Landscaping Tips from FAQ's
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Q: Our 10-year-old yard was planted by the former owners. We can't afford to totally redo it, and there is some nice mature landscaping, but for the most part it is boring. Any suggestions?

A: Much of your mature landscaping can probably be saved and used in a new design. If your existing plantings are too crowded or look misplaced, I would carefully select what to keep in its place, what should be transplanted, and what should be removed. I certainly try to save as much as I can; that big tree that stands awkwardly alone now can become a shade cover for a new stone patio or a wood deck by the contractor.

Q: I really love our new home, but I'm concerned about the noise from the busy street. What can be done with landscaping?

A: A buffer of fast-growing, dense plantings can make a world of difference. Another wonderful idea is the addition of a water feature such as a fountain or a waterfall and pond. The soothing sound of running water distracts and camouflages street noises. I recommend contractors for water features.

Q: I have a wonderful jacuzzi tub in my bathroom with a large window to look out of. What can I do to avoid using the blinds all the time?

A: Create a small, enclosed garden outside the window with louvered, decorative fencing for privacy that lets the daylight in. A Japanese Maple and soft, flowering vines planted in this garden would be beautiful. Uplighting the tree with night lighting directed toward the fence would also maintain your privacy at night. Contractors are recommended for fencing and lighting.

Q: I only have 20 feet of area from the back of the house to the fence, but we have a very big side yard. What can be done?

A: Many homes built in cul de sacs have this type of yard and can be designed beautifully by making the side yard prominent. Start with just a small sitting area out the back door and direct the landscaping with a path and nice plantings to the side yard, stopping at the corner with another sitting area. This will create balance, flow and continuity and acts as a transition into the side yard. Often side yards are preferable to back yards because they offer more space and privacy for all of your family's interests.

Q: My backyard is so very small, I can't imagine there's room for anything. Can you help me?

A: So much of a large yard is lawn, you'd be amazed how many other special features can still be incorporated when you eliminate all that grass. Curves and different levels make optimum use of the space by adding more depth and interest. We use small trees instead of big ones. We can hide the fence with flowering vines that don't take up all the space that big shrubs do. My clients frequently tell me later that these small yards are their favorites because they spend more time relaxing in them than mowing them!

Q: We don't have time for a lot of maintenance but would still like something pretty and lush. How can we achieve this?

A: The real key to low-maintenance is proper planning. Select the right plants and space them properly. Avoid messy shrubs and trees and select dense ground covers that hug the soil tightly.

Q: Wouldn't it be wisest to invest most of our landscaping budget in the back yard first, because we spend more time there, and wait to do the front yard later?

A: It is actually most economical to have both the back and front yards designed together, even if you decide to start implementing the back yard first. With a plan, you could go ahead and plant a few shade trees in front right away, to give them time to grow, and wait to add flowers and shrubs later. It might also be more affordable to have the contractor pour a small walk in the front at the time he and the concrete truck are there to install the patio in the backyard, than it would be to pay them all to come back to do it next year.

Q: After purchasing our new home, we haven't much left in the budget to spend on landscaping. Where should we start with limited funds?

A: Starting with a complete professionally designed plan, like taking a journey with a good map, is ultimately the most economical, efficient way to reach your goal. Whether you hire contractors to install it or choose to do some or all of it yourself, a plan will allow you to do your landscape in stages, as you can afford it, and avoid costly mistakes.
Backyard privacy ~ Mar. 6, 2008
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Susan Silva Landscape © 2008-10
Site Engineer: XLeration Services
Susan recommends experienced licensed landscape contractors for specifications, engineering, permitting and construction of her conceptual landscape designs.
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