by John Shaggy

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

Landscaping is not rocket science, but does require your project to be carefully planned so the result is aesthetically pleasing to both your and the neighbors' eye upon completion of your project.  There are some simple hints for your project that will make your life a lot easier if you keep them in mind not only before you start your project, but also as you are working toward completion.  Keeping these hints in mind may save you hours of redoing your project and may save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

If your project involves no more than removing the dandelions and weeds from an existing lawn, treating it with Weed and Feed once in the spring and again in early fall should do the trick.  After the treatment, let the lawn sit for about three weeks before applying a general-purpose lawn fertilizer and new grass seed.  A word about choosing grass seed for the lawn: choose a seed that will grow in the climate you reside in and will also allow for minimum maintenance with the exception of watering and fertilizing to promote a healthy lawn.

Consider the slope and the layout of your yard if you are considering filling in a low spot, building a small hill, or perhaps a slope to improve drainage from rain or snow runoff.  Black dirt is the most inexpensive solution you can find for such a purpose and will promote healthy growth of your new lawn.  You do not need to go out and buy an expensive software program for landscape design either.  Using the Paint feature on your computer to draw a rough layout and sketch of what you are trying to accomplish works just as well as any on the market unless you need a landscape professional to do your project for you.

For rocks and other features in the lawn, consider carefully where the project is to be located.  If what you plan is a rock garden, any quarry or large home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s will have whatever stone you are thinking of putting in.  Here some minor excavation may be necessary, but typically, a long-handled shovel, a wheelbarrow and a level are the only tools you actually need to complete your work.  Remember that landscaping is not rocket science.  Do not make your project more complicated than what is necessary.

So there you have it, a few simple hints and suggestions on how to landscape and improve your lawn without spending a small fortune, but do not be afraid to call the professionals if you need to.

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