Your best bet is to install as much hardscape, like pavers, as possible, but with grass-loving kids at home and a desire for backyard color, this is not always a realistic option.

If you’re a dog-owner, you’re no stranger To help you determine the best options for your situation, we will address issues commonly faced by dog owners, recommend grasses, living ground covers and non-living ground covers, and provide a variety of tips for maintaining a yard that meets the needs of your dogs without sacrificing visual appeal or overall function. Let’s begin.

Table of Contents:

• Common Backyard Problems Faced by Dog Owners
• How to Find Plants that Are Safe for Dogs
• Living Ground Covers
• Live Grass Options
• Non-Living Ground Covers
• Dog-Friendly Yard Tips

Common Backyard Problems Faced by Dog Owners

• Holes in the yard and damaged plants from pets that like to dig 
• Brown spots in grass or stains on concrete appear frequently due to urine.
• An inability to grow grass, ground covers or other plants because of dogs that like to pace or run in the same area
• Flea infestations from natural grass and wood 
• Mud tracked indoors from pets going out to use the bathroom during or after heavy rain 

How to Find Plants that Are Safe for Dogs

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains lists of plants that are toxic to dogs, cats and/or horses. A few popular plants that are toxic to animals include: 

• Aloe
• Azalea 
• Calla Lilies 
• Gardenias 
• Hibiscus 
• Hyacinth 
• Hydrangeas 
• Mums
• Rhododendrons 
• Tulips 

Check the full list before selecting plants.You might be surprised at just how many common landscaping plants have some level of toxicity for cats and dogs. In many cases the symptoms are limited to vomiting or diarrhea for a short period of time, but in other cases consuming these plants may lead to serious health issues or death. Therefore, all pet parents should thoroughly research any plants they plan to use in their landscaping design.

Living, Dog-Friendly Ground Covers

Keep in mind that there is no truly pet-proof ground cover, but if you are looking for something to plant between stepping stones or in small backyard areas, these are good choices that will stand up to light or moderate pet and human traffic.

1. Silver carpet (dymondia margaretae)

The dymondia margaretae in the above photo gets trampled by children, adults, and a 70-pound dog on a daily basis in La Jolla, CA. It is also perpetually run over by scooters and tricycles.

This silver-green leaved ground cover sprouts yellow flowers in warm weather and grows low to the ground, so be sure to plant it exactly at the level you would like it.

If planted in an area where the dog runs, expect it to look patchy, but it will do its best to survive. It is best to use this option in smaller areas, such as between stepping stones, for the most satisfactory result.

Best for: small areas, in between stepping stones

2. Irish moss (sagina subulata)

This soft, mat-like ground cover can take partial or full sun and requires consistent watering that will need to increase with temperature.

Durable Irish moss grows about an inch tall and sprouts little white flowers in the spring and summer.

While this is an attractive, popular alternative to natural grass, it should be noted that mosses are not drought tolerant and, therefore, are a better choice for areas that receive regular rainfall. If you live in a drier area, such as Southern California, you can save water by installing an irrigation system and setting it for deeper, less frequent watering sessions.

Best for: areas with regular rainfall

3. Elfin thyme (thymus serpyllum “elfin”)

This ornamental herb smells nice and is completely edible.

Elfin thyme grows to two inches tall and is a gorgeous addition to rock gardens and container gardens, where it cascades over the sides.

Thyme’s dense, hardy nature allows it to handle light to moderate human and animal traffic; however, it will not fare as well in areas where children or pets play, roll around and roughhouse.

As an added bonus, elfin thyme produces pretty, purple flowers in the summer.

Best for: yards with moderate foot traffic

4. Miniature stonecrop (sedum requieni)

This tiny, lesser-known sedum (hence, no photo) can take quite a bit of foot traffic and reseeds itself, if damaged.

Tiny leaves form a tight mat with small yellow flowers appearing in the summer.

You can purchase miniature stonecrop by the flat and place plants no more than one to two inches apart in order to encourage it to form a mat and cover the area.

Miniature sedum works well in drought-tolerant gardens.

Best for: yards with high foot traffic

5. Labrador violet (viola labradorica)

Labrador violet sure has a fitting name for the purpose of this article!

Use it as filler between stepping stones, not larger scale applications, because it is slow to spread.

Native to Greenland, this plant does well in colder climates with purple flowers blooming in spring.

Labrador violet grows to roughly eight inches tall and wide and can take daily, light foot traffic, which makes this a good option for those in search of a taller ground cover with blooms.

Best for: colder climates

6. Snow in summer (cerastium tomentosum)

This relatively drought-tolerant ground cover grows well in full sun or partial shade.

Its hardiness makes it a more pet-friendly ground cover. In fact, this option can grow and spread so well that you might want to consider installing a landscaping border to contain it.

White flowers and silvery-green leaves mimic winter tones when they bloom in early summer, hence the name.

Snow in summer grows to six inches tall and is excellent choice for between pavers.

The added bonus with this one is that it is deer resistant, so if you find that the local wildlife is eating your landscaping, you may want to replace other ground covers with deer-resistant options like this.

Best for: full sun or partially shaded yards

7. Winter creeper (euonymus fortunei)

The experts at Lowe’s like euonymus fortunei in yards with pets because it is tough to destroy and can grow in either shade or sun.

Yes, that is a cat, and evidently they love laying in euonymus fortunei, which can grow up to six inches tall.

This option is relatively easy to find, grows quickly and can withstand traffic well.

Best for: any sun exposure and foot traffic levels

Live Grass Options for Dog-Friendly Ground Covers

No live grass is immune to brown spots, digging and excessive play.

If you share your home with one or more dogs and really want to keep a natural grass lawn, you may have to dial down your expectations of a perfectly manicured, golf course-worthy lawn and consider one of these options for the best results.

1. Buffalo grass 

Buffalo grass is now marketed in places like Southern California as a low-water, drought-tolerant grass.

You can buy buffalo grass as seed or in plugs by special order at many local nurseries.

Though the slender grass looks fragile, in fact, it is far from it and grows to three inches tall while requiring very little care.

2. Kentucky bluegrass 

This grass can reseed itself and withstand high traffic, though its more suitable for cooler climates.

Kentucky bluegrass seed is also used to patch bare spots in other types of lawns because it grows quickly. This, of course, is always a plus when trying to maintain a balance between happy dogs and an attractive lawn.

3. Tall fescue 

University of California, Davis issued a report stating that tall fescue tolerates lawn burn from pet urine better than other grasses, which is great news for dog lovers.

Because tall fescue is deeply rooted and has wider blades than other grasses, it can also take serious traffic.

Reseed patches with Kentucky bluegrass, since tall fescue is a slow-grower.

4. St. Augustine 

Because St. Augustine grass has deep roots, this might be a good alternative if you have a dog who loves to dig.

This grass, however, will not tolerate high traffic or excessive pet urine.

• Tip: If you catch pet urine quickly after it happens on the lawn, water it down to decrease the intensity of the brown spot.

5. Zoysia Grass 

Great for warm, dry climates, Zoysia grass is a perfect drought-tolerant ground cover option. Zoysia grows deep roots, making it sturdy and long-lasting.

Non-Living, Dog-Friendly Ground Covers

Living ground covers are often the first choice for homeowners, whether or not they have dogs or other pets. However, they are not always worth the hassle and require more water and maintenance than non-living options. Therefore if you would also like to have drought-tolerant landscaping, want to worry less about digging, or would rather spend less time maintaining your yard and more time enjoying it, you may want to choose a low-maintenance option, such as the above-mentioned artificial grass, gravel, wood chips or mulch.

The trick is to find the best solution for your particular situation. It is often the case that the best solution is a combination of ground cover options. For example, you may find that you can meet your needs and your dogs’ needs best by having a lawn area, gravel area and dirt area. Or you may find that your dog enjoys spending time on hardscapes, such as a paving stone patio or a wood deck, and only needs a small softscape area for playing and bathroom purposes. Another solution that works for many dog lovers is to use pet-friendly ground covers in most areas of the yard, while adding island flower beds or borders along the fence where you can add the texture and color of more interesting plants to enhance your yard’s visual appeal.

Here are a few non-living, dog-friendly ground covers to consider for a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance backyard.

Artificial Grass

Dog lovers who choose artificial grass never again have to worry about brown spots or bare patches, and digging is rarely an issue. Additionally, it is easy to clean after your pets use it as a restroom and provides a level, smooth surface with fewer tripping hazards for safer play time for pets and children. If you are the one who generally cleans up after the furry or little ones, you will also love that there are no wet blades of grass or mud to mop up off the floor when they come in from playing on your lush, green lawn — even right after it rains.

Make sure your turf installer applies a deodorizer to help absorb pet urine odors. Also, have the installation team add deodorizer to the top of the installation for added protection. To rid the urine odor completely you will want to treat the odor problem at its source with a urine odor eliminator formula.

And, no, pet turf does not look anything like old-school Astroturf — it looks like natural grass!

• Pros: very easy to maintain, no mess, looks like natural grass, great for kids 
• Cons: can get hot in the summer, holds on to urine smells if not cleaned properly 

Gravel

Gravel may or may not be a good option for your dog, depending on a few factors. Dogs often enjoy sunbathing on warm gravel on sunny days, but if you do not have adequate shade, an area that is entirely gravel could burn your dog’s paws or cause them to feel the heat more intensely on hot days. Yards with shade are good candidates for using gravel as a ground cover over larger areas.

You may find that some larger dogs will have issues with small gravel getting stuck between the pads of their paws. This is not always an issue but should be considered.

A bonus to choosing gravel is that it is easy to pick up solid waste and liquid waste will drain to the soil beneath.

• Pros: easy to clean, relatively inexpensive
• Cons: can get too hot without adequate shade, pieces can get stuck in paws  

Wood Chips or Bark

Wood chips and bark are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of dog-friendly landscaping. On the one hand, they offer a low-maintenance, durable option that can easily withstand heavy traffic and can simply be raked back into place once your dogs have created regular pathways where they patrol or chase each other. They are also inexpensive, attractive and drought tolerant.

On the other hand, some wood products can harbor flees, give dogs splinters or become your dog’s favorite snack. Cedar wood chips are a product that actually repels fleas, which makes this a popular choice for dog runs and dog-friendly yards. However, if you are considering going with cedar, be sure to bring in just one bag at first to make sure that it does not irritate any allergies or respiratory ailments that your dog might have. For most dogs, cedar wood chips to not cause breathing issues, but it is worth testing out before you fill your yard with them, and then find out your dog cannot tolerate them.

It is commonly believed that the dyes used to color many widely available wood chips and bark is not toxic to dogs; however, it is best to choose wood products that are not dyed if you have a dog that likes snack on them.

• Pros: inexpensive, attractive, easy to clean and drought-tolerant 
• Cons: can harbor flees, cause splinters and easy for dogs to eat 

Dirt

Yes — good, old-fashioned dirt is an option. While you may not want your entire yard to be dirt — and we certainly do not recommend that — you may find that leaving a designated dirt area for your dogs is the perfect solution for your yard. This provides them with a place to roll around, use the restroom and dig as much as they please without harming the rest of your landscaping.

• Pros: great as a designated digging area
• Cons: messy 

Other Dog-Friendly Landscaping Tips

Add shade 

Make sure there is enough shade, as well as a cool spot for your dog to rest, especially in order to prevent digging to find cooler soil.

Create a designated dog-zone

Train your dog to relieve himself or herself in a designated area (we know, easier said than done).

Add a splash pool 

Water features like splash pools or even baby pools are a great way to keep pets occupied (and cool) when playing outdoors. 

Grow a flea-repelling garden 

Planting flea-repelling plants in your garden, such as chamomile or lavender, is a great way to keep your pets safe from pests when playing outdoors. 

Install a sandbox 

It is easier to maneuver around the dog’s current habits than it is to teach them new ones!

Install a path for your dog

For example, if there are areas where he or she likes to pace, consider adding pavers or gravel there.

Need Help Creating a Dog-Friendly Backyard in San Diego?

We have over 25 years of experience helping homeowners with landscape design in San Diego. Get started on your backyard project today with a free consultation and estimate!

The post How To Create a Dog-Friendly Backyard using the Top-Rated Ground Covers for Dogs appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

Many flowers close when the sun goes down or the temperature drops, which could mean that your outdoor living areas lose some of their visual appeal at night. This may not be a concern for you, but if you enjoy spending time on your patio late in the day or often entertain in the evening, this is something you should consider.

Night blooming flowers can reflect the moonlight, add color for your guests to enjoy and are often much more fragrant than their day-blooming counterparts. One of the reasons flowers that bloom at night are often more aromatic is that they need to attract nocturnal pollinators that must find them in the dark. This is also why most night bloomers have white flowers that reflect light and are more visible at night.

By planting at least a few night blooming plants in your garden, you can enjoy your garden just as much at night as you do during the day. Breathe in the fragrance, watch butterflies and hummingbirds late into the evening, and enjoy splashes of color through the night.

To get you started, here are 13 flowers that bloom at night.

