As the snow melts and the ground thaws, the great landscaping rush of spring begins. Homeowners and landscapers light up their phones and start planning projects. Nurseries feel the pressure to keep stocked and contractors pack their schedules. In such an exciting time, it’s a good idea to tackle the projects that you have been thinking about for a long time. There are so many projects you can do to enhance your landscape, from creating eco-friendly solutions to adopting native plants, building a new shelter or fire features, and installing new pavers. Here are five landscape design tips to elevate your Hollis, NH landscaping in 2021.
Creating Eco-Friendly Solutions
Homeowners can make great reductions in their water and electricity usage by making changes to their landscape.
First, water usage can be reduced by changing out wasteful sprinklers for more advanced irrigation systems with timers and focused water dispersal methods. Changing the way you light your landscape will make sharp reductions in your electricity usage as well.
Swapping traditional light bulbs for LEDs (light-emitting diodes) will also reduce glass waste from discarded bulbs and give you the opportunity to get creative with lighting for a more elegant nighttime landscape.
Adopting Native Plants
Another eco-friendly method to update your landscape is bringing more native plants to your greenscape. Many grasses, shrubs, and flowers that are native to New England are not only stunningly beautiful, but they’re hardy and practical. Native plants require far less watering and care than ones less adapted to the climate.
When you talk to your contractor or visit a local nursery, mention natives such as the Silky Dogwood, Red Spruce, Cardinal Flower to get started since it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Installing New Shelter
Spending time outside can sometimes be interrupted as the weather takes a turn for the worse. Whether the hottest summer sun is beating down or that surprise downpour sends everyone running, there needs to be a place to go in your backyard. Building a beautiful pavilion will act as another room of your house and provide endless opportunities for fun and relaxation well into the colder months.
For sun relief, consider a pergola that can sit over your patio, providing an outdoor living space that’s breezy and cool in the hot days of summer.
Building Masonry Fire Features
The idea of community began around a fire and continues to this day as we still share the light, heat, and good conversation. The ancient techniques of stone masonry can be employed by your landscape contractors to create inviting fire features such as fire pits, fire tables, and outdoor fireplaces. Fire pits give you a campfire experience; outdoor fireplaces create an elegant living room feel, and fire tables bring al fresco dining to a new level.
Updating Pavers
The paved surfaces of your landscape include your driveway, patio, pool deck, and walkways. Those surfaces can be gorgeous when made of high-quality natural stone, brick, or concrete pavers. Not only will natural stone or concrete paver surfaces last a long time, but they also offer opportunity for creative expression as they can follow any design cue of your house and surrounding landscape. Using permeable pavers will help water seep into the ground and prevent collection on the surface.
Since landscaping companies are rapidly filling their schedules, it’s a good time to get rolling on your landscape update just in time for the summer outdoor entertaining season.
Related: 5 LANDSCAPING IDEAS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEAL IN HOLLIS AND AMHERST NH AREAS
