You’ll Dig These DIY Landscaping Tips
Do-it-yourself landscaping is not only good exercise, it also boosts the value of your home. All that’s required is a plan of action, your choice of plants and a few trusty garden tools to create the landscape of your dreams. To help you along the way, here are a few things to consider as you start.
Ground-breaking Laws

Ground-breaking Laws
Get a copy of the deed restrictions for your community and read it before you begin any landscaping project to keep your hard work from being against regulation. Also bear in mind that you might need permits from the city if your plans call for structural, electrical or plumbing modifications. If you have any questions or concerns, check with the appropriate officials to avoid violating any local building codes.
Furthermore, remember to be careful where you start digging! Call your utility company and they will come out to mark off theplaces where cables and plumbing run around your yard, just to make sure that nothing gets disconnected along the way.
Plan for a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Whether you prefer old-fashioned pencil-and-paper or laying everything out with the latest app, it’s important to have a landscaping plan. While there are times when spontaneity is fun and exciting, jumping the gun in horticulture can result in lopsided lawns, unhealthy foliage and unsightly erosion.
Instead, take your time and work slowly – don’t rush. For example, keep in mind that changing moisture levels in the ground can cause foundations to shift and crack, plant shrubbery on all sides of your home to help reduce this risk.
Before you start digging, plot out where the sun hits your yard at certain parts of the day and choose plants that are native to the area, grouping them according to their water and space needs for easy caretaking. And don’t forget, if you ever need a helping hand, hire a professional to point you in the right direction.
Plan for a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
While some things may crop up that are completely unpredictable, there are a few common mistakes that can happen in DIY landscaping that can be avoided by troubleshooting them beforehand. Make sure that drainage patterns flow away from your home, so water doesn’t get between cracks in the foundation. Consider and anticipate future projects like patios, paths and porches before beginning landscaping, so your hard work doesn’t have to be dug up later on. Lastly, if you haven’t started your summer gardening, save money by purchasing plants late in the season.
On top of all these tricks and tips, don’t forget to have fun while you design your landscaping projects. Go ahead – find your inner child and rediscover the simple joy of playing in the dirt.