Getting your own home is a dream come true. You finally have a place that you customize as you see fit without needing permission from a landlord or fear of violating a lease. You can convert the backyard as you see fit. Put up a privacy fence. Every detail of the exterior is an option you pretty much control.
But landscaping isn’t a willy-nilly operation. Sure, you have lots of ideas but the execution is a challenge. And should be. Transforming the surroundings of a new home is a chore and not as easy as This Old House makes it look. It’s a big job, especially for the beginner and new homeowners with a dream in their hearts.
Turf Factory Direct knows a thing or 12 about approaching landscaping through smart and proven methods. And we want to share a little of that knowledge with new homeowners who want to create paradise efficiently and affordably. So, here are 12 landscaping tips for new homeowners.
1. Be Realistic About Timelines
On those DIY shows, they create an oasis in a matter of minutes! The reality is you have to figure out how to find the time to get the work done. You might have to put aside a few weekends or a few weeks. Mulching, planting, constructing, getting supplies, replanting, etc., eat up time and most of it is best performed at certain times of the year.
Know what you want to do and when you’ll get ‘er done. That leads to …
2. Cleaning the Slate
Sit down and have a brainstorming session. Due diligence must include planning and research. Imagine how you want to reconfigure the yard or front of the house. Is there space for the grill of your dreams and a firepit? Do you want to spend the rest of your life mowing lawns or should you put in quality turf that will always look good and require almost no maintenance?
3. Put Together Your Budget
Maintain perspective and keep in mind your goal may be costly. But everything doesn’t have to be done all at once. Create your landscaping budget, giving yourself time and accountability. Count your current and factor in future pennies to see how you can responsibly manage projects while sacrificing aspects of but not hurting your lifestyle.
4. Look Realistically at Maintenance
As we said, not everyone has the time to manage lush lawns and such. Look realistically at how much work you’re willing to put into the long-term commitment of keeping the landscape lush and inviting. Or how much money you’re willing to spend to let someone else do it. The last thing you want is to see all your hard work go south because you’re too weary to follow through.
5. Landscape for Beauty and Function
As amazing as you want the landscape to look, you want to make it useful. Green thumbers may want to have a garden for herbs and vegetables. If the family grows, a swing set or playhouse might be on the horizon. Barbecue, pool, and recreational furniture can all be on the table. There should be contingencies for future intent.
6. Design Around a Focal Point
One trick every landscaper uses is designing around a focal point. New homeowners should work with that. You can make a section of the landscape, like where you put the dining area, or select a plant or tree, and work outward from that point. The focal point should be beautiful and bold with smaller, reserved décor complementing it.
7. Strategic Use of Color
Color psychology is the science of how color affects us. Studies show individual colors transmit subliminal feelings and emotions to the brain. It’s theorized roses are so beloved because red invokes feelings of excitement and youthfulness. By learning how colors impact emotions, you can create a more appealing atmosphere in your design.
8. Safeguard From Local Pests
It’s unlikely your yard won’t have its uninvited guests. Dependent on climate and region, there’s no doubt you’ll have the occasional or frequent visitor. Gardens are victims of roaming insects and mammals. You may have crows, squirrels, deer, snakes, and even alligators. The best way to get ahead of this is to make what they want hard to find. We’re talking food and shelter. While trying to minimize altering the aesthetic of your outdoor spaces, look at fences, wiring, and even turf that pests won’t use for food.
9. Learn About Your Gardening Climate
All regions are different when it comes to what can and can’t be grown. Southern Cali and Vermont will have completely different landscapes. Illinois is perfect for lush lawns while you might be better off with a nice field of turf in Arizona. You also have to consider where you get the best sunlight and where shade dominates. Map the area into subregions on paper and research how to incorporate climates into your dream.
10. Edging the Landscape
Edging is a crucial part of the landscaping, defining borders between grass, walkways, and sidewalks. The process gives your outdoor spaces a manicured appearance and adds tremendous curb appeal. It provides value that manages to be a cost-efficient production. Choose from motorized, handheld, and manual stick edgers. And there’s always the option of a professional service.
11. Best Landscaping: Influenced by Accessorizing
Landscaping schemes encompass what fits in your spaces. Flowers, bushes, trees, turf, and features like fences, gates, plant pots, benches, and arches are invaluable accents. You also have items like furnishings and barbecues to accommodate entertainment. These additions add dimension and functionality. You have unlimited options, but it’s also about where these features should go to create a great view!
12. Ask for Help
Unlike the tee-vee shows, it’s unlikely anyone’s going to show up with a team of experts to revitalize your landscapes in a matter of hours between commercial breaks without getting a speck of dust on their clothes. Or face. Be prepared to consult or even spend on professional services. Deciding on turf or grass, tile or pavers, garden or gazebo, there are resources you can peruse. From Pinterest to local companies, there are capable hands ready to provide landscape design inspiration.
Upgrading your landscaping will turn your home into a place of your own. But new homeowners may misfire as they’re new to what can be a challenging project. But research and preparation will be key to success. Keep our tips in mind. And don’t forget, if you’re in the Dalton area and looking at new ways to improve your landscapes that offer minimal maintenance, reach out to Turf Factory Direct.
