Article Written By: Jordan E Raley

2020 kept us all at home and in doing so, had many of us looking for ways to increase our home’s value and curb appeal. One great way to do this is through landscaping. And for beginners, there are some easy things to do that will help set you up for success and, ultimately, make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your house.

Here are three tips and tricks to help you create a wonderful space that a novice can be proud of.

• Take photos and seek advice from the professionals.

If you’re starting with a blank space, take photos in spaces such as: up against the house, surrounding areas like decks, porches or patios, or empty lawn areas where you can create some plant beds or vegetable gardens. Ideally these photos will help provide scale and some dimension for you to bring to your local nursery or favorite landscape design company so they can really see your current space and have a meaningful conversation about your visions coming to life.

• Ask the right questions.

Should I plant trees or non-flowering shrubs? Should I plant things that bring butterflies and bees or a vegetable garden? What if I have some shade and some sun in one area? These are some questions you should ask yourself before making any purchases. Are you looking to have shade in the yard? Grab a few trees that will grow overtime to provide you a shady resting place. Are you wanting to add color to an otherwise neutral exterior? Some flowering shrubs like Azaleas and Roses will create gorgeous texture and immediate impact. Are you looking for something of good size that is already grown and ready to go? Hydrangeas come in an array of colors and evergreens like Juniper can provide lots of coverage from ground cover to upright. Asking the right questions will help pinpoint what will be right for your home.

• Make sure the maintenance is right for you.

Alright, you purchased tons of beautiful plants and trees only to realize when you get home that based on season and location, the upkeep of your plants is too much for you. Speaking with a landscaping professional will help prevent this issue in that you can let them know how much maintenance you’re willing to provide. Only want to provide a quick watering each morning? Then the colorful Croton plant may not be for you. Don’t want to worry about temperature and humidity changes? The popular Zebra plant most likely won’t last. Connecting with a specialist or stopping by a local nursery helps you finetune and handpick the right selection of growth for your space.

If you are planning to take on landscaping around your yard, use this guide to ensure a smooth, successful outcome. If you have any questions, feel free to call Full Circle Land Design in Chattanooga, Tennessee.