How to Gain a “Green Thumb” Outside your New Home in Wilmington NC

In many ways, the land surrounding a newly built home is akin to a blank canvas, that is, unless the homeowner includes landscaping services in their contract with their Wilmington NC builders. But, in most cases, landscaping a new home is usually a responsibility that’s preferred by the homeowner because they often have their own plant preferences and color schemes in mind.

But, not all homeowners are prepared for such a monumental task. There are important considerations that need to be kept in mind when landscaping a brand new home and it is often these that can make the difference between your home being the envy of the neighborhood. Here are five essential landscaping tips to help your land perfectly complement your new home.

Foundation Plantings

Foundation plantings consist of trees, shrubs, bushes, and ornamental grasses. When planting trees on your property, be sure to plant the tree as far away from the house as the tree’s mature height is expected to be. For instance, if you purchase a tree that is known to grow 20-feet high, then the tree should be planted at least 20-feet away from the home’s foundation. Following this rule of thumb will help prevent the tree’s roots from possibly damaging your foundation.

For year-round color and texture, it is recommended to make at least half of your landscaping selections evergreen shrubs and trees. Mixing in smaller flowering shrubs, bushes, and plants at strategic locations will help diversify the property’s color palette. Plus, by choosing plants that bloom at different times of the year, you can maximize your property’s colorful displays throughout the calendar year.

Before choosing plants for your property, be sure to research varieties to learn about their watering needs, growth expectations, and potential susceptibility to insects and other pests.

Hardscaping

Hardscaping consists of any non-plant related addition to your landscape, such as fences, walkways, retaining walls, decks, and other such exterior accents. These can be expensive and challenging for a new homeowner to build, so make sure you research your options and build a budget to keep your costs under control. If you want to include any hardscaping on your property, then these projects should be completed prior to planting.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting, when installed properly, can add another level of beauty to your home’s property. Today’s exterior lighting comes in a variety of different options, from solar-powered lights to permanent hard-wired lighting to string lights, and each offers its own benefits. Combining different lighting options can not only add beauty, but it can make your outdoor living space more functional, thus allowing you to take full advantage of your entire property rather than just the home’s interior.

Creating a Budget for Your Landscaping a New Home

As with any home project, having a budget to follow when landscaping a new home will help ensure that you can afford your vision. In most cases, a new home’s landscaping budget shouldn’t exceed 10% of the home’s value. This can of course be significantly lower if your home already has certain landscaping elements in place, such as a deck or patio, but for a brand new home with no landscaping, this is the general rule of thumb.

Contact Trusst’s Wilmington NC Builders for a Free Consultation

Trusst Builder Group’s Wilmington NC builders are among the most trusted in the area and we have the experience necessary to design and build the home of your dreams. Whether you want to buy your new home in one of our master-planned communities or you want a custom built home of your choice of property, Trusst has a broad selection of floor plans you’re going to love. Call us today at 910-371-0304 to schedule a professional consultation. We can help you get a new home on a property that is perfectly suited for your creative landscaping ideas.