Where to Begin: Investing in Landscape
Factor a Budget: The first thing to do when you are planting your landscape is to factor a budget. Landscape design can span months or even years to get the look perfect for your home and reflect your personal style. Create a budget carefully as landscapes are not only defining true curb appeal for your property but can also be an important investment that can more than pay for itself in home equity.
As everyone’s focus is on green living, what’s more green than leaves and foliage in the spring and summer? And did you know that the proper placement of trees and plants can help minimize energy costs and usage?
I am using my personal home as an example as an ever evolving legacy. My home was constructed in the early 1800’s, meaning my wife and I are stewards to the land and the home we live in. When we plant a new shrub, tree, or annual we are creating a legacy to the future generations that will call this place home.
Create Your Space: Setting up an outdoor living space will take the heat out of the kitchen and create a wonderful entertainment area. A grill, pizza oven, or other amenities can make outdoor entertaining a breeze. Got spring fever? Think about telecommuting from your back porch. Many laptops are completely wireless, and creating an outdoor office space can help get the creative juices flowing.
Create an area for entertainment…in our case; a pool awaits the arrival of our friends and family. This is what it is all about…a gathering spot to create memories.
Find Inspiration: I have a back porch that inspires me...watching the seasons change as a beautiful Redbud tree comes into full bloom after a long winter’s slumber is nothing less than awe inspiring. A water feature can be soothing…listening to the trickle of water from a waterfall into the pond sparks the imagination, and ideas and motivation start racing. Think of it as Mother Nature’s Feng Shui.
Now that you are inspired; plan to meet with a professional landscape contractor, with the initial budget in mind and consider what you want to achieve.
Remember, everything doesn’t have to be done yesterday and the addition of a special tree can mark a significant day; anniversary, birthday, Mother’s Day, or Father’s day and it’s a gift that will give for generations to come.
Follow the Sun: Plan your landscape around a sun track…not many people think of morning sun and afternoon’s shade and what plants are conducive to creating an environment to warm or cool areas.
A case in point: assuming you have a one acre lot or larger and you have a front door that faces west, as shown in the photograph. The living and dining rooms also are on the west side of your home. In the initial planning you want as much light as possible. Tracking the sun, you discover, between 4:00 and 7:00 pm it is warm because the sun in on a western angle towards setting. The placement of deciduous trees such as a Red Maple or Sugar Maple would be a great choice. In the summer, they block direct sunlight and reduce the necessity for constant air conditioning by naturally cooling the house. Check for cross ventilation as well by opening doors and windows.
Shade trees can be enjoyed surrounding a patio or deck as well, especially if it is located on the east side of your home. The trees act as a perfect screen for sunbathing or an intimate dinner for two.
As we continue we will customize landscape plans for various properties from a townhouse lot, a quarter acre, to using an acre-plus to its best advantage.
Accent with colorful plants and change the colors with the seasons and you are well on your way to creating the perfect outdoor space.
