Six Key Considerations for Your Next Landscape Architecture Project

 

Landscaping not only makes your home look great — it’s also one of the easiest ways of increasing your property value. Blooming flowers, healthy trees, and well-manicured lawns will go a long way in adding a sparkle to your outdoor spaces.

But starting a landscaping project can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to outdoor jobs. Before you get started on your next landscape architecture project, read through these six things to keep in mind.

Consider your budget

Before making any major decisions, consider the cost of having a beautifully landscaped property and whether that number can realistically fit into your family’s budget. You might choose to work with a professional landscaper who can guide you through a budget according to your requirements.

It’s also important to factor in the maintenance cost. Once your new landscape architecture is installed, the lifelong journey to keep it in good shape begins. Plan low-maintenance landscaping so you don’t get overwhelmed in the future.

Consider the environmental factors

Environmental analysis is a vital step when considering your next landscape project. Don’t forget about goals like preservation of water quality, promotion of biodiversity, and conservation of natural resources.

A professional landscaper should be able to guide you on how to accomplish those goals with a combination of plants and structures. The landscaper can also help you catalog the plants that are already in your yard in terms of their water needs and sun exposure as well as their existing microclimates.

Work to understand the type of soil in your yard and the different types of plants it can support. A landscaper should be able to run tests on the soil to establish its viability.

Landscape grade

Grading involves modifying the current landform to accommodate new structures and still ensure proper drainage. You can change some of the gradings on your property, especially if you notice a problem with the current grading. A telltale sign of unsatisfactory grading is stagnant water. Stagnant water could be breeding areas for mosquitoes or damage the foundations of your structure.

Grading requires removing the topsoil layer and sculpting the land with a bulldozer to get the land to its desired level. To avoid soil erosion, complete the grading during the dry season.

Identifying hydrozones

Once you’ve learned about the type of soil on your land and the kind of plants you’ll be using, consider the water on your property so you can arrange your plants in different hydrozones.

You might notice areas where water collects in plenty. These areas could be ideal places to plant the species that need a lot of water. If there are certain areas where water flows quickly, group plants that like dry conditions.

Differentiate groups of plants, such as those that need frequent irrigation, reduced irrigation, or no irrigation at all. This will ensure that every plant’s needs are met while minimizing water waste.

Use and purpose

Before beginning a landscape project, think about what you’d like to use the area for. This will help inform many of the decisions you’ll have to make.

You should also consider the individuals that will be using the area. Is your landscaping strictly for adults, or will it need to accommodate children as well? The answer to this question can help you decide whether any safety measures need to be put in place.

Consider special needs

You might need special structures that will protect your privacy as you spend time outdoors basking in the sun or entertaining your visitors. Landscaping is a great way to show off your property’s unique architecture, but some aspects should be kept away from the public eye.

Some of the features that you can incorporate to enhance your privacy include:

• Fences and walls
• Hedges and shrubs
• Layered plants
• Water features

You may also want to build a retaining wall or integrate some exclusive erosion control products that will hold the soil in place. Whatever your unique needs, be sure to figure them out before starting your project.

Takeaways

The exterior of a property matters just as much as the interior. Beautiful landscape architecture brightens your property and makes it warmer and more welcoming, bringing out the best of your property. These tips can help you enjoy your property to the max.