Minnesota Landscape Design
Reuse or Replace?
In Minnesota landscape design, outdoor landscaping ideas are often tempered with one question.
Reuse or replace?
The item in question may be a favorite tree that is past it's prime, an evergreen that is difficult to prune, or a shrub that is too large and woody.
It may also be an old limestone wall that has seen too many winters. What to do?
Analysis
- Establish short and long term goals for the space independent of what is there now.
- Does the existing feature contribute or detract from achieving your goals? If it has potential, what it will cost to renovate it?
- If the property is likely to be sold soon, will mature plantings enhance curb appeal? Will existing plants deter prospective buyers wanting a low maintenance landscape or a fresh look?
- How much is the overall project likely to cost, and what is the added cost of replacing these items?
Unity
Renovating a Minnesota landscape is like working a Rubik's cube. The result should be balanced from side-to-side. It should also be in scale both internally and with the main building as plants mature.
Create continuity and repetition in plants and other materials that bind the space together. Retaining existing materials will limit some of the options for change. Counter-balancing the mass of existing plants may require larger, more costly new plants.
Budget
Removal of existing plants, rock mulch, old walls, edging and soil replacement can easily add 50% to the cost of installing a new landscape. These same items are critical to achieving the desired makeover.
Unfortunately, the smaller the investment in new plants or other materials, the larger part of the pie removal and restoration consumes.
This can lead to a downward spiral. Cost cutting that takes large pieces from the 'new' side of the balance sheet leaves you with less of a makeover. Investing a little more in new materials will bring great rewards.
Step-by-Step
Crisp, new bedlines are one of the most dramatic, cost-effective ways to achieve a fresh look. Changes in elevation through soil berms or walls will also have instant impact and set off new plantings.
Next, anchor the space and provide vertical and 4-season interest with garden structures, evergreens and other woody plants that look good year round. Goals, timeframe and budget will determine the appropriate mix.
Lastly, add seasonal color, blooming perennials and annuals. It is all too tempting to begin with this last step and not achieve the desired result.
So, renovate or replace? It depends more on timeframe and goals than budget. A professional landscape designer can help you decide.
Written by:
Cathy Waldhauser, CHW Landscape/Design, LLC
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