Adding Value Through Landscape Design in Pittsburgh, PA
- Nick Verardi
- Dec 31, 2020
- 3 min read
With COVID-19, 2020 has left most of us stuck at home. Regardless of what 2021 brings, thoughtful investment in your home pays dividends, both monetarily and in sentiment. Sometimes overlooked, landscape design is crucial in creating a functional outdoor environment to complement interior amenities. At Verardi Landscapes we are committed to creating the most functional and aesthetically appealing outdoor experience possible that can be enjoyed for years to come!
Professional landscape design, installation, and proper maintenance can dramatically increase a home's value depending on the elements selected as part of the outdoor experience. Following these guidelines will help you in the decision making process when contemplating a landscape investment.
What does the modern landscape look like?
Certain aspects of landscape design will never grow old, things like vibrant plants native to the area and a lush green lawn are staples. Below are some popular design ideas from the Verardi Landscapes team that may foreshadow landscape design trends for 2021 and offer you some inspiration when brainstorming or considering a design concept.
Outdoor Living Space
Being outdoors never went out of style, but we find many homeowners are trading underutilized lawns for spots used for entertaining, cooking, and relaxing. Varying in complexity from complete outdoor kitchens to simple patios and fire-pits, there is a huge push towards this sort of outdoor experience and for good reason, they rock! When incorporated tastefully, these outdoor living features work synergistically with the rest of the living landscape to create a truly meditative retreat.
Utilizing Vertical Space
Think trellis, but with plants. Especially popular in more urban areas with limited space, these are beautiful accents and can be used to offer privacy for any outdoor area! Honeysuckle, clematis, succulents, and lemon balm are some of our favorites!
Low-Carbon, Eco-Friendly, Pro-Pollinators
Dynamic landscape design incorporating attractive compost areas, raised beds for vegetables/fruits, and pollinator friendly native plant varieties. Your palette will thank you and so will the birds, the bees, and everyone else!
Landscape Lighting
Ledger lighting for retaining walls and step units, tree and shrub accents, and recessed paver lighting will make your landscaping look as awesome at night as it does during the day. With current LED technology, these lights are durable, and are as long lasting as their impression on you and your guests! Multiple color options and smartphone control, we can illuminate the landscape, allowing for safe navigation at the latest hours.
Pond-less Water Features
Love the waterfall but do not love the maintenance of the pond underneath? We get it. These water features give you the ambience and visual appear of a waterfall, but evacuate into a buried sump that only requires topping off under hot/dry conditions. A great way to accent a garden or outdoor living area if water is your thing!
Budgeting for Landscaping
A starting point when determining an appropriate budget is to allocate 10-25% of the home value for landscape design and installation. This investment is often recovered in excess should the house be sold or re-appraised. An initial investment in a professional design will ensure that the proposed landscape is tasteful, complete, and uses a harmonious combination of planting arrangements, paved areas, landscape lighting, and other features to create the best outdoor experience and return on investment.
A landscape that is designed properly will mature and age like a fine wine, unlike most interior renovations that are trendy in nature and may go out of "style". That said, in order for native plants to reach their full potential and remain beautiful, landscape maintenance is key. Consultation with a landscape professional about maintenance implications before installing a new landscape is imperative when budgeting for the new space.
Here are a few factors to take into consideration when developing a budget:
Potential Drainage Need
Pavers or Concrete or Natural Stone
River Rock or Hardwood Mulch
Seed or Sod
Water Features
Landscape Lighting
Outdoor Living Areas
Planting Arrangements and Sizes
Outdoor Grills, Fire Pits or Fireplace
Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems
Landscape Maintenance Plan
Site Access
If you are seeking professional landscape design in Wexford, PA reach out to Verardi Landscapes. From design to installation and maintenance, Verardi Landscapes has everything you need to keep your property looking top-notch!