Any time you have guests and visitors to your home, you want to make a great impression. First impressions last, as they say. One of the best ways to do that is through your landscape installation. After all, your home’s landscape is the first thing that visitors usually see. It thus makes sense to ensure that your landscape is as outstanding as possible.
As a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, you have plenty of opportunities to make your landscape great. You can even do it on your own. All you need is the right information on how to do DIY landscaping properly. The following are some of the top DIY landscaping tips for St. Louis, MO, residents.
DIY Landscaping Tips
Understanding St. Louis Climate and Soil
St. Louis experiences a humid continental climate with significant temperature variations. The region’s soil is predominantly clay-based, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity for landscapers. Clay soil retains moisture well but can become compacted and drain poorly. Before starting any landscaping project, it’s crucial to:
- Conduct a soil test to understand your specific soil composition
- Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil structure
- Choose plants that are well-adapted to clay soil and local climate conditions
Native Plant Selection
One of the most effective strategies for successful DIY landscaping in St. Louis is to incorporate native plants. These species are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance and providing numerous benefits:
- Missouri Coneflower (Rudbeckia missouriensis)
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Cardinal Flower
- Purple Coneflower
- Native Grasses like Little Bluestem
These plants not only survive local conditions but also support local wildlife, including pollinators and birds. They’re typically more drought-resistant and require less supplemental watering once established.
Water-Wise Landscaping Techniques
Given St. Louis’s variable precipitation and occasional drought conditions, water-efficient landscaping is crucial:
- Create Rain Gardens: Utilize low-lying areas to capture runoff and prevent erosion. These gardens can be planted with native moisture-loving plants like Blue Flag Iris and Swamp Milkweed.
- Install Efficient Irrigation: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize water waste. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use locally available materials like shredded bark or leaf compost.
Seasonal Landscaping Strategies
Spring
- Prepare garden beds by removing winter debris
- Prune dormant trees and shrubs
- Plant cool-season vegetables and early bloomers
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed growth
Summer
- Focus on drought-resistant plantings
- Mulch heavily to retain moisture
- Water early morning or late evening
- Monitor for pest and disease issues
Fall
- Plant trees and shrubs to establish roots before winter
- Add fall-blooming perennials like Asters
- Prepare garden for winter by adding protective mulch
- Clean and store landscaping tools
Winter
- Plan next year’s landscaping projects
- Protect sensitive plants with burlap or winter coverings
- Prune dormant trees during late winter
Low-Maintenance Landscape Design
Create a landscape that looks beautiful with minimal effort:
- Use native ground covers to reduce lawn area
- Design with perennial plants that return yearly
- Create hardscape elements like stone paths or patios
- Incorporate xeriscaping principles for water conservation
- Use native ornamental grasses for texture and year-round interest
Budget-Friendly DIY Tips
Landscaping doesn’t have to break the bank:
- Start small and expand gradually
- Purchase plants during end-of-season sales
- Propagate plants from cuttings or divisions
- Use local resources like municipal compost programs
- Consider community plant swaps
Essential Tools for St. Louis Landscapers
Invest in quality tools that can handle clay soil and diverse landscaping needs:
- Sharp pruning shears
- Heavy-duty spade and trowel
- Soil knife
- Wheelbarrow
- Sturdy gloves
- pH testing kit
By understanding local conditions, selecting appropriate plants, and implementing water-wise techniques, St. Louis residents can create beautiful, sustainable landscapes that enhance their property’s aesthetic appeal and environmental value. Remember that successful landscaping is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation.
As the top landscaping contractor in St. Louis, our team at GreenScapeSTL can help you with your landscaping project. We are a full-service landscaping company that specializes in all aspects of landscaping, particularly patio design, and installation. To learn more about us and our services, please contact us today.