As the soil warms in April, homeowners get started attending to their backyards, balconies, and roof decks by hiring a local landscaper and gardener.
Peace of mind is one benefit to a well-kept property, as is improving the appeal of your neighborhood. Increasing your property value by 4 or 5 percent, if not more, is a nice perk too. So it helps to have a basic roadmap for landscape and garden design:
- To give a burst of color to that “hello neighbor” area in front of your home, think about adding a vibrant annual to your planting bed or container garden. Vinca is a popular option, with its nonstop flower show from early summer until fall. If you’re planting in a window box that gets full sun, try Sedum, Festuca, Delosperma and Nassella. In shady spots, try ferns, Rubus, Vinca and Heuchera.
- If you’re looking to add some shrubs, know the difference between deciduous and evergreens. Deciduous shrubs lose their foliage during the winter season, while evergreens hold on to their leaves and remain green throughout the year. Enlisting both creates the perfect combination.
- The cleanup: This is the most important task you can do this month: Prune away dead and damaged branches, cut back and divide perennials as needed, clean up around plants, compost yard waste, and prep damaged lawn areas for spring seeding. You’ll be thankful that you did this come July — when you’re at the beach, not tending to the garden.
Not sure where to find the right pro for your green space? Get out of the weeds and check out amNY Home Pros directories, they’re overgrown with landscapers and gardeners. Each listing includes project galleries, bio information, testimonials, and contact information so you can reach out to them directly.
If you’re considering other kinds of home improvement projects for the spring, check out interior designers, architects, and contractors.
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