How Landscaping Can Increase Your Properties’ Value

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Any real estate professional will tell you that curb appeal has an impact on the value of a property. This is one of the reasons why home stagers preparing a property for an open house always make sure that yards are tidy and landscaped. First impressions count and the first thing potential buyers see (as far as detached homes with lawns go) is, of course, the state of property’s outdoor space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from creating the right impression on real estate buyers, there are other reasons why landscaping boosts property value.

  • Leafy streets that have 50 percent cover have been found to add up to 5.4 percent more to the median house sale price, according to a case study by the Brisbane City Council.
  • A broad-leaved tree located in front of a home has the ability to boost the property’s median price by as much as $16,889, reveals a Perth-based research.
  • Survey results also show that the amount of money directed toward landscaping increases perceived home value, and thus will result in a much higher asking price. In addition to the cost of landscaping, design value of landscaping is another factor that has the power to nudge property value higher.

Meanwhile, homeowners who have no plans of selling their property also have more to gain from this effort. Landscaping upgrades allow you to get more use out of your lawn or garden. Many find delight in the results of such a project because who wouldn’t like having beautiful nature around them?

Easy, High-Impact Landscaping

If you want to try landscaping strategies that can enhance the value of your home, you may want to consider the following easy, practical improvements:

  1. Polish those edges. You can spend your weekends trimming overgrowth of grass to clearly define the edges of your lawn. Or you can restrain invasive turf like Kikuyu and Couch by creating solid physical barriers around the edges of your lawn.
  2. Plant in profusion. Lush landscaping can alter the dimensions of your outdoor space and give it an appearance of health. Choose hardy plants or flowers endemic to your region. For example, if you live in Melbourne, you won’t have trouble growing Mulla Mulla, Everlasting Daisies and Geraldton Wax. These will proliferate really quickly, providing your garden pops of colour and additional dimensions.
  3. Add potted plants. You can use potted plants to create sections in your yard and add flattering height to certain areas.

These are just some of the many findings that prove how landscaping increases property function and aesthetics. If you want to optimise your home’s value and boost the quality of life in your home, consider a landscaping project for your outdoor spaces.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

To DIY or Not – Assessing the Risks of DIY Landscaping

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Ask a seasoned DIY-er why he prefers to do projects by himself instead of letting professionals do it for him. Most likely, he’ll tell you it’s about the savings. And who cannot use a few extra dollars in his pocket?

For other DIY-ers, however, it goes beyond the savings. It’s about seeing a project through to its completion and feeling the pride of starting and finishing something with your own hands.

However, there are some projects that are best left to the experts. Take landscaping, for example. The associated risks can range from simple injuries to unnecessary expenses — and sometimes, a wounded ego.

Before undertaking any DIY projects, including landscaping projects, there are a few things that you will need to consider objectively. First, be honest about your skill level. Some projects are simple enough that almost anyone can complete them. And then there are projects that are too complex that you need to have a solid foundation and experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, consider how much time you can allocate toward a project. Some landscaping projects can be done over an extended time frame while there are others that need to be completed ASAP in order to avoid inconvenience.

After that, determine which tools the project requires. Do you already have these in your shed or do you need to buy these? Are you going to use these tools and equipment in the foreseeable future?

Finally, consider the risks involved. In landscaping, there are a few risks that you need to know and carefully weigh.

Proceeding without a plan

Ideas do not constitute a plan. A plan should detail the tasks involved, the tools and equipment that you will need, and a project timeline. But perhaps, most important of all is having a specific theme that will unite disparate elements into something cohesive.

Exceeding the budget

Another reason why you need a plan before starting a landscape project is to ensure that you won’t go overboard with your budget. Failure to set and adhere to a budget can lead to a waste of time and money.

One of the quickest ways to exceed your budget is to re-do a failed attempt. Some mistakes can be too costly to correct.

Also, most consumers do not have access to wholesale prices like professionals do. You might want to factor that in when you are setting your budget.

Creating form without substance

A good landscape design incorporates both form and function. Some homeowners think that updating a landscape is as simple as adding a few plants, a tree or two, and a patio.

DIY-ers should also take into account how the space will be used as well as other important elements like lighting, irrigation, and heat sources.

A lacklustre look

Finally, a shabby appearance does not necessarily mean that you do not have an eye for design. More often than not, a lacklustre appearance stems from the lack of attention to the smallest details that bring the whole landscape together.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Landscaping Tips That Could Save You Money

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Beautifying an outdoor space through landscaping often seems like a daunting project to take – especially with the potential costs that it may entail. Many homeowners are aware of just how easy it is to lose control of the budget for improvement initiatives as inspiration keeps pouring in.

