I often have clients approach me that are hoping cut back on their lawn area. Usually it is for a combination of reasons; they want to cut back on their water bill, reducing maintenance, and move towards something more environmentally sustainable. There are several different methods I'll discuss here, and many of them don't even involve a design! However, the decisions regarding of how much of your lawn to convert (and to what!) can be a complicated one, and I'm always here to help. Below I'll talk about how to prioritize an area of lawn to keep and make the most sustainable. Then I'll go into what you can do with the rest!
Traditional turfgrass lawns do still have a function for many homeowners. They are superior sports play fields, offer organic fall protection around play areas, give dogs a place to roll, reduce the ambient air temperature compared to hardscape, and are often integral for a home's resale value. However, there are ways to incorporate lawns into your yard purposefully.
Typically, it makes the most sense to prioritize a lawn for the backyard area, unless you happen to live in a quiet cul de sac or rural area where a lawn can still be a great recreation area while adding to curb appeal. Sloped lawn areas are more difficult to maintain and irrigate, so you should choose a more level area. You should also consider the size of your lawn. If you only play tag football with family once a year, then maybe you should consider relocating that event to a nearby park. On the opposite end of the spectrum, lawn areas need to be at least eight feet in any direction and without acute angles to be efficiently irrigated. When designing a lawn area, I also try to buffer it from adjacent hardscape to avoid wasting any overspray. Finally, lawns need to be at least 5' from foundations.
Now that we have discussed key factors for determining an appropriate lawn size and location, my next post will discuss how to select your turf grass variety.
Contact me today to discuss what area is best to prioritize a lawn in your yard!
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