Your backyard is a combination of social and outdoor space for families and friends. Therefore, you want to be sure to maintain your backyard throughout the year. Maintenance is more than just mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges. Backyards may require more elements in order to improve their landscape overall.
Investing time and money into your backyard maybe challenge, however, there are a few trends you can use to help you save both. Let’s look at how you can explore these trends, conserve time, and save money.
Backyard Drainage Systems
One of the maintenance issues that’s often overlooked is drainage. Backyards are known for standing water, soggy soil, and gradual erosion. Installing a drainage system is an effective method in solving your backyard drainage issues. Here are a few drainage systems that ensure the best drainage for your backyard:
French Drainage System – One of the most common drainage systems used in residential and commercial landscapes. French Drain Systems are installed in trenches and channels that are first dug into the landscape. The location where water is likely to settle is where a catch basin should be. Corrugated black pipe or PVC pipe connects to the catch basin. A gradual elevation decline influences the water to travel away from the areas prone to standing water. The install piping is covered with a layer of rock prevent sinking soil. The soil is returned to the channels to complete the installation.
Rock Drainage Swale – If you have a bigger budget, take advantage of a multi-elevated backyard with rock drainage swale. These structures use a combination of black roofing paper (some other form of cover) and rocks. First, the landscape is graded as if it were a stream. The paper covers the dug or graded area. Rocks are assembled on top of the paper to create a stream of stones where runoff will eventually flow.
Low Maintenance Fencing Trends in 2019
In recent years, fencing has become more efficient for home owners. Classic wood fencing is extremely affordable. Classic wood fences require a lot of maintenance the longer you have them. Wood often deteriorates outdoors, so they’ll need painting, finishing, or pressure washing at the end of each season.
Low cost fencing is often neglected, which is one of the reasons innovators have created a more sustainable fencing solution. With a bigger budget, explore Vinyl and poly-blend fencing options. They fence have patterns and designs that resemble wood and stone. Some low maintenance fencing brands resist paint and high winds. In addition, they can be easily cleaned with soap and water.
Fencing Post Cement Alternatives
Many landscaper professionals and home owner enthusiasts are using a fence post cement alternative backfill. One of brands currently on the market is a backfill called Fast 2k. The combination of substances in the packaging mixes for at least 30 seconds and creates a compound with the same effects as concrete. Ultimately, this eliminates the process of precisely measuring water and concrete together, which later saves you time when installing fence posts.
Ground Covers for Garden Beds
What’s a backyard without a garden? Garden beds help manage water and beautifies the backyard all at once. For garden beds to be at their best, install a ground cover in gardens. Try these options for the best results:
Mulch absorbs a lot of water when a thick layer is applied to the garden bed. It keeps every plant healthy and protects them during harsh winters.
Pine Straw is cheaper. It gives your garden a bronze ground cover, complementing evergreens and bright colored blooms.
Pine Nuggets are much lighter than mulch and pine straw. It’s not as effective against weeds but does provide a unique cosmetic design.
Backyard Lighting Trends
Outdoor temperatures are rising, and more people will be outdoors at night. Consider adding lights to your backyard. Understanding lighting and how to install can be complex. It’s recommended to enlist the help of an electrician. However, there are alternatives such as solar power lights. These lights can be found home improvement and general market retailers. Although solar powered lights may not be as elaborate as electric powered lights, they provide the same ambiance. In addition, solar light has little to no maintenance costs.
Adding a Pergola
Pergola design ideas can come in a variety of material options for low-maintenance durability. The best materials are metal pergolas and synthetic options. A 12x12 vinyl pergola can add subtle shade to your yard while acting as a statement piece for guests and visitors to enjoy. If you're into entertaining and don't want to deal with constant care that an awning or fabric cover would require, then an easy assemble pergola is your best option.
Does Low Maintenance Equal Low Cost?
Not necessarily. Saving money is an option most consumers target; however, the lowest cost doesn’t always provide efficiency. The approach you can take is comparing prices and specifications of each product and service. Sometimes you get lucky and find a low-cost material or project that lasts for years. It’s best to find a middle ground to get the most out of your money.
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