Summer in Georgia can be brutal on a landscape. From the intense heat to the not uncommon drought conditions, keeping a lush summer landscape can be difficult. However, there are a number of things you can do to along with such landscape maintenance tips ensure that your Atlanta landscape looks inviting.

Summer Landscape TLC

• Trim : Take a walk around your landscape and note any shrubbery, trees or vines that have become unruly. Then, pull out the garden shears and trimmers and cut back any excessive growth. Not only will this make your yard look better, but it will help the plants be healthier.
• Trellis: Do you have vines near your house? Consider adding a trellis. Trellis come in a variety of sizes and styles, or you might want to have a custom design that suites your style. Either way, a trellis can keep the beauty of vines without risk of your landscape being overtaken or damaging your home’s foundation.
•  Driveway Dress Up: Often, the driveway area gets overlooked. Consider lining it with a colorful flower garden, or shrubbery to add a soft yet finished appearance. Another great way to spruce up your driveway is to install driveway lighting!
•  Water: We all know how quickly a water shortage can occur in Georgia. If you have an irrigation system, be sure that it is set for optimum times such as early morning or late evening. Also, ensure that it won’t turn on, after, or during a rain to prevent overwatering.
• Pay Attention: Because summer sun and harsh weather can be damaging to your plants, be sure to periodically peruse your yard. Bolster struggling plants where needed, while removing those plants that may have died.
•  Weed: It often seems as though the weeds thrive, while the wanted plants can barely survive. Be vigilant in your weeding or let us do it! Proper weeding can get rid of unwanted plants that are pulling nutrients away from the desired plants.
• Fertilize: Give your summer landscape a boost, by spreading a layer of fertilizer. This will help trap in moisture and protect it from the sun’s harsh rays.
• Plant Tropical Bulbs – Consider plants such as caladiums, elephant ears, cannas and gingers. These plants thrive in high heat and provide a beautiful garden area.
• Aquatics: Consider adding in a water feature. This will not only add curb appeal but provides a place for you to unwind. It also gives area wildlife a place to hangout, which means everyone wins.
• Be Personal: Don’t forget to show off your style! Be sure your landscape includes a structure such as a pergola, gazebo, or shaded area. Outdoor entertainment spaces, such as a pool bring, bring fun design elements and seating for staying cool this Summer!

You don’t have to be a master landscaper or have a perpetual green thumb to have a beautiful lawn. Instead, contact our team at Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces. Our landscape experts will work with you to create and maintain a beautiful landscape for summer and beyond!

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Deciding on the perfect landscape design plan can seem overwhelming. It is even more challenging when you realize your Atlanta yard is a blank canvas that can be improved with features beyond plants. A few examples are custom walkways, fountains, patios and other structures. Additionally, a variety of outdoor lighting can be incorporated.

If just reading this brief list of possibilities makes you stress, then you are not alone! Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces are experts at landscape design projects. Our experts put together some do's and don'ts that should be considered when starting your landscape design project.

What You Should Do During A Landscape Design Project:

• Determine your budget before you begin. You don’t want to be mid-project and need to stop! Creating a clear budget prevents any incomplete projects.
• Think about your yard and how you envision it using it. Do you think you will be doing some outdoor entertaining? An outdoor kitchen or fully functional patio with built-in grill should be included. Need a place for relaxing? Consider a water feature with comfortable seating. Whether it is a place for the kids to play or a quiet spot to relax, be sure to include these features when creating your landscape design plan.
• Take time to sketch out some ideas of what you see your yard looking like. Keep in mind that the best landscape designs don’t always follow a straight line! The sketch doesn’t have to be perfect, just a rough idea to help you include the desired features.
• Remember that you can do landscape design projects in stages. This is where having a basic layout in mind can help you determine priorities and where to spend your money. By doing this, you can plan multiple phases of your project.
• Do keep in mind that it’s better to invest in small sizes of fast-growing plants. This is so you can spend more on larger, slow growing plants with a longer lasting impact.
• Think about how much time you are willing to invest on your landscape maintenance. Once your landscape is in place, you will have to maintain it. Considering the maintenance early on will prevent any future issues with your landscape upkeep.
• Peruse the designs and styles of other neighbor’s yards and note what appears to work (or not). Also, always be sure to check if there are any requirements for your HOA.

Also Read: DIY Landscape Ideas: When to Seek Professional Help

What Not to Do When Starting Your Landscape Design Project:

• Don't forget about each of the different seasons. Be sure to choose plants that will provide color and style for as much of each season as possible.
• Don't be afraid to remove older plants that are dying or overgrown. This will help the ground and soil recover. Old or overgrown plants take nutrients from the soil. As a result, this prevents new or desired plants from thriving.
• Don’t get caught up in trends. Choose design elements that compliment your home, not compete with it.
• Don't chose furniture or other elements requiring an excessive amount of maintenance! The point of landscape design is to help you relax as often as possible. The last thing you want is to spend time constantly cleaning or adjusting furniture.
• Don’t overlook the value of water features, outdoor lighting, and other decorative features. Each of these options help add an atmosphere of relaxation and a piece of character to your home.

By keeping each of these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can ensure a satisfying home landscape project. If you are ready to kick off your landscape design project, contact us today. Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces is a family-owned and -operated landscape design company in Atlanta, GA.

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