Will Landscaping Increase My Home's Value?
Do you own a lovely residence in Central California? Today, many property owners in this area wonder whether improving the landscaping in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas will increase the value of their real estate. Answering this question in financial terms requires the input of a qualified appraiser.
In general, appraisals typically consider only the structure of man-made improvements, such as the residence itself and outbuildings. As a result, creating a lovely home exterior can (and will) likely contribute aesthetic value to the property. This enhancement in turn often translates into increased marketability. The bottom line: you may enjoy a faster sale if you ever place your real estate on the market by keeping your landscaping in an attractive condition.
A Wise Investment
Home improvement experts frequently regard landscaping improvements as by far one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of a residence in the opinion of a homebuyer. While caring for the home's exterior may prove as simple as installing a charming garden or keeping the lawn well tended, the efforts you expend towards these goals will likely yield returns whenever a visitor sees the home for the first time. Likewise, real estate agents sometimes emphasize the importance of "curb appeal". It refers to the eye-catching qualities of beautiful, lovingly maintained real estate.
You can assess curb appeal very effectively yourself. The next time you drive through an unfamiliar neighborhood, try and notice two homes with front yards. Which do you consider more attractive, and why? The chances remain excellent if you ever find yourself shopping for real estate, you'd prefer to reside in a dwelling with a nicely landscaped exterior and a well-maintained profile. Above all, first impressions matter a lot during the home selection process! Home buyers often evaluate and compare several properties seeking to identify the best one for their household. Hence, sellers who offer visually appealing premises usually enjoy an advantage during this process.
Some Popular Landscaping Features
Creating appealing residential landscaping in this part of California does not necessarily require the expenditure of a lot of money. Therefore, you may find it helpful to call upon the skills of professional landscapers. Just consider a few of the most in-demand types of landscaping features:
Lawn Care
Creating and maintaining a lush, green lawn requires skill and expertise. Most noteworthy, this popular feature helps create inviting surroundings for healthy outdoor exercise and recreation. Requesting regular lawn care services helps ensure grass receives adequate nutritional support through the application of soil amendments. Lawn care services also prevent a yard from appearing overgrown or infested with weeds at certain time of the year.
Xeriscaping
In many parts of Central California, homeowners opt for lovely xeriscaping. Whether you prefer a rock garden or the creative use of sands and mosses, these natural home exteriors also hold great aesthetic appeal! Certainly, a skillful landscaper may offer helpful assistance in designing and installing unique residential xeriscaping cost-effectively.
Walkways
Have you considered adding a paved walk or a path to your grounds? Sometimes these lovely landscaping features add visual interest to a yard. As a result, they may help spare a lawn from developing muddy tracks in locations where foot traffic crosses regularly.
Trees
A stylish yard often includes beautiful trees and bushes. If these sturdy wooded plants already thrive on your property, it makes sense to keep them in excellent condition. As a result, regular pruning actually promotes better growth. Therefore, it helps to ensure a tree enjoys balance and stability.
A Garden
Of course, a flower or vegetable garden holds numerous landscaping advantages, too! Stately homes in this locale often employ gardens advantageously to help showcase the beauty of the residence and its setting. If you do decide to install a garden, make sure you supply regular horticultural care; trim back exuberantly growing vegetation, remove weeds, and furnish your plants with the water and mineral supplements they require to thrive!
Retaining Walls
Quite frequently, a residence in will include an elegant retaining wall to help contain earth or rocks in the desired position. This landscaping feature may significantly increase the utility of a yard when a builder has constructed a home on sloping terrain. Therefore, homeowners may benefit by receiving knowledgeable input from a landscaper before installing these structures.
Water
Does your real estate offer a pond, a fountain, a bird-bath, or an in-ground sprinkler capability? Yards sometimes include one (or more) of these features. Additionally, energy-efficient sprinklers hold value in helping property owners maintain lawns, gardens, and trees in a vigorous, healthy condition. From a conservation standpoint, it remains important in our area to control and regulate the use of water to prevent waste.
Harness The Power of Regular Landscaping Services
Property owners with a lot of spare time and extensive landscaping experience sometimes choose to perform lawn, garden, and tree care entirely on their own. They may call upon a landscaper only for the initial design and installation of durable landscaping features, such as walks, walls, or pools. Finally, residents without time to expend on maintaining a stylish curb appeal often prefer to hire a landscaper instead to help ensure the property retains its allure throughout the year.
K&D Landscaping, Inc. - Your commercial and residential landscape design, installation and maintenance company serving Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley & Watsonville, CA.
7 Amazing Landscaping Tips for Your Santa Cruz Home
Santa Cruz, California, is a land full of juxtapositions. Redwoods flank the hilltops with the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean greeting the famous Boardwalk below. If you're lucky enough to live in this gorgeous region, you know that managing your landscape is part of being a homeowner. Landscaping for homes in Santa Cruz can be simplified when you follow a few tips from the experts. Here are the top seven tips that will encourage a flourishing landscape.
1. Go Native
Homeowners who're just trying to beautify their yards might opt for bright flowers picked at a local nursery. There's a lot more effort that goes into landscaping, however. You don't want to pick plants that are native to Colorado and plant them in Santa Cruz. The best way to spruce up your yard is to choose plants that are native to this region.
