Attain the Perfect Yard with Naturescapes
A new way to look at an old problem.
Those who live in the Appalachian region know about the enormous biodiversity of their natural environment. All you have to do is walk outside to witness the exceedingly beautiful landscapes. The natural beauty and wide range of natural 
scenery is what gives this part of the country its powerful charm. It’s what kept settlers here through harsh winters and angry springs.
By the same token, you probably don’t think of every single weed that pokes its head into your yard as a beautiful creation. It’s a nuisance, an interloper. Every homeowner has been given the dream of that perfect yard. It’s the cookie-cutter solution that real estate developers foist upon buyers to make properties look tidy and acceptable.
But a “perfect yard” is a myth, impossible for the average homeowner to attain. It also comes across as a bland, one-size-fits-all solution. In landscaping, however, the secret is that one size does not fit all.
Naturescaping
Naturescaping is a growing trend that seeks to employ this understanding in “rescuing” yards and landscapes. The premise is simple: nature has already given you everything you need to have a beautiful yard, garden or outdoor living space. All you have to do tend to it.
By working with the natural environment and cultivating the naturally occurring plants and formations, you can have a one-of-a-kind outdoor space that looks as if it grew all by itself — because it basically did. The best part is that maintenance becomes much easier and less expensive.
…And the Price Tag?
You might think that naturescaping is one of those prohibitively expensive, upscale trends. After all, acquiring a “one-of-a-kind landscape” does not sound like something modestly priced. One-of-a-kind anything is often the most expensive item on the market.
Surprisingly enough, though, naturescaping is far less expensive than standard landscaping. The secret? There is much less forceful alteration of the environment. Nothing has to be flattened. No non-native plants have to be transported in and encouraged to grow with special fertilizer. It restores your yard, rather than artificially enhancing it.
Companies that design and install natural landscapes have popped up all over the country, including Appalachia. You can search your local area, but if you’re near Western North Carolina, we recommend Appalachian Naturescapes, Inc., at appalachiannaturescapes.com.
After your naturescape is established, it’s easy to tend. Regular pruning, mowing and watering needs are drastically reduced. A true naturescape will maintain itself, since it is all growing in its home environment. Finally, your property value can even go up in many cases if you choose to make use of a natural environment.
Ecology and Aesthetics
Naturescaping helps to preserve native flora and fauna that might be displaced by manicured lawns. You can conserve a huge amount of water simply by bypassing lawn maintenance. Reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticide that’s closely associated with traditional landscaping also makes for a much healthier environment.
But even enthusiasts admit that not everyone finds naturescapes appealing. Natural design is often unpredictable, since it’s difficult to control how local plants grow. You can never quite manicure everything into a uniform shape. But that’s also part of naturescaping’s charms.
Another possible issue is that seasonal changes generally have a more noticeable effect on a naturescape. Ultimately, it comes down to a question of taste and use. But many would agree that naturescapes are heavy on benefits and low on cost.
All photos are actual projects completed by Appalachian Naturescapes.