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10 Ways to Conserve Water in the Home and Yard

water efficient fixtures help to conserve water

Water conservation is an increasingly critical topic in today’s world, where freshwater resources are becoming scarcer due to factors like climate change and population growth. Saving money is an essential benefit of water conservation too. Fortunately, there are numerous ways individuals can contribute to water conservation efforts right in their own homes and yards. Here are some tips to conserve water and reduce your environmental footprint:

Fix Leaks Promptly: Leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes can waste significant water over time. Check for leaks often and repair them promptly to prevent water waste.Monitor your monthly water bill so you notice any spikes in water use when there shouldn’t be any.

Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Replace old, inefficient toilets, showerheads, and faucets with water-efficient models. Look for products with the WaterSense label, which indicates they meet high-efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Take Shorter Showers: Cutting down on shower time can save gallons of water each day. Consider installing a low-flow showerhead to reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure.

Conserving water in your landscape is essential for both environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Here are some practical tips to help you conserve water in your yard:

Harvest Rainwater: You may think we already have enough rain here so why harvest rainwater? Our summers are dry and hot, making a supplemental water supply helpful. Rainwater harvesting systems, including rain barrels and cisterns, offer an eco-friendly solution.

 

drought resistant plants that conserve water

 

Choose Drought-Resistant Plants: Opt for native or drought-resistant plants adapted to your local climate. These plants require less water to thrive and can withstand dry conditions better than non-native species.

Group Plants with Similar Water Needs: Arrange your plants based on their water requirements. Grouping plants with similar watering needs together allows you to water more efficiently and avoid overwatering or underwatering specific areas.

Mulch Garden Beds: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around plants and garden beds. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and insulate plant roots from temperature fluctuations.

Water Wisely: Water your landscape during the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation and reduce water loss due to wind. Use automatic drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing runoff and waste.

 

adjusting your sprinklers help conserve water

 

Adjust Sprinklers Properly: Ensure your sprinkler system is efficiently adjusted to water plants and lawn areas. Avoid watering sidewalks, driveways, and other non-vegetated areas, and adjust sprinkler heads to prevent overspray and runoff.

Sweep, Don’t Hose: Instead of using a hose to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks, use a broom or rake to sweep away debris instead of turning on your hose. This simple switch can save gallons of water per minute.

Need help with water conservation in your landscape? Give us a call for a free estimate, and we can see where you could make changes to conserve water.

How Long Does It Take To Install A Drip Irigation System?

drip irrigation system getting installed

Installing a drip irrigation system can be a great idea to save both time and water. This efficient watering method conserves water and ensures that plants receive the right amount of moisture directly at their roots. So how long does it take to install a drip irrigation system? If installing a drip irrigation system, you need to determine the size of the area to be irrigated, and what type of drip irrigation system you want to use. A drip drip irrigation system can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

A simple drip system can be set up for smaller garden beds or containers in a few hours. This involves laying out the main water line, attaching the drip tubing to deliver water to individual plants, and securing the system.

Larger-scale installations covering landscaped areas may require more time and planning. In these cases, careful measurement of the area, designing the actual layout of the system, and ensuring proper water pressure and flow rates are important steps that can add to the installation timeline. Additional time may be needed if you are burying main lines and securing them in place.

Factors Affecting How Long it Takes to Install a Drip Irrigation System

The factors that can affect how long it takes to install a drip irrigation system may include:

  • The terrain where you are installing it
  • Your soil type
  • Presence of rocks or tree roots that you may encounter
  • The experience of the person installing the system

Drip irrigation system in a lawn

Addressing these challenges may involve digging trenches, installing pressure regulators and filters, and troubleshooting any issues that come up.

It’s important to ensure that you provide enough irrigation for all plants evenly. Testing is required for a while to ensure that your system is performing as it should and that any modifications are made.

Frontier Landscaping provides expert irrigation services, including sprinkler and irrigation system repair and installation of new systems as well as updates to existing ones. An irrigation system can help you to banish the endless task of watering by hand. At Frontier Landscaping, we design and install a wide variety of systems for a broad range of landscapes. Give us a call today for a free estimate!

