Enhancing Your Landscape With Professional Design

For many homeowners, making the decision to hire a professional landscaping company isn't always easy.  Many people do not understand the value that a well designed landscape can add to their home.  A well designed and maintained landscape adds impact and dimension to your home's appearance.  A professional understands how to compliment the architecture of your home and bring your personality into the design.

An expertly designed and installed landscape will aesthetically improve your home's appearance, much the way your interior furnishings do.  The difference, however, is that landscaping is a true capitol improvement.  Interior furniture and fixtures are not.  The financial benefit of a professionally designed and maintained landscape can add a 10% to 40% value to your home.  That is more than reason enough to consider such an investment!

A well designed landscape is more than plants.  It includes proper placement of plants, fences, decks, patios...it is the creation of exceptional outdoor spaces.  It is more than just a look.  It is an extension of your home.  Added living space, added recreation space, and added investment.

When designing a landscape, a professional will consider the flow of your yard and how you access the various areas.  A professional will see your vision in stages and have the ability to foresee how your landscape will grow and change with your budget.  Before you hire a professional, be certain they know your budget and how you intend to stage the various projects to complete your overall look.  With this information, a professional landscape designer will know what projects should be completed first to give your home the most value.

Visit your landscaper's website, look for testimonials and large photo galleries.  Does your landscaper have a blog that give you information to assist you in caring for your landscape?  Is your landscaper always available to answer your questions?  These are the things that set a landscape designers apart.

How's Your Window Appeal?

Magazines, television shows, realtors. They all remind us of the importance of curb appeal, but it's the rare occasion that we are schooled on the importance of window appeal. What is window appeal? It's the view you, the homeowner, get when looking out their windows out into your landscape. And it's just as important as the view people walking onto your property get. After all, this is your home, and you should enjoy it from any and all angles. There are so many ways to add visual interest to your yard. Take some time to assess your views from the windows.

Stand in your kitchen, look out the window...what do you see? Do you have some of your favorites planted nearby so you can see them while you cook or wash dishes? If not, imagine the difference when you do plant some color or fragrance close by.

How about your bedroom window? Wouldn't it be great to wake up in the spring to the blossoms of a favorite tree? Or for year round interest, add an ornamental dwarf evergreen or a holly. You might be surprised by the options available to you.

Window appeal also includes your hardscape. A strategically placed pergola, arbor or water feature can add beauty as well. Rock, stone and retaining walls add interest during all the seasons.

An experienced landscape designer can assist you with the placement that will give you the best overall window appeal. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can enjoy your outside spaces.