General Landscaping Archives

The case in favor of real turf grass

The Lawn Institute has an extensive list of benefits and value of maintaining natural lawns or real turf grass in our society. They point out a number of benefits including environmental, economical and even psychological issues to make the case in favor of real turf grass. They do not however, make a side by side comparison to the artificial grass alternative. So as you read through all of these benefits, think if artificial grass would provide the same benefits.

I  particularly liked the quote , “Surveys conducted by … bare out the fact that green space and especially green lawns may be as American as apple pie, hot dogs and baseball”. The issue is green open space.

The following survey results speak for themselves:

Psychological Health

  • 93% of homeowners rank green space important
  • 86% find that a nice lawn is a positive reflection on the homeowner
  • 63% of homeowners feel a landscape is an outlet for self-expression and creativity

Regional Economics

More than 90% of homeowners surveyed feel that having a well maintained lawn improves property values.

  • Roughly 74% of homeowners feel lawns and landscapes of neighbors are important when buying a house
  • 73% said the lawn is an important consideration when buying a house

The artificial grass alternative

I often bring up artificial grass as an alternative to real turf grass in most cases where the grass area considered is not too large. Since artificial grass costs much more than natural sod, homeowners often ask, “how much more is it?”. I have found that it is generally 2.5 to 3 times more in terms of initial costs. The maintenance costs including the cost of water should also be factored in over time.

Costs however may not be the only deciding factor and that is where the quote about grass being “as American as apple pie, hot dogs and baseball” is intriguing. I cannot cite an actual survey, but I do believe that all costs and environmental comparisons put aside, people would prefer the real thing over the fake alternative. People naturally will gravitate towards something natural when presented with a “fake” substitute.

Artificial is perceived as having less value and desirability. It’s also perceived as being inferior, cheap, less prestigious and not as sophisticated as the real thing. This is often true with plastic alternatives to natural materials such as stone or plants.  Fake indoor plants are lifeless substitutes for real indoor plants. So of course we would prefer real grass over something fake until we educate ourselves beyond this simple fake vs. real comparison.

Studies have shown that patients in hospitals and nursing homes that have view onto a natural landscape, perhaps one with a nice green lawn improve their conditions compared to patients who are not exposed to those same views. I wonder if those same benefits would be experienced if artificial grass were present. Given today’s technology of being able to make fake grass look as real as natural grass, I would guess that it would have the same psychological effects.

Americans love affair with the natural lawn

63% of homeowners feel a landscape is an outlet for self-expression and creativity (1)

Another psychological factor is the degree of enjoy-ability. Some people take great pride in maintaining their lawns even though they spend hours maintaining it. They see their lawns as an extension of their own identity, and if exposed to the public as in the case of the front lawn, may even be more sensitive of how they (and their lawn) are perceived by their neighbors. Artificial turf takes away any ego identification with how well it is being maintained. They may even be concerned about being labeled as “the guy with the fake grass”.

But as the technology to recreate the real lifelike appearance of natural grass improves with the synthetic alternatives, more and more people will be fooled into believing it is indeed real. And when that happens without the homeowner disclosing that its fake at the outset, they can only feel proud of their choice because almost everyone is usually quite astonished when they are told that it is indeed artificial grass.

Here is the laundry list of benefits of real grass as cited by The Lawn Institute.  and where you can find the citations made regarding the survey results.

Artificial Grass and Synthetic Lawns are replacing natural grass more and more.

Many landscapes have a lawn but whether they should be artificial grass and synthetic lawns is somewhat of a battle between the synthetic lawn industry and the natural grass industry. Both types of grass provide a beautiful green carpet where we can play, have fun, walk barefoot and just admire a clean expanse of open space even its just a little patch of grass.

Some people moving into a new home insist on having a lawn. They may be from the part of the country where virtually everyone on the block has a large front and backyard lawn. Large lawns remind us of English country estates and landscape gardens.

The benefits are overwhelmingly in favor of artificial grass over natural grass primarily for three main reasons: no mowing, no watering and looks great all year around.

Benefits of using artificial grass and synthetic lawns compared to natural grass:

  • Looks Great Year Round – Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter
  • Never Mow Your Yard Again – Save Time and Energy
  • No watering – Water Your Flowers Instead
  • No Brown Patches or Dead Spots – Show off the best lawn on the block.
  • No Fertilizing, No Chemicals, No Overseeding
  • Nearly Zero Maintenance and all the Benefits of Real Grass
  • No Standing Water to Attract Insects
  • Safe For Pets and Kids – No Itching or Sneezing
  • Withstands the Arizona Summer Heat, High temperatures and Monsoons

Even the most challenging terrain can look like a lush oasis with artificial grass.

