5 Things Every Backyard Refresh Should Include

You’ve seen all the gorgeous photos of drool-worthy backyards, maybe even watched your neighbors or friends create beautiful outdoor living spaces. Are you ready to make your own backyard retreat? 

Here are five things you’ll want to include: 

1. Space to entertain. You can magically add square footage to your home by planning for the right outdoor space. We can help you create a design that provides shade where you want it and plenty of sun where it would feel pleasant. Your backyard can offer amenities that everyone (including your pets) can enjoy. Hosting friends and family outside can be fun and relaxing if you have the right spaces and furnishings. 

2. A drainage plan. As certified drainage contractors, we understand that a wet backyard can cause a variety of problems. Ponding water makes it difficult to maintain your lawn and plants and can even be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you’re having issues with drainage, contact us so we can talk about a good solution.  

3. The right plants and trees. As you refresh your backyard, you want to include plants and trees that will grow and thrive in our Cincinnati climate. Proper placement of plant life is critical, too: Trees and shrubs that overtake your home mean trouble down the line. A good landscape plan takes growth patterns into account and calls for the right plants in the right locations. 

4. A paver patio. Is a deck in your plans for a backyard refresh? Try considering a paver patio instead. Unlike wood decks, a paver patio is maintenance-free and will last for years without re-staining or wood treatments. Many of our clients love the way pavers can be tied into the look of their home’s exterior as well. Patios surrounded by low walls can also provide casual seating, too. 

5. A firepit or fireplace. Spring and fall in Cincinnati are wonderful times to sit outside at night enjoying a fire. By creating a built-in fireplace or firepit, you don’t need to worry about buying or replacing temporary firepits or rings. Want to combine a fireplace with a wood-burning oven? It’s easy. And, your fire area can offer built-in seating for a crowd. 

What does your dream backyard look like? We’d love to hear about your vision, so contact us today for a free consultation.  

Why January Is a Great Time to Start a Landscape Design Project

When it’s cold and gray, who wants to think about their landscape? Actually, winter is the perfect time to gear up for a yard makeover. Here’s why: 

You Need a Plan 

The best landscape renovations rely on a carefully considered plan. Spending time this winter defining your vision of the perfect backyard, front yard or outdoor living space will put you ahead of the game. 

Start by thinking about who will use the outdoor spaces, along with when and how. Would you like to eat outside, entertain, prepare meals or have a fireplace or firepit? Do you enjoy gardening? How do you want your home to look from the street? How much yard work do you like to do? Think about exterior lighting, too, and if it could extend the time you can spend in your outdoor spaces. 

Now’s the time to draft a budget, too. If you’ll need to finance the project, talk to a lender about your options now. Remember, unlike interior renovation projects, it’s easy to tackle a landscape makeover in phases. Start with the backyard this spring and put the front yard off until next year, or vice versa. 

 It’s the Off Season

Like most landscape design companies, we tend to have more open schedules in the winter. We’d be happy to talk about your vision now and start sketching out a plan. We’ll go over your ideas, look at photos that you like and discuss your budget. Then, we’ll visit your home to look at the site and take measurements.

Next, we’ll provide you with an initial plan and cost estimate. During this winter season, we’ll have plenty of time to revise as necessary until the plan fits your needs exactly. If your plans include building a deck, pool or other structure, we can arrange meetings with contractors so they are on board and prepared.   

Be Ready to Roll 

Another good reason to get started on your landscape design now is that you’ll be ready to go when good weather comes around. In the spring, we can start removing any unwanted plant life or existing structures.Then, we’ll do preliminary site grading to get ready for hardscaping like patios, walkways or walls. Once those are in place, we’ll be ready to bring in your plants and you can start enjoying your beautiful new landscape. 

Are you thinking of a landscape facelift or complete makeover? We’d love to hear about your ideas. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.