Tips
THE KEY TO AN EFFECTIVE LANDSCAPE

Most homeowners at one point will attempt to landscape their homes. A majority will go into their local garden center, ask an assistant some vague questions and come home with a few plants and then decide where to put them. What usually results is a hodgepodge effect with some plants doing well and others that die, trees that crack foundations and walks, poor drainage that rots structures, etc., all without ever really giving thought to any master plan or concept. A good design can be more than just beautiful to look at. It can keep your home cooler, attain privacy, buffer noise and hide eyesores, all while adding as much as 30% to the value of your property. Landscape designers can take the mystery out of landscaping and provide both a beautiful and functional design for your property as well as create a variety of themes, from woodland, tropical, English garden, southwest or whatever your heart desires. They also specialize in irrigation systems that are water saving and can provide lighting for both night beauty and safety.

P L A N N I N G

Just as you wouldn't build a house without a set of proper plans, the same should follow suit for outdoor living areas. Proper design should take all factors into account. Starting with practical considerations such as shade, privacy, drainage, safety, etc. and then needs and wants of those living there; such as play areas, lounging areas, pet areas, family barbecue's, perhaps even a "private retreat". Once the basic needs are defined the landscape designer should put them together so the different areas flow nicely and most importantly add visual excitement to the garden viewer. A good landscape designer doesn't stop there. He then selects trees, shrubs and groundcovers that are appropriate for the climate as well as meeting the level of maintenance the property owners can deal with. With a skilled designer, blooms should be an almost year round event, further enhancing the purpose of landscape design.

I N S T A L L A T I O N

Once an acceptable design is made, the task of installation is most important. A landscape designer should be able to work with a client's needs and budget. Some parts of the plans may be done in stages, though trees and shrubs should be installed immediately as their mature growth is most desirable. The homeowner may save more expensive stages for a later time and with the aid of good planning give these stages other temporary uses until budget allows. Even a good set of plans has it's limits as there are nuances to design that sometimes are done as the work progresses. This is why a landscape designer should personally oversee certain aspects of the installation such as exact plant placement or the shape of walks and borders etc.

I R R I G A T I O N

Seldom will one see a beautiful landscape that does not have proper irrigation, especially in our Southern California climate, again planning is key. An effective irrigation system should have independent zones for each exposure, also taking into to account areas that are continuously wet or always dry. There should be separate zones for lawns (usually the thirstiest part of a garden), trees and shrubs as well as flower beds if necessary. It should also be designed to minimize run-off and not constantly hit structures expediting their decay. To maximize the efficiency of the irrigation system, an automatic timer should be installed, which makes the landscape much easier to maintain.

E X T R A S

Competent landscape designers can also help with the little niceties that can give a landscape true distinction. Whether it be a birdbath, waterfall, koi pond or a beautifully designed deck, elements such as these can really make garden living all that more enjoyable. Consider night lighting in your budget to make special occasions stand out as well as help provide basic security and safety for your guests as well as yourself.

M A I N T E N A N C E

Once your dream landscape is completed, it is of primary importance that proper maintenance be done. If it was designed well it should not be much of a problem. It's important that a knowledgeable maintenance company is used. All too often you'll see an inexperienced gardener hack shrubs into convenient little squares or round globes, ruining the effect that was intended. You'll also see grass that burns from being cut at improper heights or lacks vigor from lack of fertilizer. It is important that landscape designers' convey their vision of your landscape at it's maturity and should be available for consultation as the years progress. They should also provide care instructions for all the plants installed, and even better, give you a guarantee in writing, that they will thrive.