Do-it-Yourself Landscaping: No Professional Needed

When it comes to selling your home or simply improving your curb appeal, there’s nothing like a bit of striking landscaping to add value to your property; however, if you’ve ever looked into using the services of a professional landscaper, then you know that beautiful yards rarely come cheap. Without factoring in the cost of someone who knows how to tie it all together, the cost of flowers, shrubs, and trees can build up rather quickly,

Even so, if you’re on a budget, it’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily need a green thumb to learn how to landscape your yard. At the end of the day, the most important things you’ll need are patience and inspiration, so once those two things are in place, you can get started on the rest.

1. Make a Plan: If you’ve never been much of a gardener, simply breaking ground may seem like a daunting task. It’s one thing to be planting a five-by-five garden and another to be revamping an entire yard. Therefore, make sure you have a few thoughts in mind about how you want the end result to look. If you’re not sure where to start, consider driving through different area neighborhoods to see which yards appeal to you.

2. Settle on a Style: Much like home décor, landscaping comes in a variety of styles—contemporary, cottage, traditional, modern, etc.—so make sure you understand the common elements of the style(s) which appeal to you the most. If you’ve taken some time to find neighborhood yards that exemplify what you’re trying to create, pay attention to their common elements. Most properties will have a solid combination of perennials, annuals, vines, and shrubs, as well as evergreen and deciduous trees, so consider adding a mix to your own yard.

3. Pick a Focal Point: As with anything, instead of fixating on—and subsequently getting overwhelmed by—designing the whole yard at once, remember that it’s okay to break your property into sections. You don’t have to make things perfect right away, so consider starting with a focal point and go from there. Trees are always a good place to begin, as is shrubbery; however, before you head to the local nursery, make a point to consider the other homes in your neighborhood. You’ll obviously want your landscaping to improve the look of the community, so make sure this remains a consideration throughout the landscaping process.

4. Enhance Your Entrance: One of the main benefits of effective landscaping is that it helps create an entrance to your home. If you’re planning on selling in the near future, this is even more important since you’ll want buyers to be taken with your home before they even cross the threshold. Consider adding bushes or foundation plantings near your front door and line your walkway with flowers or shrubs.

5. Keep it Simple: Chances are good that if you’ve never gardened or found yourself landscaping in the past, the idea of adding a host of exotic plants and flowers may be incredibly intimidating. With that being said, it’s important to remember that beautiful yards don’t have to be decked out in color. Feel free to stick with various shades of green and add pops of color with planters or pots instead. If you’re looking at selling, most potential buyers will be looking for easy upkeep anyway, so don’t be afraid to make things as simple as possible.

With that being said, before you break ground, it’s always worth speaking with a Realtor in advance. A solid agent will not only be able to tell you how to make the best impression possible, but will also be able to give you advice regarding other homes in the area.

If you’d like some assistance or would like to schedule a free consultation, please feel free to contact me.

Pam Evans | Hello Pam Evans Real Estate| www.HelloPamEvans.com | 678-778-6551