What they may not be aware of is there are countless solutions you can take to stay within budget without sacrificing your results. Landscaping doesn’t need to set your finances back if you play it smart.

How to go about it?

Here are our best tips to a frugal approach to landscaping:

  • Establish the style and changes you want to determine the expense for each component and the project’s total cost. With this information clearly laid out, you can then work on identifying areas of the project where you can further slash costs.
  • When you’re shopping for décor or looking for materials, you don’t always have to limit yourself to local gardening stores or big hardware chains. Tap into e-Bay, Amazon, and other online shopping sites to find good deals on
    everything from bricks to tiles and even a variety of perennials compatible with your local climate. Likewise, don’t discount junkyards and yard sales especially if you’re in search of
    garden furniture. And don’t overlook damaged items because they’re perfect for adding charm and whimsy to lawns or gardens.
  • Consider decreasing your lawn size, or the ground areas with grass cover. You can reduce the size of your yard by creating flowerbeds and filling them with native plants or hardy
    shrubs and flowers. Your local garden designer can provide you expert guidance in picking the right plants. Whilst this entails initial investment, it only takes one season to recoup the costs for there will be less watering and less fertilizing involved as the new plants begin to establish your property as their home.
  • Tidy up your garden beds with mulch. You’ll be surprised at how this easy trick can make your outdoor space look more presentable.
  • Avoid monocultures to keep weeds and pests at bay. Also, monocultures are susceptible to damage so it may be helpful to combine different types of turf to your lawn. Doing this may take down costs especially if you choose budget-friendly options that easily thrive in your area. If you live in Queensland or NSW, varieties such as Kikuyu and Zoysia are perfect for the warm climate. Ask us for recommendations on grass and plant varieties suitable to your climate and soil conditions.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Consequences of Not Cleaning Your Gutters

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A building’s gutters may not exactly be eye-catching, but these certainly perform a vital role.

What role is this?

The primary purpose of gutters is to move rainwater away from the roof and from the main structure. When water is allowed to fall closely to the main structure, the soil around it may erode. Eventually, the foundation can become compromised and this can lead to structural issues, especially if the building has a basement.

Apart from that, the rainwater can wind its way into your home via windows and doors. The risk for this issue is high if your roof does not have sufficient clearance.

Gutters use gravity to direct rainwater away from the roof and your home toward the downspout.

But just like any other part of a house, the gutters need to be cleaned and maintained in order to ensure their optimal performance. Over time, leaves, twigs and small branches, and other types of debris can collect in the gutters.

What are the consequences of not cleaning your gutters?

Leaks

One of the first signs that means the gutters need to be cleaned is a leak. Leaking gutters can easily be discovered through a visual inspection of the roof and can be remedied with a simple cleanup. However, if the issue is left unchecked, it can lead to other woes.

Blocked, dirty gutters can also cause leaks on the roof. When the gutters are blocked, the rainwater cannot fall to the ground and will instead accumulate on portions of the roof. Eventually, this can lead to damage, especially when the water turns into ice.

Rainwater can also leak into the basement if the gutters are not cleaned and therefore cannot function optimally. The excess water can get to the basement and lead to various problems like gas leaks and electrical shocks.


Moulds

When rainwater gets inside your home, moulds can invade your home. Mould spores float freely in the air and can grow inside a home when there is moisture present. Keep in mind that apart from being difficult to remove and being unsightly, moulds can also cause different health issues.

Pests

Insects and vermin are attracted to gutters filled with debris. For example, the water pooled inside the gutters and on the roof serve as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Vermin that are attracted to the debris on the gutters can eventually invade your home.

Damaged gutters

It can take just a few weeks before gutters become damaged due to rotting. Nearby wooden structures like fascia can rot as well. And if the gutters continue to accumulate dirt and debris, these become too heavy and can get distorted and even fall off.

Damage to the landscape

Finally, when rainwater lands on sidewalks and driveways, it can make these slippery. Worse, rainwater can actually do damage to these. Apart from that, the plants in your garden can be drowned.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

What Are Gutter Guards?

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Gutters play an important role in maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of roofs. They collect water that lands on the roofs from rains or storms and direct the collected water away from the house. A gutter system is crucial to help reduce water and moisture damage to one’s home.

