The next time you step out of your house, you might want to take a closer look at your house’s landscaping and hardscaping. Updating a home’s landscaping from OK to W-O-W can increase overall value from 10-20%, based on research from Virginia Tech.

Landscaping 101

Landscaping goes beyond just trees and plants to hardscaping, which includes retaining walls, patios, walkways paver driveways and other man-made improvements to your outdoor area. There are thousands of landscaping portfolios on the web.

A landscape contractor or landscape architect may work with the client to create a detailed plan. Generally, the homeowner then hires a landscape contractor to execute the installation. A truly professional landscaping company can do both.

• Outdoor lighting

• Water features

• Fire pits

• Fences

• Garden paths

Enlist a professional to your hardscape or landscape project

When hiring a landscaping company, go with a licensed professional, who’s experienced with all the things that add to the project’s success. A true professional will have expertise in these topics as:

• Horticulture

• Soil

• Property grading and drainage

• Irrigation

• Landscape design

• Hardscaping

It goes without saying that you need a design expert. Be honest- if you don’t have the time or the inclination to keep your job, ask about low-maintenance vegetation, Cape Canaveral Wildlife Removal and easy-care hardscaping.

You and your landscape contractor should expect to walk the house a few times. There’s more to the job than adding; you will want to decide whether there are dying trees or overgrown shrubs that need removing. And the pro will point out areas of problematic grading, irrigation needs and things that may require just a bit of refreshing.

A great landscaping specialist will look at areas which can be enhanced. Examine a new walkway, an upgraded patio or stairway, plantings that match the look and feel of this project, and outside lighting. Exterior lighting not only adds to property value-it provides increased security for your loved ones. A pro will offer guidance on up-lights, down-lights and tree lights.

One of the most significant mistakes any homeowner can create is landscaping and hardscaping bit-by-bit with no strategy. A purple petunia here, a patio there, a red maple in the middle of the front lawn. Lack of a proper design will wind up in a property that looks thrown together and could negatively impact your home’s value. A specialist landscape designer may craft and execute plans that offers a stylized look. Keeping on track with a professionally prepared design won’t only lead to a stunning property-it will keep the project on a pre-established budget.

It’s necessary to care for your landscaping investment and keep your property looking its very best. A landscape company can assist you with maintenance requirements.

A professionally manicured property is a sure ticket to fast resale. It gives a house curb appeal, a sense of place and value. Remember, it doesn’t all have to occur at once. Many homeowners choose a 5-year plan that matures at varying periods and allows for an assortment of features through the years. Homeowners can keep to a budget-both time-wise and cost-wise-while working towards a gorgeous landscape and hardscape renovation.