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9 Landscape Ideas for New Homes in State College, PA


A family buying a new home

Just moved into a new house or building one? You're probably thinking about how to create a beautiful outdoor space. 


Landscaping goes beyond curb appeal. It's about creating a relaxing oasis for you and your family. In this blog, we'll share inspiring landscape ideas for new homes and guide you through landscape design and installation in PA.


We’ll cover everything from choosing the right plants and improving soil quality to creating functional spaces. Let's transform your new construction home into a stunning retreat.


Key Takeaways


  • Assess your climate, soil, and site conditions to ensure successful new construction landscaping.

  • Plan functional outdoor spaces with distinct areas for dining, relaxing, and playing, incorporating elements like fire pits and patios.

  • Choose the right plants, use mulch for weed control, and create clear lawn edges to maintain a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape.


1. Know Your Climate and Site


Understanding your climate and site is key to successful new home landscaping. Consider your region's rainfall, temperature, and humidity, as these factors influence which plants will thrive. 


Assess your soil type—sandy, clay, or loamy—as this affects drainage and nutrient retention. Adding compost and topsoil can improve soil quality, giving your plants a better foundation. 


Check your site's slope and drainage to prevent waterlogging or drought stress. Proper drainage keeps the area moist without waterlogging. If you have steep slopes, think about terracing or raised beds to manage water flow and prevent soil erosion.


2. Plan Your Outdoor Spaces


Do you prefer a high-maintenance garden for hours of planting or a low-maintenance yard with hardy shrubs and native plants? 


Think about how much time you want to spend gardening and what activities you enjoy. Consider where to plant grass seed for a green lawn, how to use heavy equipment for installation, and which areas might benefit from native plants. 


Your new landscape can include a colorful front yard with flowers, a backyard with a vegetable garden and walkways, or a shaded area with trees and seating. 


3. Create Clear Lawn Edges


Defining the edges of your lawn is essential in construction landscaping. Clear edges make your new landscape look tidy and well-maintained, enhancing your property's appeal and adding a polished touch to your landscape design. 


You can use a sharp spade for a neat separation or install borders with materials like concrete, timber, brick, or stone. These materials help keep grass and plants contained, making lawn maintenance easier. Well-defined edges also make it easier to plant and spread grass seed, ensuring the grass grows where you want it and stays within property lines.


4. Enhance Soil Quality


Good soil is crucial for growing healthy plants in your new construction landscaping project. Quality soil provides essential nutrients, supports root growth, and helps your brand-new landscape thrive. 


To enhance your soil, add compost and topsoil. Compost enriches the soil with organic matter, improving its texture and ability to retain moisture. Topsoil adds nutrients and creates a solid foundation for your plants. 


Mix these into the ground where you’ll be planting, whether it’s your front yard, back yard, or around your patio. This will ensure that your garden, lawn, and other landscaping elements establish well and flourish. 


5. Pick the Right Plants


Native plants are often the best choice because they are adapted to the local climate and soil of the region, making them easier to maintain and more likely to thrive in your new home landscape.


Think about their placement to ensure they grow well. Place sun-loving plants in areas that receive plenty of sunlight and shade-tolerant ones where there’s less light. 


Consider the mature size of shrubs and trees to avoid overcrowding and ensure your garden remains visually appealing. Mixing perennials with other plants can add year-round interest and attract butterflies and bees, enhancing the beauty and health of your landscape. 


6. Plan Your Planting Layout


Use the natural flow of your space to determine the best spots for planting. For instance, place shrubs and trees where they can provide shade and privacy, and use open areas for your lawn or garden.


Creating layers with tall and small plants adds depth and visual interest to your landscape. 


Place taller plants, like trees and large shrubs, at the back or along property lines. In front of these, plant medium-sized shrubs and perennials, followed by smaller flowers and ground covers. 


This approach makes your yard look more dynamic and ensures each plant gets the sunlight it needs. 


