Developers who sell new house and land packages typically invest a lot of time and effort in making the house look great, but neglect the outdoor areas. Of course, this can be a benefit for a motivated homeowner, as it allows them to customise their own back yard in a way that best suits them. The problem of course is that far too often there just isn't time to do the work that you would like in the yard and it gets left a barren wasteland! Backyards that have not been landscaped are not just an eyesore. Neglecting you yard can cause problems with drainage and sinkage, which can eventually impact the very integrity of your home.

Landscaping goes far beyond just plants and soil. Below you can find a number of 'hard scape' options for modifying your yard. Unless you are a skilled tradesperson yourself, these improvements are best done by a qualified professional.

Retaining Walls And Garden Beds

Custom designed garden beds and retaining walls are dual purpose. They are both attractive and serve an important function in your backyard. Especially on house blocks with a slope, heavy rainfall can cause a significant amount of erosion. When this occurs, valuable nutrients and quality soil are literally washed down the drain! Over time, this leeches your soil of its goodness and makes it very difficult to grow anything at all. Of course, garden beds and retaining walls will not stop water flow completely, but they will slow it down to a point where it no longer is able to carry away your topsoil. This is achieved by interrupting the flow of water.

Another clear benefit of these hard scaping options is to level off a yard that is sloping or uneven. Once a retaining wall is built, the area behind it can be filled. Doing this creates a lovely flat area where there wasn't one before. Your pets and children will have much more fun and be far safer playing on a flat lawn instead of a slope!

Decks and Pergolas

Some people would characterise decks and pergolas as a construction project, but in reality they make up part of the overall landscape of your garden. Decks provide a great outdoor space that sits firmly in between the indoors and the outdoors - on a deck you can experience nature from a comfortable covered area.

The position of your deck and the material chosen for its construction are crucial. Ideally, your deck needs to be positioned in a way that capitalises on natural sunlight and shade at different times of the day. Due to your deck being exposed to the elements constantly, the materials you choose will have a huge bearing on its longevity. Exactly which variety of material will work best in your back yard depends entirely on the prevailing local conditions. It can be hard to make the right decision on this yourself, which is why hiring a professional is advised. They will have already built many decks in your local area and will know what works.

For more information, or a quote on your next landscaping project, contact a trusted local contractor today.