1. Evening Primrose

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a biennial plant native to parts of North America. The blooms open quickly, which means you can sit on your patio in the evening and enjoy the show as the yellow flowers open before your eyes. They will then stay open until about noon the following day. Many parts of the plant are edible, and this is the source of evening primrose oil, which is used to treat eczema, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Evening primrose typically blooms from late spring to late summer and attracts pollinators, including bees, moths, and butterflies.

2. Moonflower

Moonflowers (Ipomoea alba) have large, white or pink flowers (usually white) that open quickly in the evening and stay open until after sunrise. On cloudy days, they sometimes stay open later into the afternoon, but usually close in the morning once the sunlight reaches them. This perennial, evergreen vine grows quickly, prefers moist soil and requires at least partial sun, but prefers full sun.

Parts of this plant are edible, so it is very important that you differentiate between this moonflower and the next plant on the list, Datura, which is also sometimes referred to as moonflower and is highly poisonous.

3. Datura

Datura is sometimes called moonflower but more commonly referred to as devil’s trumpet. With large, showy, trumpet-shaped blossoms, these night blooming flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, or white are a beautiful addition to a night garden. However, a mentioned above, Daturas are highly poisonous, so they should be planted with caution and never in areas where children or pets spend time. Datura is so poisonous that some cultures have historically used it as poison.

Datura plants are usually grown as annuals and can grow to about six feet tall. They are often confused with Brugmansia (aka angel’s trumpets), but while devil’s trumpets and angel’s trumpets are closely related, they are separate genera.

4. Brugmansia

Angel’s trumpets (Brugmansia) are believed to be extinct in the wild but are commonly seen in gardens and can easily be found at garden centers. Angel’s trumpets and devil’s trumpets are often confused, but it easy to tell them apart. Angel’s trumpet is more or a bush or shrub and can even be grown as a tree, while devil’s trumpet is a leafy plant. Another easy-to-identify difference is that the large, peach, white, green, red, orange, or pink, trumpet-shaped flowers of the angel’s trumpet hang down towards the ground, while the blooms on a devil’s trumpet are erect, facing the sky.

These night blooming flowers are easy to grow in Coastal California and in inland areas that are in gardening zones 8 or 9, but, like Datura, angel’s trumpets are highly poisonous and should not be planted where children or pets spend time. The fragrance is lovely and will enhance your experience as you enjoy your night garden; just make sure they are out of reach if little ones or pets share your outdoor living areas.

5. Night Gladiolus

Night gladiolus (Gladiolus tristis) generally blooms in late spring to mid-summer and can grow to about four feet in height. It is a good grower in coastal and near-coastal California, but it is not drought tolerant and requires regular irrigation. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so be sure to mix in compost before planting corms if you are working with the clay soil so common in Southern California.

If you want to enjoy these light-yellow flowers that bloom at night and the spicy fragrance they release, be sure to plant them somewhere visible but out of reach for pets and children, since this is another poisonous plant that needs to be kept away from little hands.

6. Night Phlox

Night phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis) is also called midnight candy, which is more than just a fun name: It is a nod to the sweet fragrance released by this night blooming flower. Perfect in an evening fragrance garden or a moon garden, night phlox brings both fragrance and color in shades of pink, white and purple. There are even some that are a reddish-maroon hue. Night phlox is an annual that grows well in containers or flowerbeds and attracts butterflies, bees and birds to your garden.

Night phlox grows best in full sun or partial shade and is pretty drought-tolerant once established. The honey-almond-vanilla fragrance is a delightful addition to a night garden, particularly for summer and fall entertaining, when they are usually in full bloom.

7. Night-Blooming Jasmine

Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is a member of the Solanaceae family, which means it is actually a nightshade and is not the jasmine most folks have in their gardens. This night blooming flower has white blossoms with hints of green and has a strong fragrance that is also most present at night. As an evergreen shrub, night-blooming jasmine adds visual interest to your night garden throughout the year. It is a good grower and is even considered a weed in some parts of the world.

The lovely fragrance makes this a good choice for growing near outdoor living areas, but keep in mind that all members of the Solanaceae family have some level of toxicity, and the strong scent is known to be an irritant for some folks with respiratory issues, such as asthma.

8. Night-Scented Orchid

You cannot always rely on night-scented orchid (Epidendrum nocturnum) to open its blooms at night, but you can rely on the fragrance those blooms release after the sun goes down. This swamp-loving flower is found in parts of Central America, South America, the West Indies, and Mexico and is most often found in Florida in the United States, but it can be grown elsewhere if you are diligent about watering and maintaining your plants.

Since these orchids do not require pollinators for propagation, the white and yellow flowers sometimes open infrequently or not at all.

9. Nicotiana

Nicotiana is a genus of plants that includes tobacco plants used for making cigars and cigarettes, but the variety that is smoked is usually not counted among the choices available at your local garden center. This night blooming plant can be transplanted from nursery plants, which is the fastest way to add color to your flowerbed, but it germinates quickly, so you might also try growing this one from seed.

The flowers that bloom at night usually come in shades of white, pink, green, or red and have a strong fragrance that attracts night pollinators to your yard. If you plant them near your patio, you may be able to enjoy the flowers and the hummingbirds they attract when they open in the late afternoon or early evening.

This is another member of the Solanaceae family, so – as with all nightshades – use caution when choosing a spot to plant this one.

10. Four O’Clock

Four o’clock (Mirabilis jalapa) flowers have some unique qualities when compared to other night blooming plants. A single four o’clock plant can produce more than one color of flower and a single flower will sometimes have more than one color. The colors most often found on four o’clocks are white, yellow, pink, red, or a stunning magenta, which makes them an easy choice for adding color to moon gardens.

Four o’clocks are often grown as annuals, but they can be grown as perennials in Coastal California. If you live in an area with cooler winters, they will die back with the first frost, but they will return in spring.

11. Casa Blanca Lily

Casa Blanca lilies (Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’) are fragrant, beautiful additions to a moon garden where their large, white flowers that bloom at night will reflect the moonlight. This is also a good addition to a cutting garden, just make sure to leave plenty of stem and leaves on the plant to ensure the bulb gets the energy it needs to overwinter in your garden and come back in the spring.

When planting these gorgeous flowers, keep in mind that all lilies are toxic to cats and dogs.

12. Evening Stock

Evening stock (Matthiola longipetala), also known as night-scented stock, is a hardy annual that can be grown just about anywhere in North America. While the purple and white flowers can look a little wilted during the day, the petals spread and come to life at night. This is also when evening stock is at its most fragrant, so be sure to plant it near your outdoor living areas if you often entertain in the evening.

13. Tuberose

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is perhaps best known for its inclusion in perfumes, which makes it a good choice if you are looking for a night blooming flower with a strong, inviting fragrance. This perennial plant is easy to grow from bulbs, prefers full sun and warmer climates, and produces clusters of white flowers on a long spike in mid- to late-summer. The white flowers will reflect the moonlight in your night garden, or you can use this one as a cutting flower for bouquets or floral arrangements.

You can grow tuberose in flowerbeds and borders, but it will also do just fine in large flowerpots, which might let you get this aromatic choice even closer to your outdoor entertaining areas.

The post 13 Flowers that Bloom at Night appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

So, before you go for more expensive, lethal, or toxic methods, try natural, non-toxic, and (mostly) non-lethal home remedies to keep snails and slugs out of gardens.

Table of Contents:

• Are slugs bad for plants?
• What do slugs eat?
• Where do slugs live?
• Signs of slugs in your garden
• How to get rid of slugs and snails naturally
• FAQs

Slug and Snail Facts 

To understand how to best ward off these gross little pests, it’s important to understand a bit more about them and what they mean for your garden. 

Are Slugs Bad for Plants?

Slugs can do a lot of damage to plants, which means danger for your garden. In fact, a family of slugs can wipe out a vegetable crop or an entire garden in a matter of days, so if you spot slugs it’s important to act promptly. 

What do Slugs Eat?

Slugs are known to eat just about anything green. In fact there’s almost nothing in your garden they won’t eat. Slugs are particularly partial to the leafy parts of plants, stems and seedlings, so it’s common for them to devastate young, growing plants. They’re also known to take bites out of ripe fruits as these release a natural chemical called ethylene, which slugs and snails are especially attracted to. 

Snails and slugs are also particularly attracted to some plants including:

• Basil
• Cabbage
• Beans
• Lettuce
• Kale

Where Do Slugs Live?

Because slugs and snails have slimy, moist bodies, they also prefer moist environments out of direct sunlight. So when you’re wondering where they’re living in your garden, check for moisture prone areas, especially places hidden from the sunlight like overgrown vegetation, under rocks, mulch, boards or even planting pots. This is where you can usually find these pests when they aren’t chowing down on your leafy greens. 

Signs Of Slugs in Your Garden

If you notice any of the following, you may have slugs or snails in your garden.

• Irregularly shaped holes in plants, especially in new plants
• Slime trails on mulch and plants
• Chewed seedlings or seedling leaves
• Small scalloped bite marks around the edges of plant leaves

Note: Snails and slugs typically like to wreak havoc on gardens in the Spring – before other insects come out. 

How to Get Rid of Slugs and Snails Naturally

Read on to learn about 15 ways to get rid of snails and slugs from your garden without having to use pesticides and other harmful chemicals. 

1. Remove them by hand.

Picking out snails and slugs from your plants by hand is one of these easiest methods for removal, however, it is incredibly time consuming and doesn’t guarantee that they won’t come back. In fact, most times you’ll quickly find them again. 

If you choose to go this route, you’ll need to do a regular check of your garden for these pests, hand pick them, and make sure you place them far away (we recommend 20-50 feet). This method is free and completely natural, so it is worth trying if you have the time and are okay with touching snails and slugs.

2. Surround your garden beds with wood chips, gravel or bark.

The slimy, tender bodies of snails and slugs don’t like crawling over sharp or uncomfortable objects, so they’ll have a more difficult time getting to your plants if they are surrounded by ground covers that are not easy to slide over. 

Therefore, if you add a layer of wood chips, gravel, or bark to your garden beds, this will help repel snails and slugs naturally. Adding a ground cover with a texture that is unpleasant to snails is a natural garden pest repellent that will prevent snails and slugs from eating your plants.

3. Water your garden in the AM.

Snails and slugs are known for destroying gardens at night. They also have difficulty moving across dry soil compared to moist soil. So, if we put these two pieces of knowledge together, we have another way to keep snails and slugs out of your garden: watering early in the morning. 

This gives the top layer your garden soil some time to dry out before the evening when slugs do the most damage, which makes it more difficult for slugs and snails to get to your plants.

4. Surround your plants or garden beds with copper.

When slugs or snails come in contact with copper, they get the jolt of an electrical shock due to how slimy their bodies are. This shock deters them and they’ll quickly turn around. Most home improvement or garden stores sell adhesive copper tape that you can conveniently use to surround your garden planters. 

Some alternatives to copper tape include sprinkling copper pennies around your soil or gluing them to the perimeter of a garden bed. If you choose to sprinkle pennies around your soil, you’ll want to place them tightly together, so slugs and snails don’t have a pathway in between that they can sneak through to your plants. 

5.  Make your garden bird friendly.

There are lots of species of birds that eat slugs and snails. This means that you can reduce your snail and slug population by taking steps to attract more birds to your yard. This method means the snails and slugs will die, however, it’s part of nature and the natural food chain. Additionally it means you don’t have to use chemical pesticides in your garden. It is also a quicker death than they would experience with snail poison or drowning methods.

6. Get rescue chickens.

Backyard chickens are a perfect addition to gardens. They provide manure for composting, lay eggs for food, turn the soil, and help control unwanted garden pests and insects. Slugs, snails and their eggs are included in the garden pests that chickens love to dine on, which means adding a chicken coop to your yard might be the perfect solution to your snail problem. 

You can always purchase chicks at a local feed store, but you will get more karma points for adopting rescue chickens that need a good home. If you live in a more rural area and have the space, geese or ducks are also options.

7. Place broken eggshells around your garden.

Similar to surrounding your plants with gravel, wood chips or bark, the sharp edges of broken eggshells are a great deterrent to keep slugs out of the garden and snails away from your plants. The broken edges are painful for them to travel over, which is why this is effective as a natural repellent. 

If you opted for the backyard chickens mentioned above, you can use the shells from their eggs for this purpose. If not, you can use your leftover breakfast eggshells. Crush up the shells and spread them throughout your garden beds and around your plants. Eventually, the shells will biodegrade. This introduces more soil nutrition, which makes this a particularly beneficial method.

8. Use coffee grounds.

You may already spread coffee grounds in your garden to add nutrients to the soil. Another benefit of surrounding your plants with coffee grounds is that they help keep slugs and snails out of your garden.

9. Make a DIY slug and snail repellent.

There are two commonly used options for making a homemade slug and snail repellent:

1. Option 1: Simply pour iced coffee or cold brew into a bottle with a spray nozzle, and then spray the coffee on and surrounding your plants.
2. Option 2: Mix garlic and water in a spray bottle, and then spray the mixture on and around your plants.

