Best Tips For Landscaping
The temperatures in east-central Alabama can be more temperate compared to the northern and southern counties. You will still have to take proper care of your landscape to ensure your greenscapes stay healthy and beautiful all year round and your hardscapes are protected and well-maintained. At Auburn Irrigation, we have 5 tips for landscaping to help you get the most out of your project.
Plan Before Planting
As with every good landscape, things start with a plan. If you want to have a great landscape, start by creating a list of plants and the places where you would like them to be. Follow these tips when planning:- Research the spacing requirements for different plants
- Make sure to prevent overcrowding
- When adding shrubs or trees, consider their growth and future size
It can further be beneficial to include native plants into the mix. These plants help you create a beautiful landscape design that requires low maintenance.
Summer Watering Tips for New Plantings
Your new plantings will need additional watering during the summer as compared to your established plantings. You will have to pay closer attention to your new shrubs, perennials, and trees. New plantings usually require an inch of water per week.- Group the plants together that require the same amounts of water
- Both established and new plantings are best watered during the early morning hours
- Let your irrigation system run from 4 to 7 in the morning. If it is hand-watering, do it as early in the day as possible
Install a Walkway to Connect Different Points
You should lay a walkway to prevent your lawn from being trampled down. A walkway can be created to connect all the points of interest in your landscape. No one wants a makeshift path of dead grass between the fire pit, patio, and other features. A walkway can be created using:- Natural flagstone
- Concrete stones
- Crushed stone
- Decorative brick
Emphasize Soil Quality
Healthy plants require healthy soil. Soil quality lays the foundation for your landscape. Even before you consider investing in an irrigation system, you will have to address this factor. You should see it this way – soil is an investment that will play the most important role in how your gardens flourish.- Choose nutrient-rich garden dirt
- Consider preparing compost that provides your plants with a healthy seasonal start
- Add the right mulch to add more nutrients, curb weeds, and hold moisture
Install Natural-Looking Water Features
Most people prefer adding one or more water features to their landscape. Water features can interestingly add both aesthetic and functional value to your Auburn Metropolitan Area landscape. Make sure it is designed to look like it is a natural part of the surroundings.- Consider using natural stone when building your water features
- As mentioned above, consider using the same material as used in making your home
- Avoid using too many different materials