15 landscaping tips and tricks for beginners.

1. Study your yard before choosing plants.

Before you do anything, get to know your outdoor space before you start imagining what you want.

Assess which areas get sunlight throughout the day and for how long. Sunlight impacts where you need to add more shade or grow certain plants. It's also a good idea to get the soil tested to know which plants will thrive and if you need to treat the soil for plants with other needs.

Related: How to landscape your front yard.

2. Consider your region and climate.

Research your climate before you set your heart on certain landscaping features and hit the garden center. This goes for both hardscape and softscape elements. Your climate ultimately dictates what plants will thrive naturally in your yard.

If you live in a hot, dry, desert-like climate, you'll likely be better off choosing more hardscapes than softscapes. For example, instead of flowers, you might plant succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. And instead of a lush, green lawn, you may want to substitute it for gravel.

Related: 15 hardscaping ideas for your yard.

3. Get familiar with native plants.

As you're researching landscaping features that work well in your region, take note of native plants. Native plants are flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs that grow naturally in your area. By sticking with native plants instead of exotic ones, you can expect your garden to thrive.

Local gardening experts can help you understand which plants are native to your region. You can also visit nearby nurseries or ask your neighbors which plants are flourishing in their yards.

4. Understand your grass type.

Make sure you know what type of grass you have. Do you have warm-season or cool-season grass? Is it Bermuda, fescue, zoysia or another grass type?

Knowing your grass type is crucial. This detail can impact your lawn care schedule, especially when it comes to mowing, watering, aerating and fertilizing your lawn.

5. Put together a concept board.

What are your intentions for your backyard or front yard? Do you want to entertain guests? Do you want to cook using ingredients from your own garden? Or, do you want to turn the heads of passersby and increase your curb appeal?

Put all of your landscaping ideas together on a concept board, so you can visualize how they all fit together. Use a pen and paper (or an app or computer program) to create a digital layout of your ideal outdoor space. Mapping out the area gives you a good idea of how to create flow throughout the spaces.

A concept board is also helpful when working out your budget. Use it to communicate what you want to local landscapers. That way, they can send you accurate price quotes for your landscape design.

6. Decide how much time and money you have for maintenance.

Consider maintenance before you decide which landscape features to add. Look into how cost, energy and time-intensive the maintenance can be for the features you want. Then, see whether it fits into your life and budget.

7. Add dimension and depth to small yards.

If your outdoor space is limited, there are some simple ways to make it look larger and more interesting. Try doing the following:

• Avoid installing a fence in your front yard (it can make your yard appear smaller).
• Add various levels in your yard to create depth. For example, build a retaining wall, install raised garden beds and use a trellis to grow a vertical garden.
• Include plants of different textures and sizes. This can also create depth. Consider incorporating tall and short hedges or palms, ornamental grasses and plants with different sized leaves.
• Find a focal point. Popular focal point ideas are water features, sitting areas or strategically placed flower beds. 

Related: Small backyard landscaping ideas to maximize your space.

8. Think twice before ripping out mature trees.

Ripping out mature trees may not be the best move, especially if the trees add curb appeal to your property. However, it may be necessary.

Work with an arborist to determine if your mature trees are dying or diseased. If so, you may need to remove them.

You should also check to make sure you’re allowed to pull out mature trees. In some cases, your tree may be considered a heritage tree. Heritage trees often have historical significance, and you may need to get permission before you cut it down. 

Related: How much does tree removal cost?

9. Find a balance between privacy and curb appeal.

You can find ways to improve your home's curb appeal without compromising privacy. For example, maybe you want your front yard to be open and welcoming. But in your backyard, you can create a safe and private space. Use trees, shrubs and fences to help you with both.

10. Tackle one project at a time.

Unless you're in a hurry to change your entire outdoor space, take your time. This approach could help you to save for the next project, especially if you're on a tight budget.

It also gives you the flexibility to make changes to your original plan. As your projects progress, you might realize something you'd envisioned initially may not work or look good. If you space out your projects, you may have enough time to tweak your plan and try something else. 

11. Make sustainable choices.

Save money and the planet by making green choices in your landscape design. For example, you can save on water and energy bills by planting native trees and shrubs, using repurposed or salvaged materials and choosing energy-efficient designs and materials.

You can also eliminate waste by creating a compost pile and using it for mulch. For example, after mowing the lawn, save grass clippings. It can be used to create organic mulch, which you can lay on soil to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

12. Create borders with edging and curbing.

Landscape edging and curbing help mark zones in outdoor areas and create a crisp and clean aesthetic. Don't overlook this useful (and affordable) landscape design component. It can have a big impact on the look and layout of your landscaping.

13. Research legal matters.

Before you start a landscaping project, look into the laws and bylaws of your local government or Homeowner's Association (HOA). Some projects require permits or approvals before you begin. 

Hiring a professional is helpful when it comes to permits. Local landscapers are familiar with the rules and fees, and can help you navigate the permit process. 

14. Take on some DIY projects.

You might not be able to install a deck or pool, but anyone can try their hand at gardening. DIY projects like gardening, lawn mowing and applying mulch can save you money in the long term.

15. Hire a professional to do the things you can't do yourself.

Unless you have the experience a project requires, it's best to hire a professional to get the job done. You don't want to build retaining walls only for them to collapse a month later. The same goes for things like cutting down trees or using heavy machinery that can cause serious injury or damage.

Hire a landscaper on Thumbtack today.

Creating your ideal outdoor space should be a fun and exciting journey. You can keep it that way with a professional to guide you. You only need to download the Thumbtack app and hire a landscaping pro.

A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.