When you invite a landscape professional to your home to propose a project, there are specific property aspects that are noticed right away that can have a big impact on the care and maintenance of your landscape. After all, the outdoor space is often the biggest “room” in the house! Here’s how your property is seen and evaluated through a pro’s eyes:

 

1.   Safety First. We look at how people move from public spaces (roads or municipal walkways) to your front door as well as around your property itself.

  • Are there broken pieces of concrete or loose pavers?
  • Are there any steps that have loose or failed treads?

Any irregular or uneven walking surfaces are tripping hazards that could result in a fall from a mail delivery person or a guest.

Next, we look at:

  • Is there a minimum 3 ft landing out from the front door?

This is important to have adequate mobility within a door swing. A single shallow step at a doorway is both out of current building code and a fall hazard.

  • Have shrubs grown over front windows?

This is a home security concern.

  • In assessing other structures, such as decks, are there rotting boards or failing railings? Are railings graspable? Are the steps secure and firm?

The slow wear on materials can be hard to spot when you are looking at it everyday. The fresh eye of a professional can solve that issue.

 

2.   Water-related issues. Water can cause significant damage to a property.

  • Do the downspouts discharge at foundations?

This could cause basement water issues. Best practice is to have water discharge at least ten feet from foundations and move it to where the water can slowly disperse and percolate.

  • Are there signs of erosion?

Mulch should not be the predomiate surface in a plant bed; erosion is best managed by plants, either turf grass or a mix of shrubs and perennials.

  • Are there signs of poor drainage?

Puddles that last for more than a few hours on lawn may point to poor drainage.

  • Have years of deep mulch caused water to flow back toward foundations areas instead of away from the foundation?

Water should move away from foundation areas. We would look for evidence of clogged drains.

 

3.   Conditions of existing plant material. Plants can show the overall health of the landscape. Healthy plants are tools for erosion protection, shade, privacy, beautification and much more.

  • Are plants declining because they are lacking pruning?

Rubbing branches invites disease and congested canopies can become storm hazards and fall on power lines. Creating open canopies will allow lawn below to improve.

  • Are surface roots creating issues?

Surface roots can be tripping hazards or impact sidewalks or driveways

  • Are shrubs invasive or taking over beds?

We would suggest removing invasive species. We look at overall condition, that they been properly pruned to good habit, or if they are past their useful life and need removal and replacement.

 

4.   Lawn. Lawn illustrates that a property is well cared for and provides high-levels of curb appeal. We look for lawn to be:

  • Is the turf smooth, even, and without depressed areas?
  • Is there a good balance of lawn to plant beds and are they in balance with the overall property?
  • Is the lawn full of weeds?

Weeds in lawn increases the amount of weeds in plant beds, so reducing weeds in lawn helps with overall garden maintenance.

 

5.   Sun and Shade. Creating shade on a property will help keep a home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

  • Outdoor living spaces are best enjoyed when there is some amount of shade created by trees, pergolas, or other shade structures.

 

6.   Outdoor living areas. Ensuring the outdoor space is being used in the desired way of the client can change the whole feel of the home.

  • Do the spaces connect to the architecture via paths, stairs and walkways?
  • Do they reflect the needs of the homeowner?
  • Are these walking areas in good condition? Free from irregularities?
  • Would the circulations benefit from night lighting?

Night lighting is a high-value landscape improvement.

  • Do the spaces function appropriately?

Are they large enough for dining, seating, cooking, and any other use needed by the homeowner? Or, is there a lack of outdoor living space that could be added?

 

Qualified landscape professionals can help you get the most from your property to increase property value and to utilize the outdoors in new ways.