During this holiday season it is important to be mindful about the many things that Bella Terra Landscape Design, providing professional landscape design services to the Inland Empire & surrounding areas, has to be thankful for. Even as the end of the year continues to approach, we find ourselves echoing our thankfulness as we look back across this past year.

Bella Terra Landscape Design would like to express a few things, as we reflect on our this last year, that we find ourselves to be very thankful for:

We Are Thankful For Our Great Customers

No business in the Inland Empire area can be successful without customers, ours is no different. Perhaps the thing that we are most grateful for is how incredible our customers have been to us here at Bella Terra Landscape Design. While we have worked hard to provide our customers with value added services; we continue to be amazed at how gracious our customers have been.

Much of our business comes from customer referrals that has been shared with friends and family, perhaps the greatest complement that we can receive from our customers is a referral. It is also important to note that many of our customers have become good friends, desiring to partner with our vision and participate in our work ethic. As a new year approaches, we want to say a hearty “thank you” to the many customers that have made the choice to utilize Bella Terra Landscape Design for their professional landscape design service needs in the Inland Empire area.

We Are Thankful For Our Professional Landscape Design Team

In the professional landscape design industry your business is only as good as the talent that you have working for you. At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we have been blessed to have the best professional landscape designers and assistants in the Inland Empire area that have chosen to partner their talents with us. It is their patience, perseverance and attention to detail that has shown through in their workmanship to our many thankful customers.

The owner and management would like to extend our deepest thanks to all of the team members here at Bella Terra Landscape Design. It is our desire that this next year builds upon the success of this last year and that our friendship grows stronger with each passing day. We simply could not have had a successful year without the outstanding talents of each and every member of our team.

We Are Thankful For Our Families

Building a successful professional landscape design business in the Inland Empire area often requires sacrifices of time. Sometimes professional landscape design interviews cannot be done during regular business hours and requires a dedicated team, able to be flexible to the customer’s time constraints. Perhaps the greater sacrifice made in these times is that of our families.

All of the staff and team members of Bella Terra Landscape Design that wish to extend our gratefulness to the sacrifices that our family members have made throughout the year; your sacrifice does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated.

We Are Thankful For Our Business Partnerships

Another factor that has made successes for Bella Terra Landscape Design is the partnerships that we have been able to make. To the dedicated staff that works with our website to the companies that install our designs, we want to say thank you for the level of service that you have provided to help make us successful. To our vendors, materials suppliers and others that have shared in the business model and vision of Bella Terra Landscape Design, we want to say thank you.

Keeping Things in Perspective

There are so many things that, honestly, we could take the time to say that we are thankful for. We would be remiss to not take a few moments to acknowledge how thankful we are to be able to have a professional landscape design company in such a great country. The sacrifices that soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines make (as well as their families) to keep us safe and free does not go unnoticed and we are truly thankful. Furthermore; the daily sacrifices of our dedicated public safety officers (police, fire and EMT’s) make to help preserve the peace on the streets of America is certainly appreciated. It is the sacrifices of individuals such as these that make it possible for companies like ours to prosper in this great and free nation.

The Right Look Starts with the Right Design

At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we utilize our years of design experience to produce a landscape design plan that exceeds your expectations. Beginning with a tour and discussion of the Inland Empire area yard we can create, in detail, a landscape design that will transform your backyard into an extension of your Inland Empire home. When choosing to have professional landscape services done, be sure to start with a competent design by a design team that has a methodical mindset. This mindset will provide the path to perfection for your Inland Empire area home.

Useful Links

Check out some of our Testimonials – Click Here

To learn more about our Bella Terra Landscape Design – Click Here

 

Just about every business owner in the Inland Empire area will tell you that one of the greatest frustrations and challenges that are faced in day-to-day operations is hiring quality personnel. Trying to find someone that has a specific skill set for this type of business is difficult; being that it takes years of training, unquestionable work ethics and a follow-through attitude to excel.

