There are several priorities that new homeowners may have with their exciting new purchase, and sprucing up the landscape is often key on this list. If you’re somewhat new to the world of landscaping and aren’t sure where to start, never fear – you’ve come to the right place.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re happy to provide clients around Salt Lake City with all their landscaping product needs and services, including everything from sod and soil to premium mulch and bark, landscape hardgoods and more. Here are some basic tips and approaches for first-time or new homeowners as they assess and begin to work on their landscape.
Assessing What’s Already Present
In many cases when you purchase a home, there are existing features that you’ll want to assess in terms of a few different elements. For starters, you’ll naturally want to look for any damaged or otherwise unhealthy features that you’ll need to address and replace. Check for signs of disease, pests, or other problems with plants, grasses, and trees. You may also want to assess the quality of existing soil in order to lay a foundation for any new additions you make.
Furthermore, though, you should be assessing whether any existing landscape elements meet your vision for the property. Take a few minutes to step back and assess what’s currently there, even if it appears healthy or undamaged. If any of these features don’t fit your desired aesthetic, you may want to explore options for removal or replacement.
Consider Working in Sections
Depending on the specific layout and size of your property, you may find it beneficial to focus on one section at a time. This can help ensure that all elements are cohesive and fit together nicely. You may want to start with one corner or side of the yard first before moving onto subsequent areas once everything is complete.
Also, working in sections will allow you to more easily keep track of any changes or additions you make to the property. It may help to take before and after photos of each section in order to better visualize how each area is changing over time.
Tips for New Plantings
If you decide that you want to introduce new plants, trees, shrubs, or grasses to the property, there are a few tips and tricks that may come in handy. First of all, be sure to look up the type of soil and climate conditions that will best suit your desired plants. This can help determine the best location and planting method for successful establishment.
It’s also important to be aware of any local regulations or restrictions that may apply. This is especially true for trees, as some cities may have specific rules about the size and species of trees you can plant on your property. Finally, make sure to properly water and care for any new plants according to their individual needs.
Know Your Decorative Options
It’s vital to remember that plants and grass are only part of the equation when it comes to landscaping. There are also several decorative options that you can introduce in order to give your property a visual boost and create an appealing atmosphere. Consider adding walkways, outdoor lighting, garden art, statuary, water features or other elements as desired.
You should also be thinking about accenting elements, such as decorative stones or gravel along walkways and flower beds. In addition to these aesthetic appeals, you can also add fencing or walls for safety and security purposes.
Utilizing Garden Beds
Depending on the size of your property, you may want to consider creating garden beds in order to separate different areas. This can both provide a beautiful visual element as well as create distinct spaces for various plants and trees. It’s important to consider the orientation of each bed when it comes to sun exposure, shade patterns, and any windy or wet conditions that may affect certain types of plants.
Garden beds can also be a great way to introduce color and texture to your property, so don’t be afraid to explore various edging materials or other decorative elements. It may help to evaluate the beds from all angles in order to understand the overall visual effect.
Ensure You Can Handle the Maintenance
No matter which sorts of additions you make to your property, you’ll want to ensure that you have the resources and abilities necessary for proper upkeep. This can include having access to a lawn mower, edger, garden tools, or any other equipment that may be needed to keep everything looking neat and tidy.
You should also allocate time each week in order to properly maintain all your landscaping elements. This can include mowing, trimming, watering, pruning or any other duties that may be necessary to keep the property looking its best.
With these tips in mind, you should have a better idea of how to start sprucing up your landscaping as a new homeowner. Don’t forget to check with BioGrass Sod Farms if you’re in need of any kind of landscaping product or service in the Salt Lake City area – we’re just one call away!