Consider these choices in your garden, including:
• Varied salvias
• Wild lilacs
• Bush anemones
The concept behind planting native plants is acclimation. These species are already attuned to the local weather patterns. They prefer Santa Cruz soils where pH levels and nutrients are unique to the area. These plants will also conserve resources, which helps the homeowners out when it comes to paying the water bills.
2. Try Drip Irrigation
Many people equate clouds and fog to the Santa Cruz region, which makes it similar to San Francisco. However, the bay isn't always permeated with fog or the marine layer. The sun can be quite strong at certain times of the year.
Conserve water with a landscaping tip that involves drip irrigation. This watering strategy involves hoses with openings where water drips out at a steady rate. Snake the hose among your flowers, herbs and foliage. Set a timer for regular watering. You have a system that saves both water and time.
The dripping water reaches the soil and roots almost immediately. There's very little moisture loss to evaporation, which is in stark contrast to traditional watering with a sprinkler head.
3. Garden Smart With Mulch
Your native plants and drip irrigation are fantastic additions to your landscape, but you can still improve upon the property. Pick up mulch created locally by residents and landscaping companies. Try organic mulches, which include:
• Shredded bark
• Lawn clippings
• Straw
Lightly cover any exposed soil with mulch. This layer protects the soil from excessive evaporation, especially on sunny days. It also provides an aesthetic appeal. Pick a mulch that compliments the home's exterior decor. Change it as you desire to update the appearance over the varied seasons.
Avoid rocks or synthetic mulch among your gardens. Organic mulches will break down into the soil. This process adds critical nutrients to the soil, which encourages microbe activity. Landscaping for homes Santa Cruz is both a science and art.
4. Avoid Pesticide Use
You've worked hard on your garden. It looks like a textbook photograph. However, there's an insect infestation. The knee-jerk reaction is to spray the plants with a pesticide. Most landscaping professionals frown upon this action, however.
Certain pests that are native to the region, such as the California Oakworm, come in seasonal waves. Your plants may be temporarily damaged by these pests, but they will die back as they go through their developmental stages. By spraying pesticides, the insects have a chance to build up an immunity that will serve them well in the future. Allowing nature to take its course is the best control strategy.
If you have any edible plants in the garden, avoiding pesticide use is even more important. You don't want to consume any chemicals. Santa Cruz is known for its love of organic and natural products, including clean fruits and vegetables.
5. Explore the Vertical World
Many Santa Cruz residents live in homes where they share rooms with other students or like-minded individuals, especially around the university and community college. If space is an issue, try a vertical garden as a clever tip in your landscape.
Fill out a porch or patio with a vertical garden that might include these plants, such as:
• Ferns
• Succulents
• Tomatoes
In reality, you can create a vertical garden that's either decorative or functional. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is possible with a vertical garden that's meticulously cared for each day.
Be sure to face the garden toward the sunlight so that maximum photosynthesis is possible. These plants will gain most of their energy from the sun as opposed to rich, soil conditions.
6. Bring the Beach
Santa Cruz is known for its beach and surfing lifestyle. It makes sense to incorporate these ideals into the landscape. Decorating with shells on the property might be your go-to idea, but consider beach grass as an accent.
Line a walkway or corner garden with beach grass that may have these hues, including:
• Green
• Beige
• Lime
• Light brown
If you live in a particularly windy location, the beach grass steadies the soil so that erosion isn't a major problem. During the rainy months, the grass holds tightly to the ground. Maintaining a neat-and-tidy garden through the winter and into spring is one of the perks of living on the Central Coast.
7. Enclose It
Visitors to the area may think of Santa Cruz as a paradise. Enclosing any part of the backyard isn't even a consideration. However, landscaping with a patio cover or sunroom is a smart addition to any property.
These covered spaces shield part of the property from the hot sunlight in the summer and rainy days during the winter. It's possible to enjoy the yard year-round as a result. Add shade-loving plants inside of this covered area too. They'll thrive in the controlled conditions.
Rain in the winter and sunny days permeating the summer, Santa Cruz can be a challenge from a landscaping perspective. Try a few tips out on your landscape, and see how the plants acclimate to the region. The Central Coast is famous for growing ample crops. This same concept can be applied to your yard for improved property values year-round.
How Will The New California Law Affect Your Landscaping?
For years, California has battled prolonged water shortages and droughts. Based on its tradition of riparian rights, water in California that crosses riparian land has historically been fair game for all. But a new watering law, which was signed by Governor Jerry Brown, is designed to restrict usage of the state's scarce water resources. While water was largely unrestricted before, residents will now be allowed a maximum of 55 gallons of water to use each day for residential purposes. California residents will undoubtedly have to make some modifications to their daily water usage, which includes using water-wise techniques to sustain a beautiful lawn and garden.
Understanding California's Water Rights
Water rights essentially give people legal permission to use a reasonable amount of water for activities like farming, fishing, swimming, and industrial purposes. California and most Eastern states distribute water based on a riparian system, which means that anyone can use water crossing riparian lands. In California, an individual could previously use up to 4,500 gallons of water each day. Until now, anyone who has used more water than the allocated amount has had to apply (and receive) a permit through the state's Division of Water Rights before continuing to use any more water.
What Has Changed With The New Law?