Nowadays, as business owners, it seems like we would be just happy if we could find a few applicants that would simply follow instructions.

It’s no secret in landscaping industry, and other service related industries in the Inland Empire area, that young people today lack many of the “work hard” traits that we reflect on as a core principle. Finding a young person that exhibits a work ethic is literally a diamond in the rough.

As business owners, and parents, I would like to take this article to reflect on some core values and more specifically: the importance of chores.

Setting the Proper Ensample

Do as I say, not as I do. For years I have heard this expression and disliked it. It might sound good when you’re talking to a six-year-old child; but, in reality it avoids our personal responsibility to teach our children based upon our words AND our actions. Often times a young person’s solid work ethic comes from watching the work ethic of their parents. By showing them what hard work looks like our children will see hard work as “normal” rather than the exception.

An old English term that best describes this is called the ensample. The difference between an example and ensample is this:

• An example is telling them how to do something
• An ensample is showing them how to do something

By setting the ensample for our children we can help produce in them a strong work ethic that will lay the foundation of success for many years to come.

Everybody Hates Chores (but everybody needs chores)

Household chores are simply a way to help children become acclimated with work. However, if used properly, chores can also teach children responsibility and accountability. Simply doing chores to get them done, without accountability, is just a way to get free labor; we should rather use chores as a teaching tool.

Just as an employer in the Inland Empire area would challenge their employees to complete the task as stated, chores should be handled with the same responsibility and accountability.

As stated: Completing a task the way that you were told or shown how to do. Not how you think or perceive the task should be completed.

Example:

If the chore is to take out the trash, was it done exactly as stated? Was it taken out on time? Did the trashcan get cleaned? Did a new trash bag get placed in the trashcan? By following through and making sure that the chore was completed as stated you identified to the child your expectation.

By holding the child accountable for the proper completion of the chore you help teach them the same accountability that they should have when working for their Inland Empire area employer or for their customer!

Holding the child accountable for the completion of the task to be done exactly as stated requires as much work for the parent as it does for the child. The child should know that our most important goal is that they learn how to complete a task as stated. (Not how they think it should be done). If we, as parents, do not check that the task was completed as stated (to our complete satisfaction) we show them that they can get away with slacking on the task; thus identifying our work ethic towards their learning. Remember we should never consider chores as free labor, it should always be utilized as an opportunity to teach a solid work ethic.

Looking at a Real World Example

A few years ago, I listened to the frustration of one of my clients who owned a Sonic drive-thru. He expressed his frustration that it seems like, to him, that he had to teach young people how to work as much as he had to teach the responsibilities of the job.

He had to teach young people that had graduated high school how to properly wash their hands, how to count back change, how to speak to others with respect and how to properly complete a task, completely, as stated. Basically, he was frustrated because he had to become their parent rather than their employer.

Those young people that were taught a solid work ethic generally found themselves in a management position inside of three months.

A Final Thought

This article was not meant to point out the problems with anyone in the Inland Empire area’s parenting abilities. Nor was it meant to identify that somehow my capabilities to parent were better than anyone else’s. However, I think we all, as citizens of this diverse community; can agree that there has been a decline of a strong work ethic in our young people. As a business owner and as a parent, I am always evaluating my role and willingness to share the lessons that I have learned.

If there’s ever room to improve, I want my children to seek those improvements; to go further, better and achieve higher levels of success. I also know that in order for them to go beyond my means they will need a foundation that is as strong as that will to achieve.

We Work Hard For You

At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we utilize our years of design experience to produce a landscape design plan that exceeds the customers expectations. Beginning with a tour and discussion of the Inland Empire area yard we can create, in detail, a landscape design that will transform your backyard into an extension of your Inland Empire home. When choosing to have professional landscape services done, be sure to start with a competent design by a design team that has a methodical mindset. This mindset will provide the path to perfection for your Inland Empire area home.

