by Sheri Fresonke Harper

Created on: June 16, 2008   Last Updated: June 23, 2008

A landscaping home improvement project may cost home owners from $1000 and up. Regardless of project size, it pays to consult experts in the field. A landscape designer can ensure that the changes made to their property enhance its use, aesthetics, and maintainability.

Many home owners find money spent on landscaping beneficial. The return on investment during resell but will typically return 1/5 the money invested. Property buyers find nicely landscaped properties appealing. A landscape project may protect against property damage.

Home Owners Should Understand Their Needs

Home owner should understand how their project will affect their maintenance chores. They should understand how much space they need to play, meditate, and interact with nature.

Home Owners Should Protect Against Landscape Losses

Home owners might undertake landscape projects to manage problem areas such as drainage which can damage their foundation, slopes which may collapse, sun and shade which can lead to fire or mold, mildew and allergy difficulties, and traffic patterns.

Up front planning with landscape professionals can help avoid costly mistakes in plant choice such as trees planted too close to roads and foundations, unattractive bloom combinations and losses due to plants unsuited to the climate, soil or available lighting.

Home Owners Manage Project According to Budget restrictions

Home owners should design their landscape to achieve an overall look. The landscape project will start by clearing the land, installing underlying structure such as drainage, retention walls, and soil leveling, then building the garden or feature such as pond, path, and walls. Each part of a landscape can be implemented in steps.

Expect a three month project to plant a garden. It takes three years for a garden to grow into the design intent. Expect a 2 week to 3 month project to install a patio or walkway.

Landscape Professionals Offer Benefits

A landscape designer often knows the professionals that work in the field including growers, earthwork professionals, and gardeners that can operate machinery, select and deliver plants, plant gardens, and build or supply structures such as ponds, fountains, walls, fences, and retaining walls.

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