Are Any of These Destroying Your Curb Appeal?

When landscaping your home, you may run into unexpected issues. In past blogs, we’ve talked about how to use your property’s natural surroundings to make the most of them. Sometimes, however, your surroundings could pose problems. Knowing how to solve them will help you get the landscape you’re looking for.

Remember, landscaping is an art form. Light, shade, temperature and building architecture should all be taken into consideration when planning a landscape redesign.

Here are 5 common problems that could negatively affect your landscape—and what to do about them:

  1. Hillsides and Slopes. How can you create an inviting yard if your property is on a hill? Actually, there are a number of things you can do. If you like to garden, you could create a very innovative, multi-tiered garden with attractively placed stone steps and borders, as well as retaining walls. If there are drainage concerns, one of the most efficient solutions is a French drain to catch all the water. You could also dig a trench for a pipe and fill with gravel. When you think about it, having natural slopes in your property can create exciting opportunities for unique landscaping designs.
  2. Property Size. If your yard is on the smaller side, it’s a good idea to create a focal point, such as a fountain for small water feature that won’t dwarf your house. If your property is relatively large, consider planting large trees and other complimentary plantings that suit the size. What if your house is very close to your neighbor? Or you have a condo with a very narrow area for planting anything? The key is to think vertically—trellises and vines make attractive additions for narrow spaces.
  3. Privacy. So you like your neighbor, but you don’t want to feel like you’re living with your neighbor. . .landscaping can provide some effective—and attractive—solutions to help you get more privacy. The most common solution is the good ‘ole fence. Not only does it give you some privacy, but adds an attractive border around your property. Also, bamboo is an excellent, fast-growing plant that can provide an effective privacy wall. Be aware, however, bamboo produces a root system that can go deep into the soil and be hard to eradicate if you should change your mind. Also, you could consider evergreen shrubs and trees. Shrubs can provide a hedge that doesn’t require much maintenance on your part. This is great if you’re too busy to garden frequently.
  4. Noise Reduction. Is your property very close to a busy road? Are your neighbors especially noisy, playing music in the backyard, day and night? Whatever the cause of noise pollution, you can make things better with plants. Believe it or not, broadleaf plants and trees with especially rough bark will absorb sound the best. If you combine some of the ideas in #3, along with a nice water feature in your backyard, you could create your own special zen oasis, away from the noise of the outside world.
  5. Pesky Wildlife. If your property has become a wildlife haven—and not in a good way—there are many things you can do about it. First, if you are having trouble with deer, you may need to build a tall fence. Not just any fence will do, either. Deer can leap over high fences, so yours must be at least 8 feet high. If birds and other small animals are eating your plants, you could try using special nets to cover them. If you don’t want to do that, try planting things that animals don’t like. For example, bunnies don’t like pansies. If you don’t want the animals to dictate what you plant, try using organic deterrents to keep pests away.

At The Veron Company, we use a wide variety of organic products to help you keep an attractive, environmentally friendly landscape. Contact us today to let us go to work for you!

The Veron Company, serving Marlborough, Massachusetts and surrounding areas, including Cape Cod since 1982.