A perfect way to expand a home is to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces for rest, relaxation, and gatherings. In the long term, effective landscaping can increase property value by adding curb appeal, outdoor living space, and privacy regardless of the size or shape of the home.
We sat down with Thomas Strong of Strong Landscaping, a local Houston premier boutique that offers a full spectrum of professional landscape design, installation, and continuing maintenance services, to discover four ways every homeowner can extend their home beyond the four walls and into the outdoors to invest in property and personal well-being.
1. Design Outdoor Spaces with Purpose & Functionality
In addition to wanting a beautiful design, it's critical to think beyond the aesthetics and consider a homeowner's stage of life. After looking at the available space, define dining, lounging, and recreation zones for the outside areas. Good landscape design uses pathways, seating nooks, and shade structures to enhance flow that meets a homeowner's needs and creates an outdoor environment that caters to a chosen lifestyle.
2. Match your Maintenance Goals
Most homeowners are looking for stunning landscapes that are easy to care for, so choosing plants that complement a lifestyle is important. A lush garden oasis is quite beautiful but requires significant upkeep. Incorporating planters or small sections of seasonal flowers keep the yard fresh and eliminate the need for larger, high-maintenance landscaping beds. And with the Houston weather, it's important to consider using plants that can survive the hot summers and unpredictable winters.
3. Invest in Hardscaping for Durability
Patios, walkways, and outdoor kitchens improve functionality and longevity. Consider natural stone, pavers, or gravel for an easy-to-maintain foundation. Architectural features such as fire pits, pergolas, and water designs are perfect for adding ambiance outdoors and creating spaces of beauty and gathering.
4. Optimize Watering Schedules
To reduce water waste and promote sustainable gardening practices, adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts to ensure plants get the right amount of water and reduce water bills. For tech-savvy gardeners, irrigation-focused apps can help monitor and adjust irrigation settings from your phone.
stronglandscaping.com