Freezing winter and often scorching summer temperatures can wreak havoc on plants, gardens, and landscaping in general in the Chicago area, especially if they haven’t been adequately prepared ahead of time. Below are a few tips that will help ensure that your next landscaping project is a tremendous success.
Choose Plants that are Best Suited to the Chicago Climate
If you intend having your plants blooming and looking good for many years to come, ensure that you choose varieties that are best suited to the specific planting zone you live in. Chicago is usually classified as zone 5, meaning that plants will need to be able to withstand temperatures that run as low as -20°F.
Plants available at most garden centers and hardware stores will carry a label indicating that it will be, “Hardy up to zone x.” Always pay attention to this, as plants that have higher zone numbers on will not usually survive or even grow.
Consider the Amount of Sunlight your Yard Receives
It’s crucial to determine how much sunlight each part of your yard receives every day and how much of it will be required for the plants you’ve chosen to engage in photosynthesis. While some plants won’t require much direct sunlight, others may only thrive upon receiving several hours of it each day.
When searching for plants, be sure to check their labels. They should indicate whether full sun, medium to low sun, partial shade, or even full shade would be required for them to grow and thrive.
Determine your Desired Level of Privacy
Most property owners spend time in their yards as a way of relaxing, decompressing and spending time in nature, and while some individuals want their yards to be as open as possible, others prefer to enjoy a higher level of privacy while outdoors.
You may want to enhance the view of a lovely pond that’s close to your property or even create an outdoor oasis where you, friends and family can enjoy some time outdoors without being spied on by nosy neighbors. If you’re unsure of the type of plants you’ll need to create additional privacy, it may be an idea to enlist the help of a residential landscaper.
Consider your Budget
Although it may seem tedious, it’s essential to determine how much you’ll be able to afford to spend on your upcoming landscaping project. This will help you choose plants, trees, shrubs, and other required items that will fit into your budget.
While you may think it’ll be cheaper to purchase all the plants you need yourself, it can often be more cost-effective to work through a professional landscaping company. In many cases, landscapers will obtain larger discounts because of the amount of plants they are purchasing at a time.
If you’d like to have landscaping performed in your yard, but feel too intimidated by everything that will be needed, our team of professionals will be more than willing to assist you. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.