There’s a lot to be said about the importance of curb appeal. It’s that feeling you get when you pull up to your house. Does it look inviting? Or do you get a less than hospitable vibe?
When your yard is unkempt and overgrown, it drags the curb appeal way down. Even if your house is freshly painted and the driveway gets power washed, all of that will go unnoticed because the unruly yard is ruining the effect.
If it’s past time to boost your curb appeal use the tips below to get your yard in the best shape ever.
Take the Time to Plan Out the Project
The importance of planning yard projects can’t be overstated. Lawn Butler has been landscaping Utah for more than a decade. They’ve taken on sizable commercial projects that required careful planning to ensure the landscaping compliments the business. But their team of experts notes that planning is also needed for smaller residential projects to ensure you achieve the desired results.
A great yard goes well beyond having a lush, green lawn. A few things to consider in the planning phase include:
- Budget for the landscaping
- The kind of functionality you need to have in the yard
- Limitations that will affect the project (schedule, property lines, etc.)
- How much labor you’re willing/able to do
- The general aesthetic that you want to achieve (English garden, Mediterranean, etc.)
Once you have a good idea of how you want to transform the yard, you can start focusing on the details.
Map Out Your Yard in Detail
It helps to map out your yard before the work gets underway. Creating a blueprint of your yard can help you make more accurate measurements for materials and help you foresee issues before they happen.
Use a tool like the Home Design 3D Outdoor app to create a blueprint of your yard that outlines the dimensions, driveway, walking paths, fences, gates, trees, garden beds and other large plants. This should give you an aerial view of the yard, which makes it easier to create a functional landscape.
Use Native Plants
One of the best ways to create an earth-friendly yard is to use native plant species. These are the plants that naturally grow in your local area on their own. They are acclimated to the climate and soil so there’s less concern they’ll die and a lot less maintenance.
In addition to visiting a local nursery to find out about native plants, use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map to determine which zone you live in. Each plant is also given a zone designation to indicate if it’s hardy enough to withstand the climate in a certain area.
Work With the Surroundings, Not Against It
No matter how great the landscaping looks, if it’s nothing like the immediate surroundings it will look out of place. Ideally, the landscaping should compliment the architectural style of the home as well as the neighboring yards and neighborhood in general. The goal is to make your yard stand out because it’s so well maintained and aesthetically pleasing, not because it looks like it doesn’t belong.
If you use native plants in the landscaping it should naturally work with the surroundings. Take a walk around your neighborhood with the PictureThis plant identifying app and note the types of grass, flowers and trees that are growing in green spaces. These are great options for your own yard since they grow readily and blend with the surroundings.
Invest in Pest Control
After timing the time and energy to get your yard looking the best it can, the last thing you want is for a swarm of pests to come undo all your hard work. Diligent pest control is needed to keep destructive pests away while inviting beneficial insects.
There are a number of natural pest control solutions that are highly effective. One of the most natural methods is to simply hand-pick pests off of plants. This is recommended for gardeners that are plagued by slugs and other larger pests.
In some cases, chemical pest control may be needed. This could be the case if an insect infestation is killing off trees or there’s a threat to the home on the property. When chemical treatments are recommended always ask what pesticide is suggested. The EPA provides information on all approved pesticides. If there are concerns over environmental health and personal safety see if there are alternatives that can be used.
How is your home’s curb appeal?
What are your favorite ways to boost your yard’s curb appeal?
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