If you’ve been reading our most recent blog articles full of ideas for your lawn and gardens, you might be wondering what the next best steps are to take to make your yard something special. After all, creating a gorgeous outdoor area – whether it’s a small pollinator garden or a backyard filled with trees – takes knowledge, time and planning. 

But what if you don’t have a green thumb or time, or you’re simply not interested in spending hours in the sun, tending to the yard to keep it healthy and looking great? If this sounds like you, we’ve got a solution: hire a landscape architect. 

Not only do landscape architects have years of training on how to create showstopping yards, but they can help you choose plants and trees that will thrive in your garden. And they’ll present you with unique and innovative ways to elevate your yard and make your outdoor spaces truly special. 

Here’s our top five reasons to hire a landscape architect. 

They’ll come up with a (great) plan
If you’ve got specific ideas for your yard, but have no clue how to make them happen, your first step should be to talk to a landscape architect. Not only can the architect assess your property to know what issues will need to be addressed and what is best to plant in your yard, but they can help you choose flowers, shrubs and trees you’ll love. They can also help with all aspects of landscape design. 

They can help you choose native plants
While there’s nothing wrong with planting hibiscus in Cincinnati (as long as you bring them inside for winter), it’s best to plant as many native trees and plants as you can in your yard. Not only will they require less watering and maintenance, but many will attract pollinators and require little or no pesticides. These plants aren’t just easy to care for but they are better for the planet as well. 

They know where to plant trees
If you’re planning on adding trees to your yard, it’s critical that you know where to plant them. Tree roots can grow deep and could potentially, eventually, compromise your home’s plumbing or even the foundation if you haven’t strategically planted them. And adding trees to certain areas of the yard can help you save money on energy bills, too. 

They can design rain gardens
One of the biggest trends in gardening are rain gardens that capture rain to grow plants and flowers. Considering how these gardens are great for the planet, easy to maintain and attract birds and pollinators, we think it’s a trend that’s here to stay. 

Rain gardens are also very practical. In fact, they help filter runoff from sidewalks and lawns and route it back to the ground, much like a storm or French drain does, but these are far more beautiful. 

And natural swimming pools, too
Who doesn’t love a swimming pool? It’s true that pools are making a major comeback, but today’s pools are much better for the environment – and for the pocketbook, too. In fact, many custom homeowners are opting for natural swimming pools that resemble natural ponds. While natural pools share similarities to traditional pools, they do not need chlorine or other types of chemicals.  

Your custom home is a work of art and your yard can be, too. Let the team at Classic Living Homes know if need more tips or want to be connected to a Cincinnati area landscape architect who can help make your outdoor space beautiful.