10 Things Your Landscape Architect Wishes You Knew (But Is Too Polite to Tell You)

To reduce water use, Whittier recommends putting in a wise irrigation system that can do many of the day-to-day be just right for you. “After a three-month institution interval, you dial down the irrigation till you discover the stress level,” says Whittier. “Then you definately add again time simply to the purpose of fine plant well being.” Your sensible system will nonetheless want seasonal changes, she notes.

3. Synthetic grass isn’t the reply.

Seeking to substitute your garden? Remember that synthetic grass isn’t environmentally accountable or cost-effective. It retains warmth and provides off gasses for years. What’s extra, the underlying granules are inclined to migrate into the water system—and into your own home.

Should you actually desire a garden, says Whittier, “go along with a grass mix designed particularly on your space’s local weather, after which stability out the water wants through the use of low-water crops and natives elsewhere within the backyard.” Even higher: plant a meadow or a no-mow garden—and revel in your further free time now that you just don’t need to mow, weed, or fertilize.

4. Gravel can’t substitute mulch.

Possibly you’ve hesitated to make use of mulch in your backyard, as a result of you understand how messy it takes care of it blows onto your patio and walkways. However whereas gravel might not get blown round, it’s not a great alternative for mulch, because it supplies no vitamins for the soil. Stickley and Whittier counsel planting floor cowl close to walkways, and giving it time to unfold out. You should still want mulch, however maybe just for one season.

For extra concepts, see Hardscaping 101: Floor Covers to Plant Between Pavers.