Last week I wrote about the rise in customers who are designing their yards to provide more outdoor living space. Some are creating entire themes that provide a unique stay-cation option to summer travel. I can truly relate. Come fourth of July, my back yard is my number one desired location to be. I hear more people say things like “we live in our yard during the summer” than ever before.
Over the years I have seen some grand yard transformations as well as a few that ended in buyer’s remorse. For this week’s article I will list a few pitfalls to avoid.
Many people want the Pacific Northwest Mountain look brought down from the six-thousand-foot elevation to their back yard. This means a water feature of some kind, big rocks, several Sub Alpine Fir trees, a fire pit and lots of those beautiful Quaking Aspens! Let me prequalify by saying this can be accomplished and be quite lovely. That said, for the average yard this scenario can quickly become a headache design. Those cute little sub Alpine Fir will get big. They are not a dwarf species. Putting them in tight groups, too close to a water feature or building is not a good idea long term. Also, they need to be closely monitored for a very damaging insect called Balsam Wooly Adelgid that is growing in population across the west. Aspen trees are wonderful but by far not the best choice for the typical yard. They need lots of water but rarely get enough which leads to aggressive, destructive rooting and little Aspens all over. Further they are susceptible to many insect and disease problems and need sprays and systemics to keep them healthy. I share this information as I have had so many customers distraught over the fact that their expensive back yard oasis has become a maintenance nightmare that is quickly outgrowing itself.
More next week and as always, for further questions, quotes and consultations, give us a call today!