When beginning the process of landscaping a new home, it’s important to consider every aspect of the process and every potential roadblock before getting started. Here are some of the biggest things to consider before you officially start work, so that the process goes smoothly.
HOA Requirements
When building or landscaping a new home, you must keep in mind the various landscape requirements your home and landscape features must meet to satisfy HOA guidelines. To know if you are abiding by your local landscape requirements and ordinances, you must submit your plans to the HOA and wait for approval before installation can begin.
Ultimately, this means that it’s vital to consider your landscaping project with plenty of advance notice to prevent potential hold-ups. Some of the landscape pieces you need to consider include:
- Rock and mulch color specifications.
- The number and species of trees and plants.
- Installation timelines.
Considering these factors early and submitting your plans in a timely manner can ensure that if there are any issues with your HOA, you can solve them before the project starts and your landscaping project can run smoothly.
When to Start
Finding the best time to start the landscaping process might seem tricky, but the truth is that you can probably begin sooner than you think. As long as the plot plan for your lot is available, the landscape design process can begin – before the ground has even broken on your new home.
That being said, most landscape designers prefer that the foundation and framing are complete in order to visualize the proper placement of the elements and grading. For example, the location of your windows is an integral piece of information when it comes to placing your trees should you desire screening of the window or to keep it open to maximize views. It is also important for the foundation to be in and a rough grade done on the lot so it can be better determined if any retaining walls are necessary.
In order to know for sure, talk with your landscape designer and see which timeline will work better for your property.
Selecting a Quality Contractor
Selecting a quality contractor is an extremely important factor when it comes to landscaping your new property. When searching for a contractor, it’s important to consider not only how long they have been in business, but also their online reviews (such as Yelp or Google Reviews), overall reputation, and warranty of work.
Ensuring that the landscapers working on your project are Landscape Industry Certified is also important. This certification ensures that your landscapers’ skills have been tested and proven to be the best in the industry.
Marrying Functionality and “The Dream”
When you design a new landscape, many “dream” features come to mind – having a big yard, a pet-friendly space, a myriad of plants, etc. Marrying these “dream” features with practicality and functionality ensures your landscape can be enjoyed for years to come.
For example, if you want an area for your children to play or for your pet to utilize – your landscaper can help design your landscape plans in a way that looks beautiful but also functionally honors those needs.
Landscaping features that help with this functionality include: retaining walls, patios, water features, and the overall quality of outdoor living features.
Selecting Plants
Plant selection can be one of the more fun aspects of planning your new landscaping, although it should be done with great intention. For example, what colors do you want your plants to be in the seasons? Do you want plants that stay colorful even in the winter? Do you want plants that will help conserve water or to help pollinators? These are all features that must be considered when selecting your plants.
Fortunately, our Timberline experts have compiled multiple guides on intentional planting, including:
- Planting for spring
- Planting for fall
- Planting for winter
- Planting for xeriscaping
- Planting for pollinators
- Deer-resistant planting
Maintenance Requirements
No landscape is completely free of maintenance needs. However, the amount of upkeep that your future landscape requires is important to consider. Discuss time constraints and any maintenance concerns with your landscape designer before plans are made.
Additionally, the practice of xeriscaping can conserve your use of water, and requires less maintenance. However, you will need supplemental water in order for your xeriscaping to become established initially.
Keeping features like this in mind can give you an idea of how much maintenance your new landscape is going to require of you over time.
There is a lot to consider when designing a new landscape for a new home. Fortunately, Timberline Landscaping has many Landscape Industry Certified landscapers who are ready to take on the task. For more information about our team’s work, read our Residential Landscape Design & Construction page or contact us to begin designing your dream yard!