The Mediterranean Garden: Ideas and Inspiration for a Mediterranean Landscape

Mediterranean garden with a walkway

The beauty of a Mediterranean garden lies in its ability to transport you to a place where the sun-drenched landscapes meet the soothing whispers of the sea. A Mediterranean landscape has become popular for its vibrant colors, aromatic herbs, and a sense of tranquility.

Mediterranean Garden Design Principles:

Mediterranean garden patio

The essence of a Mediterranean garden lies in its simplicity. Design principles often incorporate clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a harmonious blend of natural elements. Opt for minimalist pathways, low walls, and open spaces that encourage a seamless flow throughout the garden.

A palette inspired by the sun-soaked landscapes is nice for these gardens. Choose warm, earthy tones like terracotta, sandy beige, and muted greens for hardscape elements like pots, walls, and pathways.

Water Features

Mediterranean gardens often feature water features like fountains, reflecting pools, or small cascading waterfalls. These add a refreshing touch to the environment and evoke a sense of calm and tranquility reminiscent of the coastal regions.

From Olive trees and lavender to grapes and lemon trees, the Mediterranean garden highlights different plants known for their beauty and fragrance as well as origin and popularity in the region.

Mediterranean Garden Plants

plants in a Mediterranean garden

Aromatic Herbs and Fragrant Plants

Infuse your garden with the scents of the Mediterranean by using aromatic herbs like rosemary, lavender, thyme, and sage. These contribute to the sensory experience and have practical uses in the kitchen. These herbs also conserve water in any climate.

Drought-Tolerant Plants

Mediterranean regions are known for their hot, dry climates; your garden should reflect that resilience. Opt for using drought-tolerant plants that thrive in arid conditions and contribute to the Mediterranean look and feel.

Plants for the Mediterranean garden include:

  • Jerusalem sage
  • Sun Roses
  • Ceanothus
  • Blue Fescue Grass
  • Artemesia
  • Euphorbia characias ‘Wulfenii’
  • Grapes

Trees for the Mediterranean garden include:

  • Olive Trees
  • Lemon Trees
  • Fig Trees
  • Bay Laurel

 

Mediterranean style gardens allow you to create beautiful outdoor living spaces with comfortable seating, terracotta-tiled patios, and pergolas draped in vines. These spaces will have you enjoying the beauty of your landscape while embracing the Mediterranean feel.

Looking for help creating the perfect garden? Frontier Landscaping has over 35 years of experience designing and installing beautiful patios, paths, retaining walls, water features, and more! Contact us today for a free estimate!

Incorporating Topiaries into the Landscape

topiaries as a garden focal point

The allure of lush greenery and meticulously shaped topiary foliage is unique and attention-grabbing. These living sculptures bring an artistic touch to your landscape, adding a sense of refinement and order. Enhance your outdoor space by incorporating topiaries.

Incorporating Topiaries into Landscape Design:

Topiaries can serve various roles in your landscape design, from creating focal points to defining borders and pathways. Placing strategically trimmed boxwood spheres along a garden path or flanking an entrance provides a sense of symmetry and order.
Consider incorporating animal-shaped topiaries, such as rabbits or peacocks, into your garden for a whimsical touch. These charming additions add a playful element while maintaining the elegance associated with topiaries.

Popular Plants for Topiaries:

topiary hedges

Boxwood: Known for their versatility and resilience, boxwood topiaries are popular. They can be shaped into various geometric forms, including cones, spheres, and spirals, providing a structured and formal appearance.

Rosemary: These fragrant and hardy topiaries are beautiful and serve a bonus purpose in the kitchen. Their aromatic leaves make them excellent choices for both ornamental and culinary gardens.
Arborvitae, with its vibrant green foliage and conical shape, is an excellent choice for those seeking a touch of evergreen elegance in their landscape. Known for its hardiness and adaptability, arborvitae topiaries can withstand various climates. These popular shrubs can be pruned into columns or pyramids, providing a year-round focal point in your garden. As a bonus, they can also serve as a natural privacy screen.

Bay laurel topiaries add a Mediterranean flair to your landscape with their glossy and aromatic leaves. These topiaries not only contribute to the visual appeal of your garden but also offer culinary benefits. Prune them into graceful, compact shapes such as spirals or standards, and you’ll have a fragrant and practical addition to your outdoor space.

