There’s nothing like the excitement of a brand new house. It’s so full of promise and potential. And you get to call the shots, both inside and out. Landscaping is an essential part of making your house a home. It enhances curb appeal and resale value and is an exciting opportunity to make a fresh start on a new lot. On the flip side, landscaping a new home presents design challenges and usually requires a bigger budget than updating an existing yard.
What Should I Consider When Landscaping a New Build?
When you buy a new build, your builder generally starts you out with a yard full of fresh sod. The rest is up to you. Many new homeowners aren’t aware that landscaping is almost entirely their responsibility. It presents challenges but also opportunities to shape your own outdoor spaces. However, keep in mind that your builder has planned the grading of your property with water management and your entire community in mind. Don’t make changes in grade without consulting a professional, or you could wind up with water damage to your foundation and flooding in your basement. If grading changes impact adjacent properties, you could wind up in trouble with neighbors or the HOA. It’s one reason working with a professional landscaper makes so much sense, especially when you’re starting from scratch. Here are some tips for
- Don’t rush. Developing and implementing a brand new landscape takes time and consideration.
- Consider your goals: are you focused on entertaining, creating a family-friendly environment, and curb appeal? Yes, please.
- Work with a professional. Tackling a from-scratch landscaping project on your own is daunting, and mistakes can be expensive.
What Landscaping Elements are Most Important With a New Home?
When landscaping a new home, considerations include your budget and lot size. However, we usually recommend starting with some basics elements:
- Mulch is one of the essential base elements most landscapers recommend. It creates a tidy, manicured look and prevents weeds.
- Trees are an early priority because they take time to grow and develop. Plan your tree plantings with care and consideration. Consider your trees’ future height and distance from your foundation. Keep in mind fruits and flowers that may drop on hardscaping, swimming pools, or parking areas down the road.
- Shrubs: choose shrubs that will be attractive year-round and are the right size for your property. Some of our favorite four-season “starter shrubs” include arborvitae, azaleas, and oakleaf hydrangeas.
- Hardscaping is a hot trend. Most homeowners include hardscaping elements in their landscaping plans. We can start small and build on or do everything at once. Popular components include fire pits, patios, walkways, water features, and retaining walls.
Landscaping a New Home: Work With The Pros
When it comes to landscaping a new home, excellent planning and design are more vital than ever. That’s why it pays to work with a professional landscaper to help you plan and execute your vision for your new outdoor spaces. At Epling Landscaping and Lawn Services, we give 100 percent to every job, large or small. But there’s something extra satisfying about starting with the blank slate that a new home provides. We love helping our clients dream, design, and make their plans a reality. And our experienced team is well-equipped to walk you through the entire process, from long-term design goals to spreading that first layer of mulch and planting those first trees. Let’s connect and see how we can help you create a beautiful and functional landscape for your new home.
