more active space for kids to play? Once you know how you want to use your space, you can start planning the layout.
Next, consider the elements you’ll need to create your perfect outdoor living space. A comfortable seating area and a place for cooking and dining are necessary. It may not need to be a full-scale outdoor kitchen, but consider a cool grill setup.
Adding a fire pit or chiminea for warmth and ambiance are also very common features for outdoor living spaces. We’ve found a lot of clients use these during the fall when it starts to cool down here in Oklahoma.
Lastly, don’t forget about landscape lighting! You’ll only be able to be in your space if it’s light out if you don’t add in lights.
Patios and Walkways
No matter what size your outdoor space is, adding a patio or walkway can enhance your landscaping and provide a convenient place to relax or entertain guests. Not only do patios and walkways provide a practical way to get around your yard, but they can also enhance the overall aesthetic of your landscape.
First, consider the material. Pavers come in various colors and textures and can be laid in several patterns. Bricks offer a more traditional look, while natural stone adds a rustic touch. Slate can add a more modern look, especially if the patio is laid grid-style.
You might opt for a freestanding patio with a built-in fireplace or grill for a large space. Consider paving stones connected by meandering paths if working with a smaller area. This can help to make a small yard feel larger!
Lighting
Lighting is another important consideration in landscape design. Proper landscape lighting can highlight certain features, such as a garden or water features. It can also increase safety if you line your walkways with lights, so it’s easier to see.
Landscape lights can be used to accentuate architectural features or to illuminate pathways and walkways. Solar-powered lights are an option for those who want to reduce their energy consumption and save some money. However, they usually are not that bright and need to be replaced significantly more often.
Choosing Plants and Flowers
To achieve a gorgeous and harmonious yard, you need to carefully consider the many different aspects of plants and flowers, such as color, texture, and height. Here in Tulsa, Bluestar is a popular plant with clusters of blue flowers because it pairs well with many other plants.
Working with a professional landscape designer or landscape architect can help you select the right plants and inspire some ideas for your home and ensure that they are properly placed to create a balanced and beautiful design.
Annual Flowers
Annual flowers are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. This means that they can be planted in the spring and bloom throughout summer and fall. In the world of landscape design, annual flowers can provide a splash of color and interest to any space. Annuals can complement the existing plants or create a contrasted look in your yard.
They can also fill in gaps or blank spots in flower garden beds or add height and dimension to a garden. They should be in proportion to the other plants in the garden so as not to overwhelm them.
Thanks to their versatility, annual flowers are an essential part of many landscape designs.
Perennial Flowers
Perennial flowers are plants that come back year after year and typically bloom for a longer period than annual flowers. As a result, they can provide your yard with long-lasting curb appeal since they will be there every year. Not only are they beautiful and add color and variety to your yard, but they are usually low maintenance and can provide year-round interest.
The Bluestar, which was mentioned earlier, is a perennial. Another popular one around Tulsa is the Purple coneflower, known for its colors ranging from yellow to pink. Once you have planted your perennial flowers, they will require little care other than an occasional trimming or division.
More common types of perennial flowers include daylilies, wildflowers, and hostas. Daylilies are tolerant of various conditions and come in various cool colors. Wildflowers, like an Indian blanket, attract bees and butterflies. Hostas are a good choice for shady areas requiring little sunlight to thrive.
For the best advice on what suits your yard, consult with a landscaping contractor to find what suits your layout and design best.
Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs will go hand in hand with the overall layout of your landscape, and are an essential aspect of design. After all, these are the foundation of any landscape, and they can greatly impact the look and feel of your outdoor space.
Not only do they provide structure and interest, but they can also serve a variety of functions. For example, trees provide shade and wind protection, while shrubs act as a ground cover or privacy screens. When selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape, it is important to consider the climate, soil type, and exposure.
A popular tree around here is the Redbud tree. You may notice them because of their pink/purple flowers. They can reach as tall as 30 feet!
