A backyard landscape renovation project is often a deeply personal labour of love — an investment that pays off with many extra hours of enjoyment spent with friends and family in your new spot for relaxation.
What’s the best way to plan ahead then so that you can get the most out of your landscape for many years to come?
Choose durable landscape materials that will last
Year round exposure to the elements means you’ll want to prioritize using landscaping materials that won’t wear away or be ruined. Cutting corners with materials often means expensive repairs down the road and a struggle to match materials if suppliers have changed.
Also note that tree roots and weeds can also be quite destructive with anything in their path. A plan should take into consideration how to guard against the steady progression of nature.
Another idea to bear in mind when choosing materials is that some materials will blend naturally into the landscape over time as they are weathered, while others will start to show signs of deterioration and age. You’ll want to avoid materials that will rust, especially in the harsh Ottawa winter with exposure to snow, ice, and salt.
Balance trends against a more timeless look
Every year there’s a new look or style that is popular. And while it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon, many trends simply don’t have the staying power of more classic and timeless designs.
Make sure the overall design matches your desired aesthetic, but especially consider how any flashy or unique looks might age over time.
Design based on your desired lifestyle
Do you love to host parties with large groups of friends? Or do you prefer a more quiet place to escape the daily grind? Or a blend between the two?
While it’s natural for our life situations to change over the years, the best way to get the most out of a landscape investment is to carefully consider how it can support your current lifestyle.
Taking time with this step helps avoid the “if only we had…” thoughts that could creep up further down the road.
Consider the maintenance and upkeep requirements
A beautiful garden and stunning natural pond won’t be quite so attractive if you aren’t able to keep up with the necessary maintenance.
Talk with your landscape designer openly about expectations around maintenance. Do you have a green thumb and are looking forward to taking care of your landscape yourself, or is it more realistic to hire a company to manage the property?
Time to get started!
Once all the questions are cleared up and confirmed, it’s time for the work to start! Having a landscape company like VS Landscape come in for an open and honest consultation is a great way to learn more about the process and any potential costs.
If you have any additional questions or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!
