Landscape a large yard

How to Landscape a Large Yard

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Landscaping a large yard can be a challenge, but it also gives you a chance to add a variety of elements that small lawns do not have room for. Because of the differences in climate, topography, and soil conditions, this article may not apply to every situation.

Steps

1. Plan the project. This is the key to having success and being satisfied with the outcome of your landscaping adventure.
2. Draw a diagram of the entire lawn area, to scale if possible, but at least roughly showing the location of large trees, permanent structures, and other existing elements which will need to be incorporated in your plan.
3. Draw arrows or topographic lines showing the slope of the land, noting conditions such as wetland sites, rocky areas, and anything else which will require special attention.
4. Take the information you have gathered and look at the way you want to use the spaces in your lawn. Low places and wetlands are not suitable for growing most common lawn grasses, and rocky bare hill-tops do not support grass growth well, either, so another type of landscaping may be more suitable for these areas. Areas under deep shade, such as beneath a large, broad hardwood tree might be better suited for some patio stones and a bench or swing, and very steep hills can be covered with vines or small shrubs instead of something requiring mowing or other maintenance.
5. Check the local nursery or home center and find out if there are fruit or nut trees, or berry producing shrubs and bushes that do well in your area. Here in the south, we have pecan trees, blueberries, and grapevines which are often used in landscaping and provide a food source for wildlife, as well as ingredients for favorite recipes.
6. Measure any areas where you will need to add fill material to grade and smooth the existing site. Look for other areas you can "cut", or take some soil off to spread to these places. Often in large landscaping projects you will find that you have to "import", or haul in additional soil to level out the lawn, and it is best to bring this material in before any underground utilities are installed.
7. Calculate how much fill you will need to import. This is a math problem, and if the area is irregular in shape, try to imagine it as a square or rectangle, multiplying width X length X depth, to give you a cubic volume of material. Large volumes are measured either in tons or cubic yards or meters. If the amount is very large, you will need to hire someone to haul your material in with a dump truck, smaller amounts may be brought in with a pickup truck or utility trailer.
8. Spread the new fill material and level all areas of the lawn. If you have a large amount to move, you may want to rent a small tractor with a front end loader bucket and a grader blade or box blade to do this job for you. Very large projects may require a bulldozer or other heavy equipment, but this may be too much for the average homeowner to attempt on their own.
9. Mark off any flower beds, tree plantings, or other features you are putting in your landscape, and also consider any permanent structures you may want to add now or later. After the landscaping is complete is not the time to build a swimming pool or utility shed!
10. Leave some additional soil in areas where you want raised flower beds, garden areas, or other features that need it.
11. Remove plants, bushes, or undesirable trees from the area so that areas to receive grass will get maximum sunlight.
12. Plant all the shrubs, bushes, and trees that you have planned for each area, and remember, it is often easier to start working one area and finish it before moving to the next. Large landscaping projects can be overwhelming if they are not broken down into a series of smaller projects.
13. Lay out and install whatever irrigation piping you have planned, install conduits for underground electric to power landscape lighting and to operate pumps for fishponds or fountains you are building. If you use an electric mower, leaf blower, weed eater, or edger, you may want a couple of remote groundfault recepticles to eliminate the need for long extension cords. You will need to mount these with weather proof boxes and covers on posts or attached to some type of structure.
14. Work out your flower beds and other permanent landscape features, such as patios, permanent barbecue pits, fountains, etc. Use landscape fabric in planting areas to keep the weeds from becoming a problem, and mulch all these areas to conserve water.
15. Finish grade the areas to receive grass. This is often done by dragging a section of fence material behind a lawn tractor or ATV, passing back and forth over the area until it is smooth.
16. Install sod or plant your grass seed in the grassed areas, pray for rain (but not flooding), and be prepared to water sufficiently to establish your grass.
17. Sit back, and allow your work to establish itself.

