Landscaping Tips

Your yard can be more than just empty space, it can become a central part of your home and can make that happen. This doesn’t have to be a grueling or expensive venture on your part, just so you apply some of these tips.

Function

First of all, determine what your yard is primarily used for. Is it a place for the kids to play, somewhere to hang the laundry out to dry, or do you see it as a place to ease away the tensions of the day? The answers to these questions will help determine what kind of work needs to be done before you start landscaping.

Another useful tip is to determine how your can help with energy costs. You may not know it but trees and shrubs can help you cut down on your heating and lighting expenses.

For example trees planted on the south and west can help with shading your house, which helps cut down on air conditioning. If these trees are the kind that shed their leaves (deciduous trees) during the fall, it will allow more light into the house during the winter when it’s most needed.  Shrubs planted a few feet away from the foundation also help keep the warm air in and the cold out therefore helping with the heating bills.

Hardscape and softscape

Hardscape refers to the “non-plant” parts of your garden (deck, patio, statues, fountains, walls, etc.). Softscape refers to the plants and the lawn.

If you’re just starting out, lay out the

Country Butterfly Brings Garden Decor on the Internet
Judy Stinson is a longtime fan of garden décor and it's something that she's carrying on to her business. "I've always been concerned about the environment and concerned about the loss of natural habitat for wildlife in my area," said Stinson when asked about the origins of her website. Stinson's webstore, www.CountryButterfly.net specializes in garden décor such as bird houses, bird feeders and bird baths. (PRWeb Aug 20, 2008)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/08/prweb1223294.htm

]]>
Winter Survival Tips for Your Lawn: Starting Early Leads to Big Rewards Come Spring
Daniel Macpeak, Lawn and Shrub Expert Offers Advice on How to Prepare your Lawn for the Harsh Winter Ahead. (PRWeb Aug 19, 2008)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/08/prweb1222374.htm

]]>


hardscape first before you work with the plants. This way, the plants aren’t in the way when you’re installing the necessary hardscape materials.

Walls have the option of being treated as hardscape or softscape. If you want total privacy, you may want to go with a hardscape wall using materials like wood, vinyl or masonry. Otherwise, shrubs and trees make for a more natural wall that give a more open look while still closing the view to other people.

Find a central focus for your yard

This can be anything from a statue, to the play set or even a single tree. Finding a focus for your gives you a point of reference so that you give your design a better sense of order rather than just having plants scattered everywhere.

These are just some tips to get you started. As you continue working on your landscaping, you’ll be able to come up with more ideas that are distinctively yours, making your home as unique as you are.

Here are some more landscaping articles...