Patio Design - Planning The Perfect Patio

Patio Design - Planning The Perfect Patio

Patios make escaping to the great outdoors easy, since all you have to do is step outside! If you're thinking about installing a new patio, or revamping an existing one, there are many options to choose from in terms of materials and design. There was a time when the word “patio” meant nothing more than a square or rectangular area made of concrete, but that's no longer the case.

Material Selection

The make-up of your patio design can best be determined by the look and feel of your existing landscape. In other words, what will go best with your lawn, garden and home?

Beyond concrete, you may want to consider bricks, stones, tiles, pavers or even gravel. Each of these materials has its own benefits, and each can fit in with a variety of landscape styles. The important thing is to make sure the materials you choose will complement your property rather than contrast it.

Design Considerations

Once you've chosen the materials, it's time to think about your patio design. Among the many points to consider are:

1. Location - Do you want your patio to be attached to your house, or would you prefer it to be a stand-alone element in your landscape? How much sun exposure do you want? Is the site you've chosen on even ground?
2. Maintenance - A low-maintenance design that lends itself to easy cleaning will be ideal.
3. Shape - Think beyond the square and rectangular designs of yesterday. A curved or geometric shape can add more visual appeal to your property and may lend itself to those tricky spots in your landscape.
4. Shelter - Do you want to include a patio cover or awning for protection from the rain?
5. Above all else, be sure to take your time and think ahead. By planning carefully, you'll be much happier with the end result!

Remember, the materials and design you choose should complement your existing landscape. Consider interesting shapes and textures for added visual appeal.

Get Ready for the Dog Days of Summer

Even though many of us look forward to summer, the unbearable heat of some days can still chase us inside to hide with the comfort of our air conditioners. But before the dog days of summer really start howling, you can take steps to prepare your lawn for the hot days ahead.

Everything Needs Water

Most lawns need an average of 1″ of water per week during the growing season. Grass suffering from a lack of moisture will have a bluish cast, and will not spring back after being stepped on. Severe water deprivation will eventually lead to dormancy and a brown lawn.

Light sprinklings can actually do more harm than good. Make sure you water your lawn to a depth of 6″ and make the most of every drop, too, by watering during the cooler parts of the day to avoid loss through evaporation.

Sun-Worshipping Weeds

Weed activity increases with the temperature. These hardy villains can survive with less water than grass. By watering deeply, you can support a thick lawn that will crowd out many weeds.

It will also help to mow your lawn higher. Taller blades of grass keep the sun from reaching weed seeds and small plants. A longer blade also provides more food for the grass plant.

When Disease Strikes

Disease organisms lie dormant in many soils, until conditions are just right for them to flourish. Periods of hot, humid weather are one of the highest risk times for disease outbreaks.

The symptoms of lawn disease can be mistaken for heat stress. Upon closer inspection though, some sort of spotting or banding on the grass blades can be seen. Also, disease will often start in one area and then spread, instead of affecting the entire lawn all at once.

So, before the sun starts beating down and you sneak inside for some relief, make sure your lawn is ready for the heat. A healthy lawn is always the best defense against the stresses of summer.

Professional Help

For more information on our patio design, and build services contact us at 631-424-5544 for a complimentary consultation.