Tips

• Grass is not the most earth friendly landscaping element. It often requires watering, fertilization, chemicals for pests and weeds, and mowing and maintaining with gasoline powered lawn equipment. Considering use of ground covers and native shrubs and plantings for at least a part of the landscaped area. This will reduce the expense and environmental impact, and also the cost of maintaining the lawn.
• Lawns and landscaping projects are the subject of many magazines, television shows, and home center workshops. Take advantage of these for planning your project.
• Use the local Agricultural Extension Service. This is a program operated by the USDA in the United States, and the people there can help with soil testing, as well as growing requirements for various types of lawn grass and ground covers.
• Keep in mind there are some plants that do not mix. Some nut trees, for instance contain jugalone. Walnuts contain this chemical. It is not friendly to many plants such as tomatoes or lilacs and need to be planted a long distance from them. Raspberries and red maple trees do not seem to mind them. So, before investing too much time or money in the planting process-do a little research on companion plants. Sometimes they are like people that way-some live together better than others. The internet has some great sites on this...just google companion plants or jugalone.

Warnings

• Use care or locate a competent person to operate any equipment you may rent to do heavy work landscaping.
• Try to use earth friendly products in your yard.
• Contact the underground utility location service for your area before digging. This may be done in many areas of the U.S. by calling 811 on your telephone, other jurisdictions may have different phone numbers or contact procedures.

Things You'll Need

• shovels
• rakes
• wheelbarrow
• gloves
• tractor, or garden or lawn tractor if available.

Related wikiHows

• How to Replace an Old Lawn
• How to Grow a Lawn Easily

Sources and Citations

• http://landscaping.about.com
• http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com
• http://www.yardshare.com

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Landscape a Large Yard. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

landscaping buisness

How to Run a Landscaping Business

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Running a successful landscaping business can be fairly simple with a little knowledge of the trade, some start-up capital and the right tools and equipment. Learning the basics of tool usage, plant and shrubbery identification and care, along with learning business essentials is a good starting point. If you intend to make your landscaping business your primary source of income, and if you have plans for future expansion, it may be wise to consider formal training classes in both care and maintenance of many forms of plant life as well as business management.

Steps

1. Decide what kind of business you wish to pursue. You can run a landscaping business that serves corporate or residential customers. Depending on your choice, your investment, time commitment and knowledge must match your business plans.
   • To run a small landscaping business for residential clientele, you can start part-time with a truck, and some essentials such as a lawnmower, edger and hand tools. You can handle much of the work yourself – eliminating the investment in additional personnel costs and considerations.
   • Running a large corporate landscaping service requires extensive experience, investment in industrial equipment and insurance, personnel, maintenance and advertising costs that may be best to consider only after you have many years of success with a start-up company.
2. Study and become familiar with the required tools and most common/popular plant life in your target location. Set aside time and money for classes or training manuals that teach landscaping and business basics.
   • The more knowledge you have about both the area you plan to serve and the most hearty, attractive and economical options your customers can choose, the more value you present. Customers will be more likely to develop a long-term business relationship with you if they trust your knowledge and your work.
   • Commit to continuing your education as your business grows, taking more advanced classes and expanding your knowledge to suit your clients’ changing needs.
3. Secure funding to begin your business. Develop a business plan and submit it with any loan requests and investment inquiries.
4. If you have significant debt, consider plans to pay off these commitments prior to making loan requests. It may take some time before your landscaping business is profitable and you don’t want to take on a stressful task or too much financial burden.
   • Develop a budget that includes all the equipment you will need to start as well as essential documentation – any licensing, insurance, business cards, advertisements, etc.
5. Start building your clientele. One of the best places for you to start building a business is in your own neighborhood. Your neighbors and friends can be your first customers and your best advertising.
   • Map out an area close to where you live and begin to search for potential customers. You can drive around and deliver your own paper flyers and business cards, or you can attend community events and self-promote while also developing relationships with neighbors and potential customers.
6. Create a schedule. Once you have established clients and set your payment terms, develop a standard schedule detailing when you will serve each customer.
7. Draft sample contracts for long-term customers that include details such as payment terms, schedule and list of duties and expectations.
8. Develop a partnership with local business that will enable you to purchase your required materials at a discount. Create barter agreements or mutually beneficial arrangements that allow you to take home the most profit, while maintaining your business.
   • Consider both the maintenance and storage of your truck and tools when developing barter relationships. Ensure that you present the most favorable terms and advantages you can offer at the onset to get the most beneficial deals.

