Zach Schuster of Green Oasis says each backyard is different from the next—and it’s all about the homeowners’ personality. To create a dream backyard, he recommends mapping out functional zones to determine how to best use the area. Photo: Jeff Wegge Photography
Plan to make the most of patio season.
Summer in Minnesota is synonymous with outdoor living. After enduring months of winter and the lingering slush of “spring,” the general consensus about when nice weather arrives is to get outside and stay outside.
For many homeowners, the best way to enjoy the warmer days is from the comfort of their own backyard. While it may be tempting to buy whatever flowers and shrubs are available at the local garden center to spruce up the outdoor spaces, landscaping experts like the designers and lawn care professionals at Green Oasis, which serves Woodbury and surrounding areas, suggest a different approach. Whether the goal is a lush, green lawn, terraced gardens or an expansive paver patio with an incorporated fire pit, taking the time to plan before reaching for a shovel is essential for success.
Identifying what doesn’t work is an obvious starting point, but then what? “Every yard is unique,” branch manager Zach Schuster says. What he’s referring to is the multifaceted consideration that goes into landscape design. “It’s never one-size-fits-all. Some homeowners want a sea of grass, while others would be happy to never mow again,” he says. When executing a successful backyard design plan, the trick is integrating feasibility, form and function. “Some things don’t make sense for a Minnesota yard,” Schuster says, noting the particular nuances of Woodbury properties, as areas with mature trees and hills require different considerations than flat fields of new construction. Schuster shares a few pointers for creating a backyard worth enjoying all season long.
Tip 1: Map Out Functional Zones
Think through who uses the space and for what activities. What is the path of travel? Where are there privacy needs? This creates a natural priority list. Designating zones for a particular function improves efficiency, especially in smaller yards. It can also highlight areas that are currently being underutilized. “If there’s an area where grass simply doesn’t grow, consider shifting its use to a paver patio or a gravel fire pit,” Schuster says.
Tip 2: Conduct a Yard Evaluation
At the very least, homeowners building a landscaping plan should assess factors like grading and drainage since these directly affect their home. Tracking the sunlight patterns throughout the day and testing the soil condition is essential to plant health. Green Oasis performs a complimentary comprehensive evaluation for customers that assesses these features and more. “When someone wants to know why a plant doesn’t look so good anymore or why one part of the yard grows faster than the others, we can tell you,” Schuster says.
Tip 3: Think About Now and Later
Thinking about short- and long-term goals can prevent mistakes, like overcrowding or planting something where it won’t thrive. Clarity about the goal and the desired aesthetic composition can prevent haphazard purchases and lead to a cohesive result. Also, keep in mind what it will look like in winter—evergreens and hardscapes will still have presence long after the hostas go to sleep until spring.
Tip 4: Be Honest About Yard Work
When it comes to yard work, it’s important to determine how much is acceptable and how much is too much. Not everyone is willing to weed a garden on their hands and knees, and since there is a limited number of those precious summer weekends, it’s important to manage the neediness of a landscape plan either through thoughtful choices or lawn care services. “Instead of spending your weekends doing yard work, let us handle it, so you can enjoy your free time with your family,” Schuster says.
A final tip Schuster offered might be the best one yet: There’s still time to reclaim the weekend to relax on the new patio or to transform a humble backyard into a stunning oasis for patio season. After all, Minnesotans must enjoy every drop of the season.
Green Oasis
Instagram: @_greenoasis