Under the new law, the amount of water that each person can use is far more restrictive than it was in the past. And instead of simply applying for a permit to use more water, the new law imposes a penalty if the maximum allocated amount of water is exceeded. Across the state, water companies are in charge of encouraging customers to reduce their water usage to 55 gallons daily. If citizens within a company's jurisdiction exceed that amount, the company can face tremendous fines – up to $1,000 per person, every day! Customers also have to pay fines for exceeding their water use.
How Will You Be Affected?
The average American citizen uses just over 17 gallons for an eight-minute shower. Cutting down a shower to five minutes can save about six gallons of water. Toilets and washing machines are the biggest sources of water usage. Toilets account for about 31% of water usage, and washing machines use anywhere from 15% - 40% of a home's water. Getting low-flow toilets and high-efficiency washing machines is a good way to cut back on water usage and save more water for other residential activities, such as landscaping and gardening. But even though you'll probably have to use less water on your yard and garden, don't worry. It's still surprisingly easy to keep your lawn and garden looking healthy and beautiful by following a few simple tips.
Water-Wise Landscaping
Even with landscaping and gardening, which can use large amounts of water, it's still possible to cut down on water usage and have a beautiful and healthy yard. One method is called water-wise landscaping. Water-wise landscaping is a technique that involves planning a yard based on the local climate and native flora. Once a water-wise yard or garden has been established, it should require much less watering than a typical garden. To maximize water efficiency, you'll have to follow a watering schedule and use good irrigation design. This can involve using either a manual or automatic sprinkler system and designing it so that it only applies water when needed.
Building A Water-Wise Garden
Taking the local climate into consideration, the next step in creating a water-friendly landscape means selecting the right plants, shrubs, and grasses for your garden. The technique of using water-wise plants in the garden is called “xeriscaping,” and it's a great way to add variety and color to your garden. In fact, you will probably be pleasantly surprised at the number of colorful, fragrant, and low-maintenance plants that will do quite well with minimal amounts of water. In California, as with other areas of the country, there is a considerable emphasis on using local and native plants to create a water-wise garden. Native plants adapt over time to their specific conditions. Therefore, they tend to grow better in a given area and use less resources like water, fertilizer, and pesticides. A local landscaping company in Santa Cruz can point out native plants that might do well on your property. Paying attention to the amount of sunlight, shade, temperatures, and wind direction that dominates your property helps you choose plants that need either sun, shade, or a combination of both.
Water-Wise Plants And Shrubs For California
Now that you have some idea of what your property's characteristics are, it's time to start building a beautiful yard and garden. If you're not sure what to get, feel free to contact us and we'd be glad to help you out. Fortunately, there are a variety of attractive plants and flowers that do quite well in droughts and in regions where there's less water available. Here are some good choices:
Blanket Flower
Spanish Lavender
Sea Holly
Kangaroo Paw
African Daisy
Pincushion Flower
Aloe
Strawberry Tree
Cotoneaster
Brittlebush
Blanket flower is a beautiful plant that with red-orange flowers that resemble the shape of a daisy. It requires a moderate amount of water. Spanish lavender is praised for its attractive dark purple flowers and delightful scent. Sea holly, with a purple-blue flower and silvery stems, is equally enchanting. Both Spanish lavender and sea holly require moderate water. Kangaroo paw is a stunning flower with yellow, red, or orange blooms. This plant can survive drought and does well in sandy soil. African daisy has blooms that cover a wide color spectrum of bright orange to dark purple. This flower also needs moderate watering.
If you want to get your garden going early in the year, pincushion flowers are a natural choice. Their colorful flowers appear in late January to early February, and they're perfect for cutting and placing in a vase. Aloe is another top choice for a water-wise California garden. In addition to providing soothing topical relief from burns and stings, aloe looks stunning in the garden with yellow, red, and orange blooms.
In addition to plants and flowers, trees and shrubs can make your yard pop. If you want to add a fruiting tree to your landscape, the strawberry tree is a wonderful option. The tree produces rich, flavorful berries that turn a deep red when mature. Strawberry trees are quite hardy and require little water. Cotoneaster and brittlebush are both shrubs that do well with minimal watering. Cotoneaster also produces colorful red berries, and it thrives in full sun.
How To Design Your Outdoor Entertaining Space
When you want to enhance the quality of your property, it's important to spend time improving the exterior to create a space where you can entertain your guests. Designing an entertaining outdoor space will allow you to spend more time outside and host parties throughout the year. When you're ready to start the project, there are a few ways to design an appealing and comfortable space with various materials and features used.
Create a Cabana
Whether you have a pool outside or you want your guests to relax, a cabana will allow your family and friends to lounge around in a comfortable setting. A cabana offers privacy when you want to sit or lay outside on upholstered patio furniture. Features like pillows and poufs add extra comfort options for you and your guests. The cabana can include sheer curtains that block the sun without affecting the view of the backyard.
Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity in many California homes. One reason for this is the flexibility outdoor kitchens provide. Outdoor kitchens allow hosts to entertain in the backyard every season. In addition, the chef can enjoy the party and cool summer breeze alongside the party guests instead of stuck in a humid kitchen.
Install a built-in grill with a mini-fridge where you can store beverages and different types of ingredients as you prepare the food. The kitchen can also include plenty of countertop space for prepping food. In addition, homeowners can include a bar to really give their party guests an amazing experience.
