Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance

Lawn Care

• Grounds maintenance usually involves lawn care. Mowing the lawn regularly keeps the lawn looking good; most municipalities also have requirements about lawn height. When mowing, cut off only the top third of the grass blades, and use a sharpened blade on the mower to provide a clean, straight cut on the lawn. A dull mower blade can tear the grass blades, leaving uneven edges that can promote disease. Using a mulching mower rather than bagging the lawn chops the clippings into small bits that act as fertilizer. Ask your local lawn and garden center for advice about watering and fertilizing your lawn, as it varies by region, lawn type and time of year.

Outdoor Structures

• Outdoor structures can involve anything from a garden fountain to a shed. When you begin this type of project, take into account factors such as your home's architecture, the amount of space available, local building codes and features in your yard. If you need space to store equipment and tools, a shed can be the solution. A deck or patio provides you with a place to gather outdoors without fear of standing around on a muddy lawn. Other options include a gazebo, fire pit, fountain or trellis.

Vegetation

• A major component of landscaping is planting flower beds and gardens. Flower beds planted around the perimeter of your home can help hide the part of the foundation that rises above ground and provide a smoother transition between the side of the house and the ground. Planting flower beds in different areas of the yard can break up an otherwise plain lawn. A vegetable garden can provide you with fresh, home-grown vegetables for you and your family to enjoy. Go to your local nursery or home and garden center for advice about which plants are best for your geographic area.

Lighting

• Landscape lighting is a way to accentuate your landscaping at night. Properly done, landscape lighting can provide dramatic accents in your yard. Path lights are small lights installed along a walkway or driveway. These lights can be powered by electricity or you can install solar lights, which are charged by the sunlight during the day and light up at night. You can light up a tree by installing a floodlight at the base of the tree. You can also install access lighting to highlight the outside of your home or outdoor structures like fountains or gazebos.