Get matched with top landscapers in Bancroft, IA

A window flower box should be deep enough that there’s room for a wide selection of plants and the required amount of soil and gravel. Standard flower boxes are 8 inches deep and 8 inches from front to back. Larger is better to increase the variety of plants in the box, but you could run into stability issues as it increases in weight.

Consulting your local university extension, Audubon society, or municipal urban forestry program are all good ideas when choosing a tree to plant. You can also ask an arborist or a knowledgeable landscaping company for advice on good trees to plant.

Hedge plants are available in almost every size, from seedlings to fully mature, six-foot-tall shrubs. Planting smaller plants is much easier and more cost-effective. However, it can take years for the plants to reach maturity and create a full hedge. Garden centers and specialty retailers sometimes offer three to four-foot wide plants that you can simply plant next to each other for an instant full hedge.

The landscaping elements that add the most value are often the basics. A well-maintained, attractive lawn can have a return on investment (ROI) of up to 217%. Routine lawn maintenance, such as edging and mulching, can provide an ROI of over 100%. Other high-value projects include upgrading your front walkway, which can offer a 100% ROI, and planting trees. Projects like adding decks, patios, outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens also add value and enjoyment, though their direct financial ROI may be less than 100% in some cases.