Useful Links

Check out some of our Testimonials – Click Here

To learn more about our Bella Terra Landscape Design – Click Here

While the landscape of the Inland Empire area lends itself to beautiful views, rich culture and diversity of features it also presents a unique set of challenges unlike anywhere else. One of these unique challenges is the consistency of irrigation that we have available to us. Those of us who have called the Inland Empire area home for many years have become accustomed to living in the warmer climate where droughts and watering restrictions exist, hence the challenge; how can we have a beautiful, consistent lawn with these types of water restrictions?

Because of these water restrictions, large plush grass areas are not an option; so, we need to get creative: enter synthetic turf.

Now I know what you are thinking, and quite frankly, I thought that way to. I, like many, for several years have been anti “fake grass”. Not only did it feel horrible when walking on it bare foot, but it also looked like a giant green carpet. Just like many of the innovations that we have revealed in the different articles and information on our website, synthetic turf has also come a long way.

Let’s look at a few things that might make you consider synthetic turf is a viable option for your Inland Empire area home once again.

Let’s Get Real

Long gone are the days of an obviously fake and plastic looking lawn. Today there are some fantastic options to choose from for your Inland Empire area home. There are triple color blends, for example, that even look like they are in need of a bit of water. Brown thatching has also been implemented that really give these new turf options a great natural look.

Longer blades are also available now that give the turf a more realistic look and feel. Speaking of feel, heat repellents are now used so that the turf does not burn our tender feet in the hotter months.

The Pet Puddle Problem

With the old days of artificial turf, the issues with cleaning up after our furry friends was enough to make you want to rip the turf out by hand! However, the same clever people that put research into the better aesthetics and features of synthetic turf had our furry friends in mind as well. When properly installed, synthetic turf is built upon a base that allows for the absorption and dispersal of rain and… urine.

If you are going to be looking at more than an occasional mess, such as those Inland Empire area homes that would regularly have pets use the artificial turf as their bathroom, then specialty disinfectant pellets and drainage patches are available to keep your synthetic turf looking, and smelling, great.

Cost for Installation

Just because synthetic turf is a viable option for those of us that live in the inland Empire area, that doesn’t mean it’s super cheap. Careful consideration should be given as to how long you intend to have the synthetic turf as your primary or secondary surface in your landscape.

Even though the process for installation of synthetic turf has been standardized within the industry, bringing down costs, it still requires multiple layers of sediment and material as well as the labor to install. Naturally the larger the area, the greater the cost.

Mix and Match Methods

Just like any good landscape design when you mix and match materials rather than utilizing one material over a large area, you can create an eye pleasing landscape that will become the envy of your Inland Empire area home. Rather than installing a large area of synthetic turf, consider using the synthetic turf to accent brick or paver stones to create an elegance and tranquil environment that is not only easy on the eyes, but extremely low maintenance as well.

Conclusion

Now we have a very realistic option when dealing with droughts and watering restriction challenges. With options like synthetic turn and creative landscaping you can keep your Inland Empire home looking great and save money on water and maintenance! All we need now is a way for someone to have that synthetic turf have freshly mowed lawn smell.

The Right Look Starts with the Right Design

At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we utilize our years of design experience to produce a landscape design plan that exceeds your expectations. Beginning with a tour and discussion of the Inland Empire area yard we can create, in detail, a landscape design that will transform your backyard into an extension of your Inland Empire home. When choosing to have professional landscape services done, be sure to start with a competent design by a design team that has a methodical mindset. This mindset will provide the path to perfection for your Inland Empire area home.

Useful Links

Check out some of our Testimonials – Click Here

To learn more about our Bella Terra Landscape Design – Click Here

 

When you are looking to create the ultimate backyard getaway for your Inland Empire area home, many features come into play. We naturally want a beautiful yard, but one that is functional as well. We desire to have a good curb appeal, but desire to have a low maintenance situation that make our lives just a little bit easier. At the end of the day you want to achieve a yard that makes you proud of your home.