Protecting Your Gutters

An easy way to provide protection to your gutter and to keep them intact and functional for a long time is to invest in gutter guards.

Gutter guards, also known as gutter protection systems, permit rain water to enter your gutter and, at the same time, keep leaves, pests, and other unwanted debris out. Without sufficient protection, leaves and debris can create a blockage I your gutter and, eventually, the downpipes.

To remove these blockages and prevent further damage on your gutter, you will need to clean them regularly as well. The right type of gutter guards can help you avoid these issues.

Gutter guards offer the following specific benefits:

  • They effectively keep out leaves, twigs, seeds, and other types of debris that fall from the trees.
  • They help prevent the fascias from rotting and the paint on your gutter from peeling.
  • They reduce the risk of mould and mildew growth, particularly in cities that have the highest average number of rainfall such as Darwin, Sydney, and Brisbane.
  • They protect your gutter and home from small pests such as rodents, birds, and even snakes that can nest in the gutter system.
  • They can provide protection to your home from bushfires – something that occurs regularly throughout Australia.

Another noteworthy reason why you should consider having gutter guards is to avoid the difficult chore of cleaning your gutter system. The need to clean gutters can often put your safety in serious jeopardy. Each year, hundreds of people fall from ladders while trying to clean their gutters. Unfortunately, some of these falls are fatal.

Choosing the Best Gutter Protection System for Your Home

Gutter guards come in different types. In terms of materials, they can be made of plastic or polyethylene, aluminium, stainless steel, and Colorbond.

To make sure you invest in the right gutter guard system, you have to consider some important factors.

First, consider your roof material, the type of structure or building you have, the roof’s design, and your location.

You should then make sure the system you will choose is effective – it should keep unwanted debris and pests out yet still allow water to flow through the roof’s channel efficiently.

Gutter guards have to be cleaned regularly as well. Make sure you choose a system that is easy to clean or maintenance-free.

Lastly, consider its price. It has to be one that suits your needs and budget.

How To Prepare Your Gutters For Autumn

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Most gutter-related issues and types of damage occur during autumn and winter. As such, autumn is the best season for you to get ahead of your gutter maintenance.

To prepare and protect your gutters from the detrimental effects of autumn, here are some steps and tips to follow:


Clean your gutters.

To have an effective water drainage system on your home, make sure your gutters remain clear throughout autumn. Debris such as fallen leaves, seeds, and dust can accumulate on your gutters and block the guttering system. This, in turn, will prevent the rainwater from flowing freely.

In addition, by making sure your gutters are clean, you effectively decrease the chances of mould growth and pest infestations. If you want to do this chore, make sure you observe important safety cleaning precautions. You can also make sure you thoroughly clean your gutters by flushing it using a garden hose after removing all the debris and gunk. This is also a good way for you spot leaks on your gutters.

Conduct an inspection and repairs, where needed.

While cleaning the gutters, check for leaks, loose brackets and screws, uneven sections, and any form of excessive wear and tear. If there are loose brackets and screws, buy new ones, replace the old ones, and secure them where needed. If you discovered leaks, determine if it is possible to patch them. If yes, apply plastic roofing cement over the holes. If the holes are too big, apply a strip of aluminium flashing to the area and seal the edges with cement.

Invest in a gutter guard.

If you want to make sure that leaves and debris don’t accumulate on your gutter, and to save yourself the effort of regularly cleaning it, consider investing in a gutter guard system. This completely seals open gutters to reduce or prevent the autumn debris build-up on your roof which can cause permanent damage. With the right gutter guard screening system, debris can just slide or blow off the roof; in most cases, you will have a maintenance-free gutter.

Protect your gutter from pests.

Finally, aside from falling leaves and rainfall, autumn is also the time that pushes pests to start invading roofs and gutters. Rodents and birds are the number one culprits. Residents in NSW, for instance, constantly wage war against sparrows since they love nesting in gutters, causing this system to become blocked. You can avoid this problem by using a humane pest repellent product. Alternatively, if you decide to invest in a gutter guard, choose one that can effectively keep out both creeping and flying vermin, too.

There is nothing easy about preparing your gutter for the autumn season. If this appears to be too much work for you, then you can certainly consider getting help from professional contractors.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Garden Space

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The most impressive homes today not only boast of a landscaped lawn but have vegetable and fruit gardens as well. Flowering plants can be challenging to grow, but edible ones can be doubly difficult.

