There is a common game children like to play to get to know one another: what would you do with a million dollars? In addition to just letting one’s imagination run wild, the game is fun to listen to because most people don’t have any idea how far a million dollars will go. Now, as adults, we have a better idea of how far a million dollars will take us, and many now value something else of arguably greater worth. The game adults play is “what would you do with more time?”
As the greater portion of Utah begins opening back up from the pandemic lockdown, we have all had an opportunity to ask ourselves what we would do with the time that was “stolen” from us by the quarantine. Of all the projects and experiences that get shelved due to a limitation of time, landscaping the yard design of one’s dreams is arguably the most passed on.
Cottonwood Landscapes Makes It Easy
Studies have shown that since COVID-19 first hit, over 44% of people have become dissatisfied with their home’s aesthetic and want a change. So, why is it that people keep postponing their home improvement projects? The biggest reason is not unlike playing the get-to-know-you game — people worry their money and time won’t go far enough. Happily, there are lots of little ways to make improvements to one’s home without considerable investments in time and money.
Getting Around the Yard
When considering updating your yard design, there are changes we can make for aesthetics and for function. While there are no doubt a number of ways to improve the look of your property, many of the best changes can be made to make your yard a more practical place to spend your time.
- Invest in Lighting: There is nothing quite like seeing beautiful lights twinkling back at you from around the yard at twilight. Not only do lights add ambiance and a sense of romance to the space, but they make it easier to get around. There is a lot of variation in lighting as well, which gives you plenty of options within your budget. We can install lights into the deck, along a path, on the side of the house, or hanging over a patio.
- Create a Footpath: No one likes tracking mud into the house, nor do they enjoy “bushwhacking” around trees and shrubs to see the entirety of their property. A footpath, however long or short it may be, adds considerable value to a yard and is relatively easy to do. The landscaping team at Cottonwood will help you decide which type of stones will look best around your yard and can get them put down in no time at all.
- Add Some Boundaries: Boundaries can mean different things to different people. For some, they’d like to add some edging along their garden, lawn, or around their trees in order to keep mulch, compost, or wood chips from being strewn about the yard. It also could mean adding a fence or retaining wall to keep the landscape looking pristine. The cost may vary depending on what boundaries mean to you, but our team can help you stay on budget.
Landscaping for Looks
Sometimes, we just need a change. Too much sameness without variation can have an effect on people’s mood and things we used to appreciate will grow stale. It’s why people rearrange the furniture or paint the house. The same is true for your yard design. The changes don’t have to be big in order to be exciting. Here are a few ideas.
- Install a Pergola: Some fixtures of the yard don’t require a bulldozer to clear out the ground — they just need a patio to hangover. A pergola is a great addition to any backyard that can change the entire feel of the property. Not only are they beautiful but they make sitting outside more enjoyable.
- Create Places for Water: While Cottonwood Landscapes does specialize in more robust water features such as creating streams and ponds, we can also help put in less invasive features such as a fountain. Whether your backyard is large or small, we can install something that will complement the space and bring a sense of zen onto your property.
- Invest in Places to Sit: Summer nights and winter afternoons are all benefited by a fire pit and a comfortable chair in the backyard. Investing in landscaping is an investment in future happiness outside as you and your guests get in touch with the outdoors again. We have plenty of ways to beef up your sitting area that won’t sting the wallet.
