Investing in landscaping projects can significantly enhance the curb appeal and overall value of your home.

Considering trying some of these this summer or early fall (you don't have to do all of them at once):
1. First and foremost, keep a Clean and Tidy Landscape
- A well-maintained landscape reflects positively on the overall property. Regular maintenance prevents overgrowth and keeps the garden looking its best.
- Schedule regular tasks like pruning, weeding, mulching, and cleaning up debris.
- Hire a a professional service for ongoing maintenance if you can't or don't want to do it yourself.
- Trees and shrubs add beauty, provide shade, and can increase privacy.
- Mature trees are particularly valued for their aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.
- Choose native species that thrive in your micro-climate and soil conditions.
- Place trees so they provide natural cooling in the summer, reducing energy consumption and costs.
- A well-maintained lawn creates a welcoming first impression.
- Invest in quality turf, seed, or plugs and consider installing an irrigation system to keep it healthy.
- Conduct regular maintenance, including mowing and aerating, and do a water audit each month to make sure your watering system is working well.
- Outdoor living areas, such as patios, decks, kitchens, and pergolas, expand your usable living space. These areas are wonderful for those who enjoy entertaining and spending time outdoors.
- Use durable, weather-resistant materials that complement your home’s style.
- Incorporate features like built-in seating, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens to enhance functionality.
- Well-designed walkways enhance the flow and use of your garden. They add structure and guide visitors through the landscape.
- Use materials such as stone, brick, or pavers to create attractive, durable, and inviting paths.
- Ensure walkways are wide enough for comfortable use and consider adding lighting for safety and ambiance.
- Colorful, well-maintained flower beds create an inviting and cheerful entrance.
- Seasonal plantings add interest throughout the year.
- Choose a mix of perennials and annuals for continuous blooms, and plant them in a design complements the architecture of your home.
- Water features, like fountains, ponds, pools, or waterfalls, add a sense of tranquility and luxury. They can become focal points in the landscape, drawing attention and admiration.
- Proper installation and maintenance is important to avoid issues like leaks or algae buildup.
- Integrate the water feature into the natural flow of your garden design.
- Vegetable gardens, herb gardens, and raised beds provide a functional use of space and offer the opportunity for sustainable living and homegrown produce.
- Use quality soil and materials for building raised beds or garden plots.
- Plan your garden layout for ease of access and maintenance.
- Outdoor lighting improves safety and extends the usability of outdoor spaces after dark. It also highlights landscape features to create a warm ambiance.
- Use a mix of lighting types, such as pathway lights, dark-sky (downward facing) spotlights, and string lights (but don't leave them on all night).
- Opt for energy-efficient LED lights and consider solar-powered options.
- Hardscaping, like retaining walls, stone borders, and rock gardens, adds structure and definition to the landscape. These elements also solve practical issues, such as erosion control or drainage problems.
- Choose materials that match or complement your home’s exterior. They should integrate seamlessly with the softscape elements (plantings).