Privet topiaries can add classic beauty to formal garden designs. With their small, dark green leaves, privet lends itself well to shaping into neat geometric forms, such as cubes or cylinders. They can be used to define garden borders, create pathways, or create entrances.

Holly topiaries can be sculpted into various shapes, including pyramids and globes. Consider placing them near entrances or as focal points in winter gardens.

 

Pruning Requirements for Topiaries:

Regular pruning is the key to maintaining the sculpted perfection of topiaries. Topiaries must be trimmed during the growing season, typically spring and early summer, to encourage healthy growth.
Start by removing dead or diseased foliage, then carefully shape the topiary according to your desired design. Consider using a wireframe as a guide for intricate shapes. Remember to prune regularly to prevent overgrowth and maintain the crisp lines that make topiaries appealing.
Explore the world of topiaries for fun and function. Frontier Landscaping has expert landscape pruning, design, and installation services. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Creating a Night Garden

relaxing night garden

Gardens are not just for enjoying during daylight hours. A night garden designed with moonlight in mind can enhance your landscape with a beautiful collection of plants and lighting. Let’s explore the key elements to craft your own magical night garden.

 

Choosing the Right Plants

When selecting plants for a night garden you should create a list of plants that grow well in your area, bloom at night or are white or silver in color to create an effect. The plants chosen ideally would come to life under the moonlight. Opt for flowers that bloom at night, such as fragrant jasmine, white nicotiana, or evening primrose. These plants not only add a touch of elegance but also release captivating scents, enhancing the overall ambiance. Incorporate silver-leaved plants like artemisia or lamb’s ear to reflect moonlight and create a shimmering effect.
To add depth and texture, consider including plants with variegated foliage, such as hostas or caladiums. These will catch and reflect the available light, providing a visually appealing contrast. Don’t forget to add some native night-blooming species to attract moths and other pollinators that thrive in the twilight hours.

 

Moon Flower in night garden

 

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba): As the name suggests, these large, white flowers open in the evening, emitting a sweet fragrance that attracts moths and pollinators.

 

night blooming jasmine in a night garden

Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum): With its small, tubular, white flowers, night-blooming jasmine releases a rich, sweet scent at night.

Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia): With its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang downward, angel’s trumpet releases a strong, sweet fragrance in the evening.

Nicotiana (Nicotiana alata): Also known as flowering tobacco, nicotiana produces clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening.

Pee Gee Hydrangea: Also known as Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ this white hydrangea has conical blooms from midsummer to fall.

Night Gladiolus: Gladiolus tristis, or the night gladiolus, are pale yellow or a striped dark yellow and green flower that will bloom in the evening with a spicy scent in spring and summer.

Silver Dust (Artemisia schmidtiana): This silver-leaved perennial adds a touch of elegance to the night garden. The silvery foliage reflects moonlight.

Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina): With its soft, fuzzy leaves, lamb’s ear not only adds texture but also reflects light.

Caladiums: These tropical plants with vibrant, heart-shaped leaves bring color and texture to your night garden. The foliage creates contrast in the moonlight.

Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa): These fragrant flowers open in the late afternoon and continue to bloom into the evening. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their sweet scent.

Datura (Datura spp.): Also known as moonflower, datura produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom at night.

Note: Some of the above plants are poisonous so be cautious if planting around pets or small children.

 

Illuminating the Night Garden

LED lighting in a night garden

Strategically placed lighting transforms your night garden into a beautiful nocturnal retreat. Opt for warm, soft lighting that mimics the moon’s gentle glow. String lights, fairy lights, or solar-powered lanterns draped through trees or along pathways are easy ways to illuminate your garden. Consider incorporating LED lighting.
For a touch of drama, use uplighting to highlight the unique shapes and textures of trees and larger plants. This not only adds visual interest but also creates captivating shadows that dance with the breeze. Pathway lights or low-level ground lighting can guide your way while maintaining the mystical ambiance of the night garden.

