HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – Homeowners commonly ask how to simplify landscaping projects. "Begin with a design" is the easy answer to landscaping success. And usually, the best approach is to hire a professional landscaper or knowledgeable local nursery to draw up the design, according to Bob Misevich, Sears buyer of non-powered lawn and garden equipment.
"A well-designed and maintained landscape can provide years of family enjoyment and add 15 percent or more equity to your property’s value," says Misevich.
Public and Private Areas
For example, the accompanying drawing by Marianne Binetti, author of "Easy Answers for a Great Garden," shows a design for the public area of a home on a typical suburban lot. The public area is that part of a property regularly seen by guests and passersby. Trees should frame the house, and an attractive arrangement of shrubs and other foliage should be planted along the foundation.
The foundation planting should accent a home’s entrance, but not appear overgrown or cluttered. Repetition of plant material helps to declutter the overall look. Also, plants need to be in proper scale with a house. Choose compact or dwarf shrubs for small houses. Using slower-growing, disease-resistant plants specific to a climate cuts down on maintenance. This is where a local nursery can help with specific recommendations.
A landscape also requires private space with quiet retreats, pleasant views and recreation areas. Every home also has service areas containing such necessities as garbage cans, air conditioners and firewood that need to be screened from view.
Extension of House
Think of a landscape as an extension of a home’s interior. The views from each window should be considered as a landscape design is developed. Walk over the property, noting both its good and bad features. Where are drives, walks and utilities located? Does the homeowner want to modify the way sun and wind strike the house by planting shade trees or windbreaks? Would they like to accentuate some views and hide others?
Consider how a family will use the property. Do they need an open, grassy recreation area? Would they like to have a patio or deck? Is anyone in the family allergic to plants, pollens or insects? Will they plant flower beds or a vegetable garden? How much time are they willing to spend on yard maintenance?
Soil composition and sun exposure are also crucial. Put the right plants in the right place, with drought-resistant plants in hot spots and shade-lovers on the north or dark side of the house.
Keep pruning in mind as well. In mature landscapes, spreading or low-branched trees and shrubs that block walks and infringe on patios and decks will need to be pruned. Plantings also should not block outdoor lights or obscure the house.
Courtesy of Sears.