There are many benefits to landscaping your yard.  Landscaping can make dull areas shine.  It is possible to make ordinary homes into show pieces and office buildings into warm livable spaces. 

Beautiful landscaping increases the property value of your home. It is recommended that you invest 10 percent of your home’s value in landscaping. This investment in your property’s appearance can grow to 20 percent of your home’s value. This is certainly an area you do not want to neglect!

The first decision to make is whether you want to do this project yourself or hire a professional landscaper.  There are a few things to consider before making such a decision:

1. Your experience with landscaping.
2. The size of the project. Larger projects can become very complex in both the staging of materials and installation.
3. Your understanding of how plants work together in the landscape.
4. Your understanding of technical landscaping aspects such as proper grading to avoid drainage problems.
5. How your lifestyle affects landscaping choices: e.g., outdoor living space requirements; areas for your children to play in; and the time you have available for maintenance.
6. The amount of time and energy you must devote to your project.

If you are more “hands-on” and desire to do the project on your own, research the plants best suited for your needs. Many books, articles and websites can help you.  Make sure to note alternate plant suggestions, since not every plant you initially choose will be available or suitable for your conditions.

There are many other factors that influence landscape design. One of the most important is the protection of your home through proper grading. Improper grading leads to water drainage issues that can damage your home.

This can cost you more in repairs then what it would have cost to hire a professional in the first place.  A well-planned landscape is visually pleasing and can enhance the value of your property.  However, planning a landscape is not just arranging plants on your property. You should have a written plan, which at the very least has a sketch of the placement of the plants in the yard. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas. Have fun creating your own design!

This design should include:

1. Structural elements- such as walkways or patios
2. Shade and flowering trees
3. Planting beds
4. Foundation shrubs and plants
5. Other landscape elements such as ponds, fountains, outdoor lighting or irrigation.

After you have a final design, it is time to implement this plan! If you do not have the funds to finish your entire design at once, phasing in your design is fine. Begin with the structural and grading elements of the project. Follow with your shade trees, then the backyard, and finish with the planting of the foundations and the front yard.

There is nothing more exciting watching your project coming together.  Whatever you decide, remember autumn is an excellent time—and in many cases the best time—to create the beautiful landscape of your dreams.