As a homeowner, you can enhance the appeal of your landscape by conducting an overhaul involving new installations, repairs, and replacements. This can help you address unsightly areas that may detract from the beauty of your yard. Consider going beyond basic maintenance activities like mowing and aerating and plan for additional landscaping processes such as building walkways and replacing mulch. Here are some steps you can take when conducting a landscaping overhaul on your property:
1. Devise a Plan
Start by assessing your landscape to identify any problem areas to address. In the evaluation, look for plants, trees, and shrubs that have died or appear unhealthy. Identify unhealthy parts of your lawn, including areas dominated by weeds or crabgrass. You can make a list or map of each section you want changed.
Some elements you can add to enhance your landscape's appearance include fire pits, pathways, and custom landscape beds. You can schedule a meeting with skilled landscapers who can help evaluate and suggest changes to enhance your landscape. The landscapers can identify the project's scope to help make sure the necessary resources and equipment are available. This can facilitate a smooth landscaping overhaul that meets your needs and expectations.
2. Create a Layout
Create a sketch of your yard, including the existing features you want to keep and the new ones you plan to add. Doing this makes sure your plants and other planned additions or replacements positively affect your lawn's appearance. Skilled landscapers can create comprehensive outlines or models simulating your new landscape design, helping you visualize the proposed design more realistically. They may use 3D models or computer-aided design (CAD) to create detailed and accurate digital representations of the landscaping layout.
3. Detect Hazards
Look for potential safety hazards, such as dying trees or flood-prone areas that might cause injuries or damage property. Identify damaged walkways or decks, deciding whether to repair or replace them to help avoid accidents. Check for encroaching tree roots close to your house to prevent them from damaging your foundation. You can also identify areas with frequent standing water and make changes like increasing the slope surrounding your landscape. Landscape professionals can help you install durable drains to address drainage concerns without impeding your landscape's appearance.
4. Consider Current Trends
Review landscape design trends like increased sustainability. With this design focus, you can opt for native plants that may require less water and resources for healthy growth. Consider low-maintenance landscaping to help you save time and energy while maintaining your yard. For a smaller yard, you can opt for a simple landscape design with fewer additions or decorations to prevent a cluttered appearance. Consider working with professional landscapers who can help identify the latest trends that fit your lawn.
5. Prepare the Site
Proper site preparation helps make sure that the landscape can support the new features and elements planned for installation. During this step, you can clear the site of unwanted vegetation, including grass, weeds, bushes, or trees. Remove any existing structures or hardscape features that are being replaced or are incompatible with the new design.
If there are changes in elevation or if specific features require digging, conduct excavation and leveling work. Work with utility companies to verify that the digging or excavation does not interfere with underground utilities like water, gas, and electrical. You can use stakes or markers to outline the utility lines and planned locations of major design elements.
6. Complete the Installation
The installation and completion phases of a landscaping overhaul involve executing the design plans and bringing the envisioned outdoor space to life. This step includes constructing and installing various features, such as patios, retaining walls, greenery, and mulch. It also involves adding any final touches like outdoor lighting fixtures or furniture.
Read Also: What You Should Include in Your Landscaping Project
Plan Your Landscaping Overhaul
You can conduct routine landscape maintenance and occasional overhauls to improve and maintain the appearance of your yard. Consider devising a plan, creating a layout, detecting and removing hazards, and incorporating current trends when planning your new landscape design. Landscape experts have the tools and expertise to prepare your site and conduct a landscape overhaul that meets your needs. Contact a professional landscaping team today to learn more about redesigning your yard.