Congratulations on your new home! Whether you have just moved into a newly built house or are in the process of building one, landscaping is a crucial step in making your property feel like home. The exterior of your house is the first thing visitors and passersby see, so it’s important to create a welcoming and visually appealing outdoor space. Here are some helpful tips for landscaping a newly built home that will enhance curb appeal and create a beautiful outdoor oasis for you to enjoy.

Importance of Landscaping

Landscaping does more than make your home look good. It boosts your property’s value and creates a welcoming environment. A well-landscaped yard can also increase your home’s curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers when you choose to sell. Studies have shown that a beautifully landscaped home can increase its value by up to 15%. Besides financial benefits, a well-planned landscape provides a serene retreat for you and your family, enhancing your overall quality of life.

Planning Your Landscape

Before you start buying plants and digging up your yard, take the time to plan your landscape. Consider factors such as the layout of your property, sunlight exposure, soil condition, drainage, maintenance requirements, and any existing structures that need to be worked around. Next, set a realistic budget to guide your decisions.

Create a wish list of elements you’d like to incorporate, such as a vegetable garden, flower beds, or a patio. Sketch a rough design or use landscape design software to visualize your ideas. Proper planning will save you time and money in the long run, ensuring a cohesive and functional outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants is crucial for a thriving landscape. Consider plants well-suited to your local climate, as they require less maintenance and are more resilient. Visit local nurseries or consult a landscape professional to identify native plants that will flourish in your area.

Be sure to think about the maintenance needs of each plant—some may require frequent watering and pruning, while others require lower maintenance.

These foundational plants add beauty and color and help soften the transition between your home and the surrounding landscape. Be sure to choose plants that appeal to your aesthetic preferences, blending colors and textures to create visual interest.

Creating Hardscapes

Hardscaping elements such as walkways, patios, retaining walls, and water features can add structure and visual interest to your outdoor space. When planning these features, consider how they will be used and how they fit into the overall design of your landscape. Consider using materials that match or complement the exterior of your house for a cohesive look. Work with professionals if needed to ensure proper installation and longevity.

Enhance Privacy

Privacy may be a concern if your new home is close to neighbors or busy streets. Enhance your yard’s privacy by planting tall hedges or trees along property lines, installing fences or screens, or adding pergolas with climbing vines to enjoy your yard without feeling exposed.

Add Personal Touches

Make your new landscape feel like home by incorporating personal touches that reflect your style and interests. This could include planting flowers in your favorite colors, creating a cozy seating area with outdoor furniture, or adding decorative elements like fountains or sculptures. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when adding unique touches to your landscape.

Regular Maintenance

Keeping your landscape looking its best requires regular maintenance throughout the year. Create a seasonal maintenance schedule to stay on top of tasks like pruning, fertilizing, and lawn care. In spring, focus on planting and mulching. Summer is the time for watering and weeding. Fall is ideal for pruning and preparing your plants for winter. Winter tasks may include protecting sensitive plants from frost and clearing debris. Consistent maintenance ensures a healthy and vibrant landscape year-round.

If you’re unfamiliar with landscape maintenance consider hiring a professional landscaper for routine care taking the workload off your hands and keeping your property in pristine condition.

Utilize Lighting

Extend the usability of your outdoor space into evening hours by incorporating landscape lighting into your design plan. Light up pathways, potted plants, and key architectural features around your home. Elegant lighting adds a layer of beauty and security to your landscape and home at night.

Sustainable Landscaping

Eco-friendly landscaping practices benefit both your yard and the environment. Consider incorporating sustainable elements such as rain gardens, which capture and filter rainwater, or xeriscaping, which uses drought-tolerant plants to reduce water usage. Composting yard waste and kitchen scraps can create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Choose organic fertilizers and pest control methods to minimize chemical use.

Invest in Professional Help

While DIY landscaping can be rewarding, sometimes it’s best to leave certain tasks to the professionals. If you’re unsure about certain aspects of landscaping such as grading or irrigation systems, consider hiring a professional landscaper who can ensure these crucial elements are done correctly. Investing in expert help upfront can save you time and money in the long run.

Landscaping your newly built home is an exciting opportunity to personalize your property and create an inviting outdoor environment for yourself and others to enjoy. Proper planning can transform your new home’s yard into a beautiful oasis that reflects your style and enhances curb appeal.

Landscaping is an ongoing process that requires care and attention but can provide endless rewards of beauty and enjoyment.

New Homes by Hayden Homes

It’s time to find your dream home! Hayden Homes has homes for sale throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington for every stage of life. We help homebuyers like you buy your first home, upgrade to a bigger one, or find the right size home for your lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more!