Landscaping your home can be a great way to improve its overall appearance and add some extra functionality. Whether you’re looking to increase curb appeal or just maintain a beautiful yard, these tips will help get you started.
Care for your trees.
Trees are an important part of the ecosystem, providing oxygen, shade, and homes for wildlife. But they do need our help to stay healthy and thrive.
To start the tree care process, inspect your trees for broken branches or other damage. If you see any damage, prune branches as needed. Dead branches can be a hazard, so it’s best to remove them before they cause any problems.
Trees get thirsty too, so ensure they have enough water by giving them a deep watering once a week. If you live in an area with drought conditions, you may need to water more often. Be sure to check the soil before watering; if it’s still wet from rain, your tree doesn’t need any more water.
Also, just like any other plant, trees need nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Use a fertilizer made specifically for trees; don’t use lawn fertilizer, as this can be harmful to trees. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions; too much fertilizer can burn roots and leaves.
Don’t forget to mulch as well. Mulch helps retain moisture and protects tree roots from extreme temperatures. Use a layer of mulch 2-4 inches deep, and ensure it extends out past the drip line of your tree (the outermost edge of the tree’s canopy). Keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the tree trunk to avoid rotting bark. Refresh your mulch every year or as needed.
You can also look into tree care services. These professionals can manage your trees as needed and can also provide treatments to protect your trees from potential bug infestations or infections.
Do a thorough cleanup.
Before you start your cleanup, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Depending on the size of your yard, you may need just a few basic tools, or you may need something more heavy-duty. For instance, if you have a small yard, a handheld leaf blower should do the trick. For larger yards, you might want to consider a backpack leaf blower to make the job easier.
Another must-have is a lawn mower. A push mower is enough for smaller yards, while a riding mower is best for larger ones. Similarly, you can also choose between a handheld weed whacker or a gas-powered weed whacker.
Be sure also to choose equipment not just based on the size of your yard but also based on your aesthetic preferences and your plants’ needs. For example, smaller pruning shears can help you create a better look when dealing with smaller plants, while larger pruning shears will be needed for bigger plants.
Now, to start your cleanup, begin by starting at one end of your yard and working your way around in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction until you have made your way around the entire perimeter of your property. Be sure to pay special attention to areas that might be difficult to reach, such as behind trees or bushes.
Once you have finished making your way around the perimeter of your property, move on to taking care of any specific problem areas, such as large patches of weeds or areas with lots of leaves and debris accumulated.
Add some color.
The first step to this is to choose a color scheme. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure the colors you choose go well together. You can use a color wheel for this.
Complementary colors are opposite on the wheel and usually look good together. Analogous colors are next to each other on the wheel and can also be used together. Once you have your color scheme, you can move on to picking out specific colors.
Another one of the easiest ways to add color is with flowers. You can plant them in beds or pots. Be sure to choose varieties that will bloom at different times so that there is always some color.
Annuals are a good option because they bloom all season long, but perennials can be pretty too. Just remember to deadhead them (remove the dead blossoms), so they keep blooming.
By following these simple tips, you can quickly transform your yard into a beautiful oasis. Whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional, taking care of your landscaping is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.