Be careful not to spray the coffee directly onto the slugs or snails, since it will kill them. To use it as a non-lethal deterrent, spray it just on and around your plants. 

10. Plant bait plants

Bait plants are essentially plants that you don’t care about that you plant on the outskirts of your garden to attract slugs and snails away from your actual garden — e.g. if you want to protect a certain crop of plants in your garden bed, you can plant lettuce (a slug and snail favorite) towards the back perimeter. You can then pick off the snails and remove them as necessary.  

11. Plant herbs.

Herbs such as rosemary, sage, lavender, thyme, mint and parsley are all great additions to a garden because they look and smell nice. They also serve the benefit of warding off slugs and snails if you plant them as perimeter plants because slugs and snails do not like plants with a strong fragrance. Lavender is one of the strongest smelling herbs making it an excellent choice.

12. Spread salt or baking soda.

This is a lethal option, so, if you are trying to naturally deter snails without killing them, this is not the option to choose. Baking soda and salt dry out snails and slugs, which will kill them. This is incredibly painful for them and is not a nice way to kill them, but, since it is such a commonly used method, we did want to mention it here. So, it is an option, but it would be better to try other options on this list first.

13. Bait snails and slugs with beer.

A slug beer trap is another lethal option and should only be used if your goal is to kill the snails. Place a shallow dish or pan of beer in your garden. The snails and slugs will be attracted by the yeast and will crawl into the beer where they will drown and die. Again, this kills the snails instead of just warding them off, so you might want to try some of the other options first.

14. Surround with citrus.

Because slugs and snails are attracted to fruits, another option is to surround your garden with leftover peels of oranges, lemons, grapefruits or limes. Do so before night time and in the morning you’ll likely see the slugs and snails feasting on these treats instead of on your garden. You can then remove the pests.

15. Plant marigolds – but outside of your garden.

Marigolds are commonly known as a natural pest control, however slugs and snails are attracted to them as they are dahlias, hostas and delphiniums. What this means is that, similar to planting other sacrificial plants, you can plant marigolds on the outskirts of your garden to attract these pests there. Then remove the slugs and snails accordingly. 

Getting Rid of Slugs and Snails For Good

Slugs and snails are common pests, especially in coastal communities like Carmel Valley, La Jolla and Point Loma, but they don’t have to be at the end of your garden. Keeping your garden tidy and knowing how to control them is just part of keeping your outdoor living space thriving. Be sure to keep your garden as tidy and clean-cut as possible to keep snails and slugs from entering in the first place. 

For more tips on ways to improve your outdoor living space, Install-It-Direct is here to help you. We’ve provided landscape design services to San Diego and the surrounding areas for over 25 years! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do slugs have a purpose?

Slugs can be beneficial to an extent because when they chew on and break down garden debris it converts to nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This in turn can enhance the nutritional value of the soil in a similar way that worm composting works. Slugs and snails are also beneficial as a food source for birds and other common garden critters like frogs, toads and snakes.

Should you kill slugs in your garden?

Like we mentioned above, slugs (in moderation) can serve some purpose for soil nutrition, however, they frequently become rampant and destroy gardens. Snails are also known for carrying diseases and parasites which can be a threat to household pets if they get ahold of one. 

Why are there so many slugs in my garden?

Typically, you’ll find a large amount of slugs or snails in your garden after it rains or after you’ve watered your plants. That’s because snails and slugs are moist creatures. They lose a significant position of their body weight by crawling around, and will therefore look for moist places to survive.  

Are slugs poisonous?

No, slugs are not poisonous. The only danger that slugs pose to gardens is that they eat the plants–making them more of a nuisance than a hazard.

The post Slugs in the Garden: 15 Solutions For Getting Rid of Slugs and Snails Naturally appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

In this article 

• Why use natural repellents?
• What are rats attracted to?
• Signs of an outdoor rat problem 
• 6 ways to keep rats out of your yard 

Why Use Natural Rat Repellents?

Killing rats off is, of course, the fastest and surest method for getting rid of outdoor rats, but there are several reasons you may not want to go this route.

1. Killing rats means having a dead rat problem that you have to dispose of 
2. Lethal methods are dangerous for other animals such as birds or dogs 
3. Pesticides are outlawed in certain areas, such as California

What Are Rats Attracted To?

So, here’s the deal: rats are pretty simple (but rather smart) creatures that mostly want food, water and shelter. If they are hanging out in your backyard, that is because you are unwittingly providing them with these basic needs: 

• Plants 
• Smells and odors 
• Overgrown plants 
• Water sources 
• Food sources 

In order to reclaim your outdoor living areas, you need to encourage your current rodent residents to move on to more hospital accommodations and to discourage new rats and mice from making themselves at home in your yard.

Signs You Have Rats in Your Yard 

You may not know you have a rat problem until you actually see one in your yard. But the fact of the matter is, rats are great at hiding. And they won’t hesitate to cause destruction to your property and belongings if the environment is right. A few signs that you may already have rats in your yard are:

• Droppings of ½ inch or larger 
• Urine odor in and around the yard 
• Gnaw marks on wood or outdoor materials 
• Nests in the ground or within deep vegetation and clutter 
• Garbage or clutter in unused areas
• Noises, especially at night, such as scratching or gnawing

6 Natural Ways To Keep Rats Out Of Your Yard

1. Check that your rat problem hasn’t moved indoors 

The first step is to make sure that your outdoor rat problem has not become an indoor rat problem. To do this, you will need to inspect your house, garage, guest house and any other structures on your property. Look for evidence of rats, such as droppings or items that look like they have been chewed or scratched. If you find evidence of rats, you will need to simultaneously work on clearing your rat population both inside and outside of your house. Some of the methods below can be used indoors. You might also consider non-lethal, indoor pest repellent methods, such as ultrasonic rodent repellers that plug into regular electrical outlets.

Once you are fairly confident that your mouse or rat population has not moved indoors, you’ll then want to make sure that it is time to make sure they do not move inside when you begin to evict them from your yard. One of the most important things to do in this step is to fortify your structures to make them as rat-proof as possible. Look for potential entry points, which could be under doors, through windows, through crawl space entrances, through an attic fan, or even through cracks and holes that can be as small as a nickel (for mice) or a quarter (for rats). For each entry point, apply the following enclosure methods: 

• Weather stripping 
• Door seals
• Steel wool 
• Cedar planks 
• ⅛-inch hardware cloth or spray foam 

Remember – you will need to do this for your house, garage and guest house, at minimum, but should also consider doing it for playhouses, garden sheds and other outbuildings.

Always make sure that there are no rats currently in the spaces that you are sealing off.

2. Clean up your yard

The next step in removing rats from your backyard is to give your yard a good cleaning. This includes removing any trash and getting rid of any type of clutter, which can provide them with shelter, places to hide and trails to get around your yard undetected. 

An item you’ll want to consider moving is your wood pile. Even a small wood pile is the perfect nesting place for rats, so be sure to store it at least 18 to 24 inches off the ground and a few feet from any other structures. 

The next step is to remove anything from the exterior of your home.This includes deck boxes, storage cabinets, doghouses and planters. Anything that could provide shelter or a trail system for rats to get around your yard needs to be relocated. It is best to keep bushes, shrubs and larger plants away from your walls as well.

If you do have trees and shrubs near your home, be sure to keep them pruned and trimmed at least a few feet away from your home. 

A great preventative measure is to keep your grass trimmed and any unneeded clutter off your lawn.

3. Eliminate possible food sources

Animal feedback, backyard compost, gardens, pet waste and standing water are all potential food and nutrient sources for rats. Securing them, moving them away from your home or removing them from the yard are all ways you can deter rats. Let’s take a look at what to do for each specific food source: 

Remove or securely store animal feed. All animal feed, including dog food, cat food, bird food, rabbit food, chicken feed and any other type of animal food you have in your yard needs to be stored in a completely sealed container. It is best to move this food out of the area completely while you work on reducing your rat population, but if it must be in your backyard, make sure it is in a rat-proof container and that you keep the container closed at all times.

This includes picking up any food bowls For outdoor animals, such as rabbits, chickens and other birds, keep rats out of your coup or aviary by lining the bottom section of the fence or walls with 1/8-inch hardware cloth. 

Secure your compost. If you compost, purchase an above-ground compost bin that rats cannot get to and cannot enter. Keep it closed at all times and make sure it is set away from trees, fences or structures that could provide rats with access to it.

If you prefer to keep your compost bin on the ground, purchase a bin with solid sides and keep the lid securely in place at all times. You will need to install tight, thick, wire mesh beneath your bin to help keep rats out. 

Place vegetable gardens away from your home. If you have a vegetable garden, move it as far away from your house and outdoor living areas as possible. As long as you have a vegetable garden offering foods they like to eat, rats may still be attracted to your yard. However, if it is tucked away in a back corner of your yard, at least that may help keep them away from areas where your children play or where you spend time with your family or guests.

Pick up pet waste regularly. While we are on the topic of pets, it is time to talk about pet poop. As gross as it may sound, rats love to eat dog poop, cat poop and just about any other type of poop. 

Remove any convenient water sources. This could be pet’s water bowls, buckets of water, standing water and even ponds. It also means fixing any leaking pipes, faucets or garden hoses. However, while some water sources are easy to remove, others are not. For example, rats may chew through drip irrigation lines to get to the water inside. So, even if you have removed all of the standing water from the area, this does not necessarily mean that you can remove all water sources.

4. Eliminate sources of shelter

Plants, ground covers, barbecues and outdoor kitchens, patio furniture, and other outdoor structures like decks and gazebos are all prime sources of shelter for rats. Here’s how to keep rats out of each.

Move and secure garbage bins. If you keep your garbage bins in or near your backyard, make sure the lids securely fasten so that rats cannot use them as a hunting ground for food. If your trash cans cannot be properly sealed at all times, it is time to purchase new ones that can. Rats love trash cans. It is also important to keep the area around your trash cans free of trash, food scraps and spills that might attract rodents to your yard.

Get rid of ivy and other ground covers. Ivy running along your fence might look lovely in your yard, but it is also providing a freeway for your rats to roam around safely and without detection. While ivy is definitely a culprit in many backyard rat infestations, it can happen with any ground cover, bushes or shrubs that provide decent coverage (with some exceptions that rats do not like, such as lavender). No matter how much you love your ivy, it is time to rip it all out if you want to get rid of your rat problem.

Secure your barbecue grills and outdoor kitchen. Secure your barbeque grill by making sure it’s securely closed when not in use, particularly if you do not use it often. Also make sure that under-grill storage areas, cabinets in your outdoor kitchen can be securely closed and not opened by a rat. Be sure to keep your outdoor kitchen areas clean and free from food at all times. 

Keep your patio cushions in a secure cabinet, closet, shed or deck box when not in use. If you already have backyard rats, then you likely have seen the evidence that they love to nap on cushy surfaces just as much as we do. Also keep in mind that covering your patio furniture is a great way to protect it from the elements, but it also creates convenient shelter for backyard rats and mice. Your safest bet is to keep patio cushions in a secure place, especially if you already have a rat problem. 

Block open passages beneath decks, gazebos and other outdoor structures. Wood decks, gazebos, garden sheds, ornamental bridges, doghouses and other non-moving structures are some of the most popular places for rats to make a home. 

If possible, move gazebos and sheds away from other structures so that there are several feet of open space on all sides. Next, you need to block entry to areas beneath your deck or other structures in your yard that could provide shelter to rats. You need to completely block access, because even the narrowest spaces can allow entry. Rats do not like the smell of cedar, so you might consider using cedar to block the perimeter of your deck, shed or gazebo.Use rocks or even better, mortar to fill any openings to block rat entry. 

Rat infestations can be a particular problem with wood decks that are close to the ground. While it is probably a bit extreme to rip out your deck to try to get rid of your rats, it is worth considering replacing it with something like a paving stone patio once it is time to replace it anyways.

5. Use scents as a natural rat repellent

Rats rely on their sense of smell for finding food, avoiding predators and other tasks essential to their survival. Because of this, rats do not usually like to hang around in areas where there are fragrances that mess with their ability to seek out food or know if a cat is around. Below are a few ways to use scents to deter rats: 

Plant lavender and mint in your garden. Lavender and mint are two examples of plants that rats generally try to avoid, so it may be helpful to plant lavender or mint in areas where rats frequent, around decks and other structures that may provide shelter, or around the perimeter of your yard. You can also scatter fresh or dried lavender and mint around your yard, but this will require regular replenishing.

Place scented dryer sheets around your yard. Scented dryer sheets interfere with a rat’s ability to smell the things he or she needs to smell in order to survive. Stuff dryer sheets under your deck, behind dog houses or in other areas where you have seen rats, it may help deter them from hanging around your outdoor living areas.

Place peppermint oil and/or eucalyptus oil in suspected nest locations such as under decks, being dog houses, and in your vegetable garden beds. Simply combine peppermint or eucalyptus oil with water and spray around potential nesting areas such as under and around decks, dog houses and in your vegetable garden. Another effective way to use these oils is to soak rags or cotton balls in the oil and place them around your yard. 

