Washington Homeowners: DIY Landscaping Or Hire A Professional?

Every Washington state homeowner wants to have the perfect yard. But unless you have the experience and knowledge, some landscaping projects may be out of your league. Before you hire a professional to do the job for you, to save money, there are many landscaping projects that you can tackle on your own. All it takes is a bit of time and how-to knowledge to do some basic work around your yard.

Sodding a New Lawn

Although it’s a lot of hard work, sodding new grass in your yard is a job that most homeowners will be able to take on as a weekend project. Whether you’re fixing up a lawn that needs a little renewal or planting grass for the first time, sod installation requires just a little bit of prep time and the only tools you’ll need are a rake and shovel.

You’ll need to get the ground ready to lay the sod and plan your project for a day when the weather will be clear and dry. Guided instructions are available from any garden center or online, so you’ll know exactly what to do to maintain and water your new grass after the sod has been rolled out and installed.

Tree Planting

Planting trees is another project that you’ll be able to DIY. Do your research ahead of time to ensure that your new tree is going to grow and thrive. Here’s what you need to know about tree planting:

• Choose the right tree for your yard, taking into consideration size, how much shade the tree will provide as it grows, and climate conditions for where you live.
• Select the right location in your yard. Are you planting near another tree, close to your house, or along the driveway? Remember to think about where the new tree’s roots will grow and invade before digging a hole and planting.
• Have a plan for after-planting care. This includes how often to water as the tree takes root and if ropes or wire are recommended to help it stand.

Leave big DIY outdoor projects to the experts. Call a landscape contractor in Washington state.

Planting Flowers and Shrubs

Digging in the garden and planting flowers and shrubs is one outdoor chore that many homeowners find enjoyable and relaxing. Before planting, plan your flower garden so you know exactly what you want it to look like when plants start to grow and flourish.

Garden centers can provide you with all the information you need to plant from seed or transplants, including:

• Best soil conditions
• Required sun and shade conditions
• Best time of year to plant
• How to water and care for each plant

Professional Landscape Projects

Some projects are better left to a professional landscaping contractor, who has the expertise and skills to get the job right from start to finish. Taking on some of these big projects on your own means that you may be starting something that you can’t finish without mistakes along the way.

For best results, leave these bigger landscape and yard projects to someone with experience, knowledge, and the right tools for the job:

• Laying a brick patio
• Building a pond
• Installing a fountain
• Designing and planting a butterfly garden

For those big DIY outdoor projects, call a HomeAdvisor landscaping contractor in Washington state.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.