Yards are one of those things that can develop in any direction. They can be used to enhance the beauty and functionality of the home, or they can become a big hassle, or they could just land in the middle and not be good or bad for the homeowner.
There’s no question that most people prefer to let their lawn be a beneficial element of the entire home, but they don’t always know how to go about turning it from a chore into an enjoyable space. And it’s certainly not a fast or simple job, but it is one that almost any homeowner can undertake, with good results coming in due time.
The first thing you need to do is decide what purposes you have in mind for your yard. The mission of your lawn will guide most of the rest of the decisions you will have to make.
Those decisions start with what type of seed you will be planting. Most experienced seed companies can provide whatever species you need, but that determination is largely based on what you’ll be doing in the yard. Tough fescues are ideal for heavy traffic, such as what your lawn will experience if you have kids or if you like to get out and play volleyball with friends. Lawns that are used most in the summer should have a warm-season type like bermudagrass so that hot and dry conditions won’t undermine the quality of the turf.
The next thing you’ll want to think about is the layout of your lawn. There are many different factors involved in this aspect of your project.
Think first about sunlight exposure. Large, mature trees will create a lot of shade in your yard, and you will want to place items accordingly. For example, your kids may want the swing set in the shade, but you’ll want full sun for a flower garden. Remember that your house casts a shadow, too, so be sure to allow for that.
Next, you need to consider foot traffic. If you plan to have a pool, that’s likely to be the first destination for kids and many adults, so be sure to locate it where swimmers can reach it easily. The further it’s situated from the house, the more damage you’ll do to your lawn. The best choice, of course, is to place it near the house and install a walkway or deck to allow grass-free access to keep clippings off feet and out of the water.
The last factor is upkeep. It’s very important to design your home lawn plan in such a way that you can easily mow and trim it. While many people enjoy putting in long hours getting the grass cut just the way they want it, even the most fastidious landscaper must occasionally give it the quick treatment due to scheduling problems, weather, or other factors. Try to keep slopes gentle enough for your mower, and minimize the amount of trimming that’s required.
A lawn can mean many things to a family, or it can mean almost nothing. For some families, it’s just a buffer to set their house away from those around it. For many, though, it’s a place where food is grown, flowers are admired, kids are raised, and memories are made. To make the most of a lawn like that takes careful planning to be a labor of love instead of just a labor.
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