Landscaping

When you are ready to approach the issue of landscaping you should start by asking a few very simple questions. First and foremost, you should consider the view from the curb, as this is the first thing prospective buyers will see as they view the property.  Does the landscaping as it is match your home, or even further, the neighborhood?  Bear in mind, that well designed, attractive landscaping can easily add 6-12% to the value of your home, so it is a great investment that can payoff in both the immediate and long terms.  But you always want to scale a landscaping plan to your home and your neighborhood.  You should aim to have one of the best designed homes, and not simply the most garish and expensive.  With a dramatic overkill, you are not likely to see a big return on your investment.

Before you begin, you should understand that with landscaping it always pays to think long term.  For a good plan to work you will have to predict what plant will go with which not just when you come home from the nursery, but also when the plants reach full maturity.  Don’t bargain shop without taking these considerations, because you may find that certain plants have root structures than can cause complications down the road.  For example, trees with shallow, aggressive roots can be a real problem around sidewalks and driveways.  In addition, diseases that affect different plants is a factor too, so you will ideally want to incorporate a mix of different species in a diverse population to prevent all your work from being wiped out at once.

A good way to start is with a simple piece of graph paper and pencil.  Then break up your plan into different categories.  You will need a framing landscape, with shade trees and shrubs that serve to define your property.  Then the fill in will be comprised of accents, which can be staged smartly with lighting to define your featured elements such as walkways and driveways. Once you pick your shade trees, accent them with ornamentals.

For backyards, ask primarily what you do, or would like to do with your space.  Depending on your taste, you should have number of great options. A terrace or deck can make your backyard move from a rarely used space to a focal point of family and social entertaining.  If you have the room, consider such things as a water feature, a garden path, an arbor, or seating away from the deck.  Alternatively, a custom outdoor kitchen in your Los Angeles home can transform this space in one fell swoop.

In the backyard, establish privacy with good screening plants using a hedge or a screen of bushes or trees.  There’s nothing like returning from a long day at work to enjoy a private and serene garden space.  After privacy, think about the gathering spots in the backyard.  A low deck is often a great choice, as they are one of the most popular DIY projects and are relatively easy to maintain.  A deck can be protected quite well by applying a semi-transparent deck stain, which will protect against the sun and still allow the grain of the wood to show through.  After staining, a good power washing about once a year will keep everything looking nice as the elements do their work.

A new backyard deck in Santa Monica, before receiving a semi-transparent wood stain.

Landscaping can have a huge impact on your home, not just aesthetically, but in other areas as well.  Lower energy costs for one are something that can become an added benefit.  For example, if your windows are shielded smartly with plants, air conditioning costs can easily be noticeably cut.  But landscaping, like any major project, should be approached step by step and with an eye on the long term.  Doing so will not only add value to home home, but can also have a very positive impact on your day to day life.

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