A note for pet-owners: If you choose to use dryer sheets, rags or cotton balls to distribute the scent, make sure that your dog is not going to eat them. Animals metabolize essential oils differently than humans and it can be harmful to their health.

Whether you spray or use cotton balls, you will need to replenish your repellent after it rains or if you irrigate the area.

Use pet urine as a natural outdoor rat repellent. Options include letting your dog urinate all over your yard, scooping out the urine-soaked cat litter from your cat box and placing it in areas where you think rats are living, or purchasing one of many types of predator urine, including mountain lion, bobcat or coyote urine.

All of these options are going to smell exactly like you think they are going to smell, so you may want to consider that before using them in outdoor living areas.

6. Use physical rat repellents + live traps

Spread pellet rat repellents throughout your yard. These are all-natural, non-toxic repellents that work to repel rats with the smell of predator urine. 

Pro Tip: Ensure that you are purchasing an all-natural, non-toxic pellet repellent and not some type of poison. The containers can look almost identical, so make sure you thoroughly read the label or research the product before using it. It should clearly state on the label that it is safe for use in areas frequented by pets or children.

Pellet repellents usually either smell like predator urine or contain some of the natural oils that rats do not like, such as peppermint or eucalyptus oils. In most cases, you will need to regularly replenish your pellets, particularly after rain or irrigation.

Set out pouch rat repellents. Mouse and rat deterrent pouches are usually made with oils or plants, such as those mentioned above, that naturally deter rodents. Since this works on the same scent-based repellent idea, pouches are mostly just an easier, cleaner way to spread the scent. Pouch repellents are typically most effective indoors, but you may find success in using them in smaller outbuildings or under decks and gazebos.

Install an outdoor electronic rat repeller. Ultrasonic pest repellents that can be plugged into regular electrical outlets are most commonly used indoors, but there are some models that are designed for outdoor use. Some of these outdoor models even have flashing lights and other sounds to help scare away pests. Most of them have settings to allow you to ward off only unwanted animals, but it should be noted that almost all outdoor ultrasonic repellers are designed to ward off all animals, including dogs, cats, deer, raccoons, rabbits and squirrels. Therefore, if you have pets or welcome other types of wildlife in your backyard, this might not be the right choice for you.

Employ live traps. Live trapping involves catching your rats in a non-lethal trap, and then taking them somewhere to release them. This is a popular method for removing unwanted animals without killing them, but it is a bit more complicated than it may first appear. To avoid killing the rats, you’ll need to check the live trap multiple times a day and be prepared to take the full trap to a far away release location. 

Note: Live traps must be checked multiple times each day to avoid rats dying from dehydration or starvation. You must also be ready to take full traps to the chosen release location to keep them from dying in the trap. 

Dry ice is another great natural rat deterrent. Dry ice releases carbon dioxide which acts as a natural anesthetic for rats. Carefully place dry ice to entry points and/or potential nesting spots to keep rats away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get rid of rats inside my home?

If you suspect you have a rat problem indoors, the first thing you’ll want to do is inspect potential entry points. Next, seal these entry points both inside and outside the home with things like caulk, mortar, cement, wire mesh, etc. Once you’ve sealed any potential entry points, be sure to clean up and remove any potential shelter and food sources to avoid attracting rats. Natural deterrents such as peppermint and eucalyptus can be used indoors and outdoors to keep rats away.

How can I get rid of rats overnight?

A safe, quick way to get rid of rats quickly is to use catch-and-release live traps. But be wary of the fact that if you do have a rat problem, there’s likely more than one hanging around your yard. Consider combining multiple natural rat repellent methods listed in this article to get the job done safely and quickly.

How fast do rats reproduce? 

Female rats can produce up to 2,000 off-spring in one year. They can also mate up to 500 times per day. So it’s best to use preventative measures when dealing with a rat problem. 

What diseases do rats carry?

Rats are known to carry a wide array of diseases such as Hantavirus, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus, Salmonella, Rate bit fever, Tularemia, and most recently, Hepatitis E.

The post How to Keep Rats Out Of Your Yard: 6 Natural Rat Repellent Techniques appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

What Is a Dog Run?

A dog run is an outdoor structure designed for dogs to run, lounge and play freely. Dog runs are typically located in a back or side yard and can be open or enclosed spaces. 

Benefits of Having A Dog Run 

Even if you have a well-fenced backyard where your pets can run, play and explore, you may still need a dog run. This is particularly true if you have an at-home daycare, do a lot of outdoor entertaining, or have a dog that is a fence jumper, digger or otherwise-creative escape artist. Here are some benefits to adding a dog run to your yard: 

• Creates a safe space for dogs to play, sleep and relax outdoors 
• Gives dogs the ability to run freely without supervision
• Separates dogs from areas like gardens, pools, and other backyard attractions
• Keeps your natural grass from browning due to dog urine

Whatever the reasons for needing a dog run, most homeowners would prefer an enclosure that complements their landscape design and does not take away from the overall look of their yard.

7 Dog Run Ideas 

Simple strip dog run

Great for side yards and limited space, strip dog runs typically range from __ to __ ft and are much longer than they are wide. The long strip of yard allows dogs plenty of space to run, without taking up too much space width-wise.  

Large, unrestricted dog run 

Many pet owners want a dog run to give their furry friend the space they need to get their energy out and play to their heart’s content. A large, unenclosed dog run allows just that. Use your entire backyard or section of a large portion of it to give high energy dogs a place to play freely.

Small patio dog run 

Sometimes large dog runs aren’t needed – especially for smaller, low-energy furry friends. A small dog run equipped with a dog-house, a fence and artificial turf ground cover is great for small backyards and even apartment patio areas.

Enclosed dog run 

Enclosed areas are great peace of mind for pet-owners with rather curious pups that like to run off. They’re also versatile in the fact that they can be placed anywhere in the yard – including front and side yards! Enclosed dog runs can be made with virtually any type of material. Some popular choices are: 

• Wood 
• Vinyl 
• Metal
• Chain-link

Aerial dog run

Not interested in installing any fencing? An aerial dog run is a line that connects two points of your yard that your dog can run on via a leash. These are relatively inexpensive and are great for dogs with lots of energy. 

Note: It’s possible for your dog to get entangled in the leash, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pup with this type of dog run.

Stimulating dog run 

Some pups have more energy than others. A dog run with sensory-stimulating elements such as tires, rocks, ramps and other climbing features can help your active pup stay active and occupied throughout the day. 

Elegant Dog Run 

Want your doggie area to match the aesthetics of your already beautiful yard? Design a custom dog run that matches your landscape by adding stepping stones, plants, artificial grass, water features, retaining walls and more.

How To Build The Perfect Backyard Dog Run

1. Pick the Right Spot for Your Dog Run 

The first step in building an enclosure for your dogs is to pick a spot that will work well for you and them. It should be out of the way enough to not interfere with outdoor entertaining or activities, but still close enough to the house for you to be able to check on your dog periodically. If you want your dog to be able to go in and out of the house while you are not home without needing to leave a door open, you may want to consider placing your outdoor kennel adjacent to a side door with a doggie door installed.

Or, if you have an appropriately sized side yard that you are not using for storage or as a vegetable garden, you may want to place your enclosure there, which will ensure that it is out of the way and allow you to use less fencing, since you will only need to close off each end of the space.

Consider Shaded Areas

The spot you choose should be in partial shade to allow your dog to get out of the hot San Diego sun and should be close to a water source to make rinsing down the run and filling up water bowls more convenient. If it is not possible to build a dog run in the shade, you can also add shade to the area with a dog house, cover or patio umbrella.

2. Choose the Right Size

You should also pick the largest spot possible, particularly if your dog will be spending a lot of time in the enclosure, to make sure that he or she has plenty of room to run, play and explore without feeling cramped in a small space. At minimum, the space should be at least twice as wide and about five times as long as the length of your dog.

You should also choose a spot with good drainage to ensure that your dog will not be standing in mud or water if it happens to rain.

3. Select a Design 

Portable vs. Built-In

While portable runs are generally more affordable, and are easy to remove or relocate, they may not be sturdy enough for a determined escape artist and likely will not complement your landscape design as well as a custom-built enclosure. For those who are not overly concerned with the look of their kennel, portable options are available for less than $100 and can be easily setup in an afternoon, but this type of structure is not going to work for homeowners who care about the visual appeal of their outdoor living spaces.

After all, chain link fencing – which is what most portable, pre-made dog runs are made of – does not go well with a beautiful paving stone patio, manicured flower beds or perfectly placed water features.So, it’s a good thing that there are plenty of other options for building an attractive dog run that both you and your furry friends will love!

Open vs. Enclosed 

Open dog runs give your pup the sense that they have their very own yard. For open dog runs, be sure that your fence or perimeter is high enough where your dog can’t jump over it.

An enclosed area may be great for pets that are undergoing puppy training, or have . For enclosed dog runs, it’s best to make sure the roof is high enough for your pet to jump and move around. Any dog run should be at least twice as wide and five times as long as the length of your dog. This is especially important for an enclosed play area.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Design

• Permits: You may need to obtain a permit prior to constructing your dog run depending on its height and size. Check with your local governing body to see if a permit is required for your design.
• Bigger, stronger dogs require studier fencing options.
• Height: You will need to build a taller dog run with a top on the enclosure for dogs that jump or climb.
• Covered vs. Uncovered: You may want to put a roof on your dog run if part of its purpose is to protect your pets from wild animals like mountain lions or coyotes living in your area.
• Doggie Door: If you plan on placing the enclosure adjacent to an exterior door that has a doggie door, make sure you design the run to be tall enough for you to conveniently use the door to access the area.
• Built-in vs. Portable: Finally, you will need to decide if you want to purchase a pre-made, portable dog run or construct a permanent enclosure.

4. Selecting Dog Run Fencing 

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing is the most common type of enclosure, most likely for its many beneficial qualities, including affordability, sturdiness and availability. It also allows your dog to see out through the fence with ease and for you to see in to conveniently check on your dog. However, this is definitely not the best-looking option available and likely will not appeal to homeowners who have invested their time and money in creating an attractive backyard.

Of course, there is an easy, affordable way to make this inexpensive dog run fencing option a viable option for higher-end backyards: You can paint it. Painting chain link fencing dark green will make it blend in better with a lush lawn or landscaped yard, while painting it dark brown will allow it to blend in better with wooden fences or wood chip ground covers. If you do plan to paint your fence, make sure you use a non-toxic product that is intended for outdoor use.

Metal Fencing 

You can also use wood or ornate metal fencing to give your dog run a higher-end look, just make sure the spaces between the wood or metal are large enough for your dogs to see out – and you to see in – but narrow enough that they cannot get their head through the fence.

Wood Fencing

Easy to maintain and inexpensive to install, wood fencing is a great option for pet-owners looking for a natural look. However, wood may not be a great option if your pet likes to chew or jump on the material, as it isn’t as sturdy as metal or plastic materials. When opting for a wood fence dog run fence, be sure to choose a non-toxic stain or paint.

Plastic-Coated Wire Fencing

The option that most perfectly balances affordability and visual appeal is usually plastic-coated wire fencing with wood posts. This attractive option provides the sturdiness you need for most dog breeds, looks considerably better than chain link fencing and is more affordable than wood. All of these options are available at home and garden centers, so you can easily compare sturdiness and price before making your final decision.

When looking for wood posts for your run, naturally durable options – such as redwood and cedar – offer a higher-end look; however, treated lumber is a more affordable option and will also do the job.

4. Choose A Ground Cover 

You may be able to build a dog run on existing groundcover if it is safe for your pet and allows for proper drainage. Here are eight dog run ground cover options to consider:

1. Natural Grass
2. Wood Chips
3. Gravel
4. Concrete
5. Paving Stones
6. Dirt
7. Artificial Grass
8. Rubber Padding

Natural Grass

Natural grass provides a soft ground cover that most dogs enjoy. While this is a popular option that many homeowners use, there are some factors to take into consideration before placing your run over conventional grass.

For example, you will need to care for this grass just like you would a lawn, which means regular mowing, watering and weeding.You will also need to be sure to use only non-toxic insecticides and herbicides, will have to contend with brown spots in areas often used as a pet restroom and will need to pay attention to the strong potential for bacterial buildup in the soil. If your dogs are active, you may also have to deal with bare spots left by clumps of grass being pulled up during play.

Wood Chips

Some dog owners prefer the look of wood chips placed over landscaping fabric, which is another popular option. This ground cover will definitely make your dog run more visually appealing; however, wood chips provide a good breeding ground for bacteria – particularly because you cannot simply rinse urine out of the run, and you will need to regularly add more wood chips to replace those lost when picking up solid waste and to keep this option looking fresh.

Gravel

Gravel is a rather popular option for dog runs and can be a good choice. If you want to go with gravel, make sure you choose pea gravel, which is usually rounder and does not have quite as many sharp edges as other types of gravel. Gravel can be hard on your dog’s feet, so it is not a good option for dogs with sensitive paws. It is also not a good option for dogs who like to chew on rocks, as it can cause significant dental damage.

