DIY Landscaping

by Don Miller

DIY landscaping is among the more popular do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Landscaping is more than mowing the grass and trimming the bushes on a weekly basis. For many homeowners landscaping not only improves the look, appearance and value of their home it becomes a pleasurable activity. If you have made the decision to try DIY landscaping for yourself then the first thing you need to do is assess where you are now with your property and landscaping potential. You can run to the local home improvement warehouse and by a few plants and trees and plant them, but in the end it will look like you bought a few plants and trees and just stuck them in the ground. Proper planning and forecasting what your property will look like in the future is an important component of good DIY landscaping.

It doesn’t matter whether you are landscaping your entire backyard or a flower bed in the front yard, you are in control. Landscape design ideas are as unique as the individuals who implement them. There is no wrong landscaping idea and there is no right landscaping idea. We would like to offer you a few areas that you may consider to start with your DIY landscaping project.

Backyard Landscaping

Probably the most popular area to begin a landscaping project for most homeowners is the backyard. Everyone has different needs and preferences that will influence the way a backyard is used and how ultimately looks when the project is complete. Will your backyard landscaping project include lots of shrubbery and trees? What about maintenance requirements for backyard landscaping?

However you ultimately use your backyard you must start with a plan. Make a list of what you want to include in your backyard landscaping project. Think about what your backyard will look like in 2 to 5 years. It is a common mistake to plant shrubs and trees only to have to cut them down three years after they are planted. For example, if you have a pool in your backyard you are not going to want a large tree to be near the pool or you will be spending weekends cleaning your pool of leaves and debris from the tree. Bottom line, in vision what you want your backyard landscaping project to look like before you do anything.

Patios

Patios are extremely popular and are included frequently in DIY landscaping projects. A backyard patio can have a number of functions, from the centerpiece of your backyard to a place to just sit and hang out. The shape size and material you build your patio from should match the architecture of your home. One of the more popular features of a backyard patio is a backyard fireplace, that makes the patio functional year-round.

Decks

Backyard wooden decks have essentially become a room addition in many cases. You can make a deck in your backyard as elaborate as you want to be and many people do just that. Fancy deck furniture combined with carefully chosen shrubs and greenery can create a backyard Utopia for you and your family

Swimming pools

Once upon a time swimming pools were limited to those homeowners who were wealthy and could afford to have one. Times have changed and nowadays a swimming pool is a focal point in many landscape designs. Landscaping ideas for around the pool are limitless. We would encourage you to look at model homes in your quest to gather landscape ideas. Builders use professional landscapers when they build model homes and you can glean more than one good idea by simply observing how things are done by professionals.

Garden ponds

Backyard ponds have become less popular as swimming pools. In fact, backyard ponds are often installed in tandem with a swimming pool. The sound of flowing water is very soothing and adds a sophisticated ambience to your backyard landscaping project.

These are just a few ideas to get you started with your DIY landscaping project. Remember, it’s your property, it’s your ideas, and there is no wrong idea or right idea.