Add a dining table outdoors underneath a patio cover where your guests can spend time eating outdoors and can enjoy the surrounding view next to the kitchen. A table that can withstand the environmental elements in each season can be used long-term and will allow you to host large dinner parties after cooking the meal.
Add a Chalkboard Menu
If you're reading this, you probably love to entertain. Give your next dinner party a fun twist by adding a chalkboard to your outdoor kitchen. This gives you the opportunity to create a custom menu for your party. The chalkboard will allow your guests to stay informed on the different types of food that will be served. Not to mention, clean-up is easy when all one needs to do is wipe off the board for a clean slate.
Use a Projector Screen
A projector screen will prove to be useful for hosting moving nights in the backyard, which can allow you to invite dozens of friends over in the evening. You can lay blankets on the grass and put out a few patio chairs to host both children and adults. Take advantage of your outdoor kitchen to create a pizza movie night. Your friends and family will love being able to make personal pizzas while they watch their favorite movie under the stars.
If you don't have a projector, you can make your own screen using PVC pipes and a white sheet. Add a few side tables where your guests can place their bowls of popcorn and drinks while watching the latest blockbuster film.
Add Fire Features
Fire features add a touch of warmth to backyard settings. They allow you to have a place to gather around and share conversation with your guests. Fire features include bonfires where you can roast s'mores and stay warm at night when the temperatures drop. Add a seating around the fire pit to stay cozy and enhance the quality of the setting.
Tiki torches in the backyard can also illuminate the exterior setting and can ward off mosquitoes and gnats. They work well when lining the perimeter of the backyard and will contribute to the theme of your outdoor event.
Create Shaded Areas
Creating shaded areas on the property is necessary to ensure that your guests stay comfortable. After all, who doesn't enjoy a nice shady area to sit and relax in. A pergola will prove to be useful and will mimic the design of a cabana. Roof extensions and trellises are also ideal. They offer a cool area for guests to lounge. Pergolas are known to provide both sun and shade. In addition, their roof extensions completely block the sun. Trellises are known to provide a high level of privacy and look beautiful with plants that grow up the structure.
Use Proper Lighting
When your guests are having a good time, you can expect to have proper lighting available to ensure that the space is illuminated at night. String lights can be hung across a patio cover and will look whimsical. Lanterns can also hang from the trees in the backyard and will contribute to the design of the yard. You can also add solar lights on pathways to make it easy to navigate the property and reduce your energy usage. Candles can even be placed on the tables to ward off bugs and illuminate the space.
Designing a beautiful outdoor space will prove to be useful when you want to invite friends over and create new memories without having to leave the property. With the right steps taken, you can enhance the quality of the setting. Your guests will feel at home the moment they arrive.
Planning Guide: Everything To Consider Before Creating Your Outdoor Living Space
The summer is here! This means you're probably enjoying the weather and spending as much time outside as possible. This is the perfect time of year to rethink your backyard area and re-do your home's entire landscape scheme. Before you completely renovate, however, there are some things you need to consider:
Define Your Family's Needs
Whether you live alone or your family is the next 18 Kids and Counting, there are accommodations that must be made in your outdoor space. Is there enough room for the kids to play? What about pets? Do they have enough room to run around and do their business? Do you and your significant other like to entertain? Are there places for your friends and family to sit and enjoy each other's company? All of these wants and needs should be compiled in a master list to review when considering your outdoor living space. By prioritizing what you need and then adding in what you want, you can make the best use out of your yard.
When In Doubt, Porch It Out
An outdoor porch or deck is the absolute best way to enjoy your yard. With a solid, finished porch area, you can have dinner with your family or host a BBQ for the whole neighborhood. Another factor to consider is that the addition of a porch can increase the value of your home, and is a relatively cheap project to fund. If you are considering selling, now or in the future, a beautiful porch can set you apart from other buyers. If you are looking for more places to hang out in the summer, adding a porch or deck is your best bet.
Landscape to Create Your Perfect Escape
A gorgeous landscaping scheme can make an absolute world of difference in your backyard. A simple addition of a couple of plants and trees can give your yard a homey feel and can bring nature, color, and beauty to your home easily. First, look for plants that do well in your environment. Don't forget to consider what kind of a backyard you would like to build. What animals do you want to attract? And on the other hand, which ones do you want to stay away?
Thorough research on the plants you put in your backyard will pay off and help you create your own special ambiance. If you like to entertain at night, consider creating a night garden. By selecting plants that shimmer in the moonlight and give off beautiful smells in the evening time, you can create a haven for you and your close friends to enjoy.
Privacy Is Key
While some of us are lucky enough to absolutely adore our neighbors, some of us have a more of a "Dennis the Menace" relationship with those who live close by. If this is you, then maybe it's time to consider building in some privacy. A privacy fence, or even tall, thick trees can do the trick. This is a great way to keep nosy glances, toys from the neighborhood kids, and even noise pollution, out of your space. If privacy is something you need or value, consider a fence as one of your first investments when creating your backyard space.
Know Who You're Working With
Whether you are hiring someone to build your deck or plant your flowers, it is incredibly important to have professional help while redesigning any area of your house, especially the backyard. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and call around to find credible builders in your neighborhood. Rely on Google reviews and other websites, such as Yelp, for an honest review of the customer experience. Whomever you contract should have a great reputation, outstanding online rating, and a solid website with an honest list of all of their services.
