Do you want a backyard that can be your oasis? When you hire a custom landscaping company in Houston, Katy, TX, or Fulshear, TX, you can be confident that your landscape design will match your lifestyle and dream house goals. But what’s the best way to design the perfect backyard? Here are a few things to consider when you’re working with a company to create your oasis.
10 Tips for Designing That Backyard Oasis You’ve Always Wanted in Houston
1. Consider a Professional Landscape Company in Katy, TX
The first thing to do when you are getting ready to redesign your backyard is to hire a landscape company. Although you may be tempted to do some DIY, if your backyard design will involve water features, irrigation, or setting up designated zones, it’s best to hire a professional service. A professional service can help you with everything from custom elements such as water fountains to the trendiest designs of the year.
Benefits of Custom Landscaping in Katy, TX
Although it may not seem like it, refreshing your backyard, adding new design elements, or doing other projects is a huge undertaking. If you’re already working or busy with kids, you may not have enough time or energy to dedicate to creating your dream backyard. Additionally, some of your projects may demand a specific skill set to be completed properly.
To take the fuss out of your projects, it’s best to hire a professional service. Not only will professional service guarantee your project is done on time and within budget, but the service can also give your backyard project access to high-quality materials that will ensure your oasis lasts for years. Furthermore, a professional service will complete projects that increase the value of your house.
2. Divide Backyard Design
When it’s time to design your backyard, it’s generally a good idea to create specific zones that will meet your lifestyle needs. For example, you may want a zone dedicated to children, conversation, grilling, or gardening. By having designated zones for all of your interests and needs, your yard will be organized in a way that is aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional.
Why It’s Best to Have a Designated Grill Zone
Whether or not you have children underfoot, it’s usually a good idea to have a designated grill zone to lower fire safety risks. Your grill should be placed on a non-flammable surface that is not too close to your house. Of course, your grill should also be located in a convenient spot to make grilling easier, such as on a patio connected to your kitchen.
3. Give Yard a Facelift
Before you can start designing your backyard, it may be a good idea to give your yard a facelift. Cleaning up yard debris, getting rid of dead plants and trees, and dismantling old playhouses can give you a better lay of the land when it’s time to design your yard. The cleanup process will open your mind to new possibilities and elements you want to add.
4. Add New Structures
If you truly want your backyard to be an oasis, adding new structures can be a good step. New structures such as gazebos, decks, porches, patios, and trellises create specific zones in your yard, while also adding the structures that will make your yard comfortable. In particular, decks, patios, and porches are essential structures to have in your backyard if you plan to sunbathe or use your yard for gatherings.
5. Enhance Yard With Lighting Design
Some homeowners overlook the importance of lighting design, but lighting is an important element to include in your backyard design. Landscape lighting makes your yard safe during the night and also increases the security of your yard. You can enhance your yard with lighting designs such as built-in landscape lighting, hanging lights, and more.
6. Include a Water Feature
When most people think about a backyard oasis, they may include a water feature such as a fountain or a pool. Including a water feature can immediately elevate the value of your home while also providing a refreshing and calming feature in your yard. Fountains can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire, so anything from a simple bird bath to more complex structures can easily be included in your backyard design.
7. Prioritize Privacy
A true oasis is an escape from the outside world, which is why your backyard design should prioritize privacy. For example, you can include fencing structures or tall shrubs to create division between your yard and your neighbor’s backyard. You can also increase the privacy of your backyard with taller plants, such as trees, or even hanging vines from a trellis.
8. Implement Pest Control
When you’re outside, it’s inevitable to run into pests such as mosquitoes, ants, bees, and flies. If you want your oasis to be truly relaxing, then it’s best to build pest control into your landscaping design. You can consult with a custom landscaping company about pest control, or you can contact a specialty pest control service to organize extermination if you have an existing bug problem.
Can Plants Be Used for Pest Control?
Did you know that plants can be used for homeopathic pest control? You can work with your landscape service in Katy, TX and Fulshear, TX to select plants for your yard that will control pests such as mosquitoes and other flying insects. That said, whether or not you plan to have a vegetable garden in your backyard, you should be mindful of the balance of the ecosystem by protecting innocent bugs, such as ladybugs and butterflies.
There are several plants that you can use for pest control, including marigold, lemongrass, basil, sage, and citronella. Lavender is also a good choice, as well as mint or any other plant that has a particularly strong scent.
9. Use Weather-Proof Materials
Ideally, your backyard oasis should last for several years. For this reason, it’s important to use high-quality weather-proof materials that can withstand sun, rain, snow, and other challenging weather in Katy, TX and Fulshear, TX.
For example, you can use weather-resistant fabrics, since this fabric is also designed to repel mold and mildew. For furniture, wicker, teak, and aluminum are some of the most sturdy materials you can use for a backyard space.
10. Provide Shade and Shelter
Finally, you should be sure to provide shade and shelter with your backyard design. The heat of the summer is unforgiving in Houston, so providing a shaded area to escape the heat of the sun is important for your health. Whether you are using a structure such as an overhead trellis or a simple umbrella, providing enough shade and shelter for you and your guests will make your time outside more enjoyable.
Of course, custom landscaping elements can also be used to provide shelter from the sun. For example, mature trees and taller shrubs can protect some areas of your yard from sunlight. If you want to use natural shade in your yard, you should speak with your custom landscaping service about these design options.
If you’ve been dreaming of a backyard oasis for years, but you haven’t managed to complete projects by yourself, it may be time to hire a professional service. to start designing your backyard oasis today.