Part of this, as mentioned above, is functionality. Having the appropriate landscape lighting will not only help bring a level of beauty and sophistication to your Inland Empire area home; but increase its functionality. Check out this useful article on bright ideas for outdoor landscape lighting.

Showcase and Security

We all know that adding colorful plants, textures and centerpiece attractions such as water features can help to set the stage for your beautiful Inland Empire area home landscape. However, as evening comes upon us, so does the ability to showcase your beautiful landscape; this is where landscape lighting comes into play.

Lighting your home and garden not only provides security, but also allow you to showcase and enjoy your yard every day and into the night. It is such a great feeling to arrive come home at night to see your house properly illuminated. Plus the added security of lighting, both your home and garden, is a great deterrent for those that may want to sneak in unawares.

With New Technology Comes Better Options

With the further development of low voltage lighting options that allow the average home owner to install anything from a basic setup to an elaborate system with multiple zones and colors; it brings greater options than what was available just a few years ago.

Outdoor halogen bulb lights are a thing of the past. Today LED bulbs are the way to go, being they are much more affordable and vastly available to the masses; not to mention that utilizing LED lighting will naturally save electricity and money. With many box stores (Lowe’s, Home Depot) offering outdoor LED lighting options for your home and garden, competition has helped to keep the prices low. When you add some newer technologies such as remotes, color changing capability and light sensing features; you’ll find the prices start going back up. When you consider that choices range from standard white LED lights to lights that can change color and brightness based upon conditions or choices, you can see that the only limitations are your imagination and budget limit.

Building on the Basics

When it comes to designing outdoor lighting for your Inland Empire area home it should always begin with the basics. Softly Illuminate steps and walkways for safety then spotlight focal point trees for an instant change in the appearance of your home and garden. Consider using a combination of both soft and spotlight lighting to create an ambient mood or tone for your Inland Empire area home.

From there everything else is a bonus. At Bella Terra landscape design, we enjoy down lighting the front façades of our client’s homes by placing fixtures behind the eves of and pointing them down to illuminate and showcase the home. This adds immediate security, curb appeal and that amazing wow factor.

There are lighting fixtures that will showcase lower planting material, cast shadows up against walls and some will illuminate water features from the inside; allowing you to enjoy water fall effects by day and the call me illuminated mood of serenity at night.

Adding Features to Function

Outdoor Landscape lighting is powered by an outdoor transformer. This is a power unit that plugs into a standard 110 outlet. Most come with, at the very least, a timer clock to control what time the lights turn on and off; however, many now come with a photo cell that allows the fixtures to turn on automatically as soon as the sun goes down and it becomes dark. For those that like all of the extra bells and whistles that are out there, Bluetooth transformers provide the additional ability to control your outdoor landscape lighting for your Inland Empire area home with your cell phone, tablets or even our voice operated.

With Bluetooth technology so readily available creating outdoor lighting scenarios to different areas of the yard is a snap. Utilizing smart technology, with a press of a button or a simply voice command, it is possible to illuminate different areas or zones of the home or garden. Imagine one control button or voice phrase turning off all lights except for a few path and step lights that leads to the hot tubs for a romantic or relaxing evening!

The Careful Conclusion

We spend a lot of time and money to beautify our yards for our entertaining or showcasing purposes. Adding outdoor lighting to our landscape will enhance and extend our capabilities to entertain and show off the beautiful landscape that you’ve worked so hard to perfect. When integrating further technology into your outdoor landscape lighting, you bring a high level of style and sophistication to your Inland Empire area home that will make your home the talk of the next gathering. With just a small budget and a lot of creativity, you can create outdoor lighting options to really brighten up your landscape; and when you integrate landscape lighting into different zones of your home and garden it takes the functionality to the next level.

