Jersey Landscaping : Adding on a Patio

With the better weather finally here, it’s time to think of home improvement projects that will enhance your enjoyment of summer. One of the most popular springtime activities for homeowners is building a patio, which is not only a timely addition but a potentially profitable one as well.

Those pondering a patio should first know what kind of purpose they want it to serve. Is it going to be simply a place to stretch out on a chair, relax with the family and maybe fire up the grill? If that’s the case, then a traditional open-air patio is your best choice, and your biggest decision will be whether to make it a brick or a wood base.

Or is it going to be an extension of the living room and kitchen, i.e. a place where you host guests? If so, a covered patio is for you. Covered patios offer families a multitude of additional options, both from a design and entertainment perspective. With a covered patio, you can do just about everything you’d do in the house, including watch TV and sprawl out on furniture you specially selected for the patio. And depending on how much you protect the patio from the outside elements (whether it is screened or contained); it can be a year-round destination for you and your friends.

No matter what you do, the patio is a pivotal addition to the short- and long-term value of the house. If you ever decide to sell the house, the patio will surely appeal to any potential buyers. But those thoughts are for another day. Build a patio now and turn this summer into the most enjoyable one yet!

Jersey Landscaping : Putting in a Pool

The winter that seemed as if it would never end finally has (probably—hopefully). Before you know it, Memorial Day and the unofficial start to summer will be here. And if you’re tired of staring out the window pining for the pool and beautifully sculpted pool area landscaping that your neighbors have, well, there’s no better time than right now to join in on the fun!

Putting in a pool is perhaps the biggest and most impactful decision a homeowner can make. A pool will forever change the landscape of your property, and if you make the right choice, it will be there as long as you are.  Plus, proper landscaping around the pool and patio area can add ambiance and create an oasis of fun and relaxation right in your own back yard! With some carefully placed shrubbery, some summer blooms, and the right trees for shade, your pool and patio area can become the focal point of your home as well as the ideal site for hours of spring, summer and fall fun – with everything from barbecues to pool parties, and more!

Whether you and your family are just looking to pass the summer days away by lounging lazily in the pool or you’re looking to stay in shape in the water, a pool is a great investment. So, too, is the landscaping around your outdoor sitting areas. If you’re like most New Jersey homeowners, you have neighbors on all sides, so make sure that, when you create the layout of your pool area, you include plenty of natural landscaping elements to ensure your privacy.  Strategically-placed pagodas, stone walls, and conifers can keep out prying eyes as well as add a decorative touch to your backyard landscape. 

While it’s important to look to the added value of your home when putting in a pool, you can’t ignore the many hours of tranquility or splish-splashing fun that you’ll be able to enjoy when everyone else is sweating it out this summer. Good luck diving into the pool-building process, and don’t forget to leave room in your budget for the landscaping!