Seven Simple Steps to Maximize Curb Appeal

Transform Your Landscape with Shrubs

The front yard is the first impression of your home and it plays a major role in curb appeal. Adding shrubs to your landscape design can greatly enhance the appearance of your home and increase its value. Shrubs are versatile plants that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for creating interest and visual appeal in your garden. Plus, they are relatively low maintenance and provide year-round beauty. In this blog, we will walk you through seven simple steps to help you maximize your curb appeal and transform your landscape with shrubs.

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Take some time to plan out your design. Consider factors such as the size of your yard, the style of your home, and your personal preferences. Think about where you want to place shrubs and what type of effect you want to create. Do you want a symmetrical look or something more natural and free-flowing? Make a rough sketch or use a landscaping design tool to visualize your ideas.

Step 2: Choose the Right Shrubs

When selecting shrubs for your landscape, it's important to consider their size, growth habit, and maintenance requirements. Choose shrubs that will complement the style of your home and fit well in the available space.

Some popular options include:

Boxwood - a type of evergreen shrub or small tree that is known for its dense foliage and compact growth habit. It is often used in landscaping and gardening for creating hedges, topiaries, and borders. Boxwood leaves are small, oval-shaped, and typically have a glossy, dark green color. This versatile plant is valued for its ability to provide structure and formality to garden designs, as well as its resistance to pests and diseases.

Hydrangea - a flowering shrub that produces large, showy blooms in various colors such as pink, blue, purple, and white. It is often used to add color and texture to gardens and can be pruned into different shapes and sizes. Hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow and require medium maintenance.

Holly - a popular evergreen shrub that is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries. It provides year-round interest in the landscape and can be used as a privacy screen or as an accent plant. Holly shrubs are hardy and require low to medium maintenance.

Juniper - a type of coniferous shrub that is known for its needle-like foliage and low-growing, spreading habit. It is often used as a ground cover or to add texture to gardens and landscapes. Junipers are relatively easy to grow and require low maintenance.

Loropetalum - also known as Chinese fringe flower, this deciduous shrub produces clusters of pink or purple flowers in the spring. It is often used for its ornamental value and can be trained into different shapes through pruning. Loropetalums are low maintenance and ideal for adding color to gardens with their unique foliage and blooms.

It's also a good idea to mix different types of shrubs to add texture and variety to your design. Consider choosing shrubs that offer different seasonal interest, such as bloom time, fall foliage color, or winter berries. This will ensure that your landscape looks beautiful throughout the year.

In addition to providing visual interest, certain shrubs also attract wildlife to your garden. For example, holly shrubs are a great source of food for birds and juniper can provide shelter for small animals. By incorporating these types of shrubs into your landscape, you can create a more diverse and welcoming environment for both plants and animals.

Step 3: Plant with Care

When it comes to planting shrubs, location is key. Consider the amount of sunlight and water your chosen area receives as well as the type of soil. Make sure to space your shrubs properly to allow for healthy growth and avoid overcrowding. Dig a hole that is at least twice the width of the root ball and plant your shrub at the same depth it was in its container. Water thoroughly after planting and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.

Step 4: Provide Proper Care

Proper care is essential for keeping your shrubs healthy and thriving. Make sure to water them regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. It's also important to fertilize your shrubs once or twice a year, depending on their needs. Prune your shrubs as needed to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. And don't forget to check for pests and diseases regularly.

Step 5: Consider Year-Round Interest

To keep your landscape looking beautiful throughout the year, choose shrubs that offer different features in each season. This could include colorful blooms, interesting foliage, or attractive bark. Also, consider evergreen shrubs to provide a consistent backdrop for your landscape design. With careful planning and selection, you can ensure that your landscape remains visually appealing year-round.

Step 6: Think Beyond Aesthetics

While shrubs are often chosen for their visual appeal, they can also serve practical purposes in your landscape design. Consider using shrubs as natural barriers or privacy screens, especially when strategically placed around seating areas or near neighboring properties. Shrubs can also be used to help reduce noise pollution and improve air quality.

Step 7: Consult a Professional

If you're unsure about which shrubs to choose for your landscape, consider consulting a professional landscaper or horticulturist. They can offer valuable advice and recommendations based on your specific location, climate, and design preferences. Additionally, they can help with the proper placement and maintenance of your shrubs to ensure their long-term health and beauty.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of shrubs and incorporate them into various areas of your yard for maximum impact. And remember, when in doubt, consult a professional for guidance and expertise. Happy planting!