Starting a new landscaping project can feel intimidating, but it shouldn’t.
If you take a bit of time to plan things out, you can turn even the most neglected and completely overgrown garden into something that feels warm and welcoming. Just don’t try and do everything at once – that is usually when things start going sideways.
Instead, follow these five tips below and make one decision at a time:
Clear Vision
Before you even make eye contact with a salesperson, you need to have a clear idea of what you actually want.
You don’t need a perfect plan or magazine-worthy renders – just a simple idea of the style and look you are aiming for.
Having a rough idea will make a huge difference. It keeps you focused and stops you from adding every gorgeous plant you see into your trolley. A plan means you won’t end up with a garden made of impulse buys and poor decisions.
Understand The Space
Every yard has its own little habits, and noticing them early can save you a lot of unnecessary irritation later when you’re trying to improve your curb appeal.
Take a relaxed walk around your garden at different times of the day and just pay attention to what’s going on. Where does the sun sit the longest? How does the space feel in the afternoon compared to the morning? Where does the rainwater collect?
These small observations give you a clearer picture of how your garden behaves.
Choose The Right Tools
You don’t need a shed full of expensive tools. You just need a few that actually work.
Start with a rake, a shovel, and a chainsaw you can trust – that will cover most of what you’ll deal with. If your chainsaw feels like it’s struggling, the chain is almost always just dull.
Get a reliable chainsaw sharpener and give it a go; it’s a quick fix that makes everything easier and safer.
Local, Hardy Plants
Choosing local, hardy plants is one of the simplest ways to make your landscaping project easier.
These plants already know your weather, your soil, and your seasons, so they don’t need constant supervision. You can choose plants from other regions, but just know you’ll be checking in on those every few days.
Soil Solutions
Good landscaping doesn’t start with fancy plants or perfect pavers – it starts with the soil right beneath your toes.
Healthy soil is what makes a garden actually work. Plants grow with far less input and effort when the soil is good. They are stronger, happier, and better looking.
When the soil is dry and drained of nutrients, no amount of watering can fix it. The ground just cannot keep up with what the plants need, and they will keep struggling or dying until the soil is better.
The easiest fix? Compost.
A small layer worked into the top of your beds can make an immediate difference.
To End
Nothing overly fancy, just five simple tips to make your next landscaping project a breeze. Don’t overcomplicate things – stick to these simple steps.