Consider a Water Element
A pool or a hot tub can take your backyard from mediocre to outstanding. A nice hot tub or jacuzzi is a great way to relieve stress at the end of the day. A pool is destined to give you unlimited days of entertainment for your friends and family. Both of these things are aesthetically pleasing and can give your backyard a feeling of comfort and serenity. While pools and hot tubs are both large investments, they can also increase the value of your home and make a great backdrop while entertaining. Consider making the investment.
There are many different aspects to consider when designing your outdoor living space, but this list is a great place to start. Consider what would make you want to spend more time outdoors and what you would like to have when you invite company over. By knowing exactly what you want, you'll be able to craft a plan and strategy to create the outdoor setting of your dreams.
Hottest Outdoor Entertaining Trends To Expect This Summer
Who doesn’t love a great outdoor party. If you love to entertain, you’re probably already planning several outdoor events. Like indoor entertaining, outdoor entertaining trends are always changing. As a good host or hostess, it’s important you keep up to date on current trends to ensure you give your guests the ultimate experience. Whether it’s a family reunion, a business luncheon, or a graduation bbq, you’ve worked hard to make your event a reality. By incorporating popular entertaining trends into your outdoor event, you can ensure your event is a successful delight for everyone.
Planning on upgrading your outdoor entertaining space in time for summer entertaining? There are several exciting trends you should keep in mind. Keep reading to get a sneak peak at the hottest outdoor entertaining trends to expect this summer.
Outdoor Kitchens and Dining
Outdoor kitchens are quickly becoming the number one outdoor entertaining feature. Homeowners are dedicating a significant amount of outdoor space to designing an outdoor kitchen perfect for hosting.
Homes with outdoor dining options quickly become a desired spot for summer weddings, graduation celebrations, family reunions, and summer parties. After all, outdoor kitchens are a convenient way to enhance both the guest and the host’s experience. For example, hosts are no longer stuck cooking in the house while guests mingle on the patio. Instead, you can prep for the evening’s feast while chatting with all of your guests.
Outdoor kitchen and dining areas also expand entertainer’s living space. This makes it easier to control the overall flow and atmosphere of the party. You won’t have to worry about guests bottlenecking the staircase or crowding the living room anymore. Instead, guests enjoy themselves in your spacious outdoor kitchen as they dine.
With custom options available like pizza ovens and stone fireplaces, you really do have complete creative control. A local landscape designer can work with you to design an outdoor kitchen area perfect for you, your guests, and your local California climate.
Fire Features
When we said hottest outdoor entertaining trends, we meant it. This summer, hosts and guests alike are eager to gather around an outdoor fire feature. After all, there’s something undeniably welcoming about the warmth of a crackling fire.
Explore your outdoor living space to discover the perfect place to add a fire feature. A fireplace near retaining walls is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also doubles as a 24/7 functional gathering area. After all, the night air doesn’t seem so cold when have a cozy firepit to sit beside. Whether you want to extend your entertaining hours or you love the allure of an intimate night time fire, fire features are an outdoor living trend you won’t want to miss this summer
Luxurious Outdoor Furniture
Forget the traditional wicker chairs, this year is all about luxurious outdoor furniture. This year, homeowners are getting rid of their frayed, uncomfortable furniture and replacing it with gorgeous furniture that any guest of any age can enjoy. Not only will your guests enjoy the new additions to your outdoor living space, you’ll get to reap the benefits as well. After all, hosting an evening dinner becomes so much easier when you have a soft chair to sink into while you chat with guests on your deck.
Choosing the right outdoor furniture not only enhances everyone’s comfort, it also complements your landscape. A trendy homeowner can create the perfect party atmosphere with the right touch of outdoor art, fragrant plants, and inviting furniture. Use colorful furniture to create inviting conversation areas. Shaded decks create the perfect opportunity for summer business meetings. Elevate your pool parties with lounging chairs perfect for sunbathing.
Heat-Repelling Ceiling Fans
Outdoor living spaces are meant to be enjoyed all year long. This summer, entertainers are refusing to let the summer heat keep the party stuck indoors. You can expect to see a lot more ceiling fans being added to outdoor entertainment areas this year.
Technology is always changes, which is great for the year-around host or hostess. You’ll have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a fan powerful enough to drive the stuffy summer heat. You’ll also enjoy the added benefit of having a fresh breeze readily available during the hot autumn months as well. Plus, any cooking smells created in your outdoor kitchen will dissipate faster with a strong fan in action.
Unique, Eye-Catching Plants
One of the great advantages of having an outdoor entertaining space is the opportunity to include more nature in your living space. One trend you can expect to see this summer is more plants complimenting outdoor entertainment spaces. It can be something as simple and elegant as decorative flowers growing near your outdoor furniture. If you love to cook, planting fresh herbs and produce near your outdoor kitchen is an easy way to create a healthy, organic meal your guests won’t soon forget.
You can also expect to see more plants growing in and around outdoor living features. For example, homeowners can add custom designed pergolas with integrate drainage, heating, and lighting. This result will be an enchanting effect. Imagine how excited your guests will be to take photos with such a beautiful backdrop behind them. Not sure which plants would work best for you outdoor entertainment space? Consult with your landscaper for expert advice. An experience landscaper will be able to help you select plants that will complement your home and thrive in the Central Coast’s climate.