 

Other Additions to a Night Garden

Water Features

elegant water feature in a night garden

To elevate your night garden experience, consider adding features like a water element. A small pond or fountain not only provides a soothing soundtrack but also reflects light, enhancing the overall luminosity of the space. Lighting can be added to water elements for nighttime enjoyment as well.

Warm Up the Evening

When the evenings get chilly you may consider adding an outdoor heater or fire pit. You can extend your outdoor time in the garden if it’s comfortable for you and your guests. We are experts at designing your fire pit to integrate into other areas of your landscaping so you can enjoy it year round.

Wind chimes or even outdoor speakers can bring a melodic element to your garden, creating a tranquil soundscape that complements the rustling leaves and chirping crickets. Comfortable seating will allow you to stay longer into the evening to enjoy your garden.
We can help you create a night garden for hours of enjoyment once the sun goes down. Contact Us Today for a free consultation!

Planting A Shade Garden

plants in a shade garden

Although we love our sunshine in the Pacific Northwest, there are many amazing plants that can be grown in full shade. Using a little creativity, you can transform a shady space in your landscape into a thriving shade garden.
Shade comes in various forms, ranging from light to deep shade. Really look at the light conditions of your garden to figure out the type of shade it receives, as this will influence the plants that will thrive there. Also keep in mind that when the foliage of deciduous trees is gone, the shade garden will be more exposed to weather.

 

shade garden of plants in various shades, colors, and textures

Shade gardens can offer an extensive palette of foliage colors, textures, and shapes. Consider incorporating a mix of shade-loving perennials like hostas, ferns, and astilbes. These plants bring visual interest and thrive in the cooler, shaded corners of your garden.

 

Shade Garden Plants for the Pacific Northwest

flowering shade garden plant

  • Hellebores (Lenten rose)
  • Bleeding Heart
  • Pacific Trillium
  • Brunnera
  • Bergenia
  • Hosta
  • Bugbane
  • Siberian Bugloss
  • Oakleaf Hydrangeas
  • Sweet Box
  • Gold Dust Plant
  • Oceanspray
  • Sword Fern
  • Astilbe
  • Hetz’s Japanese holly
  • Toad lily

Regular maintenance is key to a thriving shade garden. There are some tasks that are slightly different from those required of their sun-loving counterparts.

  • Keep an eye on moisture levels so the plants are receiving the right amount of water but not too much. Leaves that remain wet after water for long periods of time in the shade can get fungal diseases. Avoid watering in the late afternoon.
  • Prune any overgrown plants and remove any diseased foliage promptly.
  • Mulching is important for a healthy shade garden. A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperature. It can also help with drainage to avoid overly wet conditions.

A shade garden can be a wonderful space for relaxation and an eye-catching addition to your landscape. Let our experienced team help you design and install a shade garden. Call for a free estimate today!

Incorporating Drainage Solutions Into Your Landscape

garden with proper drainage

Incorporating drainage solutions doesn’t mean sacrificing the beauty of your landscape. Due to our rainfall, incorporating drainage is necessary to preserve the health of your plants, protect your home, and prevent erosion. Well-designed drainage solutions should become an integral part of your landscape.

Preserving Plant Health

Proper drainage is paramount to the health of your plants. Stagnant water around the roots can lead to root rot and other water-related diseases, compromising the vitality of your greenery. By incorporating drainage solutions such as French drains or gravel-filled trenches, you allow excess water to escape, preventing waterlogged soil and safeguarding the well-being of your plants.

Erosion Prevention

One of the most significant threats to a well-manicured landscape is erosion. Sloping terrain and heavy rainfall can lead to soil erosion, washing away valuable topsoil and leaving behind barren patches. Integrating solutions like retaining walls and strategically placed rocks helps control water runoff, prevent erosion, and maintain the structural integrity of your landscape.

Hardscape Protection

Proper drainage isn’t only about safeguarding your plants; it’s also about protecting your hardscape elements. Paved surfaces, such as driveways and patios, can suffer damage from standing water or excessive runoff. Installing permeable pavers or creating designated drainage channels ensures that water is directed away from these surfaces, preventing cracks, uneven settling, and other forms of deterioration.

