Atlantans love their wood decks and screened porches. But do they “love” the landscaping around the focal point of their backyard? If you have been thinking about enhancing the surrounding landscape, this article is for you!
Start Smart
It’s nice to have a vision — but it’s better to have a plan. Take the time to design your landscape carefully. You’ll be investing your time and heart into the project, so make sure it reflects your tastes. Consider ongoing maintenance required and the materials needed to do the job. This will reduce your trips to the garden center and keep you on task.
Prep the Area
You’ll need to prepare the soil around your deck for the best results. Adding a new layer of soil will bring more height to specific areas — which can be tricky since you want to make your groundwork a seamless one. Also, be sure to mix new with existing soil for continuity. Before you bring in plants and accessories finish the hardscape first. For example, if your plan calls for a pergola (call or email us, so we can build you the perfect one!), add it before doing any planting.
Choose Your Plants Wisely
Count on your plants to add color to your deckscape. If you coordinate this well, the pockets of green and a few strategically placed flowers help blend your deck seamlessly with the rest of your outdoor living space.
Before you choose, consider if the area receives an abundance of sunlight or none at all. Place plants next to each other that thrive off of the same soil and watering schedules. This will pay off in the long run when you discover how much this will reduce the maintenance of your landscape.
When buying your plants, consider the height and position of your deck. For example, if your deck is elevated off the ground, consider small ornamental trees complemented by shrubs and smaller plants to fill in the gaps. For example, Japanese red maple trees or dogwood trees grow to be tall and take up quite a bit of space.
Add Privacy
If you crave privacy, you have several viable options. Lattice is great material for creating a wall to block your neighbors’ view while serving a dual purpose of offering shade when the sun is high. Add some soft vines to create a living wall. Of course, fast-growing shrubs and trees will also do the trick! Another more flexible option is curtains with freestanding rods, quite popular in our warm climate. Select a color that complements your deck theme.
If you have a deck, don’t forget about under deck storage. It’s a great place to stow away items — especially when the weather turns colder and hoses, pool toys, etc. need to hide away.
Create a Border
Use rocks to create a border for your planted space. Or, take it up another notch by adding brick pavers for a more uniform look. They will take more time to install but will be well worth the effort!
Atlanta Decking has built wood decks for over 30 years, so if you’re looking for wood deck contractors just check out some of the comments from our great customers!
Got the flowers, but no deck? We can help.
