Need advice on tropical pool landscaping (outside screen inside fence)
Karin Leung
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
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Comments (8)
dangermouse01 (coastal central FL 9B)
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Help Need Advice Ideas Landscape Front House
Comments (25)yes, it is heavier. This house is similar to the house the DH and I just sold. It had a raised concrete patio in front of the house. I didn't know how to landscape in front of that PIA :o) and I don't know how to landscape in front of this one either. I don't know how this owner feels about their patio, but I didn't want plants large enough that they would obscure the view. Also didn't want the predictable symmetry of two same-size pyramidal evergreens on each side of the house. As I said above, I'm no designer. I'm just playing around with pictures, trying to keep reality in mind. To be real honest, if it were me, I'd never plant the large shrub by the corner of the house, just because I'm onery and it's one of those things that "everybody" does, so I wouldn't! That, and we had to cut down two at our previous home 'cuz they had grown to well over 30 feet high. Needless to say that they dwarfed our little ranch/tract home, a house that already sat on a hill. It was atrocious. Anyhow, thanks for the notice re: balance or lack thereof. I'll leave that to the homeowner, but I would love a suggested solution to landscaping around those darned patios. I don't have one anymore, but I'd still like to know. Moon...See MoreAdvice on Landscaping/Fence(s)
Comments (9)excellent feedback from both of you, thank you. You are right, Yardvark, three trees will not give us total privacy. I am a bit fearful of creating a long line of shrubs of similar height (see our schips, which look terrible). I was thinking one tree on the right (to obscure the view of the red house) one in the middle (for our neighbors), and one to the left. However looking at the pics posted by deviant I am thinking i should not worry too much. I am 99% sure that there is no utility right of way. My thought had been that we would need to replace our current fence (where the no-man's land is) but a look at the local regs says that 4' is high enough... i am pretty sure our neighbors new fence is that high. This suggests that we would not have to replace that segment of fence at all. However we would need to do a lot of plantings to get sufficient privacy (we may even want to start next year with plantings, then remove the existing fence later after they start to grow in.) I think we woulld then have about 10-12' total between the property line and the pool and the property line/our neighbors new fence. We could also get more space for landscaping by avoiding putting a 'paved' path all the way around the pool (as in deviant's photos--that pool landscaping looks great, by the way). Do you think 10-12 feet is enought to incorporate layering? Yardvark, re the schips, I think you are right about the light. Some of them are growing reasonably well, so I dont think that it is a water issue (though it is possible). For each of last 2 years we had a local tree service fertilize them. This helped a little bit but not nearly enough given the cost. Some more pruning may be called for. The vine suggestion sounds good too....See MoreNeed natural screening advice to hide neighbor?
Comments (33)Thanks for the location of the bamboo nursery. That was going to be my next question. I want to view it before I consider planting any of it and bring some of my picture with me as well. I'm not a big fan of sea grape. I like them natural in the wild, but not in my yard. Its just me. I do like the tropical screen idea - sort of what I want - would love something that "flowers" - but again realize I may be limited due to the height requirement. I'll post another pic of the space between the back of the house and the fence shortly so you can see how wide it is (or rather, "isn't"..LOLOL...). I REALLY appreciate everyone's suggestions. I am struggling what to do here. It's a real gardening challenge. I'm downtown St. Pete so in a city sized cramped yard....See MoreHelp need Swimming Pool Advice
Comments (25)I am sure this blog has clarified all your decisions for you, but if not, just get 5 more quotes from pool companies and you'll be just as enlightened as you are now. Rather than concentrate on the specifics of a pool e.g. filtes, pumps, etc. Concentrate on the business you are buying from. Check how long they have been in business, how many complaints they have had on the BBB and pay particular attention to unresolved complaints. Does the pool company have a service department and a retail store to support you when you need help? The pool company has to live with your pool after the sale and they want to sell you a package they can support. My personal belief is that if you choose a reputable pool company (do your homework) and feel comfortable with the sales rep, you should let them recommend what components will go into the pool. To a very large extent, your budget will determine which type of construction will be employed in your project. Vinyl being the best value, gunite or shotcrete being the most versatile in design, and fiberglass with a shorter construction time. Technology has made great strides in the pool business particularly in sanitation, finishes, pool chemistry, and construction materials; they are better than ever. The swimming pool today can be a sparkling clear, forever clean compliment to your home....See MoreKarin Leung
8 years agojunglegal
8 years agoKarin Leung
8 years agowanna_run_faster
8 years ago
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