With today’s technology, synthetic lawns look and feel just like real grass. The fibers are designed to mimic real grass types including Bermuda, Fescue, Bluegrass and Rye. There are even some styles that have brownish thatch weaved into the fibers.

But would artificial grass be cost prohibitive compared to real natural grass? This is the most common question homeowners ask. After recalling all the time you spend mowing the lawn, fixing sprinklers and trying to deal with brown spots or problem areas, it is compelling to think of not having to worry about the maintenance with a new lawn.

So the question becomes, given the additional upfront cost, is it worth it over the long term? I say yes, if:

  • You insist on doing the maintenance yourself
  • But you are not an expert in how to keep it looking like a golf course
  • You would like to save water
  • You would rather spend your weekends with your family and not behind a lawnmower
  • You will be in the house for the next 5 years

Do you think your dogs won’t like fake grass over real grass? Think again. I personally have artificial grass and my dogs love it just like real grass.

If you have decided not to replace your lawn with artificial grass simply because you have pets, you may want to reconsider that decision. New materials have made artificial lawns possible in almost any situation, including households with pets. Even pet owners can enjoy the look of real grass, with the easy maintenance that comes with artificial grass. Phoenix is an ideal region for a synthetic lawn: it reduces water usage, eliminates maintenance, and stays green year-round.

Artificial grass has many benefits for pet owners. Your lawn has insects, soil bacteria, mold, fungus, and other particles that your pet tracks into your home. Muddy paws and dirty coats are also unavoidable when you have a natural lawn. These problems can be eliminated with synthetic lawns. If you are concerned about pet waste, you don’t have to think about it anymore. Liquid waste soaks through just like rainwater, and solid waste is removed just like on real grass. Artificial grass can be easily cleaned with a garden hose as well.

With artificial grass you will not have yellow spots from pet urine, and animals also cannot dig holes in the lawn. It provides a safe, clean outdoor area for your pets and a convenient, beautiful lawn for you.

Artificial grass is the perfect substitute for a real lawn when the area doesn’t have to be large enough to play catch, badminton or other activities that children would like to do on a lawn. It is also perfect for areas where narrow slivers of grass and odd shapes can be designed into a patio area such as a pattern using stepping stones. Real grass in these cases would be very timing consuming to mow and trim.

Artificial grass is good for hard to mow areas where over spray and edging would be a problem.

So if you’re not already convinced artificial grass is a good substitute for the real thing, check out this blog post I made on the environmental benefits of synthetic lawns compared to natural grass lawns.

Designing a Pool with the Landscape in Mind

A pool is only one part of your yard. Ideally you should plan the whole project at one time so there is an integration of the design and materials for the pool, patio, pool deck, outdoor kitchen/BBQ area, walkways, spa and water features. Here is a partial list of some of the key questions to consider and which will help a landscape designer prepare a plan when designing a pool with the landscape in mind:

  1.  What other activities or functions do you want in the backyard besides the pool? (Barbeque island, fireplace gathering area, lawn areas, flower beds, etc.)
  2.  Do you want a spa as part of the pool? Would you like the spa integrated with the pool or more secluded away from the pool?
  3.  What amount of shade do you want around the pool and would you prefer to stay with trees or perhaps use more formal structures such as ramadas, patio covers, lattice covers, etc.
  4.  Are you interested in having a water feature such as a waterfall, sheer descent, deck jets or other type of fountain?
  5.  What basic shape do you prefer, formal or informal?
  6.  How will you use the pool? For exercise, for children to play, or to just cool off?

Design

In terms of shape, I shall limit myself to concrete in-ground pools since I am not familiar with other types. The shape is therefore whatever design you wish to create. Although when talking about pools with a pool sales person, they may initially show you pre-designed shapes which are popular among past customers. But don’t be limited to simply picking a shape. Before you do that, consider all the other factors that surround the pool and the amenities that you may want to go with it.

If you have a preferred theme or style expressed to your landscape designer as a criteria, this should be reflected in the pool shape as well. Modern, contemporary, naturalistic, classic European styles are all found in pools and can be carried out in the landscape elements as well.