The Right Look Starts with the Right Design

At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we utilize our years of design experience to produce a landscape design plan that exceeds your expectations. Beginning with a tour and discussion of the Inland Empire area yard we can create, in detail, a landscape design that will transform your backyard into an extension of your Inland Empire home. When choosing to have professional landscape services done, be sure to start with a competent design by a design team that has a methodical mindset. This mindset will provide the path to perfection for your Inland Empire area home.

Useful Links

Check out some of our Testimonials – Click Here

To learn more about our Bella Terra Landscape Design – Click Here

 

Ah… a swimming pool… relaxation, style and possibly; the talk of your neighborhood, who wouldn’t want a swimming pool for their home in the Inland Empire area.

So most would start with interviewing swimming pool contractors, I mean, that would be the first logical step, right? Yeah that would be a good starting point. There are a few however, that plan on bypassing that step altogether, planning to put on the Contractor’s cap and make it happen.

For those… allow me to say: As owner of a Landscape Design firm for the Inland Empire area, I have interviewed and spoken with hundreds of people who plan on having a pool built; from time to time, I run across a client who is “gung ho” acting as their own GC. To those who decide to go that route: “I say, good luck”.

In this article, as a landscape design professional I would like to detail my answer to the question: Should I act as my own general contractor when building a swimming pool.

The Perfect Scenario

The process of building a pool in the Inland Empire area is not difficult with a general knowledge of construction, a detailed plan, access to appropriate materials and finding the right sub-contractors. Under this perfect scenario you could certainly act as your own general contractor… However, all of these factors would have to be perfect; otherwise it will become a scheduling nightmare as well as a marriage tester.

There seems to be a large misconception that acting as the general contractor or owner builder of a pool project in the Inland Empire area will save lots of money. It may be true that there will be savings, but the amount you say might not be as much as you think. Most general contractors only make anywhere from 10-20% on a standard pool installation project. EXAMPLE: On a $35,000 pool that’s a potential savings of s $3500-$7000. Yes, that is a substantial savings, but in the bigger picture you may end up spending more than that trying to be your own general contractor. Lost wages, contractor delays, incorrectly processed permits and … marriage counseling.

Wrapping your head around the process

There are many steps in building a pool.

• Getting the pool design properly drawn out to scale and engineered.

• Plans must be stamped and taken to the City for a building permit to be issued before any work begins.

• Interviewing, hiring and managing sub-contractors. This requires someone who is prepared to invest many hours in scheduling, making phone calls to confirm, weather delays and assuring no “toes are being stepped on” by contractors working on the job site simultaneously.

• Scheduling Inspections; you will need to be available for Inland Empire area city or county inspectors to come by during the process. You may need to schedule weeks in advance and co-ordinate that with contractor schedules. This will naturally require additional time out of your schedule, 2-4 hours at a time.

• Ordering material such as tile, lights and pool equipment must be done at the right times in the process so not to is slow down or bring the project to a halt. Stock piling materials can create issues as well depending on the size of your yard and size needed for the project. (Not to mention the eyesore for you and your neighbors)

So here’s my thoughts.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to discourage anyone from trying to save some money, it’s just that I have seen many try and regret doing so. The time, patience and sometimes frustrating days involved simply become too much for many to endure. By having a professional from the Inland Empire area who is responsible for scheduling, hiring, payment processing, materials, coordination, inspections; basically all the steps needed to get the pool through final inspection and cleanup.

By utilizing a general contractor who has on paper, quality verified experience, will make your pool project faster… and maybe even cheaper.

In the end, we all want the same thing. A great pool for our families to enjoy for a fair price without the headaches involved with the construction process. Stay smart and hire a reputable contractor. Be involved with the material finish decisions and when it is done enjoy the fruits of your labor poolside!

The Right Pool Starts with the Right Design

At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we utilize our years of design experience to produce a landscape and pool design plan that exceeds your expectations. Beginning with a tour and discussion of the Inland Empire area yard we can create, in detail, a landscape and pool design that will transform your backyard into an extension of your Inland Empire home. When choosing to have professional landscape services done, be sure to start with a competent design by a design team that has a methodical mindset. This mindset will provide the path to perfection for your Inland Empire area home.

