by Christopher Brock

Created on: October 31, 2009

The majority of homeowners are not educated on the benefits of investing in a residential landscape. Traditionally taught in landscape architecture programs, 20% of a home's value should be put towards a strongly designed landscape. The percentage seems high for many middle class families, but the investment will only produce profits over time. Identical to a home, family and neighborhood, a landscape matures over time. As a fine wine takes years to reach its peak, a residential landscape should be viewed in the same context. So much time and effort is put into designing, constructing and maintaining a home, the landscape should reflect the same amount of effort. To the follow will explain the beginning steps and thoughts of a residential landscape.

The first step should be to hire a landscape architect or designer to complete a plan for your property. Design rates typically run between, $25 to $100 an hour depending on your geographically location. Each property is different and needs to be studied by a professional before any of the design processes begin. A good designer will meet with the homeowners and ask questions about the current and future family needs and plans. The main objective for the landscape architect is to ensure that the homeowner will make a profit at resale from their outdoor investment while enjoying it the years they live in the home.

A residential design with focus on creating functional outdoor spaces, adequate recreational space, site furnishings, proper lighting, privacy screening, landscape features and lush native plantings. Each of these elements will benefit the homeowner in multiple ways. Outdoor spaces and lawn spaces will promote outdoor activity and be attractive to future home buyers. Privacy screening and lighting will allow individuals to enjoy their property with a feeling of safety. Landscape features will add interest to the property and will create appealing focal points. Native planting will fill in naturally, creating a lush low maintenance landscape that will save on energy costs. Proper tree placement will also break up the architecture of the home while acting as a wind and sun block. The topography of the site will also be considered by the designer, circulating water away from the home into proper areas. The main benefits of the landscape will be seen as it matures, but there are several ways to cut down on the overall installation cost.

The landscape designer can create a phase plan for the homeowner to follow, allowing the landscape to be installed over several years. The main elements can be installed first such as trees and outdoor spaces, followed by vegetation and elements later. Buying the plants yourself from a local nursery will eliminate shipping costs, along with planting the vegetation yourself. Once the plans of the landscape are in the homeowner's hands, then the time it takes to install is up to the homeowner. A budget can be created and modified as needed.

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