Home Improvement Advice for Landscaping

Your First Move and Thoughts Do it Yourself Tips for Landscaping

Your First Move

This should be to engage the services of a reputable designer/landscaper, who will lead you through the maze of different possibilities in any garden. It is best to find someone who comes recommended by at least one friend or acquaintance, who has a portfolio of his previous work and references, and who is happy to show you round a recent project.

It is a great help to whoever you do employ to have jotted down on a sheet of paper your initial ideas and requirements, or even a sketch, however basic. This will make sure that you and your designer/landscaper are working towards the same objectives right from the start -- mind you, don't be upset if he or she rejects some of your ideas, as it is their job to make sure what you end up with will work well from every aspect!

First Thoughts

When considering landscaping your garden, it is worth taking into account, and balancing, a number of important factors:-

The quality of design of workmanship must be in keeping with the standard of your home. Why?

So that when you come to sell your home, the garden is not a factor in putting off buyers

It is a widely acknowledged fact that a good garden both increases the value of your property, and makes it easier to sell

When considering the cost in the light of the above, don't forget the endless pleasure you will get from your new garden!

Another thought to help ease the pain in your wallet is that once your garden is finished, it will grow and appreciate in value as the plants develop, whereas money spent on, say, painting a room starts depreciating as soon as it is finished -- a bit far fetched, I know, but a jolly good way of convincing yourself (or the other half!) how wisely you are spending

A well-known phrase, but it holds equally true for landscaping; if you skimp on the preparation work for planting or a lawn, or if a proper base isn't laid for your paving, you will only end up having to re-do the work, so make absolutely sure that your landscaper is thorough

A quick word on timing -- if you have no side entrance, don't leave the garden to the end of your building program, as the last thing you want is a whole squad of muddy chaps trampling through your freshly-minted home!

If the work is to take place at the same time as building work on the house, make sure that your chosen landscaper is used to working with builders, and that they can agree a mutually acceptable timetable of works that will not involve you in any extra expense