Useful Links

Check out some of our Testimonials – Click Here

To learn more about our Bella Terra Landscape Design – Click Here

 

When setting up the perfect backyard design for your Inland Empire area home there are many main features to consider: landscaping, drainage, water features, seating areas, swimming pool layout and more; but the one feature that can really help establish a focal point is a fire feature. From the moment man discovered fire we have benefited from its many functionalities, providing us with warmth on a nice cool night is definitely one of them. But a well designed and crafted fire feature will help provide the opportunity to socialize around an open fire with friends and family; making it a “must have” for our professionally designed and landscaped yards.

When considering fire features for your backyard or garden layout it really comes down to two choices: Fire pits or fireplaces.

Fire Pits = Fellowship

Of the two options fire pits are the less expensive, and in my professional opinion, the more functional choice for your Inland Empire area home. Fire pits are typically round, although they are available in many shapes, but the key feature of a fire pit is that it allows more people to to be able to sit around it, enjoying the warmth and fellowship.

When laying out a proper fire pit it’s important to note that fire pits are our best when they are lower or at ground level so that they can provide more heat by design. Ideally the lower to the ground the better for maximum warmth. For safety purposes fire pits should be anywhere from 12” to 18” tall. Taking into consideration that most outdoor chairs and seating are typically 18”-20” tall, we recommend keeping a fire pit at 12”-14” tall so that it is not only safe but functional as well. This allows you to place your feet on the fire pit edge without the heat feeling too uncomfortable.

Fire pits can be constructed to operate on either gas or wood. The gas option, of course, will be the cleaner choice and easier to maintain but, burning wood will provide the crackle and the great smells we enjoy when camping.

Gas fire pits offer many choices for the top material to cover the fire ring. Most utilize lava rock, as it is inexpensive and functional, others might choose decorative glass as it is beautiful and very common as well.

A wood fire pit will constitute more work and clean up. They can be as simple as a ring made up of concrete or metal or can be more elaborate with a decorative stone veneered show piece with a nice finished cap.

Fire Places = Elegance and Style

Fire places can be a gorgeous focal piece to our Inland Empire area home’s yard. They can be an element that we place under a patio cover or a center piece to a destination away from the house in an area open to the stars above. As with fire pits they can be either gas or wood as well. Both fuel sources will provide warmth but, the wood option will provide will be warmer.

An outdoor fireplace is typically built out of block and concrete then veneered with a decorative rock or stone. There are prefabricated units available as well that are made from aluminum framing and are sold with a multitude of finish materials.

The prefab option is much lighter in weight but, in my opinion, do not look or feel as substantial. Prices of course will vary but, both options should be similar in cost. They can have a seating hearth and a decorative mantle as finishing pieces.

Conclusion – Both are winners

Both fire features provide heat with the esthetical advantage to work with your particular landscape design for your Inland Empire area home. Because fire places are built unidirectional, less people will be able to sit in front or near the fire which will make for a more intimate setting. Fire pits are fantastic for larger gatherings as it allows for more people to sit around its perimeter.      

A fire place will always provide a more majestic feel as a focal element while the fire pit will be a simpler and less expensive option; but provide more functionality for large groups. Both are great options and a must have for any family that enjoy the outdoors at night.

The Right Look Starts with the Right Design

At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we utilize our years of design experience to produce a landscape design plan that exceeds your expectations. Beginning with a tour and discussion of the Inland Empire area yard we can create, in detail, a landscape design that will transform your backyard into an extension of your Inland Empire home. When choosing to have professional landscape services done, be sure to start with a competent design by a design team that has a methodical mindset. This mindset will provide the path to perfection for your Inland Empire area home.

