What You Need To Know About Landscaping
Landscaping is the art and craft of growing plants to create beauty within the landscape. Landscaping Harrisburg PA includes outdoor living spaces like kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, and swimming pools.
With sustainability top of mind, more clients are asking about ways to create ecologically-aware landscapes. This involves grouping plants by water requirements, designing and scheduling efficient irrigation systems, and using native vegetation that has evolved naturally in a region.
Hardscaping is the non-living part of a landscape. It consists of stones, wood, concrete and other solid materials that add style and function to your outdoor space. It serves as the perfect complement to “softscaping,” which are the trees, shrubs and flowers that provide natural beauty to your property.
A well-designed hardscape will make your home stand out in the neighborhood and increase its value. In addition, it will provide an opportunity to relax in your own backyard. Some popular hardscaping projects include patios, garden paths, fire pits, gazebos and pergolas.
Unlike softscapes, hardscaping requires little maintenance. The main task is to keep the area clean and clear of debris, preventing unwanted growth like mildew and mold, and removing any spills immediately. This will ensure the longevity of your hardscape.
Although hardscaping is not as versatile as softscape, it is a great way to add a personal touch to your landscaping design. You can incorporate different colors, shapes and sizes to create a unique design that will reflect your personality. In addition, you can match your hardscaping to the exterior of your house to create a seamless look.
Another benefit of hardscaping is that it can be used to encourage people to walk through the landscape. This can be done by creating pathways or bridges that connect different areas of the yard. It can also be done by adding a focal point like a fountain, pond or sculpture to draw attention and encourage interaction with the environment.
Stairs are also a good example of hardscaping as they can be constructed from stone, brick or wood and can serve a functional purpose in the landscape by encouraging people to walk through it. However, it is important to always have an alternative route next to stairs for those with mobility issues.
Using sustainable materials in your hardscape will help to reduce the environmental impact of your landscape. For example, using permeable pavers will allow rainwater to drain into the soil, rather than pooling on the surface. This can reduce the amount of water that is used for irrigation and reduce the need for salt for de-icing walkways and driveways in cold climates.
Plants
Plants are organisms that use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates. They form the largest group of organisms on the planet and are divided into more than 50,000 different species. This group is classified in the clade Viridiplantae and includes algae, land plants and vascular plants. Some of these plants are used for medicinal purposes, while others are ornamental.
Landscapers must take into account several factors when working with plants. These include the plant’s hardiness, its ability to survive a change in climate and its ability to grow under the conditions of a particular area. They also consider the aesthetics of the plants and how they will look in the final landscaping design.
In addition to the physical properties of the plants, landscapers also have to be aware of their cultural and historical significance. This knowledge can help them choose the right plants for an area and plan a garden that will complement a home’s architecture. The selection of the proper plants can also minimize the amount of chemicals needed in the landscaping.
Another important consideration is how a plant will react to the environment. This includes the climate, soil quality, prevailing winds and the presence of natural predators and prey. The landscaper must be able to adapt the plants to these conditions and modify the terrain to make it more suitable for the plants.
Landscaping is a highly specialized field that requires extensive training and skills. Many colleges offer programs in landscape technology or ornamental horticulture. These programs typically last for two years and lead to an associate degree. The curriculum includes courses in horticulture, landscape design and the science of planting and growing plants. Many colleges also have continuing education programs that allow graduates to upgrade their skills.
In addition to residential landscaping, there are also commercial landscapers who work on office buildings, hotels and shopping malls. In this type of work, the landscaper must be able to maintain large lawns and create outdoor seating areas. He may also have to install and maintain irrigation systems in these areas.
Lighting
Landscape lighting brings your garden and home’s architecture to life after dark. It highlights prized plantings, accents your driveway and entrance, and beckons guests to explore your outdoor space. It also provides safety, security and beauty in the form of walkways, steps and stairs.
Light fixtures are available in a variety of styles, colors and wattages. LED bulbs offer a warmer tone and use less energy than incandescent bulbs, and many fixture styles have “eyelids” that reduce glare. You can also add photocells, timers or motion sensors to control your lighting.
Landscape spotlights shine a controlled intense beam on focal points like flowers, small shrubs and statuary to create sparkling islands of interest. They can also highlight the texture of an interesting surface such as tree bark or a masonry wall. Back lighting emphasizes silhouettes and depth and creates drama. It is especially effective in a garden during the hours of dusk and after sunset when color changes occur.
While some people worry that the light emitted by landscape lights may harm or damage nearby plants, it is not likely to do so. Most trees and other plants absorb the sunlight they need to survive through photosynthesis. This sunlight contains the visible spectrum, which is comprised of wavelengths from violet to red. Landscape lighting is also designed to emit the same wavelengths as sunlight but at a lower intensity level.
Down-lighting, also known as moon lighting, gives a soft romantic effect. It is achieved by mounting light fixtures facing downward often on the ground or on a low wall. Up-lighting provides a bolder effect by pointing the light at features such as the trunk or canopy of a tree to highlight its shape and structure.
It’s important to consider your view point when planning for your lighting. This is the place from which you will enjoy your landscape, usually a spot directly in front of your house. The least desirable choice for view point landscape lighting is top lighting because it eliminates shadows and makes everything look flat. However, this effect can be attractive when you want to highlight an architectural feature or a statue with an iconic silhouette.
Maintenance
Landscape maintenance involves ensuring that the plants, trees and other elements in a garden or yard remain healthy and visually appealing. This includes pruning, weeding, fertilizing, watering, mowing and more. When performed correctly, these services can increase the overall value of a property. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before hiring a company for this service. A landscaping company will usually offer multiple packages that differ in price and scope. It’s also important to understand that some maintenance services may be necessary but not necessarily attractive.
Landscaping companies can also be responsible for the installation of landscape elements, constructing hardscaping features and laying down sod or other ground cover. They may also be responsible for identifying and controlling pests that damage plants or cause other problems. They should also be able to communicate well with clients and provide updates on the status of their work.
It’s essential that landscapers have a good understanding of the local environment and the specific conditions that will affect the garden or yard they are maintaining. They should be able to analyze the soil, prevailing winds and the native flora and fauna in the area. It’s also important to be aware of how much water and other resources are needed to keep the garden healthy. This information can be used to create a sustainable maintenance plan that will help reduce the use of materials and labor.
Generally, landscapers will perform reactionary tasks when they notice signs of deterioration in the landscape. For example, if the grass is starting to turn brown, they may water it. This can help prevent further deterioration, but it doesn’t fix the underlying issue that caused it. Therefore, it’s important for landscapers to develop a proactive approach that will not only prevent deterioration but will also improve the garden.
When choosing a landscaping company, make sure they are able to offer all of the services you need under one roof. This will save you time and money and ensure that all aspects of your property are taken care of by professionals. It’s also important to choose a company that has a reputation for quality work. You can find out more about a company’s reputation by reading online reviews and asking other people who have used their services for recommendations.