Concrete

A concrete pad is easy and inexpensive to pour, making this an option that many homeowners choose. A concrete dog run can simply be rinsed down to remove liquid waste, and solid waste is very easy to remove. Dogs with sensitive paws may find this option to be a bit abrasive, and make sure there is plenty of shade if you plan to use this option in sunny Southern California where concrete can become quite hot quite quickly.

Paving Stones

Creating a paving stone floor for your dog run is more expensive than pouring concrete, but it is also far more visually appealing. This option provides a slip-resistant surface that allows for easy solid waste removal and easy cleaning by simply rinsing it off with a garden hose. Paving stones can also become warm in direct sunlight, so shade should be a priority if you choose to use pavers for the entire floor of your enclosure.

Dirt

Building your dog run on existing dirt is the cheapest option; although, it does not offer much in the way of visual appeal. If graded properly, this is a viable option that will help you stay within budget, but you may have the added headache of cleaning up muddy or dirty paw prints when you let your dog back in the house. This option will also likely increase dust in your yard, which may mean more frequent cleaning for patios and patio furniture.

Artificial Grass

Synthetic turf provides the look and feel of natural grass without the concerns about brown spots, bare spots, mowing, watering, weeding, or needing herbicides and insecticides. Solid waste is easy to remove, urine can be rinsed away with a garden house, and you can keep a spray bottle of one part water, one part vinegar on hand to spray down areas that are frequently used for urination. To completely remove the urine smell, you will want to use a turf odor eliminator.

• Take a look at Urine Zero: The Pet Odor / Urine Smell Removal 

Fake grass can also limit digging and is a non-toxic, pet-friendly option that requires very little maintenance.

Rubber Padding

While this is significantly more expensive than other options, rubber padding is easy to clean and provides a safe, attractive surface for a dog run. To make it even easier to clean any of these dog run ground cover options, you may want to consider the addition of a pheromone-treated urine stick, which will encourage your pets to use just that area to relieve themselves.

5. Create Shade 

Shade is a dog run feature of particular importance in the San Diego area, where nearly every day is a sunny day, and temperatures can soar in warmer months. It may be possible to take advantage of existing shade in your yard from trees, fences, covered patios or your house, but you may have to create shade to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog.

Here are five easy ways to create shade:

1. Add a Dog House

You can either make an access point in the fence to attach a dog house to the outside of your enclosure, or place a dog house inside the dog run. A dog house will provide protection from the sun, as well as unexpected wind or rain that may occur while you are away from home. If you put a dog house inside the run, make sure your dog cannot use it as a way to jump over the fence. This can be accomplished with strategic placement or by adding a roof to your run.

2. Add a Pergola over the Entrance

Installing a pergola at the entrance to your enclosure will immediately increase visual appeal while also adding some shade to the area. Small, pre-made pergolas are available at most home and garden centers, or you can construct your own.

3. Install Shade Structures

Shade structures are an inexpensive way to add shade anywhere in your yard, but you will need to choose carefully to ensure that this feature adds to the look of your yard, rather than taking away from it.

4. Repurpose a Patio Umbrella

You can repurpose an extra patio umbrella you have in your garage or purchase one at a patio furniture store to add a stylish shade option to protect your dog from the sun.

5. Build a Solid Roof

If you plan to put a roof on your dog run, you can simply make part of it a solid cover that will block the sun and provide shade.

How to Build a Dog Run: Final Considerations

The purpose of a dog run is to provide your dog with a safe, comfortable, enjoyable place to be when he or she is not inside with you or enjoying your full backyard.

In order to make your dog run an inviting hangout and keep it from becoming a cage, choose a comfortable ground cover, provide plenty of shade, always have clean drinking water readily available, and be sure to include some of your dog’s favorite toys and a cozy place to lie down for a nap.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which ground material cover is best for dog runs? 

There are all types of ground covers that can be used for your dog run: 

• Natural Grass
• Wood Chips
• Gravel
• Concrete
• Paving Stones
• Dirt
• Artificial Grass
• Rubber Padding

To choose the best ground cover for your dog run area, consider the look you’re going for, how active your pet is, whether or not they dig, whether or not the area will be shaded, etc. View a full breakdown of how to choose the right ground cover for your pup here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of dog run is best for dogs that like to dig?

If you have a digger, you will need to take special precautions when constructing your run, such as burying the fence below ground, adding chicken wire under the ground cover around the edges or installing a paving stone border to prevent digging.

Are dog runs good for dogs? 

Dog runs are a great way to let your pooch out into the yard without having to worry about them running off or getting into something they shouldn’t. That being said, it’s important that your dog run is a good match with your dog’s personality and playing habits. For larger, more rambunctious dogs, a long and wide dog run might be best to give them the space to run and let out their energy. Conversely, a small dog may only need a small space on your patio or yard for relaxed play. Decide what’s best for your dog and design your dog run to fit their needs.

What can I use instead of grass for my dog run? 

There are a multitude of ground covers that are both safe and low-maintenance for dogs. A few of the most popular ground cover options include artificial grass, wood chips, gravel and rubber padding.

The post Dog Run Ideas: How To Build A Backyard Dog Run appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

One of the best ways to achieve this is through hardscaping—think patios, fire pits, and retaining walls. These features not only enhance the look of your space but also add lasting value and usability.

If you’re looking into transforming your landscape, then the best way to get started is by exploring hardscape ideas that suit your style and needs.

First, What is Hardscaping?

In landscape architecture, hardscaping is essentially everything that is not vegetation. Hardscapes consist of manmade features that may use natural or manmade elements. For example, a wall made from river rocks is hardscape using natural elements, while a walkway made from rubber mulch or bricks is hardscape using manmade materials. 

Patios, decks, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, artificial grass, driveways, fire pits, pergolas, and stepping stones are all examples of hardscaping.

Why You Should Consider Hardscaping

1. Hardscapes conserve water. When you replace natural grass or other living landscape features with hardscaping, you can significantly reduce the amount of water you use for irrigation each month.

2. Hardscaping is low maintenance. Most hardscapes require very little maintenance once they are installed.

3. Hardscapes define areas in your yard. One example of this would be a patio defining part of your yard as an outdoor living area.

4. Hardscaping guides traffic. Driveways let guests know where to park, pathways let guests know where to walk, and fences let guests, kids and pets know which areas are off limits.

5. Hardscapes expand your overall living space by creating outdoor areas for entertaining and everyday activities.

6. Hardscaping increases the functionality of your property. For example, adding an outdoor kitchen or grilling station makes your outdoor living area more functional by allowing you to prepare meals in your backyard.

7. Hardscapes enhance privacy. Not all hardscapes enhance privacy, but some examples, such as fences, walls and privacy screens, make your yard or outdoor living areas more private.

8. Some hardscapes create shade, such as pergolas or gazebos.

9. Hardscaping can increase curb appeal and property value. When properly designed and installed, many hardscape ideas can improve your home’s curb appeal, increase your property value and enhance the perceived value or you home.

10. Hardscapes can reduce erosion. Retaining walls, artificial grass, gravel, paving stone patios, and many other hardscape options can improve erosion control by providing barriers or enhancing drainage.

11. Hardscaping limits weed growth. Many hardscape features are solid or semi-solid ground cover options that significantly reduce weed growth by creating a barrier.

35 Hardscape Ideas for a Low-Maintenance Yard

Now that we have a better idea of what hardscaping is and the many benefits it offers, here are 35 hardscape ideas to help inspire you in your own landscape design. Some of the ideas consist of common hardscaping materials, while others are hardscape features you can include in your front yard or backyard.

1. Gravel

Gravel is a simple, inexpensive hardscape that limits weed growth and improves drainage and can be used for walkways, parking areas or to cover bare patches of dirt to beautify your yard. 

2. Bark

Bark is a natural hardscape option that can be used to inexpensively cover large areas and requires no water. It’s perfect for garden beds or as a ground cover around trees and shrubs. Cedar bark is particularly popular for its pleasing scent and longer lifespan, but pine bark is an affordable alternative.

3. Wood Chips

Wood chips are another natural option that can be used as a ground cover to limit weed growth, conserve water, and enhance your yard’s visual appeal. 

4. Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is usually more expensive than other mulch options, such as bark or wood chips, but it is also a longer-lasting groundcover choice.Shredded rubber mulch is the most common type, and its vibrant colors (such as red or black) make it an eye-catching option for modern landscapes.

5. Rubber Mats

Rubber mats are not often thought of as hardscaping options, but they are a great choice for making play areas safer while limiting weeds and reducing irrigation needs. Look for interlocking rubber mats that can be easily installed around play structures or garden areas for a soft, cushioned surface that’s perfect for children and pets.

6. Bricks

Bricks are a quintessential hardscape option that is often used for patios, walkways, and driveways. They are most appropriate for use at homes with traditional architecture but can also be used in more contemporary landscape designs.

7. Flagstones

Flagstones are a more versatile hardscape element that can be used with a wider array of architectural styles. Flagstones are most often used for walkways, patios and pool decks. For a more refined look, opt for sandstone or bluestone flagstones. Slate is another great option for a sleek, dark aesthetic.

8. Paving Stones

Paving stones, which can include flagstones, are the most versatile hardscaping option for driveways, walkways and patios. The wide variety of styles and colors allow homeowners to easily find options that will work with any architectural style and any overall landscape design. 

This low-maintenance, long-lasting hardscape also enhances your home’s curb appeal and increases your property value.

9. River Rock

In Southern California, river rock can often be locally sourced for use in walls, driveways, patios, walkways, and outdoor kitchens. 

Choosing river rock allows for a natural look while still serving the purpose of manmade elements in landscape architecture, such as controlling erosion, conserving water, defining areas, and guiding traffic.

10. Tile

Tile continues to be a popular hardscape option for patios and walkways, particularly in yards surrounding Spanish- or Mediterranean-style homes. 

Terracotta tiles are a classic option, while porcelain tiles are durable, low-maintenance, and available in a range of designs that mimic natural stone or wood.

11. Concrete

While there are some issues with concrete, such as cracking and not being able to match the color if repairs are needed, both slab and stamped concrete remain popular hardscape ideas often used for stepping stones, patios, driveways, and walkways.

12. Boulders

Boulders are another natural element that can be used to beautify your yard, define areas or guide traffic.

These large stones are perfect for creating a rustic or natural look in gardens, around water features, or for building retaining walls. Depending on your landscape, granite, limestone, or river rocks are great choices for adding both durability and visual appeal.

13. Stepping Stones

Almost any durable material can be used for stepping stones, including wood, flagstones, paving stones, concrete, and rubber.

The most obvious hardscape benefit of using stepping stones is to guide traffic, but they can also limit weed growth and reduce water consumption while making your yard lower maintenance if used to replace natural grass or other living ground covers.

14. Artificial Grass

Synthetic turf is one of the few hardscape ideas that give you the look and feel of a natural landscaping element without the maintenance and water requirements that come with living options. 

With manufactured grass, you, your kids and your pets can enjoy the benefits of a natural grass lawn while also enjoying the benefits of hardscaping, including limiting weed growth, reducing water usage, beautifying your yard, and spending less time on yard work. 

Depending on the traffic it receives, your turf may need some maintenance to keep it looking great for years to come.

15. Mulch

Mulch is a general term that covers nearly any type of material placed on top of soil as a groundcover. The benefits of using mulch include limiting weed growth, maintaining soil moisture and temperature, reducing water usage, and improving the look of landscapes. 

If you choose organic materials to use as mulch, it will also add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

16. Patio

Patios are the all-stars of hardscape ideas and offer so many benefits that they really are a must in almost any landscape design. A patio defines a space for outdoor living and expands your entertaining options to include al fresco gatherings. 

If you build a patio where there was once a lawn or other vegetation, a patio can also mean conserving water, limiting weed growth and making your yard more functional.

Patios can be made from a variety of materials, including paving stones, flagstones, concrete, and brick. For a traditional look, brick or flagstone patios are timeless choices, while concrete or paving stones offer more modern options that are low-maintenance and highly customizable.

17. Deck

Decks serve the same function as patios and are perfect additions to yards where homeowners frequently entertain or enjoy spending time outdoors. Decks are most often made from wood or composite decking. 

If your goal is to achieve a low-maintenance yard, composite is your best bet, since wood requires regular staining, painting or sealing.

18. Walkway

This hardscape option can define different parts of your yard and control traffic while helping you save water and spend less time pulling weeds.

Walkways can be made from materials like paving stones, gravel, concrete, or bricks. For a natural look, flagstones or river rock are great choices, while paving stones or bricks offer a more structured design. You can also incorporate lighting along your walkway, for safety and to create a welcoming atmosphere after dark.

19. Driveway

There is perhaps no hardscape that defines an area and directs traffic more so than a driveway. Essential to most Southern California homes, driveways are the ultimate hardscape and should be one of the first elements in your overall landscape architecture design. 

