This yard landscape maintenance 101 guide is for you if you are tired of seeing your yard looking dull and lifeless no matter the season. Bear in mind, that keeping your landscape looking beautiful year-round may seem like an impossible task. Fortunately, with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve a stunning outdoor space that will make your neighbors green with envy.
According to IBISWorld — published an article in September 2019 on the Landscape Industry in the US — the Landscaping Industry is worth a whopping $98.8 Billion. Unfortunately, from 2014-2019, the industry had an annual growth of 4.4%. But, it is estimated that from around 2019- 2025, the sector will decrease to only a 1.5% annual growth.
The Industry is suspected to have a 1.2% growth in the number of businesses and low entry barriers for new companies. Partially, due to the continuous and steady growth of this industry, competition for new businesses is high. Plus, the stay and work from home — during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic requirements — most homeowners are doing it themselves.
In this post, we’ll cover yard landscape maintenance 101 plus some easy-to-follow steps on how to keep your yard looking great all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we’ll help you achieve a vibrant and healthy yard to impress anyone who sees it. So, let’s get started and make Calgary Landscaping something to be proud of!
Understanding The Architecture Basics In Yard Landscape Maintenance
By definition, Landscape Architecture is the design of outdoor areas, landmarks, and structures to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes. It involves the systematic design and general engineering of various structures for construction and human use. Plus existing social/ecological investigation and soil conditions/processes in the landscape.
As well as the design of other interventions that will produce desired outcomes. The scope of the profession is broad and can be subdivided into several sub-categories. On one hand, there’s the professional or licensed landscape architects category — which is regulated by governmental agencies and possesses the expertise to study and table resourceful data results.
In the long run, the experts can then use the data results to design a wide range of structures and landforms for human use. On the other hand, we’ve got the landscape design experts, site planning; stormwater management; erosion control; environmental restoration; parks, recreation, and urban planning categories — all of which is not licensed profession.
In addition, their other key job descriptions are visual resource management; green infrastructure planning and provision; and private estate and residence landscape master planning and design projects — all at varying scales of design — planning pros, management teams, and the like. But, oftentimes, the general yard landscape maintenance job is not always that easy.
What A Yard Landscape Maintenance Job Usually Entails
Basically, yard landscape maintenance (aka groundskeeping) is the art and vocation of keeping a given backyard space or just any other landscape healthy, clean, safe, and attractive. Typically, the process is quite common in the context of a home-based garden, a yard, a community park, an institutional setting (school), or even an estate environment.
Whilst, using garden tools, supplies, knowledge, physical exertion, and skills. Perse, a groundskeeper may also do annual plantings and harvestings, periodic weeding and fertilizing, other gardening, lawn care, snow removal, and driveway/path maintenance. Or shrub pruning, topiary, lighting, fencing, swimming pool care, runoff drainage, and irrigation.
And, all this is in addition to other jobs for protecting and improving the topsoil, plants, and garden accessories. What’s more, groundskeepers may also deal with local animals. Including birds, rodents, reptiles, insects, and domestic animals or pets. Or even, at times, create means to either attract or repel these animals, as desired or necessary.
What’s more, a garden may also be designed to include exotic animals, such as a koi pond. In larger estates, groundskeepers may be responsible for providing and maintaining habitat for wild animals. Perse, if you are a contractor looking for the tools to get the job done, the Aspire Landscape Business Software will help you do it quite more efficiently and profitably.
The Topmost Effective Steps For Keeping Your Yard Great Year-Round
A practitioner in the profession of landscape architecture may be called a landscape architect, however, in jurisdictions where professional licenses are required it is often only those who possess a landscape architect license who can be called a landscape architect. But, the exact description of this job can change solely based on the company that has posted the job.
However, according to the BLS, ” Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of various moving jobs.
Including:
- sod laying
- mowing
- trimming
- planting
- watering
- fertilizing
- digging
- raking
- sprinkler installation
As well as installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.” The BLS also claims that this job title excludes “Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse (45-2092).” Be that as it may, sometimes you may want to do things all by yourself, right? Whether you are a pro, going DIY, or hiring someone, the following steps will help you big time:
Step #1: Keep Your Lawn Mowed and Watered
A well-manicured lawn is the foundation of any great yard. Keeping your lawn mowed and watered is essential for maintaining a healthy and lush lawn. It is recommended to water your lawn at least once a week, depending on the climate and weather. When it comes to mowing, make sure you are cutting no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to avoid damaging the roots and to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy.
Step #2: Regularly Prune and Trim Your Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can add a lot of beauty and character to your yard, but if left unpruned, they can quickly become overgrown and unsightly. Regularly pruning and trimming your trees and shrubs not only keeps them looking neat and tidy but also helps to maintain their overall health. Be sure to use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent any damage to the plants.
Step #3: Add Color with Seasonal Plantings
Nothing says “well-maintained yard” like colorful blooms and vibrant foliage. Adding seasonal plantings to your landscape can add a pop of color and interest to your yard all year round. From spring bulbs to fall mums, there is always something you can plant to keep your yard looking fresh and lively. Consider consulting a local Calgary landscaping expert to learn more about the best plants for each season.
Step #4: Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Mulching is a vital part of landscape maintenance. Not only does it help to suppress weeds, but it also helps to retain moisture in the soil, keeping your plants healthy and hydrated. Mulching can also add a beautiful finishing touch to your landscape, giving it a polished and professional look.
Step #5: Keep Your Yard Clean and Tidy
It may seem like an obvious tip, but keeping your yard clean and tidy is an essential part of landscape maintenance. Remove any fallen leaves, branches, or debris regularly to prevent them from becoming hazards or unsightly eyesores. You can also consider adding decorative features such as a beautiful birdbath or garden sculpture to give your yard an extra touch of personality.
What A Yard Landscape Maintenance Career Job Entails
Landscape architecture has been taught at The University of Manchester since the 1950s. The course in the Manchester School of Architecture enables students to gain various bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Including but not limited to MLPM(Hons) which is accredited by the Landscape Institute and by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as well.
In May 2017, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ), estimated that 912,360 “Landscape and Groundskeeping Workers” maintained jobs under this job title. These workers have an average annual pay of $29,700 paired with a mean hourly wage of about $14.28. These jobs hold a variety of hourly rates that may vary given a variety of considerable factors.
But, in most cases, it ranges from $9.59 (this’s an annual pay of $19,960 per year), to $20.61 (that’s an annual pay of $42,870 per year). On that note, Landscape Architects are generally required to have a university or graduate education from an accredited landscape architecture degree program, which can vary in length and degree title.
Essentially, they learn how to create projects from scratch. Such as residential or commercial planting and designing outdoor living spaces. Not to mention, they are also willing to work with others to get a better outcome for the customers when doing a project. And, as such, they will have to learn the basics of how to create a project efficiently and effectively first.
Particularly, in a manner of the set time — this will require you to get your license in a certain state to be allowed to work. By the same token, students of Landscape Architects will learn how to interact with clients — learn how to explain a design from scratch when giving the final project.
Conclusion:
Maintaining a beautiful landscape is an ongoing process, but with these easy-to-follow tips, you can keep your yard looking great all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips are sure to help you achieve a vibrant and healthy yard that will make you proud. Remember, consult a local Calgary landscaping expert first.
That’s if you need more specific advice for your area. With a little effort and dedication, your yard will be the envy of the neighborhood!
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