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It can be fun to dream about the yard you'd have if you knew how to landscape. Actually creating that yard is even more fun. Don't limit yourself to what you can afford to pay a professional landscaper to do. If you learn some simple techniques, you too can create the landscape you've always dreamed of.



Using native plants for your landscaping plan will make it easier to maintain your yard. Native plants are require less effort on your part because they're accustomed to your soil and environment. This means that taking care of them would not require a lot of maintenance. Check out a local gardening store and see what plants are actually native in your area.



It is generally a good idea to evaluate the sunlight that is available to you before you start landscaping. This way you can plan what sort of plants will go where so that they receive the optimal amount of sunlight. You don't want to have plants die because of too little or too much sun exposure.



If you are using flowers in your landscaping plans, you should use both perennials and annuals. Perennials come in many beautiful options, but annuals ensure that you have color year round. If you live in a winter climate, you could even incorporate beautiful shrubs and flowers that bloom during that season.



In your next landscaping endeavor you may want to include a water feature as a focal point. Water features are very appealing, not only for their appearance, but also for the beautiful noises they can make. There are many options, from fountains to faux rivers that will surely enhance your yard's appearance.






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Trying to work on the entire landscape at once is difficult and overwhelming. Dividing your project into several parts will be easier on your wallet. A phased plan will also allow you to make changes to your plan on the fly if you encounter any problems.



If you are adding archways, or pergolas to your yard, make sure that they are tall enough. A good average height is 8 feet. If you make an archway too short, people will not be able to walk underneath it and enjoy it. If you make it too tall, it can look overwhelming, and out of place.



Start buying your materials in phases. Few people can afford to buy everything for their projects all at once. By dividing projects into multiple phases, you can pay for what you need as you go. This may save you money, help you keep track of your progress, and let you adjust plans prior to your next phase.



One of the keys to successful landscape design is to be completely honest with yourself about the time you are willing and able to dedicate to maintenance and plant care. If you design a space that requires labor-intensive plants and other materials, but have little time in which to tend them, you will ultimately end up disappointed.



Try to promote deep root growth with your lawn. You can accomplish this through proper fertilization and watering, thatch control, and keeping an eye on the height of your grass. By having deep root growth, you will not have to water your grass as often, and it is less likely to suffer from drought.



Take into account a plant's size at maturity. Always take into consideration exactly how big a plant will become when it is fully mature. Don't plant a large tree too close to https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1GvrpLM_Tw8bHQNeTpSY6i86TK0c&ll=38.355174799999986%2C-77.5091683&z=21 , as the root system could eventually cause a lot of damage, and turn into a very costly mistake in the long run.



Choose native plants if your goal is to have a distinctive yet easy to maintain landscape. Plant species that adapt naturally to the climate in your area are best. The upkeep of these local plants will be less as well, which can save you money on water bills.



If you want to change your landscaping, consider using plants that are native to your area. These types of plants are pests immune and drought resistant. This means you will be using less water for upkeep of your landscaping and less pesticide. It will also help you with lowered fertilizer costs because these plants are adapted to the soil in your area.



Now that you have a good idea of where to begin with your home's landscape or where you can improve on it, you should start writing what changes you want to make down. You want to have a clear understanding of what you want to change and then, gradually change your home's landscape, until you're pleased with your home's appearance.