New Homeowner DIY Landscaping Tips

Is it the first time you’ve owned a home? You may be overwhelmed at first by all the landscaping responsibilities. Take heart, though. With a little planning and some helpful tips, you can soon create an outdoor space that’s beautiful, practical and enjoyable.

Get the Right Tools

Surprise! Your new home comes with a garage, shed, and lawn. The only issue? You’ve never lived in a house before. This means it’s time to take a trip to your nearest home improvement retailer. Once there, you should go straight to the landscaping areas. Unless you live in a place where the homeowner’s association (HOA) takes care of the grass, you’ll need a trustworthy lawnmower. Look for one that offers bagging so you can cut the time it takes to get rid of the clippings. In addition to a lawnmower, plan to invest in other tools like rakes, brooms, hedge clippers, and trimmers.

Tackle the Most Important Issues First

Most of the time, doing the lawn is going to be one of your first homeowner chores. After that, you can practice some old-fashioned triage to narrow down what needs to be tackled. For instance, you may find that some of the bushes are overgrown and blocking your windows, gutters or other architectural features. Use your tools to trim everything accordingly and give your dream home a neat appearance. Other places to look for opportunities to tidy up the landscaping include flower beds, hedges, and tree branches. Don’t forget to clean up any brush that may have been left on your lawn by the former owners, as it can quickly mar the appeal of a property.

Add or Repair Walkways and Patios

Does your home have walkways or patios that have seen better days? A stone might get damaged along a path to the garden or bricks might be missing in the brick walk-through. It’s your job to fix them as well as any sideways or driveways. Not only will remedying any problems make them look and function better, but you’ll also reduce the likelihood of someone tripping when they come to your new home. If you don’t have any walkways but feel they would add elegance and character to your home, investigate the possibility of adding them yourself or with the help of a licensed landscaping contractor.

Think About Color and Texture

Are you going to plant some new flora around your property? Choose natural, native plants and flowers that will mesh pleasantly when they bloom and mature. As an example, before you plant any trees, do heavy research on what they need in terms of soil. Also, look at their characteristics to understand what you can expect in 10 years when they mature. A seedling tree is much different than a stronger, older one. At the same time, aim to create a landscape that dovetails with the look of your house. Take your time, because this isn’t something you should do overnight.

Consider Other Outdoor Space Arrangements

Would a gazebo be perfect as an accent to your home? How about a shed? A treehouse? There are so many potential outdoor space arrangements — and that means your choices are endless. From adding a pool to putting a tiered deck on the side of your home, you can transform your outdoor real estate into a paradise. Homeownership and landscaping go together, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the experience exhilarating. Take a deep breath and just dive in — just try not to get too overwhelmed. Along the way, you’ll certainly figure out how to boost the beauty and value of your yard.