You want your property to look attractive and welcoming. Good landscaping enhances your home and boosts property value. When you do the work yourself, you’ll also get great outdoor exercise. Here are a few tips to improve your landscaping.
Know Your Soil Type
Some plants thrive in acidic soil while others prefer it more alkaline. Sandy and loamy soils and clay will make a difference in what types of plants do well in your landscape. Evaluate your soil so you know its composition.
If there are plants you would like to use, but the soil is not ideal, it is possible to improve the soil conditions. You might add mulch or peat, or mix in crushed limestone, depending on what adjustments need to be made.
Plant Spacing to Improve Your Landscaping
There are some plants that require more room for their root systems. Without enough space, some plants will be crowded out or have to compete for nutrients. Read online or check the tags on plants at your local garden center to learn about spacing requirements for the plants you prefer. Especially when adding shrubs and small trees, many need to be planted at least three to four feet apart to have room to grow.
Improve Your Landscaping with Native Plants
To guarantee an attractive and healthy yard, choose plants that are native to your region and adapted to the climate. If you choose non-native plants, verify they’re non-invasive and come from a similar climate to the one in which you live.
Consider the Blooming Times of Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs
Plants bloom at various times throughout the seasons. Choose attractive bushes, plants, and shrubs that flower. Determine when your plants will bloom and stagger the varieties in your gardening beds.
Plant early-blooming tulips and crocus among later-blooming plants and you’ll enjoy color from early spring throughout summer and into fall. Plan the landscape around the seasons so that there’s something to see year-round.
Add Mulch
Wood mulch is attractive and slows weed growth in your garden beds. Add mulch around shrubs, bushes, and young trees to help the plants retain moisture. Mulch helps the landscaping look well cared for and boosts curb appeal. Place mulch at least 12 inches from the foundation and siding of your home to deter termites.
Veriguard Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.