Basement and Foundation Preservation

Improper drainage can have severe consequences for the foundation of your home. Excess water pooling around the foundation can lead to cracks, leaks, and structural damage. Implementing solutions like downspout extensions and grading adjustments directs water away from the foundation, preserving the integrity of your home and preventing costly repairs.

Options for Landscape Drainage

French Drain

A French drain is a perforated pipe enveloped in gravel. It quietly redirects excess water, protecting your landscape without compromising its visual appeal. From preventing waterlogged soil around plants to mitigating flooding, the French drain is often used in Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Channel Drain

These sleek linear drains, typically positioned in paved areas, efficiently collect and redirect surface water, preventing puddling and potential damage to hardscape elements. These are often used in driveways, patios, or walkways. Channel drains can be a good solution to surface water management in your

Creating channels for your drainage helps control water

Incorporate Dry Creek Beds

A dry creek bed is an attractive bed of rocks that simulate a creek or river running through your yard. It can be used as a focal point and aids in landscape drainage.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens offer several environmental and practical benefits, making them a valuable landscape drainage solution and staying sustainable. Rain gardens capture and absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of stormwater runoff that would otherwise flow into storm drains and potentially overwhelm local sewer systems. By slowing down and retaining rainwater, rain gardens help prevent flooding in low-lying areas during heavy rainfall events.
Add Gravel and Mulch

rain gardens absorb water, making it a great drainage solution

Mulch and gravel can both play important roles in improving drainage in your yard, but they serve slightly different purposes. Here’s how each can contribute to better drainage.

Mulch:

Water Retention:
Mulch, especially organic mulches like wood chips or bark, helps retain moisture in the soil. While it retains water at the surface, it also allows water to percolate into the soil slowly.

Soil Structure Improvement:
As organic mulch breaks down over time, it contributes organic matter to the soil, enhancing its structure. Improved soil structure promotes better drainage by preventing compaction and allowing water to move more freely.

Erosion Control:
Mulch provides a protective layer that helps prevent soil erosion caused by heavy rain or water runoff. This protection is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the soil and preventing the loss of topsoil.

Temperature Regulation:
Mulch acts as an insulator, helping to regulate soil temperature. This can be beneficial for plant roots, and it also contributes to the overall health of the soil ecosystem.

Gravel:

Surface Drainage:
Gravel is often used as a surface material in areas where water runoff is a concern. It allows water to flow easily over its surface, reducing the risk of soil erosion and preventing puddles.

Permeability:
Gravel is highly permeable, allowing water to pass through it easily. This is useful for areas where you want to drain and prevent water from pooling.

Visual Appeal:
Gravel can be a visually appealing addition to landscaping. It’s available in various colors and sizes, allowing the creation of different pathways or decorative features while still helping the drainage in your yard.

Add Plants that Tolerate Wet Soil

plants that tolerate soggy soil are great for drainage

Plants can absorb excess water and improve soil and drainage in your yard. You may want to consider plants that can tolerate wet soils.

Plants for Soggy Sites:

Trees:

  • Bald cypress
  • Tupelo
  • Water birch
  • Cascara
  • Red osier dogwood
  • Willows

Shrubs:

  • Buttonbush
  • Purple osier willow
  • Winterberry

Perennials:

  • Blue flag
  • Cardinal flower
  • Japanese iris
  • Japanese primrose
  • Umbrella plant
  • Water iris
  • Maidenhair Fern

Grass and rush-like plants:

  • Japanese sweet flag
  • Rush
  • Sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’)
  • Sweet flag (Acorus calamus)

Integrating drainage solutions into your landscape is a proactive and essential step toward maintaining a healthy, vibrant outdoor space. Our team can design and install landscape drainage solutions that are functional and attractive. Give us a call today!

Adding Water Elements to Your Landscape

add a water feature to your home to provide aesthetic appeal, peace, and tranquility

Imagine entering your backyard and being greeted by the soothing sound of flowing water, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the serenity of a well-designed water feature. Adding water features to your landscape is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a harmonious and tranquil outdoor space you can enjoy

Water Feature Options

There are many options to enhance your water features

  • Streams or creeks that recirculate slow-moving water.
  • Waterfalls provide a landscape focal point and provide calming background noise.
  • Fountains create a statement, add interest, or change the mood of any landscape or garden.
  • Dry creek beds accommodate and conserve seasonal rainwater in your landscape.

