Billings Farnsworth asked:




There are two main objectives most people wish to accomplish when designing a landscape; function and style. To meet these objectives, it is important to know what the property in question is meant to be used for. A residential landscape or an area that needs to accommodate entertaining large numbers of people will differ substantially from a commercial landscape, and a landscape that requires very little maintenance will differ from that belonging to an avid gardener. All these things need to be considered when undertaking a landscaping project. This is called the function of a landscape. It is the first, most basic factor that must be determined before individual style can be applied to the project.

Once the framework of the functionality of a landscape has been determined, the possibilities for the style are nearly endless. Elements such as plants, grasses, flowers, trees, rocks, paths, walls, statuary, and water-features can all be added to make a landscape reflect the taste and lifestyle of the property owner. Care must be taken to ensure that plant, flower and tree selections grow well in the climate and are suited to the safety needs of the owners, for example a family with children would want to ensure that plants are not poisonous.

One other important factor to consider when designing a landscape is the potential effect on the property value. Many landscaping elements can be considered a monetary investment because the increase the value of your property. However, there are some landscaping choices that could pose liability problems, such as installing a swimming pool. Be careful to consider all these implications before making any final decisions on a landscaping design.

Katie Appleby asked:




Who doesn’t want a backyard that looks professionally done? Home landscaping examples can probably save you tons of money because you can do it yourself. The plants you choose can greatly depend on your area of the country and climate. But the most important thing for environment-friendly world is that we go for plants that can conserve water.

Always start with a plan that takes into consideration the environmental issues of your landscape. Everything should be inspected before you start planting anything – the soil, terrain and runoff properties. In areas that that retain rainwater with a moist soil, then do you research and look for plants that thrive in that environment and if you have a sandy or dry soil then make sure that you only plant those that are ideal with that kind of soil.

Also check the content of your soil. It may have a high content of gravel, sand and construction debris – this can drain water quickly. The nutrient content of your plant like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and the pH level of the soil are also important to be match with the ideal plant.

Choose plants that vary in height. It would look better if you group together plants that have different height levels to look more natural than to have then just standing there aligned to each other. Also check out the colors of the plant and what the plants will look like in each season; choose the colors that best suit you.

Mulch like pine straws and wood chips can be very helpful in landscaping. It can retain much of the water therefore making your job lesser. You do not need to water you plants as much if you have water-retaining mulch to help you. And do not over-fertilize, let them grow naturally and if it needs a little help, just use fertilizer minimally. Everything in excess is bad, even for your plants.

Before you start your home landscaping project, do your research. Ask around your neighbors, those that has tried home landscaping, what plants thrive in your area. Ask your local nurseryman what plants thrive best in your climate and what plant has the least amount of maintenance needed. If you have the plants on your mind, try to make a sketch plan on paper; plan out the distribution and the location of your plants. This can ensure you that you are maximizing the use of your backyard. These suggestions can help your home landscaping easy and fun for you.

Ron King asked:




Installing and maintaining landscaping around your home can be a costly undertaking. Even the perfect landscape can end up a source of vexation instead of pleasure — if it costs you more than you can afford to install and keep up.

With these few helpful tips, you can save money on your landscaping without sacrificing quality or beauty.

Plan Before You Spend

Plan before you make any purchases. Without a plan, you may buy things you don’t really need, and that can waste money.

Begin with a rough sketch of your landscape design. Next find out exactly what you need to make it possible. If you need advice, there are a number of websites where you can get ideas for creating your project. Specialty stores and some home improvement warehouses have experts on hand who can give you pointers.

Once you’ve done your homework, and know exactly what you need, you can start spending, without fear of money wasters intruding.

Purchase In Phases

Your written plan should include a timetable for when you will install each portion of your landscape. Most people can’t afford to make all the changes at once. Planning your landscape project in phases lets you buy what you need as you go, and as the money becomes available. This phased financing lets you avoid the interest and fees associated with home improvement loans or putting your purchases on credit cards.

Don’t Sacrifice Quality

It’s good to remember that cheaper is not always better. If there is very little difference in quality, then buying the cheaper item is naturally the best course. However, local stores are often staffed with seasoned experts who will share their wisdom for free if you ask questions while making a purchase. Specialty stores can give you accurate information on installing a water feature, for example. If you are inexperienced in landscaping, you can save money in the long run by spending a little extra for better service, experienced help and advice.

Check Plants Carefully

If you’re making your purchases at a “big box” store, be sure to carefully inspect plants for diseases and insect problems. These stores seldom give their plants the kind of care that a nursery would. If the plant you buy is diseased, you’ll have to buy it all over again when it dies, and that’s money down the drain. Furthermore, the disease or pest can spread to your other landscaping. Many nurseries offer warranties and guarantees free of charge on their plants.

Buy When Prices Are Low

If you plan your landscaping ahead, you can determine when each phase needs to be accomplished. You can buy lumber during the winter when it is cheaper, and store it until you are ready to use it. Buy trees, shrubs, perennials, mulch, and soil late in the season when the prices go down. In most places, you can wait until October to make your maintenance purchases and still have time to winterize your landscape. Keep an eye out for plant sales at local nurseries. You can find really good quality plants at low prices this way.

Pursue Other Resources

Explore alternative resources. Stores are not the only places to get what you need. You can order through catalogs or online. Membership in a garden and seed club can yield very good prices on many items, as well as useful advice.

Try arranging a plant exchange in your neighborhood. Some cities offer low-price or free mulch and compost, and you can check construction or demolition sites for free stones and bricks.

Neighborhood Cost Sharing

Approach your neighbors about sharing costs. If you pool your resources, you can get some good deals on items bought in bulk, and everyone benefits. In the same vein, you can share the rental fees for machinery such as chippers, tillers, and aerators. If everyone chips in a few dollars, you can work out a schedule that lets each neighbor use the equipment before it is due back. This is a great way to reduce the costs of your landscaping.

By heeding a few of these money-saving tips, you can hold down your costs and create a beautiful landscape that you can afford to maintain.