by Lorri B Smalls

Created on: October 15, 2008   Last Updated: October 18, 2008

Before starting a landscaping project there are some preparatory steps that you the homeowner will need to consider first,such as: yard size,climate, season, cost of lawn, flowers, shrubs and tree maintenance,as well the impact on the environment when it comes to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer,to name a few.

The advantages of doing-it-yourself versus hiring a professional, may well be the opportunity to watch your creativity take shape from barren to beautiful as well as saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It is often a good idea to analyze the soil with a test kit in your yard in different spots to determine Ph, mineral and nutrient levels of the soil.

Only by knowing and adjusting the nutrient levels in the soil can you expect to achieve optimum plant growth. After finding out what your soil needs, you can begin to plan your landscaping design according to yard size, and maximize the space by organizing plants by color,texture and shape, or a combination of these designs. If you have a very small yard you can grow mini-sized or dwarf trees.Because of limited height you don't need a ladder to prune or spray them. Another suggestion is to use raised beds with tall plants.

Ornamental grasses are especially perfect for gardening because they are extra low maintenance plants that rarely need fertilizer or extra water; many people also like them because they can hide an air conditioning unit, transformer box or privacy fence. You can also break up limited space with lots of curving gardens with pathways. This technique can be used to avoid unecessary traffic on your lawn so that visitors can see where to walk.

If you have a larger yard, There are several trees that you can consider to plant besides oak,such as: ash,bald cypress,red maple,magnolia,even evergreens. Front yard trees not only add to the beauty of the yard, but can also save money on heating and cooling. Besides the importance of getting the right tree, putting it in the right spot is essential.

Tall trees can create the proper setting for a green,healthy landscape,by filtering out sunlight. In the summer it is very important to water flowers, plants and the lawn. Overexposure to sunlight can often burn the grass and leave brown patches;less hearty plants and flowers can wilt or yellow. On that same note, plant disease most likely will occur at least once when growing a garden.

Several common-sense techniques that can be used to reduce plant disease include: (1)not growing same types of

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