 

Provide a Tranquil Retreat

Water features can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil retreat, whether it’s a bubbling fountain, a meandering stream, or a serene pond. The sound of water has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Incorporating water into your landscape design allows you to create a peaceful haven to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Water Features

water features provide aesthetic appeal

Water features add a touch of elegance and visual appeal to any landscape. Whether you opt for a modern, minimalist fountain or a more natural pond surrounded by lush vegetation, water features are eye-catching focal points. They create a sense of balance and harmony, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space.

Give a Biodiversity Boost

Water features boost biodiversity

Water elements in your yard contribute to the biodiversity of your landscape by attracting various forms of wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and even frogs are drawn to the sounds and sight of water, adding a lively and dynamic element to your garden. Their presence contributes to the ecosystem and provides entertainment and a connection to nature.

Increase Property Value

Investing in water features can significantly increase the resale value of your property. A well-designed and properly maintained water feature is a sought-after addition for potential buyers, making your home stand out in the real estate market. It’s a cost-effective way to elevate your property’s curb appeal and make a lasting impression.

Temperature Regulation

Water  can help with temperature regulation. The cooling effect of water can help moderate temperatures in your outdoor space, providing relief during hot summer days. This natural cooling can make your outdoor living space more comfortable in warmer temperatures.

Creative Customization Options

One of the best aspects of incorporating water elements into your landscape is the wide range of customization options available. From the size and shape of the water feature to the materials used in its construction, you can tailor it to your preferences and the overall style of your home. Depending on the style of your garden or overall landscape, we can also design a water feature to blend with your aesthetic, like a sleek modern water bubbler or Japanese garden water element bringing natural elements together.
Whether you seek a peaceful retreat, enhanced visual appeal, or a boost in property value, water features offer a solution for elevating your outdoor space. Frontier Landscaping designs, installs, and maintains water features. We construct large, multi-featured waterscapes as well as smaller, simpler set-ups. We maintain the plantings in and out of the water, install any irrigation needed, and add outdoor LED lights for nighttime ambiance.

Transform Your Backyard With These Hillside Landscaping Methods

transform your back yard with hillside landscaping.

Hillside landscaping techniques allow you to use every part of your yard, even if you think no foliage can thrive on a sloped terrain. A hillside nursery can turn an unused section of your property into a thriving garden space. Frontier Landscaping in Vancouver, WA, knows exactly how to landscape a hill to prevent erosion and to provide a viable space for plants to thrive.

 

Soil Stabilization

soil stabilization for hillside landscaping

Soil on a hillside garden can erode over time due to normal weather patterns like heavy rains and high winds. There are some soil stabilization methods to prevent excess erosion from destroying your landscaping and killing nearby plants.

Erosion control blankets can cover the whole area, providing a finished look and keeping plants in place. The blankets are made from biodegradable material that won’t harm surrounding plants.

Certain plants can also stabilize the soil including:

  • Vinca
  • Creeping Rosemary
  • Creeping Thyme
  • Viburnum
  • Ferns
  • Fountain Grass

 

Terracing

terracing as a hillside landscaping method

Terracing involves creating level platforms or steps on the hillside, which can be used for gardening, seating, or pathways. These terraces help reduce erosion and make it easier to maintain the landscape. Terracing is a great way to set up extra gardening beds to grow your favorite vegetables. The flat surface can also accommodate water features or other decorative elements to create the perfect outdoor oasis.

 

Proper Drainage

proper drainage for hillside landscaping

Prevent erosion and water runoff by installing adequate drainage systems like French drains, yard drains, dry creek beds or swales. Ensure that the water flows away from the hillside to prevent soil erosion. Proper drainage is also essential in protecting your landscaping investment by helping divert surface water away from valuable trees and other plants and preventing standing water on lawns and landscapes.

 

Mulching

applying mulch to your hillside landscaping

Applying mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. Organic mulch, like wood chips or straw, is excellent for hillside landscapes. Mulch can help hold in rainwater and keep it from flowing downhill. Over time you will improve the soil structure and make it healthier and more able to handle rainy weather while nurturing your plants.