Whether it is made from gravel, concrete or paving stones, a driveway serves many purposes that go beyond leading guests to your house or providing parking; they also require no water, limit weed growth and enhance your home’s curb appeal.

20. Guest Parking Area

If you have a large area of vegetation you would like to remove to save water and spend less time taking care of your yard, consider creating a guest parking area. Whether it has just enough room for one car or could easily fit several, a guest parking area is an attractive, functional addition to your landscape design.

21. RV Parking

Like a guest parking area, creating an RV parking area allows you to better use your outdoor space while limiting weed growth, reducing irrigation requirements and potentially increasing your property value. If you do not have the budget for paving stones, consider creating a simple, gravel parking area that can be used for a motorhome, boat or other recreational vehicle.

22. Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds may not help you conserve water, since you will likely plant them with some type of vegetation, but they can still provide some of the benefits of other hardscape ideas. The benefits of raised garden beds include defining your garden area, making your yard more functional and making gardening more convenient.

23. Fire Pit

A fire pit is a functional hardscape element that increases your ability to enjoy your outdoor living spaces and expands your outdoor entertaining options. Fire pits provide warmth for winter gatherings and create a festive ambiance after the sun goes down.

Popular materials for fire pits include natural stone, brick, and paver, with paver being the best for durability and aesthetic appeal.

24. Patio Fireplace

Create a cozy hardscape with a patio fireplace that can increase the property value of your home while providing light and warmth for events that take place after dark.

25. Outdoor Kitchen

If your budget allows for an outdoor kitchen, this is one hardscape idea that can significantly upgrade your lifestyle. Imagine preparing full meals on your patio, mixing drinks in a dedicated blender, or being able to grab beers for your friends without having to leave the party to trudge inside the house. 

All of this can become your new reality if you build an outdoor kitchen. A patio kitchen will also increase the value of your home and is sure to impress your guests at your next gathering.

26. Built-In Barbecue Grill

Not everyone has the budget or space for a complete outdoor kitchen. When that is the case, consider installing a built-in barbecue grill. This is another hardscape option that can change the way you use your outdoor living areas and enhance your ability to entertain guests.

27. Benches

Garden benches come in every style and every price range, so this hardscape is something that nearly anyone can add to their landscape design. 

Benches are an easy, inexpensive way to add seating to gardens and outdoor entertaining areas and are also perfect for setting up multiple, more intimate seating areas to encourage conversations among guests.

28. Statuary

Statues are primarily aesthetic hardscapes and are most often included in landscape designs to add an element of beauty and art to the property. When creating a low-maintenance backyard, statues can serve as a no-water, low-maintenance focal point, allowing you to reduce the amount of living elements that require regular care and irrigation.

29. Sitting/Retaining Wall

A sitting wall or retaining wall made from river rocks or paving stones can be both functional and fun. A short wall can reduce erosion, increase seating options, define the border of outdoor entertaining areas, make your yard more attractive, and corral your guests in designated areas in your yard.

30. Walls and Fences

Walls and fences provide solid boundaries for your property or for different sections within your property. They define areas, enhance privacy, add a layer of protection for your family and pets, and increase your home’s curb appeal.

31. Pergola or Arbor

Pergolas and arbors are functional hardscape ideas that can provide shade, act as a trellis for vining vegetation, and beautifully define outdoor living areas.

32. Privacy Screens

Privacy screens, such as fences, walls, lattice, or shade sails, are functional hardscape features that allow you to more fully enjoy your outdoor entertaining areas. They can block the view of nosy neighbors, hide a less-than-appealing view and make your outdoor living spaces feel more intimate and defined.

33. Gazebo

This is a great hardscape option if you have the space and the budget. Because a gazebo has a roof, a floor and some sort of walls, building one is a bit like building an additional room onto your home. You can use it as an outdoor dining room, living area, meditation and yoga space, writer’s retreat, or a place to simply steal away with a good book. 

The level of maintenance your gazebo requires will depend on the type of material with which it is constructed, but if it replaces an area of vegetation in your yard, you can be sure that you will save time and water by transforming that area into a functional outdoor living space in the form of a gazebo.

34. Rock Garden

Rock gardens use natural elements to create water-saving hardscapes that require very little maintenance. By using natural rocks, gravel, and drought-tolerant plants, rock gardens require little upkeep and help conserve water while adding visual interest to your yard.

35. Chessboard

If you have a large space you would like to improve with a unique, interesting focal point, you might need an over-sized, outdoor chessboard for your backyard. Wherever you decide to place it, it will limit weed growth and reduce irrigation needs, while also impressing your guests and encouraging social interaction and outdoor activity.

Affordable Hardscape Options for Your Yard

​​Transforming your outdoor space doesn’t have to be expensive. Budget-friendly hardscape options like gravel, bark, and wood chips are perfect for creating walkways, garden beds, or filling in bare patches of land. These materials are not only affordable but also help with drainage, reduce weed growth, and require minimal maintenance. 

Concrete stepping stones and rubber mulch also offer low-cost alternatives with long-lasting benefits, such as creating defined pathways and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

By mixing and matching these affordable materials, you can design a functional and visually appealing outdoor space. To make the most of your budget, consider consulting with a landscape contractor. Many offer flexible pricing options that allow you to achieve a beautiful, low-maintenance yard within your budget.

Incorporating hardscaping into your outdoor space is a great way to enhance its functionality, beauty, and value. Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing retreat or a space perfect for entertaining, the right hardscape features can transform your yard into a true extension of your home. 

When you’re ready to take the next step, Install-It-Direct can help in creating custom landscape designs and paver installations in San Diego. Our team offers free consultations to help you plan the perfect outdoor space. Reach out today and let’s get you started!

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If you need a bit more privacy for your paving stone patio or have an outdoor entertaining area that is a little too visible to your neighbors, it may be time to find some fast-growing, attractive options for creating a privacy screen. Of course, if you live in Southern California, you will most likely be interested in low-water choices, so here are 10 drought-tolerant privacy hedge options for you to consider.

1. Texas Privet:

Texas privet, as well as other privet varieties, are popular choices for Southern California hedges. Unlike some privets, Texas privet grows to a manageable height, which makes it a bit easier to care for as it acts as a privacy hedge for your outdoor entertaining areas. This is a fast-growing, evergreen option with white flowers. While your privets will need some extra water during times of excessive heat or drought, this is a low-water landscaping option. As an added bonus, it is also a good addition for fire-resistant landscaping.

2. Coyote Brush:

This drought-tolerant shrub is also known as coyote bush or chaparral broom and is native to the West Coast, including Southern California. It generally grows up to about nine feet in height and provides a dense, flowering privacy hedge that requires little water once established.

3. California Wax Myrtle:

Myrica californica also goes by the names Pacific wax myrtle and California bayberry and is considered a large shrub or small tree. This low-water privacy landscaping option can grow quite tall — up to about 30 feet — and this one is a particularly good choice for coastal San Diego and Southern California homes, since it does just fine in clay or sandy soils and can handle salt spray from the ocean. An interesting note to add is that wax myrtles have historically been used for medicinal purposes and to make soap and candles.

4. Manzanita:

There are more than 100 varieties of manzanita, so you will want to speak to someone at your local garden center to find out which they have available and which will work best for your inland or coastal Southern California garden. Manzanitas are native to this part of the country, so they are very drought tolerant and thrive with little care. Historically, manzanitas have been used for medicinal purposes, the berries have been used for food, and Native Americans used the leaves to brush their teeth. The attractive branches are often used decoratively.

5. Bay Laurel:

You are probably most familiar with bay laurels as the origin or the bay leaves we use when making soups and sauces, but this evergreen shrub or small tree can also be used to create a natural privacy screen. While bay laurels are not native to California, they are native to the Mediterranean region, which means they will also grow well here. They require regular water until established. Once established, this drought-tolerant privacy hedge option will need supplemental water during times of extended heat or drought. Bay laurels can be allowed to grow in their natural form or trimmed for a cleaner look.

6. California Lilac:

This member of the genus Ceanothus is native to California and most often called California lilac, but it is not actually related to the lilacs you might have growing elsewhere in your garden. It has attractive flowers that can range in hue from white to blue and can reach heights upwards of 20 feet, depending on the cultivar you choose. For drought-tolerant privacy hedges, you may want to choose shorter options, such as the blue mound cultivar. This one is a particularly good choice is you are also looking for ways to attract pollinators to your garden.

7. Indian Hawthorn:

This flowering, evergreen shrub is native to Asia, but can be drought tolerant in Southern California gardens once established. If you are looking for a privacy hedge that also adds a pop of color to your yard, you will love the beautiful, pink blooms on the Indian hawthorn. This low-water privacy screen option can be allowed to grow in its natural form or can be pruned to suit your needs. You will need to be careful when selecting your Indian hawthorn to make sure you plant a cultivar that will grow into a sizable privacy hedge for you; rather than, low, mounding varieties.

8. Heavenly Bamboo:

Heavenly bamboo is also known as sacred bamboo and nandina and is widely available in garden centers and at home improvement stores. It is native to Asia but has become very common in North America. This evergreen shrub can grow to more than six feet tall and about five feet wide, but you will need a bit more patience as you wait for this slow-to-moderate grower to reach privacy screen status. However, it is worth the wait and is a very low-maintenance plant that requires no pruning and little care.

9. California Buckthorn:

Also known as California coffeeberry, this flowering shrub is a California native and most often grows to about six feet in height. The branches generally have a reddish hue, which adds an additional level of color to your garden. The berries, which were historically used for food and medicinal purposes by Native Americans, can be eaten or made into coffeeberry jam. If you are looking for a drought-tolerant hedge that will attract pollinators to your yard, this is a good choice.

10. Texas Ranger:

Also known as Texas sage, this beautiful, evergreen shrub is not actually a member of the sage family, but is quite drought tolerant in Southern California. This option can grow to about eight feet tall and eight feet wide and produces purple flowers that nicely complement the silver-green foliage. Your Texas ranger will do best and flower most with regular, deep watering, but it will also do just fine with infrequent watering in a dry climate.

Drought-Tolerant Privacy Hedge Options: Additional Tips

Remember that even drought-tolerant plants and shrubs need to be watered until they are established and will continue to need supplemental water in times of excessive heat or extended drought.

By adding a layer of mulch around the base of your privacy hedge each year, you will help the soil retain moisture and limit the growth of weeds that will compete with your hedge for water.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance): Wikimedia Commons/Evangele19; Wikimedia Commons/J.smith; Wikimedia Commons/Ben Cody; Wikimedia Commons/Ellen Levy Finch; Wikimedia Commons/Giancarlo Dessi; Wikimedia Commons/Stan Shebs; Wikimedia Commons/BotBln; Wikimedia Commons/Brofri; Wikimedia Commons/Open$0urce

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Mold generally occurs in damp areas. It is, at best, an unsightly nuisance and, at worst, a health hazard. If you have mold growing on concrete driveways, brick walkways or paving stone patios around your home, the first thing to do is to make sure your children and pets do not have access to the area until you can remove the mold.

Why Remove Mold?

Mold spores can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including shortness of breath, aggravated asthma, sinus congestion, coughing, itchy eyes and much more.

Of course, there is a difference between common molds (like we see on food and sometimes on structures) and the toxic black mold that we hear about on the news. If you think you have toxic black mold growing on your paving stones, concrete or bricks, it is best to bring in mold remediation experts who can safely remove this potential health hazard.

If you have a bit of mold or algae on your exterior surfaces and would like to take care of it yourself, here are some basic algae and mold removal tips to help you get the job done.

Supplies for Removing Mold & Algae

• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Dust mask
• Stiff push broom or deck brush
• Pressure washer
• Vinegar or bleach

Dry Out the Area

Removing the mold or algae will be easier and safer when the surface is dry. When mold is in a damp area and has plenty of moisture, it can more easily send its spores into the air when you start to remove it. You want to limit mold spore movement as much as possible so, if possible, expose the area to sunlight to dry out the mold and surface.

It is also possible to dry the area with a fan or heater that is safe for outdoor use.

Sweep the Area

Once the area is dry, remove as much of the mold or algae as possible with a stiff push broom or deck brush. You may also need to use a plastic scraper to address particularly stubborn areas.

Use a Pressure Washer

If you have a small amount of mold or algae, you may find that the first two steps of drying out and sweeping the area is enough to remove it. If this is not the case, pressure washing is often quite effective in removing mold and algae from pavers, bricks or concrete.

If you do not have a pressure washer, you can purchase one relatively inexpensively to have on hand for this and future projects. You can also rent one or hire someone to power wash your surfaces for you. If you are pressure washing paving stone patios, walkways or driveways, you may need to replenish the joint sand between the pavers after cleaning them. This is typically included in a professional clean and seal paver service. Especially if you hire a specialist who handles pavers in San Diego.

Pressure washing is often all you need to remove mold or algae from hardscapes, but if this does not work, there are other options.

