CHANGE IS IN THE AIR, whether it’s SPRING OR FALL
Both seasons boast mild temperatures and provide vibrant colors to our forests and neighborhood landscapes. It’s also a great time of year to add some spice to your front lawn or back yard. Giving your property a makeover is easier than you think, and can do it all by yourself. Breathe in some fresh air, and find out how easy it is to add beauty and value to your homestead. The Fall and Spring are perfect seasons for planting trees, bushes, and plants. A little landscaping can go a long way in adding value and curb appeal to your home and property.
IT ALL STARTS WITH A PLAN
Having a plan before you start is key for getting the most out of any landscaping project. What are you expecting to get from your new landscape? Why are you choosing to plant in the first place?
Trees play an important role in any landscape design! CONSIDER THIS:
PRIVACY
Trees are great for creating a privacy screen. There are many fast-growing tree options available. (CLICK HERE FOR A LIST)
CURB APPEAL
Yes, there are many vibrant-colored ornamental and flowering trees and plants that will absolutely amaze your property.
SHADE
Choosing trees with a broad canopy is perfect for shading our homes and yards. The shade these trees also provide the benefit of lowering your home’s heating and cooling costs.
WIND BREAKS
Choosing the proper species of a tree or bush will assure beautiful walls of green, shielding your home from strong winds, and storms.
TIP: Once you have your idea, ‘put it on paper’. Make a sketch of the area you plan to landscape, including rough measurements and desirable spots for trees, flower beds and more. This will be a helpful guide for reference throughout the project.
SELECT THE RIGHT TREE, SHRUB or PLANT
You need to pick the ‘right tree or plant’ for the ‘right place’. Evaluate your space to make sure it will be a suitable area for growing especially for the larger plants – the trees. How much sun exposure is required for proper growing? How large will the tree be at maturity? How far will the roots spread? Soil and moisture requirements are important too. Be careful not to plant too close to buildings, and utility lines.
TIP: Know your hardiness zone. This will help in choosing the best plants, trees and bushes specifically for your geographical area. (FIND YOUR HARDINESS ZONE HERE)
‘DESIGN’ THE LANDSCAPE
Trees and shrubs pair well together so diversity is key when it come times for the actual planting. As you’re planning your design, keep in mind what colors and form the trees, bushes, and other plants will grow into. Mix things up to your own personal taste! Blend evergreens with deciduous trees and shrubs. Don’t forget the countless varieties of colorful flowering plants too.
TIP: Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year.
PLANT YOUR DESIGN!
Bring your ideas to life. Now it’s time to dig the holes and transplant the trees, bushes and flowers! Make sure to have the proper tools on hand.
HERE’S THE TOOLS I CAN’T DO WITHOUT:
1. SOLID STEEL DIGGING/TAMPING BAR
You never know what you will come across when you dig. A digging bar is essential for when you run into roots or large rocks. It also loosens up clay, stones and rough terrain, making it easier to shovel and remove. The tamping end of the bar helps pack the loose dirt surrounding the new plants.
This long shovel is a back-saver for me. It’s easy to hold on to while stepping on the spade for pushing deeper into the ground.
This isn’t just for digging fencing posts, mailing boxes etc. This tool makes for short work of creating holes for all sizes of plants and shrubs.
Gloves are essential for not only firmly gripping tools and blister prevention, but they also protect from thorny sticker bushes and poisonous plants too.
And my overall favorite tool…
I can’t tell you how often I’ve used this over the years. It is absolutely indispensable for any and all gardening, landscaping and outdoor use. I’ve dugout holes, chopped roots, removed rocks, cut kindling wood etc. It’s an Amazon best seller with great reviews…SEE IT HERE
MORE TIPS for PLANTING
1. Mulch trees after they are planted. This will make your tree standout and just as important, it will retain moisture in the soil and help prevent the spread of disease (Leaves and small dead branches work well if you don’t have access to actual mulch). Keep the soil and mulch moist, but not soggy.
2. Water right after planting, even if its cold out. Rule of thumb: If you are able to stick a spade shovel into the soil, it’s still ok to plant.
3. Do not use fertilizer, potting soil or chemicals for initial planting. This may kill young trees.
4. Use Knee pads! Yes, knee pads. Guaranteed, throughout any outdoor project, there are times you will find yourself kneeling on the ground. Whether it be digging holes for transplanting, or squaring up a walkway or retention wall, you will end up on your knees. Here’s how to protect them and be comfortable at the same time…wear kneepads. Below is a link for heavy duty (but comfy too) knee pads. Here is my short list of the chores I’ve used them for: cleaning/sanding floors, cutting/splitting firewood, and gardening/transplanting. I’ve also used them exclusively for my patio/walkway construction too. KNEE PADS HERE
READY TO CREATE STUNNING DESIGNS?
Does all this landscaping info sound like a lot of work to you? Overwhelmed on how and where to start? No worries. I have the perfect solution…CLICK HERE.
If you are truly serious about adding beauty to your property and increasing its value, I highly recommend you checkout the landscaping guide. It illustrates everything you need. It is sure to make your landscaping projects easier and less expensive.
Please do not hire an expensive landscaper until you see this. It includes design plans developed by professional landscape architects. The instructions are easy to understand and use. Without a doubt, these designs will enhance the look of your home, backyard, driveway or garden.
Whether you are planting one tree or committing to an entire project complete with patio, walkway and flower garden, this guide will most surely help you along the way. Here’s that link again…7000 LANDSCAPING IDEAS.
Take good care of your home and property.
It’s one of your most valuable assets.
BZ
Enjoy this article? Have any tips to offer our readership? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
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