In addition, families that can get their produce from their own garden are definitely enviable since they have access to fresh, tasty vegetables and fruits when they are in season. Plus, they know for sure that they are safe and healthy to eat since they did not use harmful pesticides in growing them.

If you want to start a vegetable garden in your home (and throw in some fruits, too, if possible), here are some tips you can follow:


Create a planting plan.

Since you’re just starting a garden, come up with a plan first and find out which plants will work best for you and your area. Take into consideration the type of soil you have, its pH level, typical weather condition, etc. Seasoned gardeners, however, say that it is best to start with seasonal planting. You can use a gardening calendar specific to your area to work out which vegetables and fruits grow in which months, and when to harvest. Succession planting, or the practice of staggering the sowing of seeds, will also help ensure that you have a continuous supply of produce instead of being overwhelmed by their number when it’s time to harvest them.

Plant cost-effective vegetables and fruits.

Aim to grow garden plants that you can get the most out of. For instance, did you know that your garden can hold all the ingredients you need for a fresh salad?

You can start by planting tomatoes – they grow nearly anywhere in Australia. If you’re looking for a particular kind to plant, opt for cherry tomatoes since they grow quicker than the larger varieties — that means that there is less time for them to be eaten by bugs. They also have longer yields as well.

Other green leafy vegetables you can include in your salad are lettuce, perpetual spinach, and silver beet. Again, go for heirloom varieties because they tend to have longer yields, maximising your harvest. Also, they are not too resource-intensive (they require less water, sunlight, etc.) to grow.

In addition, when choosing which seeds to buy, choose plants that give multiple crops and are high-yielding. Beans are perfect examples of this. Consider planting crops that grow quickly such as radish, lettuce, and spinach since you can turn over what you’re growing very quickly.

Of course, it is best to select vegetables and fruits that you like to eat. You can preserve or store them and eat them at your pleasure.

Practise organic pest control.

Whether you have a large or small garden space, you can make the most out of it with the use of companion planting. This means growing complementary plants beside or near each other to act as natural pest control.

For starters, gardening experts say that planting tomatoes and basil together can help protect the tomatoes since the basil’s powerful scent repels aphids. Growing onions and carrots beside each other can boost the productivity of the soil beds because the roots of both plants will use the nutrients found at different soil levels. The pungent smell of onions is said to confuse pests drawn to carrots as well.

Lastly, to deal with stubborn garden pests, use homemade organic pesticides, such as ground chilli and garlic or coffee mixed with soap water.

6 Ideas for Landscaping on a Budget

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Want to upgrade the look of your outdoor space but worried about the potential costs? Landscaping doesn’t always need to be an expensive project. With a touch of creativity and resourcefulness, you can better manage the expenses that come with upgrading the look of your lawn and garden.

So how can you ensure more value for money when initiating a landscaping project for your property? Here are six budget-friendly ideas highly recommended by landscapers that will give your outdoor space a completely new look.

1. Utilise Japanese Zen garden elements.

Sand and gravel are affordable and they don’t need special maintenance, so using them as main materials can help save you a lot of money and time. Just choose an area of your lawn where you can apply a Zen landscaping concept. Decorate that space with carefully chosen rocks and a few ornaments that you can easily purchase from yard sales or flea markets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Ask friends or neighbours for cuttings.

You don’t need to buy new plants; you can approach friends or neighbours for cuttings of plants that are thriving in their garden. The great advantage here, apart from keeping your outdoor space beautification expenses low, is there’s a high likelihood that those cuttings will grow well in your own lawn or garden since they’re taken from areas where the climate and soil conditions are the same with yours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. For low maintenance plants, try succulents.

Succulents thrive even in the hottest regions of Australia and they’re quite lovely to integrate into any garden. If you’re successful in growing them, they can even replace traditional ground cover (grass). As a nice touch, you can grow succulents in small pots that you can strategically place in different areas of your outdoor space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Use bright paint to provide your landscape a pop of colour.

Bright colours will help especially when flowers just won’t bloom (yet). If you have garden furniture set up, paint them with a cheery colour. This will instantly make your outdoor space come alive and boost kerb appeal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Create edging for your lawn.

There are so many options for edging that will not cost you much. Some folks even use old china and tyres – you’re really only limited by your imagination. But if you want a more traditional look, you can purchase bricks, tiles and even Besser blocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Create flowerbeds.