4 Fantastic Benefits Of Outdoor Living Spaces
When you think of your home, what do you see? You probably picture all of the rooms you love to spend time in. It could be the kitchen, home gym, game room, bedroom, even the bathroom. But how often do you picture your backyard when you think of home?
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that their living space is limited to only the inside of their house. However, homeowners who incorporate their landscape into their living area are the people who get the most value out of their property. Adding an outdoor living space to your home is the perfect way to enhance your living area.
Outdoor livings do so much more than just give you more living space. Many homeowners feel the additional benefits outdoor living spaces create makes the home improvement project an investment worth making. Keep reading to learn about 4 fantastic benefits of outdoor living spaces.
Increased Home Value
If you’re planning on moving soon, consider increasing your resale value of your property first. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add an outdoor addition to your home. By working with the right landscaping team, you can create a customized outdoor area that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
Many homeowners consider building an outdoor living space as an investment. They couldn’t be more right. After all, an outdoor living space is a great way to add character to your property. Depending on how large you make your outdoor living space, you could be making a significant financial investment in your home. With the ability to add features like outdoor kitchens, decks, pergolas, and arbors, the possibilities of adding value to your home are endless.
Reach out to a local landscaping company today to start planning your outdoor living space. Start now and your home will be ready just in time for summer guests. In addition, when you’re ready to sell, potential buyers will be falling head over heels at your home viewing.
Enjoy Additional Entertaining Options
When your home has an amazing outdoor living space, your backyard easily becomes the ultimate summer hang out. Imagine barbecuing on your deck while your friends soak up some rays of sun. Or, preparing a celebratory dinner under the stars in your very own outdoor kitchen. People will be delighted to receive an invitation to your next big event and guests will be admiring your home long after they leave.
Outdoor living spaces aren’t just great for getting guests to your event, they also help keep the party going all night long. You don’t have to worry about everyone crowding in the living room when there’s an array of comfortable outdoor furniture waiting in the summer air. Arbors decorated with seasonal flowers will be a popular spot for a guest photos. Best of all, if your outdoor living space has an outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy the party with your guests. Instead of being stuck in the kitchen you can chat alongside your friends and family while you prepare a fantastic meal.
Meal Prep Becomes A Breeze
Speaking of meal preparation, you can say goodbye to normal cooking hassle when you use your outdoor kitchen. Most outdoor kitchens have a grill, giving homeowners a chance to cook healthier meals. Don’t forget, your grilling options aren’t limited to just meat. You can also enjoy the delicious flavors of freshly grilled vegetables and fruits. Plus, cleaning up will be a lot easier with no grease or batter coating to worry about.
Your outdoor living space will draw visitors in and have them raving about your grilled meals and gorgeous home. Whether you’re hosting a garden wedding or throwing the ultimate backyard cookout, the right outdoor living space is sure to enhance the experience without increasing your workload.
Improve Your Health
While finding peace in the outdoors may just seem like the latest trend, there’s actually a long history outdoor living areas of being used to aid in the healing process. One way an outdoor living space can improve your home is by lowering your stress levels. Outdoor living spaces create the perfect opportunity to decompress after a long, tiring day. What could sound more appealing than sitting in the warm sun and enjoying the breeze after being stuck indoors all day. Try listening to the gentle sounds of nature or take notice of blooming flowers. Take a few laps in your pool while admiring the gorgeous tile mosaic beneath the water.
Spending more time outdoors can also boost your immune system. There’s a possibility that exposure to trees can help prevent asthma. Grass assists in eliminating airborne pollutants. Furthermore, people who are able to spend time in nature are often healthier and happier. If they do get sick, they often recover faster.
Start Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space
As you can see, there a multitude of benefits that come with adding an outdoor living space to your home. You’ve been dreaming of expanding your living space into the outdoors for a while. Now is the time to turn that dream into a reality.
Start doing some research to get ideas and inspiration. Already have something in mind? Reach out to a local landscapers to discuss all of the options available to you. Landscaping companies like K&D Landscaping Inc., have professional landscapers with years of experience. With expertise like that available, you’ll be able to create the perfect outdoor living space for you home.
Telltale Signs It's Time To Hire A Landscape Designer
Landscapes are a living form of decorative, functional art. It makes sense that a landscape comprised of mostly organic material would need some tweaking every season or so as it evolves over the years. However, there comes a point when your landscape needs a completely new look.
It’s not always easy to tell how much time and effort you’ll need to invest in your remodeling plans. Thankfully, hiring the right landscape designer can make the entire process so much easier. A professional landscape designer will work with you to create an outdoor living space you never want to leave. They can help you decide the best course of action to take to reach your landscaping goals.
While some signs, such as a completely dead yard, are an obvious hint your landscape needs the help of an experienced expert, other signs may not be so clear. Here are some telltale signs it’s time to hire a landscape designer to create your ideal landscape.
Your Yard Is A Disaster Zone
Maybe you were able to hide it at first, but you can’t cover it up any longer. Your lawn is completely brown, your flowers are wilting, and the neighbors are starting to whisper. If your plants are dying as fast as you plant them or if you’re dreading going into the backyard, it is time to remodel your landscape.
