Winter Yardscaping Ideas and Tips

Yardscaping is an amalgamation of two words: yard and landscaping. But there is also something else that is being said here: the goal of yardscaping is to make your lawn and landscape look great, but with a reduced dependency on using harmful chemicals. Consider yardscaping to be an Eco-friendly way of helping you reach your lawn care objectives.

During the winter months your yardscaping initiative can take a rest, but it does not have to come to a complete halt. Your yard may be buried under mounds of snow, but you do not have to allow that to stop the possibilities of what you can plan next for your vegetation and lawn.

Random tree in my backyard

Mind Mapping

Your mind is a wonderful place, where great ideas are formulated, ruminated and eventually birthed. You already know what your yard looks like in the spring, summer and fall. Now, you can plan what you would like it to look like next year.

First, consider what you already have. This includes your trees, shrubs and garden beds as well as your paved areas, play areas and other sections of the yard set aside for physical or natural enjoyment.

Second, envision what you would like your yard to look like under the ideal circumstances. Perhaps you want to incorporate a water fall near your bird feeder. Maybe you would like to set up a compost corral. Or perhaps your ideas are bit more ambitious such as transforming a grassy area into a natural knoll. Write down your plans and make changes as desired.

Sketch a Design

You do not need to be an artist to sketch out your plans. Take a plain white piece of paper or lined paper, a No. 2 pencil and a ruler. Or, make a copy of your plat and mark it up accordingly.

Show where you would like to add ground cover, new garden beds, shrubs, a swing set, an outdoor grill or other improvement to your yardscape. You can always use a separate sheet to map out particulars such as showing the exact placement of an item as well as notes for the same.

Meet With a Professional

Winter is an excellent time to meet with a landscape architect. The slow months of January and February are when landscape professionals take their vacations. When they return, there are still many weeks left before spring cleanup can begin. Take advantage of the architect's free time to receive a consultation.

Winter yardscaping consultations can give you a chance to meet with a professional and discuss your needs, perhaps at a reduced rate. Moreover, if you are ready to move forward with your plans, the work can begin in early spring or after the last frost, giving you a jump on the season.

Seasonal Tips

When meeting with a yardscaping professional, he may recommend that you purchase some materials now in a bid to save money come spring. Those items can be ordered, delivered and stored in your garage or shed until your project is ready to commence. Sign a contract to preserve your rights in this matter.

If your project includes tree work, your professional may recommend an arborist to come out and look at your vegetation. Even with no leaves on a deciduous tree, the arborist should be able to observe signs of trouble including disease, weather damage and blight. It costs less to remove trees in the winter and, if your arborist recommends winter trimming, your trees can benefit. Winter trimming makes it easier for an aborist to shape your tree correctly as well.

Your yardscaping dreams can go from conception to reality in short order. Plan now and you will soon enjoy the beginnings of a yard transformed, one that reflects your desire and provides a safe habitat for family, domestic pets, the landscape itself and for visiting animals.

Source: State of Maine Department of Agriculture: Why YardScape? -- https://www.maine.gov/agriculture/pesticides/library/ppt/Master_Gardener/Why%20YardScape_Experts.pdf

Australian Outdoor Living is a home improvement business servicing major cities in Australia. With years of experience, they specialize in outdoor blinds, pergolas, swimming pool installations and folding arm awnings.