Landscaping Tips for the Homeowner

Landscaping can be a very important part of your real estate investment. It not only enhances the beauty of your home but also increases the value, making it not so much an expense as it is an additional investment for the future, not to mention the fact that it will bring you many years of pleasure with the proper maintenance.

Natural landscaping is one way to make a landscaping design low-maintenance and should especially be utilized to remedy situations where traditional turf landscaping is causing difficulties. Low maintenance landscaping is particularly well suited for an equestrian site and in some planned developments, natural landscaping is the requirement, using all low maintenance, native plants that allow nature to produce its greatest form of art. Check around for ideas in utilizing this method.

Hot tubs and outdoor spas are also becoming very popular ideas for landscaping additions and one of the ways to improve a backyard landscaping design is with a backyard deck. Using plants, trees, and shrubs for pool landscaping softens the harsh lines of your swimming pool and pool equipment and enhances poolside appeal. Also, consider how fences, plants, lighting, and maintenance strategies will affect your home's defense system and how they mix with your landscaping plans. There are many sources of information on landscaping design that are free for the taking. Home and garden magazines, TV shows and the Internet are but a few of these.

There are professionals in your area that can assist you in choosing proper trees, shrubs, flowers and maintenance supplies to meet your landscaping needs. Many articles are available on flowering trees used in landscaping, including weeping trees, saucer magnolias, dogwoods and crape myrtles. Trees and other landscaping will add shade and screen the area from the street. In addition, trees and landscaping can add up to 15 percent to a property's value. But use caution, for instance, though the grouping of trees is normally a good landscaping technique, in fire-prone areas it can be hazardous. Fire resistive plants should be considered when landscaping around your home Also, avoid planting trees below power lines or in front of windows where they may block a desired view.