How Technology Improves Landscaping

13 Feb How Technology Improves Landscaping

Technology is changing the way that we do things every day, and the same can be said for landscaping. If you look back just a decade to what technology was available for landscaping solutions, you might be shocked by how far the industry has come in such a short time.

Landscaping is so much more than just visibly-pleasing spaces. Modern landscapes also need to be sustainable and eco-friendly.

Fortunately, with today’s advancements in technology, home and business owners can completely transform their outdoor spaces using safe and sustainable methods.

Here are some of the top technologies that are set to transform landscaping in the next few years.

Augmented Reality

With augmented reality right on our phones, planning your outdoor space is easier than ever before.

Using high-end 3D modeling technology, there are apps and programs that allow you to hold your phone up and plan out your landscape right on the screen.

The phone’s camera captures an image of your backyard, allowing you to arrange and design using 3D imagery right on the screen.

You can quickly scale your designs to match your exact landscape. One such program, called Structured Studios, makes it incredibly easy to plan out your landscaping with just a few taps.

Designers originally used hand-drawn blueprints and layouts for landscape projects. Then, technological advancements introduced computer-aided 3D designs, which changed the way that designers worked.

Now, there are programs that use augmented reality and virtual reality to assist with designing and planning a landscaping project, which will certainly have a lasting impact on the landscaping industry in the coming years.

Advanced Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting frames your outdoor space and allows you to use that space after dark. Unless the lighting power source is conveniently close, chances are you might not have a central switch to turn your outdoor lights off and on. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to control your outdoor lights right from your phone, meaning you can turn your lights on and off from anywhere.

Smart home solutions are becoming increasingly popular in homes across the country, and smart outdoor lighting is no different. Not only does having control over your outdoor lights make it easier to turn your lights on and off when needed, but it can also play an important safety factor.

You may try turning your lights off and on periodically while you’re away from your home on vacation, or you may set your lights to automatically turn on when you get home from work. These are both practical, safety-conscious reasons to use application-controlled outdoor lighting for your home or business.

Rain Gardens

While the idea of a rain garden isn’t new, how they’re designed, constructed, and used is constantly changing. A rain garden is essentially a large depression in the ground that is used to collect rainwater.

That water is then dispersed through the ground to the rest of the landscaping area. A rain garden is a fantastic way to conserve water while also creating an efficient irrigation system for your landscape.

It’s important to choose water-resistant plants on the edge or on top of the basin. Not only do these plants make the area look better, but they keep the soil intact with their roots.

A simple trick to make the most out of your rain garden is to construct a rain garden near your home and direct your downspouts in the direction of the rain garden. That way, the water from your roof is sent directly into the rain garden to collect and disperse evenly.

Audio Upgrades

Similar to outdoor lighting, outdoor audio is a must-have for those of you that enjoy entertaining guests in your outdoor space. Wireless speakers make it easy to add high-quality audio to your yard, and you can even control your audio right from your phone. There’s no need to run long wires or use bulky audio devices. With sleek, wireless speakers, you can quickly upgrade your outdoor space.

There are plenty of design options to choose from as well, including traditional speakers that can be mounted to your home or business, or speakers designed to blend in with your landscape. These may include speakers designed to look like planters, rocks, and other outdoor elements.