Wooded Backyard Advice
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
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advice about back yard
Comments (32)Obviously, but obviously not everyone agrees with you either and we were asked for opinions. The question was not can I use wood chips and create a nice yard, The question was would more buyers like to see grass and do I need to do some work on this yard for resale. I reply to both in the affirmative, but have also suggested other options to grass -- though grass works great for me with two active med-large dogs. It is possible to use any combination of materials in a good looking garden. If you've like wood chips in your yard, I'm not trying to talk you out of them, but I've seen dogs with leg injuries because of wood chip yards at a dog park. I have also observed that far fewer people pick up after their dogs with wood chips and found it more difficult to do myself. I want a yard I can walk in, so , not to pick on you or the OP, I will not chose wood chips. And if wood chips were going to be a part of the yard, I would make sure they are a contrast to other colors and textures -- which isn't happening here, and that there is a clean, defined walkway between the steps and gate. Also not happening. This yard is not appealing and too many buyers see landscaping as expensive, hard work and don't know where to begin. An appealing yard, with or without wood chips, will help the house sell. If the OP has a few years before selling, it can be left until time to market or changes can be made now and enjoyed in the meantime....See MoreNew Construction House BackYard
Comments (6)Just get straight glyphosate - it doesn't have to be RoundUp specifically and there are less expensive brands of this herbicide on the market (Ferti-lome sells a product called Killzall that is less than half the price of the equivalent concentration and size of RoundUp). If you do go with the RoundUp, just select the Weed and Grass Killer - no need for any other additions to the mix. As I noted previously, you may very well need several applications and it is suggested to allow at least 2 weeks after the last treatment before reseeding. And it is too early to reseed - too hot and too dry for most northern, cool season grasses to germinate well. Generally, the ideal time for fall seeding is early fall - September to early October, depending on your specific climate. And any cool season turf grass blend recommended for your area is fine. Most independent garden centers - not the box stores - will have blends that are appropriate for your area....See MoreBackyard Landscape Advice Needed!
Comments (17)Beware of landscaping for low maintenance. Over the years, quite a few of my neighbors have replaced their front yard grass with ground covers and shrubs "for lower maintenance". To them, that means a garden service coming twice a year to cut down perennials in spring and fall when they die. They also cut the tall weeds down to ground level (e.g. a large patch of wild goldenrod reached 8 ft before it was cut to the ground.) The original ground covers and perennials are a mess since they're never weeded, and some like Bishops weed and lily of the valley, are taking over. Some areas (e.g. low sedum) are so covered with weeds that the original ground covers are not that visible. The shrubs are overgrown, hanging over the pathways and sidewalk. Overall a very messy look that cost them more money than they would have spent by just hiring a lawn mowing service and keeping their original evergreen shrub foundation bushes. If I were you, I'd concentrate on some hardscape improvements like that hot tub idea and leave much of it as lawn for the children to play on....See MoreBackyard/patio layout advice please
Comments (24)There is nothing necessarily advantageous or better about having straights or curves. You just need to make them all work together in the end. In the prior iteration, I'm addressing fitting the circular element in with straight lines in a more flowing way. I didn't address tweaking other areas to that change because I don't know the site particulars (whether the level change is a step up or a step down.) The circular shape does invite/suggest that nearby corners, underneath, be circular, too. Adding a radius to the "planting bed" is no problem. But because of furniture in the lounge area, there's a conflict. It might be eased if you can expand the area near the house by another couple of feet, as it seems tight overall.. (Another issue I have in exploring this further, is that I don't know what is proposed and what is existing.)...See More- 5 years ago
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