When it comes to landscaping, it is important to understand the state laws and municipal ordinances that apply to the project. However, it is also essential to be aware of any neighborhood rules that may be in place, such as those enforced by homeowners associations. To ensure that your landscape plan is within the established guidelines, it is important to communicate any parameters related to the project to your contractor. The design of a landscape should take into account the needs of those who will use and maintain the area, while also considering the existing environmental conditions of the site.
Water is a precious resource in Utah, so it is important to design a landscape that uses water efficiently. Grass is a great option for this purpose, as it can withstand the stresses of traffic and mowing that are usually applied to it. Incorporating edibles into the entire landscape instead of just in an orchard is another way to make the landscape more environmentally friendly. It is important to remember that newly planted gardens will require more “initial” maintenance than established landscapes, particularly when it comes to weed control.
Gardening fabric can be an effective method for controlling weeds, but its use around landscape plants is controversial. Grass has shallower roots than other garden plants and should therefore be watered more frequently, but not as deeply as other garden plants. Taking inventory of the property and recording existing structures and features of the landscape can help identify both positive and negative aspects of the existing landscape. If you are short on time and need help taking care of your gardening investment, you can talk to your contractor about a maintenance plan. Accessibility is also an important factor when it comes to major landscape maintenance tasks or adding new features such as a concrete patio or pool.
