Landscaping 101: 4 DIY Projects to Spruce Up Your Yard

Sprucing up your landscaping is going to increase the value of your property and make your home a little more eye-catching. Unlike most indoor renovations, improving your yard can often be done without contractors and other specialists. As long as you have some basic equipment and a few hours to spare, you can transform your property into a lush getaway with these four projects.

Plant a Functional Garden

Home gardens have become extremely popular over the last few decades, and they are a great way to improve the form and function of a yard. If you want your garden to be successful, then you will most likely need to test and alter the soil so that it has the right balance of nutrients. Those who have never tended a garden should start with a smaller plot and a handful of herbs. Once you have mastered the basics, you can then move onto more difficult plants such as berries and root vegetables.

Design an Outdoor Lounge

Setting up a small area to socialize with friends and family members is one of the easiest projects that a homeowner can carry out. All you need is a few comfortable chairs, a place to set drinks, and a focal point such as a fire pit. Depending on nearby trees and buildings, you might also need to consider adding some type of cover to the area. Covering the outdoor lounge is going to make your guests more comfortable and increase the lifespan of your outdoor furniture.

Add a Water Feature

Adding a water pot, pond, or small waterfall to your yard is a great way to make the area more tranquil and relaxing. This type of DIY project can be fairly complicated, but you should be able to complete it in just a few days with the proper materials and landscaping tools, like those from Master Hire. For most homeowners, a feature that has running water instead of standing water is a much better option. Mosquitoes and algae are easier to control if the water is moving through a filter or pump.

Plant a Few Hybrid Poplar Trees

Many homeowners want to have beautiful trees on their property, but purchasing mature trees can be prohibitively expensive. The hybrid poplar is one of the fastest growing trees in the world, and it can reach maturity within just a few years. This particular species also has a relatively small root system, and that makes it a great option for residential property. You won’t have to worry about roots damaging your home’s foundation and pipes.

Before starting any projects that require digging, you should first contact your local utility companies to make sure that there are no lines buried in your yard. Damaging a water or power line can be incredibly expensive, and you will most likely be responsible for the repairs. Most utility companies offer free or affordable maps of all of their lines so that they can be avoided.