Additionally, you will want to think about the size and shape of the plant, as well as its flower, fruit, or fall color. You’ll also want to choose something that fits well within your available space. It can be helpful to consult with a landscape designer or horticulturist like the rest of the landscape.
You’ll also want to consider the foliage – do you want something that’s evergreen or deciduous? And finally, take into account the bloom time and color.
Vines
Vines are often overlooked as a design element in the landscape. Still, they can add a new dimension to your yard when used creatively. Incorporating vines into your landscape design can create a unique and Invaders-inspired look.
Vines are available in many different varieties, each with its own unique leaf shape, flower type, and growth habit. Depending on the species, vines can be evergreen or deciduous, annual or perennial. Purple passion vines are common around Tulsa and will bloom white flowers.
One of the most common ways to use vines in landscape design is to cover unsightly walls or fencing. Vines can also be trained to grow up trellises or arbors to add height and vertical interest. If you have steps or stairs in your landscape, consider planting vines on either side to add a touch of elegance. And if you have an empty space that you’re not quite sure what to do with, try filling it with a vine-covered gazebo or pergola.
Whether you want to add privacy, camouflage an unsightly view, or add some interest to your landscape, incorporating vines into your design is a great way to achieve all of these objectives.
Landscape Maintenance
Just like your home, your landscape requires regular care and upkeep. By paying attention to your landscape and performing routine maintenance, you can keep your yard looking its best and prevent problems down the road. Whether you’re planning to do the work yourself or hire a professional landscaping company that does landscape maintenance, you’ll be glad it’s being done!
Lawn Care
Lawn care is essential if you invest time and effort into landscaping. Landscape maintenance includes mowing, watering, pruning, fertilizing, and pest control. Depending on the size and type of your landscape, you may need to perform these tasks weekly, monthly, or even yearly.
Then, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools for mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and pest control. You’ll also need to create a watering schedule to keep your grass healthy without wasting water. In addition, you should regularly aerate your lawn to improve drainage and prevent compaction.
While most landscape maintenance tasks feel tedious, they are essential for keeping your yard looking neat and tidy. In addition, routine maintenance can help to prolong the life of your landscaping and prevent expensive repairs in the future.
Weed Control
Anyone who’s ever tackled a garden knows that weeds are relentless. Left unchecked, they’ll quickly overrun your flowers and vegetables, robbing them of the sunlight, nutrients, and water they need to thrive.
The first step is to identify the enemy. There are two types of weeds: annuals and perennials.
Annuals such as crabgrass and lambsquarters, both common in Tulsa, grow from seed each year and can be controlled by removing the seedhead before it can mature. For annual weeds, you may prefer to pull them by hand or use a hoe or trowel to dig them up.
Perennials such as dandelions and johnson grass spread via underground runners, making them more challenging to control. The best way to tackle them is to dig them up by the roots. For perennials, you may need to use a spade or trowel to get all of the roots. You can also use herbicides, but read the label carefully and follow the directions; otherwise, you risk harming your other plants.
Planting New Trees and Shrubs
As your landscape matures, grows, and changes through the seasons, you may need to plant new plants, trees, and shrubs. When selecting a new plant, consider the size at maturity, its growth rate, and its preferred growing conditions.
You’ll also want to consider the plant’s purpose in your landscape. Are you adding this for shade, privacy, or decoration? You are introducing a tree into an already established environment, so making sure it fits visually and horticulturally is important.
Once the new tree or shrub has been installed, backfill with soil and water thoroughly. Be sure to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
Mulching
Mulch is one of the most important tools in a landscape maintenance arsenal. It helps to suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and improve fertility. In addition, mulch can add aesthetic appeal to your landscape. Many different mulch types are available, and break down into two kinds; organic and inorganic. We’ll be discussing organic mulch in this section.
When choosing a mulch for your landscape, it is important to consider the type of plants you are growing and the amount of sunlight and water they need. For example, bark chips are a good choice because we experience hot summers here in Tulsa, as they help to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
Before applying mulch:
- Remove any existing weeds and loosen the top layer of soil.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants.
- Refresh it every couple of years to ensure optimum results.
