Local experts provide tips for you to create your best yard yet.

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

A well-manicured, maintained yard can create a sense of pride for homeowners. Having the best-looking spot in the neighborhood, however, can be quite the challenge if you don’t know where to begin or what to do once you start.

Never worry, because three of Walker County’s top landscapers, Chris Maddox of Maddox Landscaping, Mark Goodwin of North Highlands Lawn Care, and Chad Frye of Professional Landscaping, are here to offer their top tips to creating the yard of your dreams.

1. Have A Plan

The biggest step is to start with a good plan. Develop a master plan you can implement in phases - Maddox

A specific plan is especially critical if you are starting fresh or need new construction. -Goodwin

2. Choose Your Material

Proper material selection is imperative. Choosing the right grass and/or planting material will set you up for a successful project. -Frye

When choosing material, research to learn what size your desired trees or plants will be when they reach full maturity and allow space for that growth. -Goodwin

It’s a big help to use native plants as much as possible because the area is likely already accustomed to them and their growth patterns. - Maddox

3. Recognize Environmental Conditions

Note your site, soil, and sun conditions before you start planting. This will help to ensure that you plant the appropriate materials in the right spaces. -Maddox

Some environmental factors to consider when deciding where to plant include amounts of sun and shade, as well as whether the area is typically wet or dry. –Goodwin

4. Prepare the Ground

Before installing grass or plants, correctly prepare your spaces. This is key to ensure you will have the best success rate. Carefully choose a good grass for your specific area based on environmental conditions. -Frye

Prepare your soil well. Till or Harley rake your soil, level and fill in holes and take out the high spots. Decide what sod will best suit your yard. For example, Bermuda grass does better in full sun, whereas Zoysia requires a lot of shade. -Goodwin

5. Water Wisely

Proper watering is critical. Research the varieties of turf and shrubs that you have and how much water they require. This will help you to make sure you are maintaining correctly and get the fullest lifespan possible for you landscaping. -Frye

Irrigation is a great tool to have but must be used effectively. Monitor water usage and be sure to not overwater. A lot of times, the symptoms of overwatering and drought can appear the same, which leads to even more overwatering. -Maddox

6. Regular Maintenance and Care

Mow your lawn regularly and with sharp blades. -Goodwin

Research and know exactly what products you are using to care for your lawn and plants. Herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers can come with different chemical makeups and/or have additives that can affect the outcome of your landscape. -Frye

Trimming shrubs properly is very important for appearance. Make sure you know the types of shrubs you have and the correct time to prune them. Pruning at the wrong time can prevent proper growth and the overall appearance. -Frye

7. Call the Pros

If anything about maintaining your lawn is difficult or just downright confusing, don’t be afraid to call a professional landscaper to ask for advice or help. Businesses like Maddox Landscaping, North Highlands Lawn Care, and Professional Landscaping exist to be a helping hand in bettering the appearance of your yard! 78

For more information, please call Maddox Landscaping Inc at (205) 275-1293, North Highlands Lawn Care at (205) 388-7555, or Professional Landscaping at (205) 221-5040.