A beautiful landscape enhances the value of a property. For many homeowners it is a source of pride and joy.

Landscaping Greensboro NC encompasses a wide variety of tasks that include design, installation and maintenance of outdoor areas. A well designed landscape should reflect lifestyle needs and be functional throughout the seasons.

Landscape plantings (flowers, shrubs, trees and ground cover) are the building blocks of a well designed landscape. They provide the color and texture that give a landscape its appeal. They can also create the privacy screens and focal points that define spaces.

Plantings are a key to creating a sense of place in any landscape design and can be used to solve specific landscaping problems. For example, evergreen hedges can screen unsightly views, fibrous-rooted plants like willow and bamboo can solve erosion problems on sloping sites, and deciduous trees planted along southern and western aspects of homes can provide shade to lower cooling costs in summer and allow sunlight to warm buildings in winter.

When properly installed, trees and their roots can also improve the quality of air in a surrounding environment. By absorbing pollutants through their leaves and root systems, they release clean oxygen back into the air. This is particularly beneficial in urban environments where pollution levels are usually higher.

Well-maintained and healthy plantings increase a home’s resale value and provide curb appeal as well as health and wellness benefits for occupants. Similarly, businesses that have well-planned and cared-for plantings are perceived as more reputable and stable by customers and potential employees.

Landscape plantings also offer natural habitats for a variety of wildlife. Trees and their foliage offer perches for birds and squirrels while their branches and trunks provide shelter, food, water and shade. Well-planned and maintained plantings can also enhance a property’s security by creating visual barriers for unwanted visitors while increasing visibility in areas where safety lighting and security cameras may be located.

Landscaping pros know how and when to plant each type of planting to ensure that it will thrive. They also take into account mature size and growth rate when selecting and spacing plants. Plants that are planted too close together can outgrow their space, interfere with walkways or sidewalks and block views of buildings or parking lots. They are also prone to growing into or snagging overhead wires. Plantings planted in the wrong locations can also become a liability for your business, posing safety risks to pedestrians or blocking access to fire escapes and emergency exits.

Hardscape

Luscious gardens and pristine lawns are great, but a landscape isn’t complete without hardscape elements. Hardscape encompasses all non-horticultural portions of a garden or yard, and is comprised of materials like stone, wood, concrete, pavers and other man-made objects. These are used to create walkways, pathways, walls, patios, grill surrounds and pergolas. Hardscape can also be utilized in garden beds to add interest and accentuate plants.

Unlike softscape elements, which are subject to regular upkeep and must be watered, weeded and pruned regularly, hardscape features provide more structural value to the property. They are durable, long-lasting and add visual appeal to the landscape, blending in with natural areas and accenting existing structures and features. Hardscapes are also an important part of commercial landscaping. The right hardscaping design allows for efficient flow of people and equipment throughout the property while also protecting and enhancing the appearance of the building and surrounding grounds.

The importance of hardscape in landscaping cannot be overstated. It can be used in a variety of ways, from building stone paths to reduce erosion and keep grass from being overtaken by mulched areas, to creating walkways that allow people to safely traverse a steep hillside or other area that would otherwise be impassable. It can also be used to outline garden beds and reduce the cost of edging annually, and to create focal points that add interest to the landscape when illuminated at night.

Incorporating hardscape into the overall landscape design helps to maximize usable space for homeowners and their guests. Outdoor kitchens, seating areas, fire pits, pergolas and other hardscape features increase the amount of living space on a property by connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, hardscapes can help to increase property values by adding curb appeal and function.

The best way to determine the ideal hardscape for your property is to consult with a professional. Experienced landscapers are familiar with the different considerations that must be made when designing a hardscape, and can help you achieve the aesthetic you want while maintaining proper function. They can guide you through the many options available, ranging from natural elements to pre-fabricated interlocking blocks and even poured-in-place concrete.

Lighting

Landscape lighting can take your beautiful outdoor space beyond the daytime and make it a place to enjoy long after the sun goes down. Lights can be incorporated throughout your flower beds to show off the colors of your flowers, or they could be positioned around patios and decks so you can host night-time dinner parties and get togethers with friends. Lighting can also be used to highlight special features in your home or yard, like a water feature, sculpture, or tree.

Illuminated walkways and steps make it safe for you, your family, and guests to walk the property after dark. Likewise, lights can help deter criminal activity by making it more difficult for intruders to navigate your property undetected.

By highlighting the unique features of your property, landscape lighting can add a sense of drama and intrigue. It can even help set your house apart from the others on the block, which will be an important selling point when it comes time to move.

Landscape lighting shows that you value the beauty of your outdoor space and want to preserve it for years to come. It’s also an investment that increases the value of your property, which will benefit you down the road when you decide to sell.

Incorporating landscape lighting into your design is a great way to show off your creativity and add an extra dimension to your outdoor space. For example, by using sequence, you can create a gradual transition in the size, shape, and texture of your plants. Abrupt changes in these elements tend to look unnatural and should be avoided.

A professional installation will ensure that the lights are properly aimed and are easy to use, so you don’t have to spend all your time worrying about how to turn them on or off. Many lighting options can be controlled remotely from your smartphone, which makes it even easier to manage and keep your backyard looking its best. They can be programmed to switch on automatically at a specific time, or you can choose to manually control them as needed.

Maintenance

Landscapes are not only meant to look beautiful, they also serve functional purposes. They can provide a space for outdoor activities, enhance community well-being, improve property value, and provide an environment for relaxation and respite from the noise and stress of everyday life. To make sure that these benefits are maximized, it’s important to invest in regular maintenance.

Landscape maintenance includes a variety of tasks like mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and pest control, as well as managing any outdoor structures or fixtures. It also includes weeding, irrigation monitoring, and seasonal care such as pruning and planting. In addition, routine maintenance helps to keep plants healthy by addressing any issues like disease or pest infestation before they become more serious problems.

Proper landscaping maintenance will also help to minimize water and energy waste by ensuring that irrigation systems are functioning properly, avoiding overwatering or under-watering. In addition, regular plant health checks will ensure that plants are receiving the right amount of sunlight and nutrients to grow well.

A well-maintained landscape not only looks good, but it’s also easier to maintain and can improve the quality of life in a community. Studies have shown that communities with ample greenery see a boost in physical activity among residents, lower stress levels, and more social interaction. Additionally, green spaces have been shown to help improve air quality and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Landscaping maintenance should not be done in a reactive manner, but instead should be planned ahead of time to prevent costly repairs and renovations. This can be accomplished by creating a maintenance schedule and setting goals for each season. This will help to avoid over- or underwatering, nutrient depletion, and other common landscape challenges.

When choosing a vendor for your landscape maintenance, it is critical to select one that understands the needs of your community and can deliver consistent results. To do this, you must first know what to look for in a landscape maintenance partner, including the services they offer, their experience, and how they communicate with your community.