COBB-MARIETTA LANDSCAPERS
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The landscape is an integral part of a home's beauty and can greatly increase its value. According to the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), the right landscape can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, which may allow you to recoup 100 to 200 percent of your investment. However, choosing the right landscape can be difficult.
Importance of planning
Planning is the most important part of landscaping. Creating a beautiful landscape is like taking a trip; without a destination, a homeowner will encounter many wrong turns and frustrations. Trained landscape architects can help clients clarify the destination by first identifying wants and needs. Some questions they might ask include: How will the space be used? Will entertaining take place outside at the home? If so, what type of entertaining? Is privacy a large concern? Are play areas needed? Are upkeep or water restrictions an issue? Is gardening a hobby? What type of "look" is desired? The answers to these questions form the foundation for creating an exceptionally beautiful and also practical landscape.
Generating landscaping ideas
Landscape architects and landscape design/build firms can help clients develop creative visions of a property's possibilities. Additionally, with a wide variety of landscapes found in almost every neighborhood, neighbors' and friends' homes are exceptional sources of landscaping ideas. Other sources are the countless books and magazines written about landscapes and gardens. Finally, garden shows, such as the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta, are a great source of ideas and also provide the opportunity to meet landscapers.
Landscape components
Landscapes are an integration of both hardscapes and softscapes. Hardscapes are permanent structures that require installation and construction, such as patios and fences. Softscapes are the natural living components, such as plants and trees.
Common hardscape components
Terraces. Terraces provide a creative way to turn an unwanted slope into a series of beautiful steps or step gardens. Terracing can be accomplished with landscaping timbers or retaining walls.
Walkways, benches, and gazebos. Walkways, benches, and gazebos are decorative and useful landscape components. They are available in a wide variety of designs and materials.
Irrigation systems. Many consider an irrigation system an integral part of enjoying and maintaining a beautiful landscape. (See sprinkler system companies section.)
Decks and patios. Decks and patios are great for entertaining and for simply enjoying the time spent outdoors. Typically, they are positioned adjacent to the house to allow easy access. (See deck contractors section.)
Retaining walls. Retaining walls, which can be constructed out of brick, stone, or wood, are useful wherever changes in elevation occur. Common uses include lining driveways, lining paths, and creating terraced gardens.
Garden ponds. Garden ponds are designed and constructed to enhance a garden. These are self-enclosed systems and can include waterfalls, bridges, fountains, and even fish.
Rocks and boulders. A large rock or boulder can be a rustic focal point in any yard. Boulders can stand alone to give character to a flat lawn, or be used to anchor a garden. Smaller rocks can be used to accent gardens or for edging.
Lighting. Lighting is an important and integral part of landscaping. Lighting can create an elegant nighttime atmosphere and can draw attention to particular aspects of both the landscape and the home.
Fences. Fences provide security, create privacy, and help control the whereabouts of children and pets. They are constructed out of a variety of materials and can substantially improve the visual attractiveness of a landscape. (See fencing contractors section.)
Outdoor fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces are a relatively new trend in hardscapes, and they are growing in popularity. They provide a unique focal point to landscaping and enhance the character and the usefulness of an outdoor living space. An outdoor fireplace can be an excellent part of a landscaping investment, since it enables the homeowner to enjoy the yard even in the cooler months. Fire features can be custom-built or pre-manufactured. Though popular, a custom-built fireplace can be tailor-made to suit the homeowner's unique landscaping plan.
Fire pits. Fire pits are contained areas to build an open fire. Available in wood- or gas-burning options, fire pits can be built-in or portable. They can be finished in a variety of materials, most commonly concrete, stone, or brick. With no side enclosures, a fire in a fire pit can be enjoyed from any angle.
Built-in fireplaces. Built-in fireplaces are full-scale fireplaces with a hearth and chimney. A built-in outdoor fireplace completes the feel of an outdoor "room" with the look of a traditional indoor fireplace. A sturdy, permanent feature, fireplaces are usually constructed with a steel frame, and common finishes include brick, tile, stone, or concrete.
Common softscape components
A professional landscaper will know what to grow and where to grow it in order to suit the needs of the project. Climate, type of soil, amount of light, and water restrictions are all considerations when planning softscapes.
Trees, shrubs, and ground cover. A variety of beautiful trees, shrubs, and ground cover thrives in the Georgia climate. Combinations of these can create a visually pleasing scene characterized by texture, contrast, proportion, scale, and balance.
Mulch, grass, or ivy. Depending on space use, a variety of ground-cover alternatives exist. If children or grandchildren frequent the home, at least a portion of the yard should be grass. For unused sections of the yard, the low maintenance options of mulch, pine straw, and ivy may be preferred.
Flower gardens. Many homeowners incorporate both perennials and annuals into the garden design. For example, annuals such as pansies are often planted in the late fall for color throughout the winter months. In the spring, summer flowers are planted to replace the pansies.
Drought-resistant landscaping
With ever-increasing demands on water in the Atlanta area, many homeowners will want to consider drought-resistant measures when planning their landscaping. Water restrictions are a fact of the present and possibly the future. Some plants require more water than others and may fail if not regularly watered. A landscaper should consider the proper softscape components to match the level of watering and maintenance the homeowner can provide.
Professional landscaping firms
Landscaping companies, like any company working at the home, should carry both workers' compensation and liability insurance. Click here for more information on
insurance. Some of the best landscaping firms identified in Home Reports research are landscape design/build firms. These companies have registered landscape architects and/or designers, project managers, and laborers on staff to take the landscape from conception through completion and beyond to maintenance. A few landscaping companies did well in the Home Reports research.
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