Tips

• Have a friend or family member on-hand to provide help when you need assistance. Be sure to develop any needed contractual agreements prior to starting on any projects.
• Offer discounted services to friends and family at the start, keeping these rates consistent. Set the expectation that these are promotional rates and will increase as your business and duties expand.
• Consider contacting your local chamber of commerce with any questions you have concerning making your business compliant with state laws.

Related wikiHows

• How to Run a Trucking Business
• How to Start a Plant Nursery Business
• How to Design a Landscape Garden
• How to Landscape Your Home on the Cheap
• How to Landscape a Large Yard
• How to Advertise Your Home Business Online

Sources and Citations

• http://www.allwoodwork.com/article/gardening/landscapebusiness.htm
• http://www.lawncaredirectory.com/startbusiness.htm
• http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessideas/194.html

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Run a Landscaping Business. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Check this link out for over 7200 ideas on landscaping.--> http://6694d-nd2dnpesg4n8bf7dmbio.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=LAND

How to Landscape Your Home on the Cheap

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Here is a list of ideas to maximize your landscape while retaining your hard-earned cash.

Steps

1. Consider your options:
   • Hardscapes, however beautiful, will kill your budget. Items like decks, patios, gazebos, and arbors always cost more than you think. However, there are many sophisticated landscapes that use recycled materials. Used wood, bricks, and even broken concrete can be inexpensive alternatives to pricey pavers and new materials.
2. Ask friends for 'starts' of hostas, irises, and all kinds of perennials.
   • Think about dividing & Propagating your existing plants. There are so many plants that can be easily divided or propagated, there might be no need to buy new plants.
     • If you must buy plants, never purchase at the beginning of the season. Fall is usually a better time to plant and nurseries have racks of discounted plants. Most likely they won't be in bloom and the leaves will look ragged and spindly. Pop the plant out of its container and take a quick look at the roots. If they are not 'mushy' and the base (or 'crown')of the plant at the soil level looks in relatively good condition, you can be fairly sure of a safe purchase. Next spring when the plants come up or leaf out they will look just as good and be just as healthy as the plants that your neighbors paid three times as much for.
     • Ground covers can often be divided into dozens of individual plants and spaced several inches apart. A 4" pot of creeping thyme, for example, can cover a 4-foot square of your garden within a matter of months using this technique.
3. Plant en-masse. Plant in groups. Don't just think in three's. Think twenty, or maybe even more. This simplifies maintenance and replicates more closely how plants grow in the natural environment. Find two or three inexpensive plants that go really well together and fill an entire bed keeping like varieties together. For example, if a friend is pulling out a large clump of over-grown sedum or iris or whatever, claim it and divide the plant into as small parts as possible (make sure each division has healthy connected roots). Plant each division several inches apart (depending on size) and within a year you will have what looks like a 10-year old landscape. Way too often a single large plant that costs $40 or more is planted 5' from the next. It take years for the landscape to fill in.
4. Buy perennials. As tempting as all those beautiful annuals are on the nursery shelves, think ahead. Every year you will need to replace them, as they die. This is one of the quickest ways to burn through a landscape budget. If you are willing to start annuals from seed (or any other plant for that matter) go for it! Just don't buy them in a pot (or pony packs, or flats). Perennials on the other hand get bigger and more attractive year after year. A single $2, 4" potted perennial can be a 8-foot mound of color within three years. The annual will be about the same size as the pot and will have cost three times as much.
