“Make sure you mulch and use plants that choke out weeds,” says Elliot Goliger, owner of Artisans Landscape in San Francisco. “Also, use plants that grow well and thrive in their particular environment. Know your microclimate and plan accordingly.” Here are some more tips for simple maintenance:
Think about color. Choose some brightly colored perennials that will return year after year, and plant different colored flowering bushes and trees.
Add depth. When planting flowerbeds, choose taller varieties for the back, shorter varieties for the front and medium levels in between. You can also plant a circular area by putting the tallest plants in the middle and working your way out.
Add privacy and function. If you have neighbors close by, you can use evergreens and trees to create privacy and block views of other houses or unsightly areas. Evergreens also make excellent wind barriers. If you want a shaded area or overhead canopy, planting a large tree is ideal.
If you plan to hire a landscaping contractor to take on an outdoor project, start with a good design and make sure the company you’re considering has expertise in providing custom work. “You need a clear plan and proposal,” says Mr. Goliger. “If things are unclear at the start, it’s going to be a problem in the future.”
Clients should be wary of landscapers who quote very low prices. “If the price is extremely low, it’s probably not going to be what you’re expecting,” cautions Mr. Goliger. “It takes time to do a thorough, complete job and offer good service. When you get a great design that you’re happy with, it’ll offer more value than something that needs to be changed in five years.”
