Have ever considered replacing your backyard landscaping? Or have you ever wondered how to landscape your backyard yourself? We are here with some tips, tricks, and helpful information that will guide you through the process. Landscaping is no simple task, and there are many aspects you may not know to consider. Depending on the size of your project, it may not even be feasible to complete on your own. So, check out the information below to help you decide if your project is a DIY project or if you will need help from the professionals.
Why Landscape Your Backyard?
There are many reasons why you should consider landscaping your backyard. Firstly, a well-designed landscape can enhance the overall appearance of your home and increase its value. It can also provide a relaxing and inviting space for you and your family to enjoy.
Secondly, landscaping can help improve the functionality of your backyard. For example, you can create designated areas for entertaining, gardening, or relaxation. You can also incorporate features such as a patio, fire pit, or water feature to add interest and functionality.
Thirdly, landscaping can help to reduce energy costs and improve the environment. By planting trees and shrubs strategically, you can provide shade and reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters your home, which can lower your cooling costs in the summer. Additionally, landscaping can help to reduce soil erosion and improve air and water quality.
Finally, landscaping can provide a sense of pride and satisfaction in your home. By creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space, you can enjoy spending time in your backyard and feel good about the investment you have made in your property.
How Much Does It Cost to Landscape a Backyard?
The cost of landscaping a backyard can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the size of the area, the types of plants and features you want, and the complexity of the design. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It's important to work with a professional landscaper to determine the best plan for your budget and goals. They can provide an estimate and work with you to create a plan that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
Steps To Follow When Landscaping a Backyard
Landscaping a backyard can be a fun and rewarding project, but it's important to plan carefully to ensure you get the results you want. Here are some steps to follow when landscaping your backyard:
1. Determine Your Goals
First and foremost, before you start digging and planting, it's important to determine what you want to achieve with your space. Will it be primarily used for entertaining guests, as a playground for children, or as a peaceful oasis for relaxation and contemplation? Knowing your goals will help you make design decisions that support them.
2. Assess Your Space
Once you have a clear goal in mind, the next step is to carefully assess your backyard's existing size, shape, and features. Take note of any trees, shrubs, or other landscaping elements that you want to preserve or work around. Such existing features will affect your design choices and budget, and being aware of them will help you make informed decisions about what types of plants and features will best complement your space.
3. Set A Budget
Budget is also a key consideration when planning any landscaping project. Make sure to factor in the cost of materials, labor, and any necessary permits or fees. If you're not sure how to estimate these costs, consider consulting with a professional landscaper who can provide guidance and help you stay on track financially. At Bath Landscape & Irrigation, our landscaping professionals do all the work for you. They will create a design that is tailored to your wants and needs, work with your HOA to obtain approval, calculate the cost of materials, estimate labor, and ensure that the finished product remains within your price range.
4. Choose Your Plants and Features
Once you have a sense of your goals, space, and budget, you can start choosing the plants, trees, shrubs, and other features you want to include in your design. Different plants or features such as fire pits, retaining walls, water features, and the like will all have different price points. Have fun exploring different options or combinations that fit within your budget. If you work with one of our landscape designers here at Bath, they will help you with the process of picking out all the perfect plants and features for your space while keeping selections within your price range.
5. Aquire Materials and Install Your Landscaping
Once you have everything finalized with your plan, it is time to acquire the plants and materials you decided on and begin with the installation. With careful planning and execution, you can create a beautiful and functional backyard that you'll enjoy for years to come. However, depending on the size of your project, it may be a good idea to work with a professional landscaper to ensure your design is feasible, meets local regulations, and looks great. They can also provide valuable advice on plant selection, maintenance, and other aspects of your project. Professional landscaping services will also take all the work out of it, acquiring plants and materials for you, installing them all with precision and expertise, and even disposing of old landscaping materials.
6 Backyard Landscaping Tips & Tricks
If you're thinking about transforming your backyard into a stunning outdoor living space, there are a few key factors to consider before diving in.
1. Coordinate Landscaping Elements
When it comes to selecting plants and other design elements, it's important to consider a range of factors. Think about how different colors, textures, and shapes will interact with one another, as well as how much maintenance each element will require. By choosing a mix of low-maintenance and high-impact features, you can create a backyard that looks great and is easy to care for.
2. Select The Right Plants for the Right Spaces
Being sure to select plants that are well suited to your space is crucial for a beautiful and successful landscape. While you may think a certain plant would look beautiful in a certain area, if that area is not suited to the plant, it will not be a healthy plant and will not stay looking beautiful. It is also important to consider plant size, as planting a tree or shrub in an area that is too small will end up leading to an unhappy plant and potential damage to nearby structures.
3. Consider Disposal of Old Materials
Unless you are working on landscaping for a new build or a lot that has never had any landscaping completed in the past, you will not want to forget about disposing of old materials. It is very likely that you will have old plants, outdated hardscape elements, and more that you will want to get rid of. It is unlikely that it will all fit in one trash bin, and many trash services can be particular. Considering this beforehand can make things much easier in the end.
4. Install Hardscape Elements First
If you have chosen to install your landscaping yourself, we suggest installing all hardscape elements first. Hardscape elements are generally larger, heavier, and more permanent. Installing them first gives structure to your design and also decreases the risk of damaging or destroying softscape elements such as plant material. Once you have installed your hardscaping, then it is time to start filling in the space around them with your selected trees, shrubs, perennials, and the like.
5. Protect Existing Landscaping
If you are not replacing all your current landscaping, be sure to protect the elements you intend to keep, such as your lawn, trees, shrubs, or any hardscape elements you do not wish to replace. This will be especially important if you have any sort of heavy equipment or machinery that will be working around elements you wish to maintain. Even laying down plywood over your lawn is recommended for larger projects that could cause significant damage.
6. Plan Your Project for the Right Time of Year
Timing your project right can be very important when installing new backyard landscaping. The weather in Colorado can make this difficult sometimes. Making sure your plants get water as soon as they are planted, especially if you are planting during the heat of the summer, giving new plantings enough time to establish themselves before freezing temperatures set in, and the like are things you want to consider if you want your new landscaping to look good and remain healthy.
How To Landscape Your Backyard
If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about any aspect of your landscaping project, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. A skilled landscaper can provide valuable advice and guidance, ensuring that your design meets local regulations and that your backyard turns out just the way you envisioned. With these tips and tricks in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and functional outdoor living space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. For more information about our Residential Landscaping Services, check out our services page and get in contact with a landscape designer today!