Here are our three top landscaping tips for homeowners who want to make the most of their properties now, while investing in their increased value for the future.

1. Install a retaining wall.

If you have a sloping yard, or it’s prone to flooding, a retaining wall will level out the yard making it more accessible and improve drainage. Practically, retaining walls prevent soil erosion and generally make your yard a safer place.

Aesthetically they can also make stunning landscaping features, taking your average backyard from drab to fab…  Imagine having a split level backyard – tiered flower beds, outdoor entertaining areas, a grassy knoll or two. Think designer appeal but for a fraction of the cost.

And that’s just the backyard! What about the front?

Create a stunning first impression with a spectacularly designed retaining wall that separates your home from the street. It will increase privacy, in some cases reduce noise and block unattractive views.

Consider retaining wall materials>

2. Erect a deck

Decking isn’t just for those who have a pool. Cheaper than adding a large extension, decking is the most cost effective and time efficient method of adding square metres to your home.

If you home lends itself to it, create flow between internal and external spaces by having your outdoor living area lead off an indoor entertaining area. You’ll get more use of the deck if it’s accessible from a communal space.

In 2012, domain.com.au estimated that adding a deck could increase a property’s value by up to $100,000. Given how the property market has skyrocketed since, it’s probably more now.

Read more about getting on deck>

3. Easy care lawns and gardens

According to domain.com.au, a Michigan University study found that homeowners achieved a 109 per cent return on every landscaping dollar spent – higher than any other home improvement. The same Michigan University research found good landscape design increased perceived home value by 5–11 per cent.

For your enjoyment and resale value, you want something that looks fabulous but is relatively low maintenance. Consider laying hardy new turf, minimising the number of plant species in your garden to make it easy to care for and to give a more uniform look. Irrigation systems are also a big winner.

Click here for autumn lawn and garden care tips>

Empire Retaining Walls offers residential and commercial customers, including builders and architects, practical and aesthetically pleasing landscaping services and solutions. Find out how we can help you today>

As the mornings and evenings become crisper, and the leaves start to fall, it’s easy to assume your garden is basically shutting up shop for winter. But just like winter is the right time to put in hard yards for your summer beach body, autumn is the perfect time to set up the foundations for a gorgeous spring garden.

Lawn maintenance in autumn

You’ll start to see less growth on the top of your lawn but, don’t be fooled, the roots are still growing beneath the surface. Feed your lawn using a slow release lawn food. This will help develop a stronger root system and grow thicker grass.

First check if there is a lawn feed suited to your particular type of grass. Then aerate the soil, using a garden fork to loosen the ground. Ensure you follow the safety instructions on the packaging, especially if you have children and/or pets.

Garden maintenance in autumn

• Cut your hedges before winter to keep them bushy.
• Plant winter annuals to keep your garden colourful.
• Take cuttings.
  • Swap them with friends to increase variety, or spread existing plants further in your own garden.
• Prune fruit frees in late autumn (except Apricot … wait until Spring)

Tip: If pruning diseased plants, always clean tools in bleach or disinfectant before moving on to the next plant. This helps stop the spread of disease from one plant to another.

Professional garden maintenance, Mornington Peninsula

Empire Retaining Walls offers residential and commercial customers, including builders and architects, practical and aesthetically pleasing landscaping services and solutions, including:

• Design
• Planting
• Lawn and garden maintenance
• Watering systems
• More>

There’s no job too small.

Whether you’re looking to make a big impression, add value to your home, improve your lifestyle through the creation of an enjoyable (perhaps even enviable!) outdoor space, or just maintain that space, we’ve got you covered with our complete landscaping services.

• For examples of our work, please refer to the Empire Retaining Walls online ‘Portfolio’.
• If you’re after a service not listed here, please all Adam on 0421 573 001 to discuss your needs.
• To obtain a free quote, call Adam or email empirewalls@live.com.au.
• For free landscaping tips and to stay in touch, follow us on Facebook.