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LAWN & BEYOND
10 landscaping do's and don'ts to enhance your home's first impression
CATHY HOBBS | Tribune News Service
Create layers with plants at varying heights.
Landscaping projects for newly constructed homes are worthwhile
financial investments.
Avoid overcrowding, and remember to plan before you plant.
Consider planting with the goal of having an active landscape,
even in colder months.
Remember to include edging and borders.
CATHY HOBBS AND ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS
Landscaping is one of the most effective ways to elevate your home's curb appeal. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing existing elements, showing your landscape a little love can go a long way.
Here are some top do's and don'ts for making your landscape shine.
DO
1 Do create layers with graduated plantings. From low-growing shrubs to tall trees, layering plants at different heights adds dimension and drama.
2 Do consider wide plantings, as they will help visually extend the look of your landscape.
3 Do consider using native plants for your landscape.
4 Do give your hedges and trees a regular trim. Wellmaintained greenery adds a sense of formality to your landscape.
5 Do spend the money on landscaping for a new home. Land-scaping will mature and add not only value but will create an overall aesthetically pleasing look and feel.
DON'T
1 Don't overcrowd your planting beds. Plants need room to grow. Overstuffed beds can look messy and lead to root rot or disease.
2 Don't forget about year-round "succession of bloom." It is always a great idea to plant with the goal of always having an active landscape even in colder months.
3 Don't plant without a plan.
4 Don't skip edging and borders. It is often the "final touches" that make a landscape look complete.
5 Don't ignore blending landscape with well-designed hardscape such as patios.
Cathy Hobbs is the owner of New York-based home staging companies Cathy Hobbs design recipes (cathyhobbs.com) and Highland Passive House (highlandpassivehouse.com). Her practical, how-to design advice also can be found in her book, "Home design recipes."
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