Curb appeal is the best way to make a good first impression. Most homeowners agree, spending over $45 billion on professional lawn and landscape services. Gardening has become America’s number one pastime, with over 80% of all households participating.
What does this mean to you?
A well designed landscape does more than bring increased value to your home, it brings energy savings as well. More importantly, quality landscaping brings you endless days of enjoyment.
So follow the number one trend in the country and bring the indoors out by adding a raised patio, fire pit or an outdoor kitchen. Regardless of what you do, the enjoyment of the outdoors will reduce your stress and add real value to your home.
Just follow these five simple planning steps:
1) Do your Homework
Visit web sites to see backyard patio plans, photos, ideas and MORE! Stop by your local book store or library for books and magazines on landscape designs. You can get ideas for hardscape materials, plants, accents, furniture and everything to help make your planning complete.
2) Make a list
Make a list of things you like and dislike. If mowing the lawn or weeding a flower garden isn’t for you, make note of it. Do you prefer rocks vs. mulch? Do you love flowers, but dread replanting every year?
3) Make a budget
When budgeting for landscaping renovation, plant to invest about 10% of your home’s value, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). A more elaborate backyard sanctuary may require 15 to 20%. Much of what you spend depends on how long you plan to stay in your home. If you plant to stay for more than ten years, 15 to 20% will give you the enjoyment you desire for years to come.
Homes Value $______ x_______% = ________ (Your landscaping budget)
4) Sketch your design
Take out a pencil and paper and start at the beginning. Sketching will help you discover likes and dislikes and make your landscaping process much easier.
5) Hire a qualified landscape contractor
If you’re not quite the weekend warrior to tackle your own landscape construction, start talking to the professionals. Landscape pros are invaluable assets for their design expertise, product knowledge and construction methods.
When you are ready to start your next landscape project be sure to stop by Pahl’s for all of your landscaping needs. For the do-it-yourselfers we have a large selection of plants, rock, mulch, soils, weed barrier, edging and more. You can pick up your materials or have us deliver. If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the summer even more, then let the pros at Pahl’s complete your landscape projects for you. We will help you create an attractive and comfortable landscape you will enjoy all season long. For more information, please visit our landscape page.
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