Whether it’s turf grass for the kids, shrubs for color, or a retaining wall to prevent erosion, Landscaping Harrisburg PA adds character and curb appeal. But the choices can be overwhelming for first-time homeowners.
Local natural features, soil conditions, prevailing winds, and the system of native flora must be considered. These factors influence the final design and construction process.
Landscape plants are a big part of your outdoor space. They can provide various colors, textures and fragrances to enhance your property. They can also be used to create different types of outdoor living spaces. From a wildflower meadow to a meticulously manicured garden, you can find the right type of plants to fit your style. Some plants, like clumping grasses and evergreen shrubs, are easy to grow and maintain.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping is the term used for manufactured structures made of non-living materials that add structure and stability to a garden or outdoor space. The structure is often made from stone, wood or concrete and can be decorative or functional. The design possibilities are nearly endless and include anything from paved roads to fences, benches, patios, water features and more. The most important part of any hardscape is that it complements and flows with the softscape elements of your landscaping, such as grass, flowers and trees.
When choosing the right material for your hardscape, keep in mind that it will need regular maintenance to stay looking its best. Stains, mildew and other unwanted growth can quickly mar the beauty of a well-designed landscape. To prevent these issues, use proper cleaning methods and regularly apply a sealant to protect the surface from dirt and grime.
Using a natural cleaner that doesn’t contain chlorine or other harsh chemicals will help to avoid damaging your hardscaping materials and will also ensure that you’re not causing any unnecessary damage to the surrounding plants. Also, be sure to clean up any spills and messes promptly to prevent staining.
Hardscapes don’t just add aesthetic appeal to your home; they can also increase the value of your property. Potential buyers will be much more likely to show interest in your home if the yard and hardscaping are in good condition. Some of the most common hardscaping features include patios, decks, outdoor kitchens and stonework.
Another way to increase the value of your hardscaping is by adding a water feature, such as a fountain or pond. Water features can be a beautiful focal point and create a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Water also helps to cool the environment and can reduce humidity levels.
While adding water features to your hardscape, consider the amount of maintenance they will require. Many water features need a liner to retain the water and prevent it from seeping into the soil, which can cause damage to the surrounding vegetation. This type of hardscape can be a bit more expensive to maintain than other types, but it’s usually worth the investment.
Lighting
The final touches on any landscape project are the lighting fixtures and accessories. They can add to the aesthetic of your home, and they’re also useful for illuminating walkways and other elements around your yard at nighttime. Landscape lighting is also a great way to increase visibility on your property, which can deter intruders from entering your space.
Before deciding on the lighting fixtures you need, you should consider your desired aesthetic and the focal points you want to highlight. Using the right light can make or break your project’s success, and a landscape design professional can assist you with this process.
Depending on the fixture you choose, you may need to adjust the lumen output to get the right amount of illumination for your landscape. Lumen output is measured in watts, and the higher the wattage, the brighter your light will be. It’s important to select a fixture that can handle the amount of light you need for your landscaping, as using too much lighting can quickly become overbearing and unattractive.
Another important factor to consider when selecting your landscape lighting is the color temperature. The light’s color temperature should match the color of your landscaping and architecture, as this will create a cohesive look. For example, oak trees and brown siding look best with warmer lighting, while pine trees and gray exterior stone benefit from cooler color temperatures.
Path lights are a common type of landscape lighting that is used to illuminate walkways. They’re a versatile choice that can be placed in various locations, and many come with adjustable beam spreads so you can easily customize the direction of the light. These types of lights are also available in solar versions, which use the sun to recharge and don’t require electricity or batteries.
Sconces are a popular option for adding elegance to your outdoor spaces. These high-end fixtures can be found in styles that resemble indoor lighting, and they’re often made of solid brass or copper to resist corrosion. They can be placed on the ground, or hung from a pillar or pergola above your patio or dining room table.
Water features
Water features can be a beautiful addition to any landscape design. They can range from fountains to swimming pools and from rainwater harvesting systems to streams, ponds and waterfalls. Adding a water feature to your landscape can provide a wide range of benefits including reducing the amount of water you use for irrigation, creating habitat for wildlife and enhancing a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Water can be a great accent to your landscaping or it can become the focal point of your garden. Whether you want a simple fountain or a large swimming pool, we can help you decide what is right for your property and budget. We will take into account the location, water source and other factors to create a design that will fit your space and create a functional environment.
The most popular type of water feature is a recirculating fountain. These can be as simple as a bubbling vase or as complex as a formal fountain. They work by utilizing a pump that draws water from a hidden reservoir (or pond) and then pumps it back up through the fountain. These types of water features are very easy to maintain and can be run all the time if desired.
There is something deeply soothing about the sound of water trickling in a garden. It evokes memories of childhood summer days playing in the sprinkler or splashing in the puddles after a rain shower. Incorporating a water feature into your landscape can make your backyard a place that you and your family will enjoy year round.
While many people desire to have a pool in their backyards, not everyone has the space or desire for a full-blown swimming pool. That doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate the beauty of water into your yard in other ways.
A fountain is an attractive way to add the mesmerizing sounds of flowing water to your landscape. The sound of a fountain can also drown out background noise and enhance privacy in your backyard.
For those who love to swim but do not have the space for a pool, a water feature like a waterfall is an excellent alternative. These are typically smaller than a pool and do not require any chemicals, making them a safe option for children and pets. They can also be a more natural and aesthetically appealing choice as they mimic the sounds of nature and are often designed to look as if they are carved out of stone rather than constructed.
