New Home - Proper Landscaping

by Michael Russell

In this article we're going to discuss how you can save lots of money on your new home with proper landscaping.

You've got your new home in mind. You've carefully laid out the plans for how you want it to look. You're ready to start building. Then you take a look at the lot where your new dream home is going to be and you're confronted with your worst nightmare. There's hills every ten feet; trees all over the place; shrubs large enough to cover a small cow and overall the area is a mess.

This is where proper landscaping can save you a lot of money and a lot of frustration.

For starters, trees around your house can affect everything from your heating and cooling bills to the home's resale value. There are many surveys that place the increased value at around 10 to 15 percent. Trees can produce shade, food, firewood, and overall just a really beautiful scene. They're also good for attracting birds and wildlife. So don't be so quick to start chopping all the ones around your lot down. Only remove the ones that you absolutely have to in order to build your home.

So what if there are no trees around your lot? Does that mean you want to start planting some? Maybe. But before you go ahead and start planting it is very important that you choose a species that will best thrive under the local conditions. For example. If you live in an area that is very hot with little rainfall then you want to plant trees that are very drought resistant. In areas that have lots of rainfall you want to plant trees that need lots of water. Trees that don't can literally drown. If you plant trees that grow naturally in your area you can be pretty sure that you won't have any problems. If you have any questions about what to plant, consult with a professional.

Also, when deciding to plant trees, the location on your property is very important. Choose spots that have adequate sunlight and make sure the trees are protected from pests. Building a mesh fence around them can keep animals from getting to your trees. Also, try to estimate how big the tree is going to get when full grown. You don't want to plant them too close to the house or you may have branches ending up sticking through your bedroom window.

It is important to understand that in the early years of a tree's life it is very vulnerable to just about everything so you have to be careful to water it regularly, especially if you run into a dry spell. Eventually, as the tree grows up, it will be able to take care of itself.

As for the rest of the landscaping do only what needs to be done. If there are hills where you want to build and you prefer level land then go about leveling the area. You still want it to have a natural look so don't make it as flat as a dance floor. Any shrubs that need to be removed, do so and have them taken away quickly.

By following the simple suggestions above you can make your home building experience an enjoyable one.

About the Author

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to New Homes

New Home - Proper Landscaping

About the Author

Dream Garden