When most people think of a perfectly maintained lawn, they think solely of mowing, weeding, and fertilizing. However, far more goes into the principles of landscape construction. The concept encapsulates hardscaping (the construction of hardscapes like fire pits, walkways, walls, etc) and softscaping (the installation of plants and soil). Together, these two elements can craft a gorgeous, functional, and pleasing outdoor space. To do this, though, takes planning. To make it easy for you to start, we will discuss the basics of landscape construction and lawn maintenance to give you a leg up on your outdoor design.
The Role of Planning in Landscape Construction
An outdoor space often ends up as a menagerie of ideas implemented over the seasons as homeowners attempt to DIY the area whenever they have time. However, this can create a mismatched look that lacks functionality and efficiency. To truly make a cohesive outdoor space, it takes considerable planning. Even if you can’t complete all your desired projects at once due to monetary constraints, having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference.
When planning your landscape construction, there are strategic steps to follow. We cannot recommend enough having a professional designer layout your outdoor space. They can take your ideas and desires and craft a cohesive design with intertwined elements to create a balanced, functional, and pleasing space. Even if you have to do it in pieces, this set plan will help mitigate unnecessary time and monetary waste.
For example, if you desire to incorporate hardscape elements into your outdoor space, it is best to tackle them first. This could be adding a retaining wall, pathway, pergola, patio, deck, or even a water feature. Why? It is because the elements required for these hardscape structures often require excavating, grading, or implementing water or drainage sources. If you were to create a lush, gorgeous lawn and then have to dig it all up to add your hardscaping element, that would be devasting! Therefore, you will want to address these areas before investing heavily into your lawn.
Why You Need Proper Soil Preparation for Healthy Grass Growth
Once your landscape construction is complete, you can move on to your lawn. Before tossing out seeds, it is vital to prepare the soil properly. If you have been completing landscape construction projects, there is a high chance that your soil will be compacted and lack nutrients. To get your soil ready for sod, here are a few steps you need to take:
- Test your soil to determine pH levels and deficiencies.
- Remove any debris and weeds.
- Aerate the soil to improve oxygen circulation, water absorption, and nutrient uptake.
- Add organic matter and adjust the pH levels to improve the soil fertility.
- Till and level the soil.
- Apply fertilizer.
By following these steps, you are helping your soil prepare for planting, which will ultimately promote a healthy, vibrant lawn.
The Benefits of Installing an Efficient Irrigation System
Nothing is quite as annoying as having to stop what you do every 30 minutes to move a sprinkler around the lawn. Not only is it time-consuming, labor-intensive, and easy to forget, but it often results in sections of your landscaping getting missed. After all that work preparing your lawn, the last thing you want is a section to dry out because the sprinkler didn’t quite reach.
Installing an efficient irrigation system is an easy way to combat this problem. Smart irrigation systems can be programmed to water at specific times of day and even adapt to changing weather conditions. This means that they can water during off-peak hours and not at all when it has already rained that day. Overall, this will improve water conservation, decrease your water bill, eliminate the need for your personal time, and provide the best watering plan for your lawn.
How to Choose the Right Type of Grass for Your Lawn
Did you know that different grass species perform better in certain areas? Like with all plants, native grasses typically survive and look the best for their region. A report from Washington State University lists “five types of grass (all cool-season grasses)—turftype Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine- leaved fescues, bentgrasses, and turftype tall fescues thrive in Washington.” Of this list, they explain that for where we are in Eastern Washington, they recommend the following seed mixtures:
1. Kentucky bluegrass seeded alone at 3 lb per 1000 square feet. Two or three blended cultivars are better than any one seeded alone.
2. Kentucky bluegrass seeded at 2 lb plus 1 lb red or Chewings fescue per 1000 square feet.
3. Red, Chewings, or hard fescue alone seeded at 3 lb per 1000 square feet, especially in shaded environments.
4. Turftype tall fescues seeded at 6–8 lb per 1000 square feet.
5. Buffalograss seeded at 2 lb per 1000 square feet
As the average homeowner, this may go way over your head – that is totally normal. That’s where hiring a professional can provide the greatest assistance!
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Landscaping Services
If you are a homeowner, property manager, or anyone interested in achieving a well-maintained lawn through professional landscape construction, Musser Landscaping can help you succeed. From start to finish, we can help you design, implement, and maintain your property and lawn to be the best version it can be. Utilizing a wide range of material options, our time-tested techniques can provide you with a landscape construction design you will adore for years to come.
On top of that, our service doesn’t end there. You have the option to take advantage of our landscaping maintenance services. Our full-service landscaping maintenance plan is meticulously crafted to handle every component of your property’s lawn maintenance. This includes 32 expertly scheduled weekly mows, efficient sprinkler system management with startup and blowout services, and vital plant care through pre-emergent, turf fertilizer, and plant fertilizer applications.
Don’t let your lawn be dried out and drab! Contact Musser Landscaping today to start your journey toward a perfectly maintained lawn with our expert landscape construction services!