7. Master Mulch and Weed Control


Mulching is a crucial part of construction landscaping that offers numerous benefits for your new construction home. It helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and adds a polished look to your garden beds. Plus, mulch suppresses weed growth, saving you time and effort.


There are various types of mulch to choose from. This includes organic options like bark, wood chips, and compost, which also enrich the soil as they break down.


Effective weed control is essential for keeping your new landscape looking pristine. Regularly inspect your garden and promptly remove any weeds you find. 


For added protection, consider using weed mats or landscape fabric under your mulch. These materials block weed growth while still allowing water and nutrients to reach your plants. 


8. Create Practical Outdoor Spaces


Think about how you want to use your yard. For dining, relaxing, and playing, create distinct areas that cater to these activities. 


A patio with comfortable furniture and a fire pit can be a great spot for family gatherings. In your back yard, consider adding a lawn where kids can play and a dedicated space for a garden or perennials.


When planning your outdoor space, consider the right furniture and accessories to enhance comfort and usability. Shade is an important thing to keep in mind for those hot days, so think about installing pergolas or umbrellas. 


Don't forget the practical aspects like plumbing and electricity, especially if you plan to have an outdoor kitchen or lighting. 


9. Add Decorative Elements


Focal points in your garden design, such as water features, fire pits, and decorative planters, can transform your yard into a visually stunning space. A fire pit in the back yard can create a cozy gathering spot, while a water feature in the front yard adds a soothing ambiance.


Don't underestimate the impact of good lighting. Strategically placed lights can highlight your garden's best features, like unique plants or pathways, and create a magical atmosphere at night. 


Consider installing lighting along your driveway, patio, and around focal points to enhance the overall aesthetics. 


Transform Your New Home with Landscape II

Plans for a landscape design

Creating the perfect landscape for your new construction home can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right landscaping ideas, managing the installation, and figuring out details like grass seed, fire pits, and lighting can be challenging. 


At Landscape II, we understand these and are here to make the process easy and enjoyable.


Our expert builders specialize in construction landscaping, offering personalized solutions for your new home. 


We handle everything from planting and soil preparation to installing concrete patios and lush lawns. Ready to transform your yard into a stunning outdoor space? Call us today, and let’s bring your landscaping ideas to life.


Summary


With these new construction landscaping ideas, you’re well on your way to creating the perfect outdoor space for your new home. From planning your front yard and back yard to selecting the right plants and mastering mulch and weed control, these tips will ensure your landscaping project is a success. 


Now that you have a solid foundation of landscaping ideas, it's time to start planning and implementing your landscape. Begin planting grass seed, installing a patio, or designing a garden with colorful flowers and perennials. If you need expert assistance, call Landscape II. We’re ready to help.


Frequently Asked Questions


How to landscape a brand new house?


To landscape a brand new house, start by assessing your soil and determining the best areas for planting. Ensure your landscape design complements the construction of your house and creates a welcoming outdoor space for homeowners.


How to design a landscape around a house?


Designing a landscape around a house involves creating a balanced layout that enhances the property's aesthetics and functionality. Use the house's architecture to determine where to plant trees, shrubs, and flowers. 


What is a modern landscape style?


A modern landscape style emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and functionality. It often includes features like concrete patios, geometric shapes, and simple plantings focusing on grasses, succulents, and low-maintenance plants. 


What are some examples of types of landscapes?


Examples of types of landscapes include residential gardens, commercial landscapes, xeriscapes, and natural landscapes. 


Residential gardens focus on creating inviting spaces for homeowners, while commercial landscapes enhance business properties. Xeriscapes use drought-resistant plants for water conservation, and natural landscapes preserve the native flora and fauna of the region.


What is an example of a designed landscape?


An example of a designed landscape is a modern backyard that features a concrete patio, geometric planting beds, and a mix of grasses and low-maintenance plants. 


This design emphasizes clean lines, functionality, and minimalism, often incorporating elements like a fire pit, strategic lighting, and a small water feature for added ambiance.


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