When you hire landscape designer, you’re hiring someone with years of professional experience. They know everything there is to know about the growing climate, plant life, and trending designs in your local community. A landscape designer can help you transform your old, wild yard into the envy of the entire neighborhood.
You’re Always Bringing New Plants Home
Can’t stand leaving a plant alone to fend for itself? If you’re the type of person who can’t resist a garden sale or who’s always collecting seed packets, chances are your backyard is overflowing with plants. While this might seem like a paradise at first, too much of a good thing can quickly turn to disaster.
A yard overrun with plants can quickly turn into a gardening nightmare. With too many plants and not enough space, it’s likely many of your flowers will end up dying from lack of resources. Working with a local landscaper can help you choose the type of plants that will thrive in your yard. This will help you cut back on the hard part of gardening and let you enjoy the fun parts.
Instead of spending countless hours pruning and maintaining hundreds of plants, you can use your precious time to give all of your attention to your most impressive flowers and vegetation.
Your Trees Need Serious Help
From scented pine trees to towering palm trees, these majestic landscape elements are meant to enhance the layout of any landscape. However, if not properly maintained, trees can become a danger to both people and property. If you notice any of the following signs among the trees on your property, contact a landscape professional as soon as possible:
- There are visible holes and cracks in the tree’s trunk.
- Branches keep falling from the tree.
- The tree’s branches extend too far into the territory of structures, wires, or other tree branches.
- The tree doesn’t have a solid foundation. In serious situations the tree will be noticeably leaning.
- There is no sign of foliage, even during the tree’s normal growing season.
- There is evidence of fungus, pests, diseases, or infestations.
Remember, when it comes to possibly diseased or sick trees, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you make an appointment to have your home’s trees thoroughly inspected, pruned, and treated if necessary.
Your Irrigation System Is 5 Years Or Older
Even the best irrigation system can’t last forever. Overtime, irrigation systems suffer wear and tear. Even the most meticulously maintained system can quickly become obsolete in this technological age. If your sprinkler or irrigation system is five years or older, you could be missing out on some stress-free landscape benefits.
Homeowners who update their irrigation system are enjoying the new standard of ease that comes with maintaining your lawn in the 21st century. With upgrades such as moisture control or weather analyzers, you’ll never have to worry about giving your lawn the wrong amount of water.
Environmentally friend upgrades like installing a greywater or rain harvesting system can do wonders for the nature in your community. Not to mention the added bonus of adding more green to your wallet. If you think your irrigation system is ready for an upgrade, don’t hesitate to discuss your options with your landscape designer.
You Have No Idea What You’re Doing
Can’t tell the difference between hardscape and softscape elements? Not sure which plants will bloom for years in your backyard? Feeling anxious at the very thought of designing the perfect outdoor living space? Sit back and relax. You don’t have to do this alone.
The local landscape design experts in your community are ready to help bring your landscape vision to life. Whether you need a few outdoor system updates or a completely new landscape design, make the smart choice to consult a landscaping professional. After all, when you’re making a property investment this important, it’s vital you assemble the best team possible.
6 Reasons To Remodel Your Outdoor Living Space
Residents of California’s beautiful Santa Cruz County know that warm, sunny afternoons are always on the horizon. With summer approaching, now is a great time to consider updating certain areas on your property. Remodeling your outdoor living space is a great investment choice. Not only will it increase your property value, it also ensures you and your summer guests get the most enjoyment out of your yard.
Your backyard should entice you to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Your patio should be one of the first places you consider when planning a special event or a private afternoon get-together. When designed with your lifestyle in mind, your outdoor living space could easily become your favorite “room” in your home.
If you’re not completely in love with your home’s outdoor living space, now is the perfect time to make the necessary updates and discover all the possibilities your home has to offer. Keep reading to learn six reasons why it’s time for you to remodel your outdoor living space.
1.) Increase Your Home’s Value
Outdoor home improvements are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, a 2017 Home Design Trends survey found that for the sixth year in a row, outdoor living spaces is the number one consumer interest when it comes to specialized home spaces.
You’ve already invested in the interior of your home. With warmer weather and longer days, now is the ideal time to invest in the outdoors and add to your home’s value.
2.) Create More Living Space
Feel like there’s not enough room in your home? Add more living space by creating a effortless flow between your indoor and outdoor living space. Find key points of similarity in your indoor and outdoor spaces to highlight. What unique gems does your landscape have to offer that you’d like to draw attention to?
Decorative outdoor furniture is a colorful way to entice family members and guests to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Creating a covered area ensures you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor living space rain or shine.
3.) Enjoy More Entertainment Options
The fun doesn’t have to stay indoors. When you expand your living space to the outdoors, you open up a whole new world of entertainment options. Outdoor kitchens are a must-have for memorable backyard dinners and celebrations. A fire pit is a great way to wrap up the perfect family day. Guests, young and old, will have a hard time resisting a custom designed pool as the summer days heat up.
Reach out to your local landscaping company to learn more about how you can increase your outdoor home entertainment options.
4.) Soak Up More Sunshine
Residents of California’s Central Coast are fortunate enough to enjoy gorgeous, mild weather all year long. With sunshine always close by, it makes sense for homeowners to make the most of the sun’s benefits.