The site’s topography may lend itself to incorporating a “negative edge” pool, also called vanishing edge or infinity edge. Here the outer edge of the waterline seems to disappear off in the distance as if falling off the edge of a waterfall. The ground below is not seen from the primary vantage points on the other side of the pool such as the main lounging areas or from the key views inside. This is a type of waterfeature that is both subtle, yet very dramatic if the elevation change on the property is significant.

Swimming Pool Decking

The decking surrounding the pool must first be designed in terms of circulation and use areas and secondarily as to the material. The material choice will be affected by the style or theme of the pool and landscape as well as the edges of the decking.

Most pools are fairly close to the house which often has a covered patio. This covered patio surface is then often extended to become integrated with the pool decking, but not always. Designing a pool with the landscape in mind allows the transition from the immediate decking around the pool to blend in with the surrounding landscape. 

Circulation is important to consider as well. Do you need to be able to walk completely around the pool? Would you want to? Perhaps that feature would be appropriate for children playing in and around the pool and provide more than one entry/exit point.

Areas for patio tables, chairs and lounges must be accommodated and should be about 15 feet for a table and chairs and less for lounge chairs depending on how many pieces of furniture is desired. Patio umbrellas should also play a factor in deck design as umbrella sleeves can be built into the decking during construction.

Seating and lounging areas should factor in not only what views they will have, but the orientation of the sun. How will shadows be cast if shade is desired from a shade structure or umbrella?  If there is a great view beyond the pool, perhaps the lounge seating area could be on the opposite side of the pool so that one’s view captures both the pool itself as well as the view beyond. If such a seating area was on the other side of the pool, one would be facing away from the pool. These types of analysis should be considered when designing a pool with the landscape in mind.

Pool Decking Materials

Decking around a pool should consider how slippery and dangerous it could be while wet. A non-skid surface should be a priority for safety concerns. The other issue is heat absorption. Generally the darker the material, the hotter it will be and the lighter the material, which reflects light and therefore absorbs less heat will be relatively less hot.

Many pools sold by the pool industry at least in the Southwest US, over the past 20 years overemphasized the use of the pool industry standard decking material known as Kool Deck. It was easy to install and when pitched based on the fear factor of not wanting to burn your feet, was an automatic choice for the uninformed homeowner. Nowadays, there are other materials that are considered reasonably cool on bare feet that provide design options instead of the contemporary simplistic look of Kool Deck.

Decorative concrete coatings that mimic natural stone or tile is often used as a cost savings alternative to natural stone, travertine and flagstone. Concrete pavers are also a popular choice for pool decking today although most concrete pavers are on the darker color range. Travertine pavers are light in color and their pits and imperfections are unfilled so their natural pitted texture adds to their skid resistance. Since they are created as pavers, there are no grout joints.

Pool Waterfeatures

Waterfeatures may be natural boulder waterfalls, formal fountains, scuppers that shoot water out from a raised wall, deck jets that shoot streams of water from the decking or sheer descent waterfalls that put out a wide sheet of water through a narrow slot.
Each type of waterfeature should be consistent with the overall style of the pool and landscape theme.

I would highly recommend a pool have some kind of moving water that not only creates visual interest, but sound and can serve as the focal point. Pools without any moving water can appear lifeless, almost too serene if the surrounding landscape is not designed well.

Spas

Spas that are built as part of the pool can be situated on the edge of the pool or could be separated. One of the benefits of integrating the spa with the spa is to elevate the spa so it can cascade water into the pool and serve as a scupper type waterfeature without too much added cost. In this case, they are usually raised 12” to 18” which gives sufficient height to create a noticeable waterfall effect as well as provide more surface of the waterline tile to be exposed up the face of the wall between the pool and the spa.

A raised spa will also provide for a separate sitting area which could be expanded to accommodate seating or lounge chairs. Perhaps this would provide you with just enough added height to capture views.

A concrete spa does have limitations compared to its cousin the portable spa or hot tub. Portable spas are free standing self contained units that are designed more as therapeutic benefits by having many more jets and ergonomic seating and lounging. Concrete spas are not at all therapeutic other than the heat, bubble action and swirling jets. You cannot recline in a concrete spa as you can in portable spa and the jets are not designed to directly hit specific parts of your body such as the lower back or neck areas.

A spa can add about $7-$10,000 to the cost of the pool depending on how high it is, the decking around it, and the type of heater you use. If you are attracted to a spa for its therapeutic benefits, you may want to consider a well equipped portable spa for the same cost.

