DIY Landscaping Tips for Professional-Looking Yards
Whether you want a complete redesign or minor changes to your lawn and garden, landscaping need not break the bank. There are various DIY ways to make your yard look like it’s upkept and designed by a professional.
With thoughtful landscaping, you can easily add interest to your yard and boost your house’s curb appeal. In addition, your home’s value will also increase – which is excellent if you plan to put it on the market in the future.
However, if you’ve never tried DIY landscaping, choosing from the many options can get overwhelming. Here are some tips to add a professional touch to your property.
DIY Tips for Professional Landscaping Results
Before you head to your local supply store, make sure to read the below tips. You don’t want to buy plants or pots and find out they won’t fit your space or the central theme of your landscape. Plus we’ve some great tips below on maximizing those dollars you spend for the most impact on your yard.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Yard
To successfully landscape your yard, you need to familiarize yourself with it. Learn about your area’s topography, climate, and soil type in your yard. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (link here) is where you can check for this information.
You should also learn about microclimates. This is based on the conditions in your yard concerning the amount of sun it gets – deep shade, shade, partial shade, and full sun. You also need to learn how water drains in your area since water movement is crucial to landscaping.
Get your soil tested, if possible. It will be better than guessing the fertility requirements of your ground when you start planting. However, general rules can be followed based on whether you have proper dark soil or light grey to dark grey sandy soil. Here on the West Coast of Florida along the Pinellas beaches you’ll find that the lower you are to sea level the more likely you are to have excess sand in your ground/soil. This is not especially good for most plants but luckily there are plenty of hardy options ready to take root in our sandy subsurface.
Buy Just Enough Plants and Supplies
If it’s your first time buying supplies, buy just enough – plants, soil, mulch, or fertilizers. When purchasing soil and mulch, you must calculate the area where you will use them. As for plants, buy just enough for initial planting, including several varieties.
Use High-Quality Tools
If you’re stocking up on garden tools for the first time, buy only high-quality options. These may be expensive, but cheap tools are more likely to break. So, you can save more money in the long run since you’ll be using your devices for a long time. However, if you’re living in a temporary rental home, try to just borrow tools from the neighbors 😉
Match with the Seasons
Plant according to all seasons in your area to create year-round interest in your landscaping. Research is the key to doing this. You need to learn about the different plant selections available in your area for each season.
Usually, you’ll have beautiful shrubs and colorful flowering trees during the spring and summer. Choose plants with a good structure for the winter season and fall foliage for autumn.
You should also consider adding annuals to supplement the perennial plants in your yard. Perennial flowers are good, but there will be months when they won’t bloom. And that’s where annuals come in – they ensure you have a lovely garden full of colors all year-round.
Use Hardscape and Water Features
Even if you’re a newbie in landscaping, don’t be afraid to explore and try things that will add texture and structure to your yard. Hardscape features are also great at adding structure to your plants during winter.
Walls, fences, decks, and arbors are great options. Even patios that provide transitions between indoors and outdoors should be lovely to add as hardscape. You can also add water features to add a focal point to your garden. Fountains and small ponds are not only visually appealing, but they are also soothing.
To DIY or not to DIY. If you want to improve your yards but have no time, don’t fret. There is a professional landscaping company that can help you. If you live in Largo & Seminole, FL, Lawns & Palms Inc. specializes in premium but affordable lawn care solutions. Contact us, and we’ll help you create a beautifully landscaped yard – from planning to maintenance.
Achieving a professional-looking yard through DIY landscaping is entirely feasible with the right knowledge and effort. Here are some tips to help you transform your outdoor space into a beautifully landscaped area:
- Plan Your Landscape Design:
Start by creating a well-thought-out landscaping plan that includes elements like flower beds, trees, shrubs, and hardscape features. Consider the balance of space, color, and functionality. - Research and Learn:
Educate yourself about local climate, soil conditions, and the specific needs of the plants you want to use. This knowledge will help you make informed choices. - Create a Focal Point:
Design your landscape around a central focal point, like a beautiful tree, a garden sculpture, or a decorative water feature. - Proper Plant Selection:
Choose plants that are well-suited to your region’s climate, soil, and light conditions. Native plants are often a great choice. - Layer Plants:
Use a layered approach when planting, with taller plants at the back and shorter ones in the front to create depth and visual interest. - Color Coordination:
Plan your plant colors to create a harmonious and pleasing color scheme. Think about the color of your home and any hardscaping elements. - Edge Your Flower Beds:
Define the edges of your flower beds with decorative stones, bricks, or metal edging for a neat and professional appearance. - Proper Spacing:
Ensure proper spacing when planting. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources and an unhealthy landscape. - Mulch and Weed Control:
Apply mulch to your garden beds to retain moisture, inhibit weed growth, and enhance the overall appearance. Regularly remove weeds to keep the landscape tidy. - Regular Pruning and Maintenance:
Maintain your plants by pruning and trimming as needed. Regular maintenance keeps the landscape looking its best. - Hardscaping Elements:
Incorporate hardscape features like walkways, patios, and decorative stones to add structure and visual appeal to your landscape. - Lighting:
Install outdoor lighting to highlight key features in your landscape and create a welcoming atmosphere, especially at night. - Water Features:
If you have the space and budget, consider adding a water feature like a pond, fountain, or waterfall to create a soothing and attractive focal point. - Sustainable Practices:
Implement sustainable landscaping practices like rain gardens, composting, and using eco-friendly materials. - Stay Informed:
Continue to learn and adapt your landscaping practices as you gain experience and as new ideas and trends emerge. - Garden Accents:
Add decorative accents such as garden art, sculptures, or unique planters to create visual interest and personality. - Regular Inspections:
Periodically inspect your landscaping to identify and address any issues like pest infestations, disease, or irrigation problems.
By following these DIY landscaping tips and approaching your project with enthusiasm and dedication, you can create a professional-looking yard that enhances the beauty and value of your home.