5. Invest in big pots. What goes in the pot is what makes the planting. Go large! Just keep in mind that you can easily blow $100 or more on a pot. Small pots (anything under 12") are very hard to maintain and look terrible in the enormity of the outdoors. They are best suited to the scale of a window sill or a table top. Two or three large pots with only a variety or two of plants will serve any landscape well. Take a look at any stylish home and garden magazine featuring outdoor furniture. You don't see 30 little pots running down the side of a porch. They are all big, big, big. Terra cotta is an excellent choice for color (weather plastic or the real thing). You can find dozens of styles and they will all match. For some reason this color is usually much less than other finishes. Let the plants, not the pots steal the show. If you don't have a green thumb, use drought tolerant perennials for those days you forget to water. Sedums, heucheras, thyme, alliums, and artemisias make great choices. Grab divisions of your favorite plants right out your landscape, it won't cost a thing. If you are pretty confident that your thumb is a shade of green, a few annuals in select pots can add an all-summer splash of color (plant them from seed if you can). A restrained quantity of flashy accent annuals is justified in any budget. For example, a single 24" pot of petunias on the front porch can add plenty of wow.
6. Add boulders to your space. Do you have rock that occurs naturally in your area of the country? Do not purchase rock. See what you can do to obtain it free. Visit construction sites sometimes works. Native stone looks so much better than extremely pricey rock that doesn't belong in your landscape in the first-place. Get the biggest rocks that you can safely lift and nestle them in your garden beds in small groups. However, don't over-do it. Three or four rock 'out-croppings' close to sidewalks or patio edge are plenty to spruce up your yard.
7. Buy trees first. If you have to spend money on the landscape spend it first on trees. you should always put trees in your landscape before anything else. It is worth a little extra money to get a good landscape tree. There are a lot of trash trees that will send up suckers, leave huge messes on your lawn, require hours of pruning, and die just as your landscape matures. For shade trees, named hybrid maples, oaks, and sycamores are almost always a safe bet. Avoid birches, most elms, poplars, and some ashes which grow fast, but are ultimately short-lived.Buy small.It is better to spend money on a small quality variety than a large trashy one. Most likely in five or six years you won't be able to tell the difference in size. Smaller trees also fare better when transplanted.

Tips

• Get reference books. Just a little information goes a long ways. You don't have to love plants, but if you can look up specific information on the plants you purchase it will go a long way in saving money and keeping you from needing to replace improperly planted or cared-for plants. Almost every dead plant that you see in a landscape stems from not knowing what the plant needs. For those that live in the Western U.S. the Sunset Garden Guide (available almost everywhere) is an excellent and inexpensive resource. Sunset also publishes a national guide.
• Be responsible and respectful. Don't collect stone from natural areas or parks or private property. It is easy enough to obtain it through honest means.
• PathsInstead of a brick path through a perennial bed, use a nicely edged lawn path. Many world-class public gardens use this almost-free technique.
• PatiosBroken concrete or recycled masonry products can be laid in a bed of sand and then inner-planted with all kinds of hardy ground covers.
• Arbors, Gazebos & TrellisesFound objects with fast-growing vines are the key to an inexpensive solution. Once a vine has fully covered a structure who cares how much you spent on it? However, don't skimp on the connections. All objects should be securely fastened to each other and the structure should not wiggle. Try to make the structure climbable. If you can climb it, it should withstand many years of use.

