by Joye Braun

Created on: June 16, 2008   Last Updated: July 13, 2010

Manicured lawns, beautiful flowers, and perfectly pruned hedges, are hallmarks of the perfect yard. Yet landscaping is so much more. It includes not only the plant life of the perfect lawn, but also non living objects like fences, rocks, pathways, and maybe even a water feature.

Landscaping can add value to your property. It is the first thing a homeowner's guests see as they come up the driveway. For those considering selling their property eye appeal is necessary to bringing those potential buyers into your home. Even if you are not selling right away, having mature fruit trees for instance, or a lush garden area with a water feature surely adds beauty but and equity to your home.

Most homeowners do not realize just how much work can be involved in doing a major landscaping job. Even a small land island for a home can involve moving wheelbarrows of dirt, bark, digging holes for plants or small trees, and moving rocks. Even a small rock can be quite heavy and homeowners may not realize just how backbreaking this can be. A good landscaper will also be able to provide you with a realistic expectation of cost, time involved to get the job done, and what inconveniences the homeowner may not have thought of. Inconveniences like blocking a driveway for delivery of landscape material, sound of machinery, or dust from moving dirt can certainly affect a family.

Then there is the knowledge that comes from hiring a professional landscaper or gardener. I was watching one do it yourself show one day and was flabbergasted to see that one of these hosts suggested that roses were a easy non fuss plant to plant. Roses, contrary to this Hollywood host's suggestion are quite fussy plants.

Hiring a professional gardener or landscaper ensures that there is knowledge behind what kind of plants would thrive in your environment, what kind of soil conditions you have, what type of sprinkler system or other watering system would be beneficial for you, and can ensure that you get the kind of yard you will enjoy for years to come.

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