Whether you’re looking for excuses to spend more time outside for the rest of the summer or you’re planning ahead for next year, you might be daydreaming about your landscaping plans. After all, spending just 5% of your home’s value on landscaping can increase its resale value by 15% while allowing you to get more use out of your property. But if you have a relatively small backyard, you might think your options are a bit limited — especially when it comes to hardscape designs. While many hardscaping contractors will install larger statement pieces in expansive green spaces, what kinds of hardscaping elements can you add if your yard is on the modest side? We’re sharing three tips from the hardscaping professionals in today’s post.
Include a Patio
No matter the size of your backyard, it makes perfect sense to install a patio. This hardscaping feature doesn’t require a lot of space but can allow you to make your yard more functional and more visually appealing at the same time. You can either add on a patio right outside your home to extend the livable space or your hardscaping contractors might build a patio further away from your home to define the yard and add some depth. You won’t need more than a couple of chairs or a bench and a small table to start entertaining in this space.
Keep Materials to a Minimum
Large backyards often have a mix of hardscaping materials, like brick, concrete, and more. But when you’re installing paver patios or adding outdoor walkways in a small space, you’ll want to stick to one main material whenever possible. Too many materials in a little area can make your yard seem overcrowded and confusing to the eye. It’s best to pick and stick with one paving material throughout the space, as it will look much more streamlined. Because you’re dealing with less space to cover, you might even be able to choose a higher-end material to add a bit of luxury.
Use Your Vertical Space
Hardscaping contractors will tell you that when you’re short on ground space, you’ll want to head skyward. Vertical elements can add interest and allow your space to seem bigger than it is. While you should steer clear of fencing, as this can make your small yard feel even more closed in, you can instead build upwards in different areas of your yard. Trellises, pergolas, lattices, raised flower beds, and vertical gardens can allow you to put those odd locations to good use and draw the eye up. With that tactic in mind, you won’t even realize that your square footage is lacking.
Want to learn more about making the most of a small green space? Our hardscaping contractors are here to devise a plan that will make your property picture perfect. For additional information, please contact us today.