Swimming Pool Fencing

Many jurisdictions require a swimming pool barrier to protect children from accidental drowning. The simplest way to fence a pool is to surround it with a fence. But if you simply wrap the perimeter of the pool with a fence, it will look like it is caged in. I’m telling you from a design standpoint, this is the most difficult thing to deal with when designing a landscape with a swimming pool. It becomes safety vs. aesthetics vs. cost. It is best to place this barrier as far away from the pool decking as possible depending on the design. But how do you fence off the direct access from the house? You cannot avoid having to look out on your barrier fencing as seen from the house and this destroys the aesthetics from a design standpoint. You as a parent, must decide how to balance these issues.

Shade at the Pool

Landscape designs for pools should have some shade for at least one are of the pool decking. Basically there are several options from naturalistic to formal structures. The simplistic and least expensive choice perhaps is to include shade trees that are not too close to the water’s edge to keep debris from being an issue. Umbrellas are another alternative and can be placed in umbrella sleeves embedded into the decking for multiple locations including inside the pool itself.

Structures such as ramadas and gazebos can provide not only shade, but an outdoor room if fitted with appropriate seating and perhaps an outdoor fireplace or outdoor kitchen. Keep in mind the direction of the sun and as the sun gets lower in the afternoon, the shade canopy may not function as well as during midday. So placing shade structure towards the south and southwest may be the most practical it may not be feasible given the placement of seating areas and potential view blockages.

There are many other considerations to explore when designing a pool such as lighting, heating, filtration, chlorination and general maintenance, but they go beyond the topic of designing a pool with the landscape in mind.

When it comes to outdoor living, a gas barbeque grill is a must for most homeowners and having a kitchen island makes it more entertaining and functional as an outdoor bbq cooking area.  Beyond the basic five foot long grill island, you can add a side burner, a refrigerator, sink, ice container, countertop grill light, drawers, cabinets, and other accessories. In order to simplify the process of determining your needs, lets go through this list below to help as a guide to barbeque grills and outdoor kitchen islands.

What need or desire does it fulfill?

Are you satisfied with a portable grill that you can move about? Or would you prefer a grill that is built into an island where it is integrated into your backyard patio design? Do you intend to socialize around the grill where you can entertain family and friends? Are you a gourmet chef and want all the bells and whistles that one thinks of with an outdoor kitchen?

Form vs. function.

If you primarily want a barbeque just to grill and then eat inside, the simplest form of grill station will probably do and functionality may be the priority. How will it look on your patio when not in use? How does it fit in with the other landscape elements you may want to include such as an outdoor fireplace, seating areas, pools, fountains and lawn areas?

Does it serve a purpose other than grilling?

Add a sit up bar to a basic island to allow guests to interact with you while you are cooking. A countertop also is a place to put beverages, plates and dishes like a table top. A refrigerator or built in ice chest adds a convenience factor in not having to make multiple trips to your indoor kitchen. It lets you hang outside with your guests.

How should it be situated on your patio?

The location of the bbq grill is always a major decision. But answer the above questions first to determine its form and function. These criteria will go into its design and configuration. If it’s a simple grilling station, which direction will the grill face? How close to the kitchen doors should it be? Is there adequate ventilation and separation from combustible structures? Will it be straight, L-shaped or angled? Is there adequate patio area for circulation around it, and at the bar seating area?

What design choices do you have? (custom vs. modular/prefab)

Barbeque islands can be either custom designed and built out of masonry block or they can be pre-manufactured using steel studs, cement board and finished with stucco coating or stone veneer. Today there are many manufacturers that build islands to your specifications and then either ship them to you to finish or bring them to your home in an almost completed form.

Infrastructure – electrical, gas, footings, waterline, permits

Regardless of custom built or prefabricated, you will need at the minimum gas which can be either propane or natural gas. A natural gas line must be underground and stubbed out to come up inside the island or come in through the back depending on how it is situated on your patio. Propane tanks are not as convenient as having a connection to natural gasline, but are much less expensive in terms of initial installation.

Electrical may be needed for a grill light, hood light, countertop light, rotisserie motor or for accessory outlets on the island. Not providing an outlet to an island is a mistake which is why many grill owners end up using battery powered clip on lights.

One of the benefits of a premanufactured bbq island is you do not need to pour a significant footing as you will with a custom built masonry island. Just a solid patio surface will do. Building permits may or may not be required for the island itself, but if you are running electrical and or gas, those items should require permits. Check with your building department to find out what is required.

