Having a beautiful and functional front and back yard is a wonderful way to boost homeowner satisfaction and allow the spaces to be utilized year round. It also may help sell a home faster and for more money. Here is a short guide to choosing the right improvements to meet your family's needs.

Think Small Additions With Major Impact

Lawn ornamentation does not necessarily have to be expensive or large to complement landscaping, as sometimes small additions can completely transform the comfort and beauty of outdoor spaces in a Buffalo new home. Consider getting a bit splashy with a water feature such a fountain or small water pond, or make affordable and functional additions such as lighting along walkways and within landscaping beds.

Boost Privacy With ‘Fencing' Options

While a wood fence will offer the most privacy, today's modern homeowners and those with spacious distances between neighboring houses are opting for a new type of ‘fence'—natural barriers. By far, the best natural barriers are none other than tall, hearty trees that not only provide privacy but a good deal of protection from elements such as wind. Popular choices for barrier trees in Canada include:

• Hybrid Willow
• Sky Pencil Holly
• Leyland Cypress
• Eastern Red-cedar
• Green Giant and Emerald Thuja
• Dogwood Trees
• Spartan Juniper

Think Seasonally Year Round

Yes, even in the cooler regions of the nation it's possible to have colour amid the landscaping all year round as long as one considers a variety of seasonal plants and evergreens. Maximize year round gardening with annuals, perennials, evergreens and blooming shrubbery to ensure there's something eye-catching occurring at all times within the home's landscaping. Various textures, hues and stages of blooms are most desirable.

Outdoor Dining and Cooking Areas

The truth is, that outdoor cooking—particularly grilling—is much more than a seasonal delight. Even in the coolest winters, there's nothing quite as warming to the palate and the stomach than hot food from the grill. Please everyone by creating an outdoor kitchen to enjoy year round. Finish the space out with an inviting table and perhaps a space heating element, so that open-air dining and cooking are possible anytime one wants a change of scenery during a meal.

If you are considering a home improvement project involving landscaping, and it's a job beyond the DIY level don't hesitate to contact a local professional today for tips, advice, or services.