Related wikiHows

• How to Select Landscape Plants
• How to Install Outdoor Electric Wiring
• How to Untwist a Rope or Cable Coil
• How to Design a Landscape Garden
• How to Build a Backyard Firepit

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Landscape Your Home on the Cheap. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Here's the link

------> http://873ebxfku5kfc-7fpden8gbksn.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=LANDSCAPE

Testimonials

"Sparked Ideas For Me Immediately..." Patti Clark Newark, NJ I never had such a collection like these before. This collection has gorgeous color photographs, and terrific ideas. The landscape design was explained so easily and logically. It sparked ideas for me immediately, and the ideas will tie my front yard together in a much more pleasing way. This is one great collection I'll be using for years to come...

he truth is, home owners from all walks of life have benefited greatly from Ideas4Landscaping and testimonials like these started to flow into my email inbox: "Great For Inspirations & Ideas!" Ryan & Chloe Langley, UK This is by far one of the best collections and guide on landscape design I've ever purchased. It is well organized, chock full of beautiful photographs, ideas and landscape diagrams. These designs is for everyone, from the novice to the trained professional. Great source for inspiration and ideas. This has become a valuable addition to our reference library. "Saved Me Hundreds On Landscaping" Teri Lewis Brisbane, QLD I am a gardener for just two seasons now. I am amazed at all the unique ideas this one collection presented. It allowed me to see the possibilities I could incorporate in my front yard remodeling. By following just two of her tips, it has saved me hundreds on landscaping, and builders. Helen Whitfield has done an exceptional job in creating something that provides you visual guidance that allows you to discover possibilities you never dreamed existed... "The Final Push I Need To Design My Backyard!" Keith Hurley Staten Island, NY Ideas4Landscaping is exactly what I was looking for. The photos and text are informative and inspirational, but what makes this book stand out is the massive amount of themes and styles. You can use it to identify your personal style and decide whether you want a front-and-center style of yard, one of overlapping circles, or the like. It gave me the final push I needed to finally make sense of my own challenging backyard landscape, and guess what? I love it!

Over 7,000 designs, Instructions, and videos!!

You can get the job done cheaper, faster and without headaches using my landscaping resource...

This massive collection of photos, ideas, and simple step-by-step details is designed to help home owners make some progress with their plan to liven up their home with the perfect landscaping.
It's meant to save you money and give you the choices that you would otherwise not find if you settled for magazines or your landscaping contractor . With this database, you'll truly be able to choose the "dream home" landscape you've always wanted to have.
Inside this massive database, you'll find 1'000s of landscaping pictures in 60+ categories like these...

Intro

ATTENTION: Have You Always Wanted to Redesign Your Home's Landscape But Don't Know Where to Start? Then This Is The Most Important Letter You'll Ever Read...

" How to Liven Up Your Home With Over
7250 Breathtaking Landscaping Designs WITHOUT Hiring Costly Professional Landscape Designers... "

Read on to discover how you can gain instant access to the freshest landscaping ideas & videos that are sure to spice up your home sweet home!

From the Desk of Helen Whitfield, Landscape Designing Extraordinaire, Educator, Member of ANLA Date: Monday, March 12, 2012

Re: Landscaping the easy way...
Dear Home Owner,

I f you are reading this letter then it is likely that you want to design your dream home landscape.
And if you're a proud homeowner, you're most likely aware of the cost and effort required to design a landscape. And just as likely, you've probably come up against the same old brick wall...

Do you know that most landscaping designers overcharge you for their services? Have you under-estimated the time and cost required to complete your dream landscape? Having trouble coming up with ideas for your landscape design? Do you want a new landscape but don't know where to start?

If you've answered yes to any of the above, I understand your pain. I was once in your shoes...

" Here's Some Advice That'll Save You $$$...
On Your Next Landscaping Project..."

Here's the BIG problem: Most landscaping designers are downright rip-offs.

Why? They overcharge you with the simplest design ideas and they skip over many important parts.

I've been designing and building my own landscapes for the past 18 years. The truth is, when I first started out, I spent a ton of time reading magazines and hiring different designers. Most of the time, it just left me with more questions than answers and a huge hole in my pocket.
Well, luckily for you, these problems become a blessing in disguise because I have spent the last 5 years putting together a comprehensive landscaping resource with all the design inspirations and instructions of my 18 years of experience.