Landscaping? One Step at a Time
If you’re looking to spruce up your yard for the spring, realize that many jobs can be spread out over time. Landscaping in stages has become a common practice, with many people doing a three to five year plan.
Live With Your House Before Major Landscaping
This type of approach allows you to live with the house a little before committing to large sections of roses or cutting down trees to add a new deck.
After you’ve been in the house for awhile, you’ll know about sun and shade patterns and street noise. You’ll learn that your neighbor’s large deck parties are a little loud or that you want to block the nearby convenience store. That’s what home improvement is all about.
When adding landscaping in stages, it’s important to start with a plan, like this one from the University of Missouri Extension Service. You’ll want to include:
- Sun and shade patterns
- Flowerbeds
- Backyard play equipment
- Future plans for a pond or hot tub
Start Landscaping With Hardscapes
The first phase of any landscaping plan should be patio, sidewalk and other hardscapes. These areas are difficult to change later, regardless the home improvement budget.
The next stage is adding large trees and shrubs. Large plantings are important focal points in the yard, as they provide screening and add height and texture.
Finally, you can scope out ideal sites for a flower or vegetable garden, and start adding all those little touches.
Landscaping and Your Finances
There also are many financial reasons for planting in phases. A slow approach helps you spread out the costs with the contractor and possibly save money by doing some of the work yourself.
While it’s easy to go, go, go with landscaping, a better approach is to slow down. Landscape in stages. work with your contractor on timing. You’ll be glad you did.