Backyard Reflections

Updating the look of your home is always a worthy investment. But if you want to make a bigger, longer lasting impression from the curb, you should focus on your landscape, as well. Lush shrubbery and plants, vibrant flowers, and a neatly trimmed lawn–these things and more can further transform the look of your property. But how exactly do you get started? 

Choosing the right design elements, like trees, plants, and shrubs, can maximize your budget and extend the life of your landscape. That’s why covering all the bases is crucial when planning this upgrade. Backyard Reflections, the area’s most trusted landscape design company in the area, shares some of the essentials you’ll need to consider.

1. Climate. Before picking which things to plant around your home, you’ll need a thorough understanding of your area’s climate. You can use the USDA Plant Hardiness Map tool to determine which plants, trees, and shrubs will thrive in your particular climate. You don’t want to experiment–it would just be a waste of your time and money. By choosing the right type of greenery, you can avoid the mistake of planting things that will end up looking dead or sickly because they’re not supposed to be there in the first place.

2. Soil Type. Like your area’s climate, the type of soil in your property can limit your choices for greenery. Again, you’ll want to go for plants and trees that can grow and flourish from that soil. This means checking its pH (potential of Hydrogen), which measures the soil acidity and alkalinity.

Acidic soil, for example, is great for daffodils, magnolias, and marigolds, while alkaline soil makes growing lavender, hostas, clematis, and Black-eyed Susans easier. You should also consider the richness, drainage and texture of the soil to better determine the type of water system you can put in place.

3. Budget. Whether you have an unlimited budget or have a specific amount set aside, smart spending is still the way to go. When creating your landscape design budget, make sure everything–from brick paths and outdoor lighting to water feature–is accounted for. You should also keep every receipt because they’ll be especially handy when tax time rolls around.

Always be prepared for unexpected costs. Set a contingency fund in case the project needs additional building permits, or you suddenly decided to have an extra fountain installed near the rose bushes. With a little buffer-money, you can handle any extra expenses without compromising an aspect of the project.

4. Purpose. You don’t want to get into this upgrade unsure what you’ll be using it for. All this well-cultivated space should have another function aside from looking good. Plan your landscape design according to your needs. Do you want to enjoy better outdoor living? Add a deck, a couple of comfortable chairs and tables in the area, plus an outdoor kitchen nearby. Do you want a safe space for your kids to play in? Having fresh, soft green grass is a definite addition. If you need a quiet evening sitting under a star-filled sky, you might want to include a fire pit and soft outdoor lighting to set the mood.

5. Extent of Maintenance. It’s never too early to think about your landscape’s future maintenance. This is even more important since it is growing things we’re talking about. For instance, hedges and low-hanging limbs from trees will need to be trimmed. Grass will require cutting, aerating, and fertilizing, and some plants may be pulled out or replaced. Don’t forget to have your paving stones cleaned and sealed, as well.

When in need of high-quality landscaping services, look no further than Backyard Reflections. With our exceptional solutions, design consultants, and professional crew, we’ll transform your outdoor space into something lovelier and more functional. We proudly serve Annandale and Nisswa, MN, plus the nearby areas. Call us today at (320) 274-6336 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.