Irrigation
Without proper irrigation, your lawn and garden will quickly become dry, brown, and dead. There are many different types of irrigation systems available. The best system for your property will depend on some factors, including the size of your property, the type of plants you are trying to grow, and the climate in your area.
In general, irrigation systems can be divided into above-ground and in-ground systems. Above-ground systems, such as mobile sprinklers, are the sprinklers your can install yourself by attaching a sprinkler to a hose. They’re quick and easy, but require more effort from you.
In-ground irrigation systems, on the other hand, deliver water directly to the plants through a network of underground pipes. This is often the best option for watering gardens, as it helps to ensure everything is being watered correctly if installed properly.
When setting a schedule, most experts recommend watering early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. This gives the grass time to absorb the water before evaporation can occur. As for how much water to apply, the general rule of thumb is one inch per week. However, this may need to be adjusted based on your grass type and weather conditions.
5 Common Landscaping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Having a beautiful yard can require just as much work as having a spotless and well-maintained home interior, if not more since there are external elements we have to deal with.
In fact, many homeowners make common landscaping mistakes that impact their property’s appearance and waste time and money. Avoid making these landscape blunders in your own yard:
Planting Trees and Plants Too Close To The House and To Each Other
Planting too close is a common landscaping mistake that can lead to some problems, including foundation damage, water infiltration, and landscaping that is difficult to maintain. When planning your landscaping, be sure to leave enough space between your plants and your house to avoid these issues.
Planting trees, shrubs, and other plants too close together also leads to overcrowding. When plants are too close, they compete for resources like sunlight and water, stunting their growth. Be sure to leave enough space between plants so they have room to grow.
Choosing the Wrong Plants
Choosing the right plants for your space is crucial. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of selecting ill-suited plants to their climate or soil type. As a result, their gardens often fail to thrive. Consider using plants native to Tulsa because they are suited for our climate.
Mulching Incorrectly
Mulching incorrectly is a very common mistake. Mulch helps to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and protect against erosion while insulating plant roots. Not mulching is a mistake, but so is mulching too much or too little. Using too much mulch can actually suffocate plants. When in doubt, err on using less rather than more.
Mulching also gives your landscape a polished look by providing a clean, finished edge around planting beds. You’ll need to replenish the mulch every couple of years, but it’s well worth the effort for its many benefits.
Not Irrigating Properly
If you want a healthy, beautiful lawn, proper irrigation is essential. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of not irrigating properly, which can lead to some problems.
As you know, if you don’t provide enough water, your grass will turn brown and begin to die. But what you may not always consider is overwatering. If you overwater your lawn, the roots will suffocate, and the grass will develop a shallow root system that makes it more susceptible to drought and disease.
In order to avoid these mistakes, it’s important to water deeply and only as often as necessary. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient, but during periods of extended dry weather, you may need to water it a bit more.
Be aware of the weather forecast as often as possible so your yard can stay appropriately watered, and adjust your irrigation schedule accordingly.
Not Fertilizing
Fertilizing is essential for healthy plant growth, but it’s also easy to make mistakes that can damage your plants or even kill them. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when fertilizing your landscape:
Applying too much fertilizer. This can “burn” your plants, causing them to turn brown and die.
Applying fertilizer to dry soil. This can cause the fertilizer to leach away from the roots, where it’s needed most.
Applying fertilizer too late in the season. This can stimulate new growth that will be damaged by frost or cold weather.
To avoid these mistakes, follow the directions on your fertilizer package carefully. Apply fertilizer only when the soil is moist, and don’t apply it too close to the base of the plants. Fertilizing in early spring and again in mid-fall will give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive all season long.
Whether you choose to DIY your lawn care or hire a landscaping company, these tips are essential for care and maintenance. We here at Backyard Depot are landscaping specialists and are always happy to help with any landscaping questions you may have.
While we don’t provide landscape maintenance, we can point you in the right direction once we’re done with your project!
If you’d like to discuss adding landscaping or a water feature to your home, contact us to get started!