| By :
Stephen Daniels
Buying a new home is an important milestone in a person's life. While it is a very exciting and enjoyable time, it also comes with the realization that it is a huge, and sometimes overwhelming, commitment. Owning a home requires a significant investment of time to the ongoing upkeep, design and development of the home and property. Very frequently, a new home comes with an undeveloped landscape, leaving the new owners wondering exactly what to do with their yards. For this reason, many homeowners choose to hire landscape design professionals to help translate their vision and make it a reality. It does not take long to realize that landscape design is an art that requires a solid understanding of local ecology, climate and horticulture. For a truly beautiful yard, many elements must be considered - some are unique to each property, such as which way the yard is facing and how much sun or water a particular area receives. Even with a specific design in mind and a list of preferred plants, flowers and trees, landscaping is not fail-proof. A lack of horticultural knowledge can lead a homeowner to make costly mistakes when they invest in a property full of plants that are ill-fitted to their area or require much more maintenance than they had anticipated. A professional landscaper is not only familiar with the area, but can help a homeowner fulfill the vision they have for their property. When one plant is not right for an area, a professional gardener can recommend plants that look similar and would still provide the same design element. If a homeowner wants a very lush-looking property but does not have an abundance of time to devote to maintenance, a gardener can recommend lower-maintenance foliage, saving the homeowner time and money. Another advantage in hiring a professional landscaper is their ability to consider the landscape design as a whole. Quality designers will offer complete services, such as irrigation and drip systems, stone work and water features. They can even incorporate outdoor kitchens into the overall plan. Drainage is an area that professionals understand very well, but many homeowners do not even consider it until damage has been done. Proper grading should be completed by the builder, if this is a new home. However, this should never be assumed, whether the home is new or not. In the end, the final design concept must address drainage equally as much as the types of plants or yard decorations that are part of the total landscape. A beautiful, well-functioning landscape does not have to be an overwhelming prospect with the help of a knowledgeable professional.
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