 

Add Hardscaping

add hardscaping as a hillside landscaping method

Consider incorporating hardscape elements like retaining walls and stairs into the landscape design. These not only add visual interest but also provide functional solutions for navigating the slope of your yard.

Retaining walls help control erosion, manage water drainage, create usable terraces, provide stability, enhance safety, improve aesthetics, and increase property value. When designed and installed correctly, retaining walls can transform a challenging hillside into a beautiful, functional, and safe outdoor space. It’s essential to work with a professional or seek expert guidance when planning and constructing retaining walls on a hillside to ensure they are structurally sound and meet your specific needs.

 

Additional Safety Measures

additional safety methods for hillside landscaping

Safety should be a priority, especially if your hillside is steep. Install handrails on steps where needed. To prevent accidents, install proper outdoor lighting on staircases.
Including safety measures along with taking the proper steps to reduce erosion will create a space that is both beautiful and safe to use.

 

Reliable Hillside Landscaping in Washington

Landscaping services aren’t just for properties with flat spaces. Hillside landscaping can provide a beautiful area to grow vegetables or cultivate native plants. Adding elements like mulch, terracing, or even hardscaping elements creates a space that you will never want to leave.

Frontier Landscaping provides a quote for their landscaping services in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Fill out the online contact form or speak to our team directly by calling 360-574-8979.

Reclaim Your Outdoor Space With Privacy Landscaping

cozy backyard patio with privacy landscaping

When you are trying to unwind and enjoy your outdoor space, the last thing you want to worry about is privacy. A privacy landscape design can give you back your space.
Frontier Landscaping provides custom privacy landscaping for homeowners in Vancouver and the surrounding areas.

Whether you want to install a water feature or add greenery with a hedge fence, there are privacy landscaping options to suit any style.

 

Layer Your Planting

layering plants in your back yard creates privacy in your landscaping

Place the tallest plants and trees in the areas you want to block from view. Start with taller trees or shrubs along the perimeter, and then work your way down with shorter plants, ornamental grasses, and flowers. This multi-level approach not only offers privacy but also adds depth and texture to your landscape.

 

 

Plant Shrubs Near Your Fence

planting shrubs near a fence for privacy landscaping

If the fence around your property doesn’t provide enough privacy, you can plant shrubs or hedges near the fence line. The layer of greenery adds an extra layer between you and your neighbor while making your property feel more secluded.

Some shrubs and hedges lose their leaves as seasons change, so consider how much privacy you need year-round when choosing your plants. Evergreen plants provide year-round coverage and look beautiful through every season.

Your landscaping team has the training to plant the shrubs and hedges in the perfect place so they have room to grow without the root systems combining and causing serious problems.

 

 

Water Features

water fountains drown out sounds, creating privacy in your landscaping

Privacy isn’t just about keeping others from seeing you, it’s also about keeping them from hearing you. A water feature adds relaxing background noise while you enjoy your outdoor space while preventing neighbors from overhearing your private conversations.

A custom water feature can also help dampen sounds of nearby traffic and noise your neighbors make as they spend time outside. Whether it’s a small pond surrounded by lush vegetation or a cascading waterfall wall, water features add calm while helping you enjoy your private yard.

 

 

Add a Retaining Wall

retaining walls boost privacy landscaping.

Retaining walls have a dual purpose. They boost privacy and add stability to your landscape. A stone retaining wall gives you extra space to plant flowers while preventing erosion and other property damage.

You can choose from a number of materials for your retaining wall, including brick, stacked stone, or concrete. A retaining wall is a great way to add visual interest to your property while maintaining your privacy. When combined with native plants, you get a unique yard structure that is durable enough to last for many years with minimal maintenance.

 

 

Increase Your Privacy Through Custom Landscaping

You deserve to enjoy your backyard without worrying about curious neighbors watching your every move. Privacy landscaping gives you the option of installing a water feature, living fence, or a soil berm to create a private space that adds to your home’s value.

It’s always a good time to invest in your property and your privacy. For a free quote from Frontier Landscaping in Vancouver, Washington, fill out the online contact form or call: 360-574-8979.