Creating a landscape that you can be proud to look at whenever you step in front of your home takes a lot more effort than some people envision when they first get a home of their own.

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Maintaining a yard that you can be proud of requires a lot of forethought, which can turn some people off to the idea. You don’t have to feel like it’s an impossible task, though. We’ll give you a few tips for perfecting your home’s landscape that should put you in the best position for having a yard you and your family can enjoy.

1. Critique Your Curb Appeal

The first thing you need to do before you start making big, sweeping changes is to take an honest look at where you stand already. Go outside your home and look hard at your home’s facade.

What is it missing? Are there any areas of emptiness that could use something new? Where is your eye naturally drawn to as you look around? These questions will help you determine what your yard needs to look its best.

2. Incorporate Smart Plant Choices

The plants you choose play a huge role in the way your landscape looks and feels. First, you have to consider what plants will actually work well in your area and climate. If you don’t get a lot of rainfall, invest in some hardier plants that won’t die on you.

Finding the right balance of plants that will work for you will take a little extra know-how. Planting a pecan tree doesn’t have the same requirements as an apple or peach tree, and the subtle differences between the needs of different plants can make or break your landscape’s visual appeal.

3. Create Points of Focus

A great tip for perfecting your home’s landscape is to create focal points that draw a viewer’s eye exactly where you want it most. For example, framing the front entrance of your home is a great way to bring attention to that point.

Maybe you have a large, beautiful tree to focus on or a gazebo that you really enjoy. Planning your landscape around these points of interest can make for a much more visually appealing end result.

4. Don’t Forget About Maintenance

An important thing to keep in mind for any home’s landscape is that you’ll need to do more than just plant new flowers or shrubs. You’ll also need to maintain those new plants and hardscape features that you install.

No one likes dead flowers or overgrown pathways, so only add as much as you’re willing to maintain in the long run to keep from overwhelming yourself.