Planning Your Landscape

Now that we are officially in the cold months of winter, the last thing that most people want to think about is improvements in their landscapes and gardens. However, this is the best time of year to start thinking about your outdoor space. Most of us wait until the warm weather returns before worrying about their landscaping, but then the pressure is on to get things done quickly. Why not ease the stress of the spring and start thinking about it now?

Rushing to get things done is not the greatest approach to achieve your ideal landscape. Planning ahead and creating a basic checklist now will help you stay ahead of the game in the spring.

First think about safety, security, and maintenance. Consider your boundary lines or fences. Check your trees for damage to bark or limbs. Walk the border of your property and look at everything. Fix or remove any potential hazards. Have a professional trim your trees and check for disease and rot. Consider improvements such as raised beds and an automatic irrigation system to make for a more low maintenance spring.

Next, think about how your garden or landscape can provide sanctuary. Does your garden give you a sense of privacy or retreat? Consider adding features to make your garden and landscape your unique secluded haven. A privacy fence can provide security while a small pond can add a sense of tranquility.

Is your outdoor space ready for entertaining? If you do a lot of entertaining, you may want to rearrange certain parts of your outdoor space in order to accommodate more guests. A seat wall can provide a border to your space while also providing extra seating for guests. Think about adding an outdoor kitchen or fire place to make your outdoor space as warm and inviting as it is inside your home.

Lastly, consider the lighting in your gardens and around your home. Hire a professional to install the perfect accent lighting to highlight your favorite features. Light up your trees, shrubs, hardscape features, and your favorite features on the outside of your home. Lighting can also be used as security to scare away intruders.

Now that you have thought about what needs to be done, it is time to start putting these thoughts into action. Call a professional to help you plan your next steps. The more you plan now, the less stress you will have in the spring.