Use Vinegar or Bleach

When you start to see a little mold or mildew on your shower curtain liner, you throw it in the washer with some bleach or vinegar, and it comes out clean and mold free. The same thing can happen for your hardscapes. Bleach should not be the first line of defense for folks who have plants or grass bordering the patio or walkway that has mold, but this is another option you can try if pressure washing does not work.

If you are going to try this approach to remove mold or algae, first try a mixture of white vinegar and water to spray down the area and kill the mold. Vinegar is a great way to get rid of weeds, so you do not have to worry about overspray getting on weeds, but you do need to make sure you do not spray vinegar on wanted plants and that the vinegar does not run off into a natural grass lawn or flower bed. After you have sprayed the vinegar solution on the area and allowed it to work its magic for a few minutes, you may need to use a deck brush or scrub brush to address stubborn areas.

You will then want to rinse the area well with water.

If vinegar does not do the trick, you can also try mixing about a cup of bleach for each gallon of water and using this as your mold-killing spray solution. Bleach can have a greater environmental impact and can even change the color on some bricks and pavers, so you will need to test this option in an inconspicuous area before spraying a large space. You will also need to protect nearby plants and grass, and make sure there is no runoff going into a storm drain.

If you opt for a bleach solution to remove mold or algae, you will need to rinse the area after application. If the mold or algae has stained your hardscape, you may need to repeat this process a second or third time to remove the stain.

Fallback on Commercial Cleaning Products

If vinegar or bleach do not work, or you would prefer to move directly to a commercial solution, you should have no trouble finding effective products at your local garden center or home improvement store.

You can opt for a simple patio or deck wash-type of product that is used for general cleaning if your mold or algae problem is mild. If your hardscape has been stained from the mold or algae, you may need to opt for a mold stain remover. For example, if you just purchased a home where mold or algae has been allowed to flourish for an extended period of time on concrete, brick or paving stones, there may be stains that require a product specifically designed for mold and algae stain removal.

With most of these products, you will spray the area, allow it to work its magic for a few minutes, scrub with a deck brush or push broom, and then rinse the area with water.

Prevent Future Mold and Algae Problems

To prevent future mold or algae issues, make sure the area can dry out regularly and that is has proper ventilation. This may mean pruning overhanging trees or shrubs, moving patio furniture or creating drainage pathways to avoid pooling water.

Install-It-Direct Can Help

Taking care of mold and algae buildup on your paving stones, bricks, or concrete can significantly extend their lifespan and keep your outdoor spaces looking their best.

If you’re considering a new paver project or need professional assistance with installation, Install-It-Direct, a trusted paver installation contractor in San Diego, can provide you with the right expertise. With over 25 years of experience, our team ensures a smooth, stress-free installation, delivering lasting results

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Buying by the cord (or half cord or quarter cord, depending on your needs) means that you are going to need firewood storage. For folks who are not familiar with how to store firewood, this may seem like a simple thing that requires some kind of storage rack but not much thought; however how you store your firewood and where you store it is more important than many folks think.

Firewood piles that are poorly placed or that are not stacked properly are more likely to have issues, such as fungus, mold, or wood that just does not burn well. They are also more likely to have critters living in them, such as rodents or snakes, which leads to additional safety hazards.

Of course, no amount of proper stacking is going to guarantee that your stack will never have mold, mice, or snakes, but you can take some simple steps that will go a long way towards keeping your woodpile as dry, clean, and safe as possible.

To this end, here are seven firewood storage tips to help you properly establish and maintain your woodpile.

7 Firewood Storage Tips

1. Always properly stack your firewood.

Properly stacked firewood is less likely to have insect or rodent infestations and allows your wood to dry into good firewood.

Haphazardly tossing your firewood into a pile or a bin does not allow for adequate air circulation. Air circulation is essential to allowing wood to dry into seasoned firewood, which can only occur if it is properly stacked.

Wood in the middle of the pile is of particular concern, since it is more likely to retain moisture, which could result in fungus, premature decay, or mold. Therefore, if you move into a home with a haphazard pile of firewood or if you otherwise acquire wood that has been stored in this manner, check for moisture issues, stack it properly, and burn the outer pieces first while allowing the pieces in the middle of the pile to dry out before use.

Keeping Your Wood Dry

Most of the moisture in wood is released through the cut ends, which means an important part of keeping your wood dry is making sure your wood is stored with the cut ends exposed. This is something to keep an eye on regardless of the pattern you choose for stacking or what you are using to store your wood.

Most people create single-row stacks of firewood, so you can make sure the cut ends are exposed by placing each piece so that the cut ends are facing the front and back of the stack. There are some stacking methods that include placing each layer facing a different direction to increase airflow, so which way your cut ends face may vary some if you use this type of stacking method.

It may be tempting to pack your wood in as tightly as possible to save space, but resist this urge and stack your wood loosely to allow more air circulation between the logs.

If you are working with split firewood (bark on just one side), then you should also pay attention to the direction in which you stack each piece. For example, if you are stacking your wood on the ground and you are concerned about excessive moisture in the soil, stack your wood with the bark side facing the ground. You should also stack your wood with the bark side facing the ground if your wood is still a bit green and needs to continue drying. If your stack is not covered, you can help protect your dry wood from rain and snow by stacking it with the bark facing up, which will more readily allow the rain and snow to roll off of the wood to avoid absorption.

Keep Your Stack Stable

When stacking your firewood pile or filling your rack, avoid straight, vertical rows. Instead, stack your wood like you would stack bricks if you were building a wall. Columns of bricks stacked directly on top of each other are not stable and are sure to topple. The same goes for your firewood. Overlap your rows as you add height to your stack to help keep it stable.

An unstable stack can fall on pets or children, which makes proper stacking an important safety measure.

Firewood Rack Options

The easiest and most convenient way to store firewood is to use a firewood rack. Racks are easy to find, usually pretty affordable, and come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your needs. They are good for keeping your wood off the ground and organized, and they make it easier to stack your firewood without having to put much thought into it.

You can also make a do-it-yourself firewood rack by hammering stakes into the ground to stabilize the sides of your pile and building a foundation that keeps it off the ground. You can build a cover for it, or you can just cover your pile with a tarp when it is going to rain or snow.

If you stack your woodpile under the eaves of a shed or on a covered patio, there may already be posts or columns that can act as supports for the sides of your stack.

2. Stack your firewood above the ground.

It is best to store firewood at least a few inches off the ground. When stacked directly on the ground, stacks will not have proper air circulation, which can introduce moisture to your pile and will keep your green wood from drying into good firewood. Being in contact with the ground and the introduction of moisture can lead to several issues, including insect infestations, wood that does not burn well, mold, fungus, and bacteria. The insects, bacteria, and moisture can all cause your firewood to decay prematurely.

Build a Foundation

Using a rack for firewood storage is the easiest way to keep your wood off the ground, allow for better air circulation, and avoid or limit some of the above-mentioned issues. If you do not have a rack, you can keep your wood off the ground by creating a foundation on which to stack it. To do this, you can use bricks, cinder blocks, pallets, scrap wood, 2x4s, or even some of your firewood logs.

Foundation Alternatives

If you are not able to build a foundation or use a rack to keep your wood off of the ground, there are some other options for helping to keep your wood dry. One option is to lay gravel before stacking your wood. Having gravel as the base of your firewood storage area enhances drainage.

Another option is to stack your wood on an existing brick, concrete, or paving stone patio. These hardscapes do not hold moisture like soil does, so this will help keep your pile drier. If you choose to stack your firewood on bricks, concrete, or paving stones, keep in mind that this may cause discoloration or staining to the hardscape under the stack.

3. Keep your wood dry.

By now, you are probably picking up on the idea that keeping your wood dry is one of the main goals for proper firewood storage.

Why Does Firewood Need to Be Dry?

Dry firewood is safer and burns better. This is why you should let your firewood age before using it in a fire pit or fireplace. Green wood is freshly cut wood that has not yet properly dried. In most cases, it takes cut wood about six months to become fully seasoned and ready to burn. Burning green wood results in more smoke and a less efficient fire. If you are burning it in a fireplace, it also leads to increased creosote buildup, which can be dangerous. If you are burning it indoors, it can increase the level of carbon monoxide in your home.

When seasoned (dried) firewood is exposed to excess moisture, it also burns at lower temperatures, produces more smoke and steam, does not burn as well, produces more creosote, and is dangerous for your health.

Should I Cover Wood to Keep it Dry?

Green wood is wet because the moisture has not yet left the cells of the wood. Firewood storage for green wood must allow it to breathe and continue to dry so that it can become seasoned wood for use in your fire pit or fireplace. Covering green wood is one of the most common mistakes people make when storing firewood. You should not cover green wood with a tarp or other material unless it is going to rain. If you cover your green wood while it is raining, be sure to remove the cover after the rain stops.

When moisture is introduced to seasoned wood, it can also become wet. Because of this, you should always cover your dry wood when it is going to rain or snow (unless you keep it in a shed or under a shelter). You can cover completely seasoned wood when it is not raining, but this is not necessary and can lead to moisture being trapped or an even more-inviting habitat for critters.

How to Cover Wood

When you use a tarp or other material to cover a woodpile with green or seasoned wood, you do not want to cover the whole stack from the ground to the top. This will not allow your wood to breathe. Instead, cover just the top portion of the stack while leaving the bottom of the stack open and uncovered to allow for air circulation. If you want to cover the stack from the top to the ground when it is raining, make sure you remove the cover when the rain stops to allow airflow to return.

If you want to cover your firewood storage to partially hide it or to keep your wood cleaner, there are some breathable covers that can be used. Some firewood racks come with a full cover that can be used in this manner or to protect your wood from rain. This is fine to use on dry wood, but you should avoid covering green wood – even with a breathable cover – until it is fully seasoned.

If you have the space and the budget, you can build a shed or shelter to use for firewood storage, which allows you to organize and protect your woodpile in a more visually pleasing manner.

4. Do not store firewood indoors.

Now that we are squared away on the importance of keeping your wood dry and only burning dry, seasoned wood, let’s move on to other important considerations, such as where to store it.

It is not a good idea to store firewood inside your house. The convenience of having logs always on hand right by your fireplace is tempting, but it is best to store your firewood outside and only bring the logs you plan to burn that day into the house. This allows you to enjoy your fire without having to go outside every time you need a log while keeping the majority of your firewood safely outside.

Why Store Firewood Outside?

It is almost certain that your firewood is home to a mix of ants, termites, spiders, and other insects you would not want to bring into your home. There could even be mice living amongst your logs. Plus, even if there are no mice living between logs right now, once you bring the stack of wood inside and leave it in one spot for a while, mice, spiders, and other critters might move in.

It is also important to remember that firewood needs an opportunity to dry before it can be burned. Storing green or partially-dried wood inside will not allow the wood to dry out properly. Therefore, while all firewood should be stored outside, it is even more important to always store green firewood outside.

Aside from providing a home for pests and not allowing green wood to dry properly, storing firewood in your house also increases the risk of sparks escaping from your fireplace and igniting your stack of wood.

Indoor Firewood Storage Options

If you prefer storing your wood inside, you can store seasoned firewood in a shed. It is best if this shed is away from your home. If you really want your firewood nearby and do not want to go outside to retrieve it, you could also consider storing it in your garage. This will keep it dry and will ensure that it is convenient to access firewood whenever needed. However, if your garage is attached to your home, you have the same issue of providing a comfortable spot for termites, mice, spiders, and other critters to make homes.

Southern California does not receive enough rain or snow to really worry about your firewood getting wet. Because of this, there is really no reason to worry about storing wood inside to protect it. We receive so little precipitation that you can keep your wood dry with simpler, safer measures, such as covering the top with a tarp when it is going to rain.

5. Do not stack firewood against your house.

A lot of people store firewood stacked against their house. This is a convenient location that keeps the logs close at hand. At the same time, the eaves help protect your wood from rain and snow. These are both good reasons to set up your firewood storage next to your house, but, overall, this is not a good idea.

The most important reason to avoid storing firewood against your house – or even too close to your house – is that it is highly flammable and could easily be ignited by errant sparks from a wildfire or from your fire pit, barbecue grill, chimenea, or patio fireplace.

There is also the issue of creating habitat for critters near windows or doors leading into your home. Having a welcoming habitat so close to entrances invites rodents, insects, and snakes to take up residence just outside your doors or windows. This makes it easier for them to make their way into your home or to become an issue for you, your kids, or your pets as they go in and out of the house. Additionally, stacking anything against your home can create either habitat or a pathway for both mice and rats, which could lead to rodent issues or exacerbate existing issues.

As always, we also have to be concerned about wood staying dry. Air circulation is hindered when wood is stacked against a wall. This slows down the drying process for green wood and increases the chance that your woodpile will retain moisture that can lead to fungus or mold. If you do stack your firewood near a wall or a fence, leave at least a few inches between the structure and the wood to allow for airflow.

6. Keep your firewood storage away from dog runs and play areas.

Keep your pets and children safer by placing your firewood away from areas they frequent. The first reason to do this is to avoid encouraging spiders, snakes, and rodents to live near your dog run or your children’s play area.