Useful Links

Check out some of our Testimonials – Click Here

To learn more about our Bella Terra Landscape Design – Click Here

Every realtor in the Inland Empire (or anywhere else for that matter) will tell you that there are 3 key things that are necessary for every home to have: Curb appeal, a great looking and functional bathroom and kitchen. With these you can set the tone for the entire house as well as the price.

When thinking of that first impression you should look to the curb appeal. The front yard layout, colors and how it complements the home will have a huge impact on your property’s curb appeal; after all, it is the first thing a visitor sees when pulling in to your driveway. Having a great curb appeal can also help the homeowner have that “sigh of appreciation” every time you come home from the daily grind!

The extra perk: Neighbors will admire and appreciate a great curb appeal because this not only brings up your property value… but theirs as well.

The Cascading effects

You don’t have to be the belle of the ball of your street but a clean yard layout is a little contagious. We find that when our landscape design clients improve the appearance of their front yards, many neighbors quickly follow suit. This cascading effect can, in many cases, bring a sense of pride in one’s neighborhood and can even get people talking across the fence.

With A few simple elements introduced to our yards and gardens you can instantly have that much needed wow factor.

Entry Ways

Walking in between vehicles on our driveways or even worse, walking on our lawns to get to the front door are big no no’s. A simple walkway gives our home a functional entry access way and immediate curb appeal. When company arrives entering the front door becomes a much more overall enjoyable experience.

The style and feel of the home will help determine material and color selections. Concrete, pea gravel, flagstone and pavers are a few options to choose from. While the sidewalk or path does not necessarily need to be expensive to look great, it can be that little thing that really says that you care about the look of your Inland Empire Home.

Planter beds

Annuals and perennials added throughout our front yard bring instant amazing pop of color. Whether flanking the entry way or under windows, planter beds help soften the appearance of the home. As with entry walk ways, the overall style of the home and garden design will dictate plant options.

Organic shapes and mounded planter beds are very easy to create and add texture and elevation play to our yards.

Water Features

A wow factor element that can be added to our front yards is a water feature. Whether it is a prefab unit or something custom built, having the sight and sound of cascading water adds an instant focal item to our gardens. The design experts at Bella Terra always recommend a pondless water feature. Something like a bubbling urn or a natural boulder water fall, for example, over an underground catch basin. With a pondless water feature it will help eliminate stagnant water which, in turn, greatly reduces algae, unpleasant odors and most importantly mosquitos.

NOTE: Don’t get a water feature just to have one. Because a water feature can be a focal point of a nice landscaped yard it should be well throughout and placed properly. Just “sticking one in the yard” just to say you have one can actually make the yard look cluttered. Carefully think about the location and style before adding.

Trees

Some of the showcase homes found in the landscaping magazines of an Inland Empire area home have a beautiful vista orchestrated by properly laid out trees. Trees are a very underused and under rated elements in our front yards with some landscapers pulling them out however, most don’t realize that large trees not only look fantastic when placed in focal areas; but also add property value to our home. Trees can help scale the house to our yards, provide shade, assist in privacy and help secure the lawn when those heavy rains come. Now we are not talking about planting a forest in the front yard, but by adding a few focal trees it will certainly will bring much curb appeal.

From a Blank Canvas to a Masterpiece

At Bella Terra Landscape Design, we hope that these few elements discussed will help shed light on what can be implemented into your front yards and gardens to help improve your home’s curb appeal.

We utilize our years of design experience to produce a landscape design plan that exceeds your expectations. Beginning with a tour and discussion of the Inland Empire area yard we can create, in detail, a landscape design that will transform your backyard into an extension of your Inland Empire home. When choosing to have professional landscape services done, be sure to start with a competent design by a design team that has a methodical mindset. We take a blank canvas and enter in the individual desires of our clients to create a masterpiece.

Useful Links

Check out some of our Testimonials – Click Here

To learn more about our Bella Terra Landscape Design – Click Here