Residential Landscaping for a Backyard Paradise
by
Kelly Richardson, All About Lawns Columnist
November 12, 2008
In the old days, traditional backyard lawns were not much more than a play lot for the kids or a toilet for the family pets. 2008 has seen a revival, with residential landscaping turning the backyard into an extension of the home itself. Eco-friendly designs that cater to form and function represent the newest trends.
Residential Landscaping: Bringing the Indoors Outside
A recent report by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has turned the residential landscaping industry on its ear. The top commercial trends for 2008 are not only environmentally sound, but functionally enhanced, as well. Some of the changes you should be seeing in backyard lawns across the nation include:
- Outdoor Great Rooms. Literally an extension of the internal living room, backyard areas may feature family rooms and kitchens situated ideally for outdoor entertaining.
- Low-maintenance Designs. Small water fountains, local flora and fauna, and other low-worry landscapes can save money without sacrificing aesthetic beauty.
Landscaping takes the LEED
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the newest initiative by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage and accelerate global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices. Through the creation and implementation of universally accepted tools and performance criteria, LEED strategies should guide residential landscaping transformations in backyard lawns. The LEED system may affect architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, landscape architects, and construction managers.
Look for a migration of chic indoor living into backyard lawns in the very near future. This form of residential landscaping should drive home values and improve the overall enjoyment of properties.
Sources
ASLA
US GBC
About the Author
Kelly Richardson has obsessive compulsive lawn disorder and is
afflicted with the need to share his knowledge with the world. Kelly
writes lawn columns for a variety of home and garden magazines and
e-zines.
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