Landscaping Small Yards-Simple If You Know How To Do It
There are few things that improve the overall impression of a house as much as landscaping. While major projects on large lawns may be outside the time and ability of the average home gardener, a small yard is well within the scope of an ordinary worker.
Some elements of small yard landscaping may best be contracted out, but the major part of the work is simple and can even be enjoyable.
Small Yard Landscaping Three Part Transformation
Landscaping small yards depends on several essential steps.
* The first is the removal of undesirable weeds, plants, and landscaping features.
* The second is the improvement of the soil and the preparation for planting.
* The third is the placement of any irrigation devices and the design and planting itself.
Finally there is the follow through work: the laying of weed-preventive films, mulches, the care for the plantings, and the choice of decorative elements and lawn furnishings. Each contributes to a successful outcome in small yard landscaping.
Clearing the yard is perhaps the most tedious element of landscaping small yards. It is also the most sensitive to poor labor. Clearing old sod, removing stones, old irrigation line, the leveling of soil or the building up of soil, and the effort to discourage weed growth before the first “real” plant is ever sown are demanding, heavy jobs.
Of all the chores involved in small yard landscaping, yard clearing and the placement of irrigation elements, are the two most likely to be best handled by professionals.
"Bob the Builder" Plans Ahead!
If you attempt to do the small yard landscaping work yourself, take time to prepare. You’ll need a square nosed shovel to remove sod, or, if you wish, you can use a sod cutting machine – a large engine not unlike a rototiller or lawn mower that uses massive edged wheels to cut and then raise sod.
The machines are heavy, though, and considered difficult to use with any precision – and exhausting and muscle-tiring, too. The option is open, though, for those unwilling or unable to use the slow technique of the square nosed shovel to first create cut lines, and then under-cut turves.
Soil Improvement
The next step in landscaping small yards then progresses to the improvement of soil. Clay soil is best improved with a blend of sand, organic mulch and organic fertilizer, and very small gravel. These will break the heavy, sour soil and improve drainage, while providing nutrients for plants. The next step in small yard landscaping is the placement of any irrigation elements.
All of these aspects of improvement through small yard landscaping respond well to professional contracting. But what follows, the design and planting of the garden, can be done by a passionate gardener, and can be managed even by those less passionate. Great books exist advising how to garden wisely and well in all climates, and how to design garden features for any environment. Check out this
design resources
page for more ideas.
Plan Ahead And Enjoy The Fruits Of Your Labor!
A beautiful small yard or garden adds green life and enjoyment to your outdoors, and adds substantial value as well. By taking the time to plan ahead, contract out elements you can’t manage on your own, and proceeding with the rest with dedication and drive, you can give yourself a beautiful haven.
Small yard landscaping is within your grasp. A short time online, a brief time talking to any contractors you may choose to use, and you can be underway to a peaceful mini-paradise all your own.
