9 Tips to Get the Perfect Outdoor Oasis
Spring is almost here, which means that you can start enjoying the outdoors again. Pull out that patio furniture, set up your grill, and finally tackle that landscaping project. But before you do, here are nine tips to keep in mind so that you get the outdoor oasis you’re craving rather than a DIY catastrophe.
Hire Residential Landscaping Contractors
When it comes to residential landscaping, it’s best to hire a pro—especially for a big job. Residential landscapers know what to plant and where to plant it. They can test your soil, create shade where you need it, and design beautiful hardscapes—all of which most homeowners can’t do themselves. In fact, according to a recent Harris Poll survey for the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 67% of Americans agree that professional residential landscaping would give them a nicer yard.
Come Up with a Plan
Before you do any landscaping, you and your contractor should come up with a plan. Ask them to show you a drawing of their ideas, look at their portfolio, and don’t forget to consider your budget. Your new yard should complement the shape, style, size, and color of your home. It should also flow nicely from the inside to the outside of your home. You don’t want plants that will one day block your windows or swallow your pathway.
Think About Your View
When you’re adding new landscaping, it’s important to think about your view—from both inside the house and outside. If you want to see blooms in spring while you’re sitting indoors, add them in front of your living room windows or by your favorite morning coffee spot. If you like to wake up and watch the sunrise, don’t plant a tall shrub or tree that will block your view. If you have a messy neighbor, consider fencing or a trellis to hide the eyesore. If you want to start stargazing, set up lounge seating or hammocks to get the optimal outdoor view.
Use the Right Containers
If you like container gardens or potted plants, make sure you’re using the right size pots. If the container is too small, the plants won’t have room to grow. If the container is too large, the plants could sink too low or even grow too large. You should also match your potted plants to your permanent landscaping so that nothing looks out of place.
Consider Wildlife
Whether you realize it or not, you probably have some wildlife in your backyard. You should choose your plants accordingly. If you have pests in your area, plant bitter-tasting blooms to deter them. If you want more birds, bees, or butterflies, plant wildflowers to attract them. You may need fencing or chicken wire around certain areas to keep out unwanted visitors.
Don’t Forget Irrigation
When you have new landscaping, you will probably need to water at least some of it. Make sure you have a spigot nearby, a long hose, timed sprinklers, or even have an irrigation system installed. Keep in mind that it’s best to water early in the morning before the temperature rises.
Consider Your Lifestyle
One thing that people often forget to consider when landscaping is their lifestyle. If you travel a lot, have children, or love to play sports at home, you may need low maintenance, fuss-free landscaping. Leave plenty of space for those impromptu baseball games in the backyard. Consider a hardscape if you’re never at home. Or, work a swing set into your design.
Remember to Add Lighting
If you like to enjoy your yard at night, add some outdoor lighting. Pathway lights are always a good idea so that no one trips, string lights can be a nice addition to the deck, and a fire pit gives you a campground in your backyard. Try solar lighting, motion lights, or ambient tabletop lanterns, as well.
Think About Curb Appeal
When designing your landscape, think about the curb appeal. Not only can residential landscaping increase your curb appeal if you want to sell down the road, it can also increase the value of your home.
If you’re thinking about tackling a residential landscaping project, now is the perfect time. As spring and then summer arrive, you’ll be glad you have an outdoor retreat. Just follow these tips to ensure you’ll be enjoying it for years to come.
