Chicago is a city with a diverse climate and unique challenges. A Chicago friendly landscape can make for a wonderful addition to your home whether it is for looks or necessity. An aesthetically pleasing and functional landscape can be achieved simply by proper planning.
Knowledge is Power
All variables must be taken into consideration when establishing a design. Incorporating Chicago friendly plants along with alternatives to grass is a great place to start. Being educated about the plants is equally important as “what catches the eye”. Placement is a key to keeping those plants healthy and easily maintainable. Materials such as stone, mulch and shell are remarkable substitutes to having a lawn. Numerous combinations of natural resources can be manipulated into a beautiful composition that can overspread a lot or a little square footage.
How do I decide?
When choosing to landscape your home, recognize your aspirations and desires, consider your budget and inquire about the investment. The more knowledgeable you are as the homeowner, the happier you will be with the final result and reasoning behind your decisions.
Things to Consider
First, the up-front cost of this method of landscaping can be much higher than installing grass. As always, when you are purchasing anything of higher quality… expect to pay more. Using rock and stone materials in your landscape design will reduce the cost of maintenance, but can inflate the budget in the beginning. Keeping the stone and rock budget to controlled amounts (only in, and around key focal points) will also help keep your initial costs down.
Hire Local Landscapers
Hiring a local landscaper is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best possible service. Because local companies know the area, they can provide faster and more thorough work than out-of-town contractors. They also know how to work with your unique environment and climate, which means that your yard will be well-maintained for years to come.