Upgrading your outdoor living space to include an outdoor kitchen or dining area is a great way to effortlessly soak up more sun. Sunlight is a great way to increase vitamin D levels, which in turn can improve your overall health.
If you spend all day in the office, eating an evening meal on your backyard patio is a great way to give your body an extra health boost.
5.) You Could End Up Saving Money
Do you love to entertain? Beautifully designed outdoor living spaces are a fabulous way to entertain and impress guests, without going over-budget. Instead of driving guests to bars and restaurants for expensive drinks, you can host from within the privacy and comfort of your home.
Imagine how much money you’ll save when your guests are more excited to eat in your backyard than dine-out. Picture how convenient family vacations will be when everyone votes to enjoy a stay-cation this year. The right outdoor lighting can create the perfect enchanting atmosphere. Outdoor kitchens make it easy to keep the party going all night long. The possibilities are endless. With the right landscaping team, you can design the ideal outdoor living space for your unique lifestyle.
6.) Improve Your Health
If you love spending time outdoors, it probably comes as no surprise to you that all that time in the open air comes with a multitude of health benefits. As mentioned earlier, catching a few rays of sun with your meal is a great way to soak up some vitamin D.
Sitting indoors all day can be detrimental to your health, especially if you don’t have any fresh air circulating throughout the house. Stale air can lead to future physical and mental health problems.
If you want to improve your health, consider adding a luxurious outdoor kitchen to your outdoor living space. You can work with a landscape design time to create an outdoor kitchen you can’t wait to cook in. Spending time outdoors will eliminate indoor cooking odors and expose you to more sunshine and fresh air. Your skin and lungs will thank you every time you enjoy an outdoor meal. Not to mention how great it will feel to sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of your landscape.
Spring Is Here! Is Your Landscape Ready?
Spring has finally arrived! With more sunlight, longer days, and warmer weather available, this time of year is full of landscaping possibilities. Now is the time to hit the ground running by giving your landscape the spring maintenance it needs to bloom with the season.
However, for many busy homeowners, it can be hard to even find the time to make a spring landscape maintenance plan. While it can seem overwhelming at first, taking the time to develop a solid spring landscaping plan will help you get a greater return on your landscape investment. After all, you don’t want all of last year’s hard landscaping work to go to waste.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve compiled a list of spring maintenance ideas that will have your landscape thriving in no time. Keep reading to learn how you can take advantage of the new season to cultivate the landscape of your dreams.
Start Pruning
Many landscapers agree that pruning is an essential task for spring landscape maintenance. For best results, prune your trees and shrubs in the early weeks of spring. This will give them ample time to grow with the season.
Not only is pruning an efficient way to keep your trees and vegetation healthy, it can also prevent storm damage. Heavy rainfall from spring showers can cause weakened or diseased branches to come crashing down onto your property. Keep up with consistent pruning to minimize this potential threat.
Inspect And Strengthen Landscape Edging
If you want to get your landscape ready in time to entertain summer guests, maintaining your landscape edging is essential. In landscaping terms, edging is the area that defines the where your lawn ends and the rest of your landscape begins. In addition, edging is a great way to protect your landscape beds from excess sod.
During the cold winter months, your edging may have deteriorated. Take the time now to inspect your edging for any possible signs of seasonal damage. If you notice the edging is falling down or overrun with sod, take the time to repair and strengthen it.
Begin Planting
Spring is one of the best seasons to add new plants to your landscape. While you may be eager to get started, it’s important to wait until the ground is completely thawed. This will make it easier to add your new flowers, trees, and vegetation.
If you want plants that really thrive in California’s climate, reach out to your local landscaping team or nursery. There you can find landscaping experts with years of professional planting experience. They will be able to help you choose plants that can survive California’s weather and complement your current landscape design.
Add Mulch To Keep Your Landscape Healthy
Adding mulch to your landscape is a fantastic way to improve the health of your plants while giving your landscape a fresh look at the same time. By adding mulch to your landscape, you can have better control over the moisture. This is because mulch is able to absorb excess water from heavy rainfall. Then, overtime, the mulch slowly releases the water, enabling plants to get a healthy amount.
Mulch also has the added benefit of weed prevention. Adding the right amount of mulch will weigh down any budding weeds, effectively preventing them from growing and taking over your landscape. However, it is important that you add the right amount of mulch. Too much can end up suffocating your plants. Before you apply any spring mulch, make sure you have first removed any leftover fall mulch. It’s also important to wait until your spring plants begin to emerge above ground before you lay down any new mulch. This way you know where your plants are and won’t face the risk of accidentally covering them.
Find The Right Fertilizer For Your Landscape
Fertilizer is a great way to give your landscape the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. A good time to add fertilizer is just before or right after a light rain. If rain isn’t on the forecast, you can get around this by watering the designated area and then waiting two days before you add the fertilizer. Remember, timing is important. For example, if you want a lush green lawn in time for summer, the early weeks of spring are the perfect time to incorporate fertilizer into your lawn care routine.
It is also important to consider what type of fertilizer you will be using. Some fertilizers can include herbicides to prevent weeds from growing. Unfortunately, the components that kill weeds can also harm any other germinating seed. This includes your new plants. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial that you do some research to determine which fertilizer will work best for your unique landscape. You can also contact a professional landscaper to seek their expert advice.