Landscaping is the process of transforming or beautifying outdoor spaces, such as residential and commercial properties. It involves planting flowers, plants, and trees; trimming hedges; and manicuring lawns so as to make the area more visually pleasing.
The work can be done by landscapers, who may also be called gardeners or horticulturists. Some people in this career focus on residential neighborhoods, while others work for local governments to maintain parks or public spaces.
Landscapers often start by determining the style and needs of a property, then creating an aesthetically pleasing design that meets those needs. This can involve reworking an existing property or building a new one to reflect the owner’s desires.
In some cases, a landscape design can be quite complex. A well-planned plan will maximize space, minimize the need for hardscaping (such as patios or decks), and create a balance of plant life.
Adding plants to a yard can make the area more appealing, as well as increase its value. In fact, a good landscaping project can add up to 10 percent of a home’s value.
If you’re not a natural-born gardener, it can be challenging to learn how to grow and care for plants. This can be especially true if you’re not used to a wide variety of soil types, climates, or growing conditions.
As a result, some homeowners choose to hire landscapers who specialize in different aspects of gardening. They can help you determine the best plants for your yard, whether it’s a tropical jungle or a traditional suburban setting.
A good landscaping company will take into account your budget and work within it. They can suggest plants that are more drought-resistant and low maintenance.
When it comes to landscaping, many homeowners prefer to use a combination of natural materials and man-made ones, such as bricks or stone. This gives the yard a more finished look, and it’s easier to keep up with.
You can also add a water feature to the landscape, which can be very soothing and relaxing. You can find them in several sizes and shapes, as well as colors to match your tastes.
It’s important to remember that no matter how well you garden, there will be some things that die or don’t bloom as expected. This is normal, and you should try to get used to it as it will be part of the process for a while.
For example, some perennial shrubs, such as Azaleas and Hydrangeas, will give back to you for years. These are fairly inexpensive to purchase, and they’re easy to keep up with if you prune them properly.
They’re also a good option for areas that experience frequent rainstorms, as they tend to be more resistant to fungus and bacteria than other types of plants.
Regardless of the type of landscape you’re working on, it’s always a good idea to check your property’s current landscaping for any chemicals that may be harmful. Some people react differently to certain pesticides or herbicides, so removing them before planting new landscaping can prevent issues later on.