Flowerbeds will add dimension to your lawn especially if you use different perennials like Achillea, Centrauthus (very easy to grow in Western Australia – they even pop up in unexpected locations), and Cosmos. You can create flowerbeds with Besser blocks and old tyres.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are The Typical Costs Involved In Landscaping?

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Landscaping can be one of the most expensive investments you can make in your home. However, it is one of the most valuable outlays you can make. When you hire professional landscapers to design your lawn, you’ll have an outdoor space that is attractive and functional – one that can impress others and increase the market value of your property.

When hiring a landscaping company, there is no getting around the fact that the most important factor you will base your final decision on would be the contractor’s rates. In general, one of the key factors that affect the cost of landscaping is the list of specific tasks needed for your lawn or project.

The common services that landscapers will provide, which can increase the total price of your project, include:

  • Landscape design. One of the benefits you can enjoy when you hire a professional landscaper is that you won’t have to spend time coming up with a good and viable landscape design for your property. However, you will have to expect to pay a minimal amount for this additional service. The price for a landscape design will also take into account the size of your garden and the complexity of the design you want.
  • This service pertains to all the horticultural aspects or requirements of your landscape. Professional landscapers will select plant varieties ideal for your project and place them in the right spots so that they will grow and thrive.
  • Also known as landscape construction, most standard landscaping works include some sort of hard paving. You will also have to shell out some extra cash if you really want to enhance your garden’s hardscaping. This includes adding a deck, having a water feature and pergola installed, and other functional and appealing structures that will add to the total cost of your project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other factors that also have significant effects on the total cost of a landscaping project include the amount of labour and the cost of materials required for the project. And basically, the more plants, rocks, and structures you want, the more expensive your project will be.

In New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, the current going rate for a typical landscaping project is approximately $50 to $75 per hour. In Queensland and South Australia, charges will be lower since professional landscapers commonly charge $45 per hour, on average, for their services.

To make sure you will get all your money’s worth, make sure your professional landscaper is licensed, insured, and comes recommended by their clients. You can also request for a quote first for your project and get details about what they will or will not cover before hiring a particular company.

The Top 5 Qualities You Should Look For In A Good Landscaper

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You’ve probably spent hours on the internet reading posts and watching videos about landscaping. You’ve also already had your fill of photos to serve as your inspiration and guide. Does this mean that you can now embark on a DIY landscaping project on your lawn?

The answer is yes and no. With your stock knowledge, you will certainly be able to design a suitable landscape, know what features and items to buy and use, and which plants you should cultivate. But this can only take you so far.

If you want to have a really beautiful, functional, and eye-catching (even breathtaking) landscape where everything is in its place and complements each other, handling the work alone won’t be enough. You have to hire the professionals.

To ensure all your money and effort won’t go to waste when hiring landscaping contractors to design your yard, take the time to choose the right pros that have these qualities:

  1. A keen sense of professionalism. This particular trait stretches among various elements. The landscaping company’s staff should be well-mannered and trained to commit to the highest level of good customer service. The landscaping team must also turn up on time, and if they have been held up, they will give you a ring. It should also be easily noticeable that the company has a tidy and easily identifiable crew. From the fleet to the uniforms, all of these should be a direct reflection of the company’s level of professionalism.
  2. Good communication skills. Landscaping contractors have to be able to communicate well. The team leader should know how to clearly and completely explain the landscaping project and make sure you are comfortable with the plan. Also, you should always be informed about every update and snag related to the project.
  3. Detail-oriented. This quality can be initially seen if the landscaper supplies you with detailed and accurate figures — not just general, off-the-internet ones. Quotes like this will give you a clear picture of the quality of services they offer and what you should allow for any unexpected costs that may arise. In addition, creating the right landscape involves a lot of minute points; as such, it is crucial for a landscaping contractor to be very detail-oriented.
  4. Teeming with positive recommendations. Ask the landscaper for a list of their clients. Check if they have photos of their projects and look at them. If you have the time, visit the clients and with their permission, take a look at their properties. You can also ask them questions about the contractor’s reliability, punctuality, quality of work, and communication.
  5. Environmentally responsible. Finally, the landscaper you hire should make use of sustainable landscape irrigation designs and observe drought-tolerant plantings. These are quite important to consider if you live in Darwin, Brisbane, Perth, and other areas in Australia that enjoy warm climates most of the year. Find out if they use organic fertilisers, mulch, and other supplies so that you can have an environment-friendly lawn.

Although it may require additional work on your part, hiring a landscaping contractor that possesses these key qualities will help you have a landscaped yard that won’t fail to impress anyone.