A well-kept lawn helps to enhance the curb appeal of a home and in addition improve the homeowner’s quality of life. Lawn care and landscaping go a long way in transforming the outdoor spaces in a home and also creating beauty and relaxation spots.

However, far more than that, strategic landscaping and lawn care contribute to the improvement of the value of a property and the health of the environment. It also encourages occupants to spend more time outdoor which is good for human health.

Visit this site: https://www.fitnessandnature.com/ for information on the benefits of being outdoors.

In this article, we will share some basic information about landscaping and tips for lawn care so, stay with us…

What Is Landscaping?

Landscaping involves all that has to do with planning, designing and maintenance of outdoor spaces. This includes what is known as softscaping and hardscaping. Softscaping encompasses trees, flowers, grass and plants; this means all thing vegetation. Hardscaping on the other hand encompasses walkways, patios, water features and retaining walls.

Landscaping requires environmental awareness, creativity and good knowledge of climate, plant biology and climate.

Some common elements of landscaping include the following: –

1. Lawn installation and maintenance
2. Outdoor lighting
3. Ornamental plants and garden beds
4. Stonework and decorative features
5. Trees, hedges and shrubs
6. Mulching and ground cover

Importance of Lawn Care

Lawn care is an essential component of landscaping because it focuses on maintaining decorative vegetation to ensure that they are healthy, even and green. The following are the benefits of a well-kept lawn: –

1. Reduction of soil erosion
2. Improvement of air quality
3. Provision of a cooling effect during summer
4. Creation of a play area that is safe for kids and pets
5. Increase of property value

This therefore means that you have many reasons to take good care of your lawn. You can’t afford to neglect it as that will lead to patchy grass, overgrowth of weed and pest infestation.

Essentials of Lawn Care

The following are essential practices for maintaining your lawn if you want to reap the benefits discussed above: –

1. Mowing – This is the most basic and simplest of lawn care practices, but it is also the most important. Regular mowing ensures that your lawn is healthy and disease-free. It is recommended that you do not cut your grass more than 1/3 of the height at any given time. The ideal height is between 2.5 and 3 inches.
2. Watering – It is recommended that you water deeply but not too often so that the root of the grass can grow deeply. It is best to water in the morning so that the soil can absorb the moisture before the sun comes up and evaporates it.
3. Fertilizing – Fertilize your grass with nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, for green color, root growth and disease resistance. Beware of overfertilizing.
4. Weed Control -Use natural remedies such as boiling water or vinegar or targeted herbicides for weed control.
5. Aeration – This is the process of removing small clumps of soil to loosen the ground and improve the health of the grass and it is best done in spring or fall while the grass is growing actively. 

Landscaping Tips for a Stunning Outdoor Space

Lawn care deals more with the health of your turf while landscaping allows you to be creative and personalize your space. Below are some tips that will help you create a stunning outdoor space: –

Plan Before You Plant

Before you begin to plant whatever type of decorative vegetation you desire, have a clear plan and design. Take into consideration, your soil type, exposure to the sun and climate zone. Ensure that you choose only plants that will do well in your environment and elevate the aesthetics of your home.

Aim for a balance of height, texture and color; use taller plants behind, medium ones in the middle and ground cover or shorter flowers in front.

Incorporate Native Plants

Native plants are low-maintenance because they are adapted to the climate of the region. If you are unsure, consult a professional. For example, a Brookfield landscaper will be familiar with native plants in the region and state and can advise you on the plants that will thrive best in the locality They can also help you with the sourcing and type of fertilizer that’s best for them and other maintenance tips.

Add Hardscaping Elements

Hardscaping elements such as garden borders, stone pathways and patios help to create structure and make your yard accessible. Ensure that you choose materials that complement the style of your home and existing landscaping features. If done properly, hardscaping can also help with soil erosion and drainage. If you live on a sloped terrain, a retaining wall is a good idea as it is both decorative and functional.  

Use Mulch Strategically

Mulching helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds and add a finished look to your flower beds. However, it must be done strategically to yield the best results. Ensure to keep the mulch a few inches from tree trunks and stems to prevent rotting. It is advised to use organic substances such as woodchips or barks as they also add nutrients to the soil when they decompose.

Outdoor Lighting

Installing landscape lighting can improve security while transforming your yard at night and highlighting the best features of your home exterior.

DIY vs. Professional Services

Although the essentials of landscaping and lawn care can be DIYed but there are times when you need a professional touch/expertise. The following are situations that you are advised to seek professional help: –

1. Tree trimming or removal
2. Major hardscaping project
3. Installation of complex irrigation systems
4. Landscape design and grading

Furthermore, you may want to hire a professional landscaper if you are not consistent with the essentials of lawn care so that your yard can remain pristine and healthy at all times. This is better than the higher cost you may have to bear in the event that your lawn is damaged by disease or lack of proper care.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to DIY or work with professionals, investing in your outdoor space yields great return on investment in satisfaction, beauty and increased property value. So, ensure that you pay the necessary attention needed to your outdoor space today!