Ideas To Transform Your Outdoor Living Space Into A Place You Never Want To Leave

By Cheryl Alexander

It’s finally summer, and while you may be ready to take the party outside, your outdoor living space may tell a different story. In light of the most recent floods and freezes in the Houston metro area, many yards are screaming for some much- needed attention. Before your next outdoor gathering, consider what your outdoor space is lacking and assess how these suggestions could move your summer living to the next level.

The Houzz 2018 Landscaping Survey (houzz.com) reports that more than half of homeowners spend more time entertaining outside after completing landscaping projects (51 percent). Following a year of unexpected weather patterns – like the recent flood and freeze in Houston – one in 10 homeowners report that their outdoor projects address damage from harsh weather or natural disasters. More than a quarter of homeowners also report that their usable outdoor area is significantly larger than that of their home, so transforming the yard into added living space creates an entertaining haven for the next garden party or backyard barbecue.

Plant Trees

The experts at Davey Tree (davey.com) say that one way to transform your landscape in a way that will pay you back in the long run is to plant some trees. Have you ever thought about the vital role trees play in a house hunt? With their expansive branches and delicate leaves and flowers, trees are a joy to see no matter how long you live on a property.

Whether you’re ready to buy, sell or simply upgrade your home this season, be sure to inspect the trees and landscape. Kevin Sheehan, a certified arborist at Davey’s shares how. Most trees are a benefit that will pay you back. “At Davey, we always joke that money really does grow on trees because they save you money in very tangible ways,” Sheehan says. If you have big, mature trees in front of a home, you’ll also get:

• A natural energy saver. Strategically placed trees save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs. Likewise, in winter, trees, especially evergreens, can reduce the need for heating by 20 to 50 percent.
• A smart investment. A tree in front of a house increases the home’s sale price by an average of $7,130.
• A quiet protector. While providing privacy from neighbors, trees also reduce 50 percent of urban noise.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Other landscape projects may focus on creating a more sustainable environment in your outdoor space. The American Society of Landscape Architects recently conducted a survey (ASLA.org) revealing the most popular residential project types (based on expected consumer demand), including reducing the size of your lawn (71 percent). The average American household uses 320 gallons of water per day, about 30 percent of which is devoted to outdoor uses. More than half of that outdoor water is used for watering lawns and gardens. There are more than a few ways to accomplish sustainable lawns.

According to the ASLA, more than 70 percent of homeowners will install drip irrigation systems in their landscapes this year. Drip irrigation systems water plants right at the root and are an efficient alternative to sprinkler systems. They use 20 to 50 percent less water than conventional pop-up sprinkler systems and can save up to 30,000 gallons per year. Be sure to get a timer for maximum effectiveness.

ALSA’s survey revealed that 68.7 percent of homeowners will install systems to reuse grey water or capture rainwater, both of which offer a free source for landscape irrigation. These systems can be easily installed and even incorporated into irrigation systems.

Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Nothing says summer like an outdoor bonfire. Adding fireplaces (66 percent, ASLA) and fire pits (38 percent, HOUZZ) is a popular outdoor improvement. Not only do these elements create natural warmth, they add a warm, inviting aesthetic that can be utilized year-round. Add some comfy furniture, family and friends and get ready for an old-fashioned weiner roast and authentic s’mores. ➝

Water Features

Installing a water feature to your backyard will create a zen garden effect. Espoma (espoma.com), a company that makes natural and organic products for the lawn and garden industry, offers ideas that include tiered fountains, which look great in any backyard and add the soothing sound of running water. A small pond will create visual contrast with your plants, and ASLA reports that roughly 30 percent of consumers will install a pond. Birdbaths can also serve as a focal point and provide water for drinking and bathing for our feathered friends during a hot Houston summer.

A sustainable water option is to install what ASLA calls a natural water feature. According to The Field, the society’s blog, (on thefield.asla.org), a natural water feature borrows design techniques from natural and constructed wetlands and the increasingly popular “natural swimming pool” and offers a green alternative to the traditional, chlorinated and resource consuming display.

Create Privacy

A backyard can be a place to relax and simply enjoy your surroundings. If you like to escape from the world, you’re going to want some privacy. ASLA reports that 42 percent of homeowners will install a fence this year. Fences need not be mundane either. Many homeowners are using fencing as an artistic medium, and many are creating art with privacy screens that utilize a variety of materials and ideas. Don’t want a hard structure? Then plant tall hedges to create a secret backyard oasis.

Walkways and Paths

Espoma encourages improving your outdoor space through the use of walkways and paths. You may choose gravel, stepping stones or wooden pallets to create a walkway through your garden. Or simply line a path with low-growing shrubs or groundcovers like verbena, hostas or sedges.

The ASLA recommends permeable pavers for walkways and paths. Permeable paving is a method that allows for infiltration of fluids, which is a great way to prevent flooding. In addition to reducing surface runoff, permeable paving can trap suspended solids therefore filtering pollutants from stormwater.

Kid’s Corner

Get kids outside by making the backyard fun for them, too. The ASLA survey reports that 34 percent of families will add outdoor play spaces for their kids. Add an outdoor DIY chalkboard where kids can express their creativity or play hopscotch. Install a rock climbing wall to a fence, a tree house in a big tree or even an upgraded swing set. You can even grow a vegetable garden with your kids to teach them more about how to grow plants.

Backyard Tech

According to HOUZZ, technology also plays a role in making the yard entertainment-ready. Of the nearly one in five homeowners who added or upgraded entertainment systems during their landscaping projects (18 percent), three in five opted for a new television (59 percent), followed by wired and solar speakers (48 percent and 42 percent, respectively). One in 10 homeowners also added wired and solar charging stations.

If your budget is smaller, then consider updating other outdoor elements that can have an equally appealing impact. Houzz finds that many homeowners will simply replace lounge furniture (43 percent) and dining furniture (32 percent) and install new lighting (35 percent).

Regardless of motivations or budget, the majority of homeowners who completed an outdoor project report that they spend more time outside, which is exactly where you want to be during summertime.