If a sink is desired, a cold waterline will need to be connected as well as a discharge line for the wastewater. Most building codes require a sink to be connected to the sewer system, but is usually not feasible when building an outdoor kitchen after the house’s plumbing system has been built. Usually a small dry well is constructed to allow for the sink waste water to percolate into the garden or planting areas. Just don’t use your sink as if it were a real kitchen sink. Think about what is going down the drain.

Finishes – countertop and sides

The countertop surface can be tile, travertine, granite or stone. The sides can be stucco to match your house or a cultured stone veneer depending on how fancy you want to get or perhaps tie it in with another structure such as a fireplace. Don’t forget ventilation along the sides to allow gas to escape.

Accessories and Features

The size of the grill is the most important consideration when determining the size and length of the island as it will displace useable countertop space. How many people will you be serving? Side burners are available to place sauce pans and skillets. Here’s a list of some of the accessories that you may want to consider:

  • A smoker
  • A wood burning grill to accompany the gas grill
  • A backsplash with raised bartop
  • Cantilevered countertop with no backsplash
  • Refrigerator
  • Ice chest/beverage holder
  • Drawers
  • Access doors to inside the island to reach gas shut off valves or propane tanks
  • Shelving or Drawers for storage
  • A tilt out garbage holder

Spend a good deal of time thinking about what you really want in an outdoor kitchen island and barbeque grill and whether you need all the bells and whistles that are available. You may be able to figure out the cost online researching the premanufactured options, but a certain amount of onsite installation will be needed. Better yet, contact a local landscape professional to help you with either the design and or construction of your island to avoid overlooking anything.

 

Outdoor rooms extend the useable living areas of the home. Sometimes they are adjacent to the home itself as in a covered patio. Sometimes they are fully detached and separate from the residence and have their own roof structure.

So what differentiates a patio seating area from an outdoor room? The answer is by how many “indoor elements” are included in the design. What are those landscape elements that define an outdoor room? Here is a partial list:

  • Defined flooring such as an area rug,  stone, tile or wood with a distinct edge
  • Overhead cover to define a form of ceiling or canopy
  • Walls or enclosure defined either by solid walls, barriers or other form of containment which articulates the space
  • Furniture that allows relaxation and comfort or a place to serve and enjoy food and beverages
  • Outdoor kitchen accessories including grills, refrigerators, sinks and countertops with bar stools
  • Curtains or drapes that provide enclosure, privacy and an interior feel
  • Patio heaters, fireplaces, firepits
  • Entertainment elements that substitute for a family room such as big screen televisions and outdoor sound speakers

A simple shade structure may or may not be designed to create the feeling of an outdoor room, because it may only be designed for shade as the primary function. In this case, do we want total shade as in creating a solid cover, or do we want partial shade which allows light to filter through an open beam structure?

Most shade structures are not designed as outdoor “rooms” unless they have some kind of wall or enclosure that defines the area under cover. The furniture and other amenities that are placed in the space also define how well the ambiance feels like an true outdoor room.

Today, many pieces of furniture and fabric can withstand the elements including area rugs. Some outdoor speakers are also designed as water resistant.

This outdoor space pictured left has the essence of a room primarily because of the solid tile mosaic wall and the open beam patio cover above.

This ramada below forms the ceiling of this outdoor kitchen and seating area (pictured below). The space is further defined from the main patio level by two steps descending to the outdoor kitchen level. Can lighting, a ceiling fan and accessories complete the design giving it that indoor feel.  Although there are no walls as in the picture above, the room is defined by the four columns while the absence of solid walls mimics a great room indoors. Stairs lead to the view deck above.

This sitting area serves as an extension of the indoor living space because of the proximity to the transition between indoor and outdoors.

Defined by walls on four sides, an atrium that was big enough for sitting areas could also be designed as an outdoor room.

Outdoor rooms have been a trend among design professionals over the last several years mainly because of their relationship with architectural elements and the influence of interior designers who see the spaces more from a “room” perspective than from an outdoor patio perspective. Both however, led to the concept of landscapes being more appropriately defined as outdoor living areas whether they have defined rooms or more casual outdoor retreats.

Before the interior professionals began defining outdoor rooms, garden designers had always designed secret gardens, meditation gardens and other sanctuary spaces that could also be considered outdoor rooms. In retrospect, it seems that the architects and interior designers were trying to expand their design territories into the landscape of outdoor spaces.

Whether its an inside room or an outdoor room the design principles are the same for all the design professions and how the landscape elements are transformed into rooms is a reflection of our creativity.

 

 Page 2 of 4 « 1  2  3  4 »
/* */
Verified by ExactMetrics