A homeowners guide to bolstering curb appeal while simplifiying the landscaping process.
I moved to Miami from the northeast 25 years ago. It was the middle of winter, and I was mesmerized by the vegetation. My first impression: It’s GREEN… really green… Everywhere!
It was so luscious! It truly took me over 6 years to become accustomed to it, and even now, the varieties of palm trees (over 2000!) still take my breath away.
In time, I also learned that all that green landscaping requires lots of green bucks! Even simple gardening projects can be quite involved, as they require an investment in time and can be expensive.
Here are 5 time and money saving tips to bolster your home’s curb appeal. I have learned these as a homeowner myself, and I apply them to my work as the owner of TBR Property Management.
1. Consider the layout and how much space you are working with. Measure the space. Take pictures at different times of day, being mindful that direct sunlight or shade will affect your options.
2. Keep it simple. Simple does not mean dull. You can give depth and texture to your landscape just by varying the shades of green!
3. Use native plants and learn what grows in our climate. There are colorful native plants that adjust to our South Florida seasons: the moist heat of summer and the dry conditions in winter. As lovely as azaleas look in full bloom, they shrivel and burn in the Florida heat. Conversely, cactus drown in the summer downpours.
4. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure it’s running properly. You will be watering more during winter. Water IS EXPENSIVE. Use it wisely. Too much watering in the summer can rot both your plants and grass, however, not enough in winter will burn them.
5. Take into account the proximity of your home to the ocean. Some plants will not do well with the additional salt content in the air.
Once you’ve gotten all of the above figured out, go to a nursery! Bring your notes with you. Show them your pictures. Describe the environment and location of your property. Tell them what you want. They know what will grow and what wont. Ask questions.
These tips will help you organize your game plan and minimize costly mistakes. In the end, you will be happy to have landscaping that adds value to your property and limits the cost of maintenance.
Having said all this, it’s time for a plug. If your property is in South Florida, and you live 1000s of miles away, consider hiring TBR Property Management. We are well connected with professional landscapers and nurseries, and we can manage this entire process for you. This is just one of the services we offer.
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