Remodeling With Grass
A good
landscaping plan should be made simultaneously with the house plan because
landscaping can determine the design of the structure.
By Larry Parrish, Parrish Construction, Cabinets & Landscaping
Remodel
with grass? No, this is not about
a new version of straw-bale construction, or using mood-altering drugs while
building. I’m talking about the
ultimate in “green building”—incorporating landscape design into your plans,
whether while remodeling your home or building a new one. Good landscape design can expand living
space, create a sanctuary, and lift the spirit.
According
to realtors, three things determine the value of a house—location, location,
and location. Landscaping is an
important aspect of any location.
For a graphic illustration of this point, find an attractive home, either
in your neighborhood or in a magazine photograph. Now imagine that same house sitting on asphalt in the middle
of a parking lot. See what I mean?
Since
landscaping is usually done at the end of a construction project, many people
wait until then to begin planning it.
By then, they are out of money and energy, and the landscaping goes on
the “back burner”, sometimes for years (or decades). Since mature landscaping takes years to develop, each
year lost is important. The
people who bought my previous house are enjoying large trees that I experienced
only as twigs, because for ten years I delayed planting: I was always going to
plant “next year.” Can any of you
relate to this?
Even
if you can’t afford your ultimate landscape plan now, incorporate a master plan
as part of your initial design.
Good landscaping may determine the design of the structure—in order to
protect existing trees, take advantage of views and shading, screen noise and
neighbors, or create niches for ponds or waterfalls. Many design/build contractors incorporate landscape
architects as part of the design team, or you can put your own team together by
hiring a landscape architect at the same time as the architect, in order to
coordinate the designs.
Include
a landscaping line-item in your overall budget to insure that the money will be
available when you need it. An
allocation of only three to five percent for landscaping of project cost can
improve a project immensely. The design typically costs less than one
percent. You can include this cost
as part of the overall financing or mortgage. After all, the landscaping should last as long as the house
and appreciate in value.
A landscaping plan should:
§ Create lovely scenery as the plants grow. A twig-tree
won’t become marvelous for years, but with proper under-planting the area can
still be attractive. The plan should consider all phases of the plant life, so
that views are maintained and features of the home accented.
§ Address damage mitigation to protect existing plants
during construction. Many plants,
and topsoil, can be reserved on-site, and reused. Good planning can prevent damage to plants, grass, and
existing sprinkler lines during excavation, or damage to trees from cutting
roots or compromising aeration with piles of excavation spoils.
§ Provide conduits for piping or wiring under sidewalks
and driveways to accommodate sprinkler system pipes, lighting, or telephone and
television wiring.
§ Planning for drainage of water, including surface
runoff, gutters, and downspouts, is important. It must be coordinated with landscaping features to avoid
damming water near the house, where it can enter basements and crawlspaces, or
damage foundations.
If
you don’t enjoy yard work, quality landscaping design can create
low-maintenance yards. Weed
barriers and mulches can minimize weeding, sprinkler systems automate the
watering, and xeriscape designs can minimize or eliminate watering
altogether. Perennials will
provide color year after year, and slow-growing or dwarf plants will minimize
annual pruning.
Some
of the most exciting remodeling projects I’ve seen have included ponds, water
features, and waterfalls. Rubber
pond liners contain the water, and pumps provide the circulation. Water plants
and fish add life and interest in a perfect symbiotic relationship. Moving water adds visual excitement,
and its sound has power to calm the savage beast.
Whether
you decide to incorporate landscaping into your building program, or wait
awhile, at least plant the trees.
That way you will be able to enjoy the shade, and brag about your
foresight.
Tel: 303-444-0033
