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Create Your Own Oasis

Do you currently have an unappealing front yard or back yard, but not sure what to do with it? If not, now is a good time to think about ways you can improve it. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, hiring a professional to create your landscape design can help increase your property value, know what types of plants work best for your topography, and create a master plan to create a landscape you love. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started in creating your ideal landscape design.

1) Add Landscape Lighting

Landscape Lighting Example

Landscape lights are a great first step in making the exterior of your home more appealing. You can use accent lights to point out any unique façades or trees that your home has. To keep others safe when entering and exiting your driveway, you can have walkway lights installed. You can also use floodlights to spread light across a wide area of your landscape.

2) Plant Trees & Shrubs

Tree With Leaves

Trees can make or break your landscape, so it’s important to carefully consider what type of tree will look best, and where you will grow one. Within New Jersey, Red Oak, Flowering Dogwood, and Emerald Green Arborvitae are the most common trees you’ll find in residential neighborhoods. Around homes, you might notice Leyland Cyprus, as they tend to grow quickly and offer privacy around backyards. A landscape design contractor can help you find a tree to fit your needs. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, then learn more about shrub tree and flowering tree plantings.

3) Create an Inviting Patio Area

Bluestone Patio

If you entertain a lot throughout the year, consider looking at the state of your patio. Bluestone patios, for example, can stand out from the rest of your landscape, thanks to its irregular shapes. Choosing a hardscape for your patio over wooden decks will allow your patio to last longer and avoid splinters.

4) Invest in Your Walkway

Walkway

When it comes to your property value, the right walkway can make a difference. Whether it leads to your front door, or to your backyard oasis, a unique walkway made out of stone or other materials can compliment your home. You can also go with flagstone, brick, and cut stone for your walkway.

5) Add Water Features

Add Fountains and Other Water Features

Whether you’re looking for others to make the most of your patio area, or looking for another way to decorate the area surrounding your backyard or walkways. Fountains and waterfalls are great for creating a peaceful spot around your home. If you are on a tighter budget, birdbaths are pretty easy to setup and don’t require much upkeep. If you decide to add a more complex water feature, you’ll also want to consider drainage when scouting for locations.

6) Add Season Appropriate Flowers & Perennials

Add Flowers For Easy Curb Appeal

This is a very simple and cost-effective way to improve your home’s landscape. Tulips and lilacs are great options for the spring, while mums are great for autumn. Love to Know has a great home and garden section that covers what flowers peak in every month of the year, along with instructions on how to grow them.


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