It is also safer to keep it away from dog runs and play areas to avoid potential injuries from falling wood. A properly stacked woodpile probably will not topple over, but pets or kids running around and roughhousing could cause your stack to fall on a child or a dog.

7. Keep your firewood storage area clean.

Most folks do not pay a lot of attention to their wood piles, especially during the warmer months when they are less likely to burn wood. This is unfortunate, since an unattended wood stack can become quite unsightly, take away from the overall appearance of your yard, become infested with critters, increase fire risk, and start having moisture issues.

One example is allowing grass or weeds to grow around your woodpile. The first problem with this is that it reduces much-needed air circulation under your pile and around the base of your pile. Allowing weeds or nearby plants to grow around your wood stack also increases the chances of moisture staying in the area and affecting your wood. Additionally, foliage around your firewood storage provides cover for critters who will be more inclined to use the area as a home or as a hiding spot as they move around your yard. And, of course, unchecked weed or grass growth simply makes your firewood stack look unkempt, which takes away from your yard’s overall visual appeal.

Additional Resources You Might Like

• Fire Pit Safety + Maintenance Guide
• Outdoor Fire Pit vs Fireplace: Which One Should I Install?
• Every Backyard Needs an Outdoor Fire Pit
• Is Artificial Grass Fire Resistant?
• What to Know Before Buying an Outdoor Wood-Fired Oven

The post 7 Firewood Storage Tips (Guide) appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

Perhaps words of wisdom from famous people, books and historians might motivate you to work on the garden. Here are thirty-six of the best gardening quotes and sayings out there and a few sharable graphics to keep the inspiration going on Pinterest, Facebook or your platform of choice.

1. No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. -Thomas Jefferson

2. What is a weed? A weed is a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. Ol’ man Simon, planted a diamond. Grew hisself a garden the likes of none. Sprouts all growin’ comin’ up glowin’ Fruit of jewels all shinin’ in the sun. Colors of the rainbow. See the sun and the rain grow sapphires and rubies on ivory vines, Grapes of jade, just ripenin’ in the shade, just ready for the squeezin’ into green jade wine. -Shel Silverstein

4. The best place to find God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. –George Bernard Shaw

5. Earth laughs in flowers. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

6. We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. -Abraham Lincoln

7. All gardeners know better than other gardeners. -Chinese Proverb

8. If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. –Cicero

9. I don’t like formal gardens. I like wild nature. It’s just the wilderness instinct in me, I guess. –Walt Disney

10. Gardening is how I relax. It’s another form of creating and playing with colors. –Oscar de la Renta

11. Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh, how beautiful,’ and sitting in the shade. –Rudyard Kipling

12. It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses we must plant more trees. –George Eliot

13. A good garden may have some weeds. –Thomas Fuller

14. God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures. –Francis Bacon

15. Kiss of the sun for pardon. Song of the birds for mirth. You’re closer to God’s heart in a garden than any place else on earth. –Dorothy Frances Gurney

16. My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece. –Claude Monet

17. Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God. –Thomas Jefferson

18. Do not spread the compost on the weeds. -William Shakespeare, Hamlet

19. Gardening is not a rational act. –Margaret Atwood

20. What’s a butterfly garden without butterflies? –Roy Rogers

21. Love is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch, but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same. –Helen Keller

22. Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. –Oscar Wilde

23. One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. –Dale Carnegie

24. On Saturday afternoons when all the things are done in the house and there’s no real work to be done, I play Bach and Chopin and turn it up real loudly and get a good bottle of chardonnay and sit out on my deck and look out at the garden. –Maya Angelou

25. Gardening is learning, learning, learning. That’s the fun of them. You’re always learning. –Helen Mirren

26. Clarity is the most important thing. I can compare clarity to pruning in gardening. You know, you need to be clear. If you are not clear, nothing is going to happen. You have to be clear. Then you have to be confident about your vision. And after that, you just have to put a lot of work in. –Diane von Furstenberg

27. It’s true that I have a wide range of interests. I like to write and paint and make music and go walking on my own and garden. In fact, gardening is probably what I enjoy doing more than anything else. –Viggo Mortensen

28. If I’m in the country, my big idea is to do nothing. It means talking, it means cooking with the leftovers in the fridge – l’art d’accommoder les restes – it means gardening. –Christian Louboutin

29. My passion for gardening may strike some as selfish, or merely an act of resignation in the face of overwhelming problems that beset the world. It is neither. I have found that each garden is just what Voltaire proposed in Candide: a microcosm of a just and beautiful society. –Andrew Weil

30. To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. –Audrey Hepburn

31. If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. –Vincent van Gogh

32. Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. -Henry David Thoreau

33. Gardening is a humbling experience. –Martha Stewart

34. Almost every person, from childhood, has been touched by the untamed beauty of wildflowers. –Lady Bird Johnson

35. There is nothing pleasanter than spading when the ground is soft and damp. –John Steinbeck

36. Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better. –Albert Einstein

37 (bonus). Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. –Frank Lloyd Wright

38 (bonus). When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not. –Georgia O’Keefe

Your Turn…

Are we missing your favorite gardening quote?

The post Garden Quotes: 36 of the Best Gardening Quotes by Famous People appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

Safety is, of course, a primary concern when selecting playground equipment, choosing a ground cover option and installing the play set, but you also want to make sure that your playground area fits with the overall look of your landscaping and will add to – not take away from – the overall visual appeal of your home.

Most playground sets with swings, slides and other enticing features are made from plastic, metal or wood. Each of these has its pros and cons, but play sets made from any of these material options can be incorporated into your landscaping for a seamless transition from the play area to other functional areas of your yard or common area.

This is particularly true if you choose groundcover options for playgrounds that visually complement other ground covers and landscaping features in the area.

Focusing on Safety from the Start

Since safety is one of the most important features of any children’s play area, this should be a consideration from the very beginning of the design process.

The area you choose for your playground should be a flat, level surface.

If needed, hire a professional to grade the area for proper drainage and to ensure an even surface on which to install your play set.

Look for potential hazards in the area, such as low-hanging branches or utility lines that may be too close to the equipment or the children playing on it.

Exposure to the elements can shorten the life of your playground equipment or increase the need for maintenance.

It can also pose a danger to children if metal equipment gets too hot from direct sunlight or swings are slippery from rain.

Locating your playground under a canopy of trees provides natural shade and protection from the elements.

Alternatively, you may want to consider installing a shade structure to provide protection from the sun.

Make sure the play area surface is significantly larger than the actual play structure to make sure there is plenty of room for a safe landing after launching off of slides or jumping off of swings.

You will also want to define the play space with a border in order to keep your ground cover where it belongs, provide a designated area for play and help to ensure that your children’s play area harmonizes with your overall landscape design.

A paving stone walkway or patio makes a great border for a play area.

Slip-resistant, skid-resistant pavers can help limit potential injuries while significantly enhancing the visual appeal of your yard or common area.

If you already have a paving stone patio or pool deck, or plan to install one, this will also help integrate your playground area into the rest of your landscape and hardscape.

Finally, you should place your play structure in an area that is easily observed by the adult or adults supervising the children.

If your play set is located in a common area in a multi-family complex, you may want to add benches or other seating for parents watching their children play.

You will also want to make sure that your play area is well lit and centrally located away from busy streets.

If you are installing a play area in your backyard, make sure it is in a fenced area and that you can watch your child play from your kitchen window or patio.

Choosing a Ground Cover for Your Playground or Play Area

Ideally, the groundcover for your play structure will be safe, low maintenance, attractive and affordable.

You may need to balance these by spending a bit more for a safer option or accepting the need for some maintenance to ensure visual appeal, but these are the four basic features most property owners look for in play area ground cover options.

Here are some pros and cons of the most popular playground ground cover options to help you decide which one is best for you.

1. Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is an affordable option that is often used for parking areas, dog runs and playgrounds.

It provides a natural look at an attractive price and can help limit weed growth but does not provide a lot of protection for soft landings.

It is a low-maintenance landscaping material, which may appeal to some property owners, but parents might not find the bumps and scrapes nearly as appealing.

Additionally, the gravel may hide potential hazards, such as broken glass, and small pieces of gravel can become lodged in the tread of children’s shoes, which can lead to it being tracked into your home or scratching wood or laminate flooring.

If should, of course, also be noted that gravel of any type can be a choking hazard.

This may be of particular concern if small children will be using the play area.

Overall, gravel ranks high for being inexpensive, attractive and easy to install; however, the safety concerns and potential damage to flooring mean that this one may not be the best choice for backyard playgrounds.

2. Rubber Mulch

Shredded rubber mulch is a newer player on the playground scene and is quickly growing in popularity, particularly for its ability to provide a nice cushion when children fall.

This springy material also acts as a weed barrier and is a low-maintenance option for play areas, which increases its appeal for homeowners.

It can, however, get dirty after long-term use, is more likely than some other options to escape your play area border and might get tracked into the house after children play outdoors.

It should be noted that much of the rubber mulch available is made from recycled rubber, such as car and truck tires.

While recycling this rubber and using it for other purposes is an eco-friendly choice, some recycled tire mulch may contain unwanted contaminants.

Purchasing from a well-known, trusted rubber mulch company should help you avoid this; however, you may want to research the potential long-term effects of exposure to rubber before opting for this more expensive option.

One more thing to be aware of is that new rubber chips may smell a bit when the temperature rises on hot summer days.

Rubber playground mulch is a good choice for parents looking for a mostly low-maintenance option that provides a softer place to fall while playing.

While you may need to spend a bit more time sweeping or raking to keep it in the playground area, you may find that it is worth it in exchange for a softer surface on which your children can play.

Rubber mulch is generally more expensive than some other play area ground cover options, and there may be concern over long-term exposure to these small bits of rubber.

3. Poured Rubber and Rubber Tiles

Solid rubber playground surfaces are becoming a common sight in neighborhood parks and under schoolyard play structures.

Rubber tiles and poured rubber surfaces are slip resistant, easy to maintain and available in a variety of thicknesses to meet varying needs.

They also drain well, provide a level and even surface for playing, and are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Additionally, they can be purchased in an array of colors that makes it easy to match your play area to other outdoor living spaces in your yard or common area.

This popular playground surface option is considered one of the safest, but it is also one of the most expensive, making it a bit too pricey to fit into many property owners’ budgets.

However, if the price is not a problem, this one should be high on your list of considerations due to the level of safety it offers, the limited maintenance requirements and its visual appeal.

There should be fewer potential health concerns related to rubber tiles or poured rubber as compared to rubber mulch, because it is not tiny particles that can be breathed in or swallowed, but you should still do your own research to make sure you are comfortable with this option.

4. Natural Grass

Using natural grass as a ground cover option provides a natural look that many homeowners prefer and is a popular choice for under backyard play structures, particularly since this often means simply placing the play set on an existing lawn.

However, natural grass has several downfalls when considered for this use.

Firstly, it is the highest-maintenance option out of all of the popular choices for playground ground covers.

Because real grass must be mowed, weeded, fertilized and watered, it also has the highest ongoing maintenance costs.

Grass is also prone to pests, bacterial buildup and uneven spots that can increase the risk for tripping and falling.

It is slippery when wet, cannot be used after rain until it has had time to dry out, and creates a situation where mud and wet blades of grass will be tracked into your home if your children walk or play on it too soon after rain or irrigation.

Homeowners or community managers considering the use of natural grass in a play area, should first read our blog post, “Is Artificial Grass Safer than Natural Grass for Outdoor Play Areas?”, which takes a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of both options.

Finally, the water required to keep natural grass looking its best can damage your playground equipment by causing rust on metal play sets and causing wood play sets to rot.

The amount of water required to keep a natural grass lawn green and lush can also be an issue in times of drought, which occurs often in areas like Southern California.

This is one reason many homeowners are moving away from having natural grass at all and towards low-maintenance, drought-tolerant alternatives.

5. Artificial Grass

Synthetic turf provides an even, level playing surface that drains well, never needs weeding or watering, provides the lush look of natural grass, and offers a softer cushion for rough play or awkward landings.

The initial installation of artificial grass is more expensive than installing sod or planting grass seeds; however, this low-maintenance landscaping option can save you time and money far into the future when you compare its limited ongoing maintenance needs to the extensive maintenance required to keep natural grass green and healthy.

Occasionally rinsing off and fluffing up the fibers is all that is needed to keep manufactured grass looking great, and spills or pet waste + urine is easy to remove, should they occur.

There is no concern over kids tracking wet grass or dirt into the house when they have been playing on artificial turf, and this type of ground cover will blend seamlessly with your overall landscape design.

Fake grass is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and it does not get slippery when wet like natural grass.

One potential downfall of synthetic turf is that it will get hotter than natural grass when in direct sun on hot days.

While it can become uncomfortably hot, the temperature drops immediately when the direct sun is removed or you spray it down with a hose.

Of course, one of the pluses of choosing artificial grass is that you can save thousands of gallons of water, so you may not want to spray it down any more than you have to.

Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this: To avoid the turf getting uncomfortably hot, you can install it under shade trees or you can add a canopy or shade sails to provide shade over the lawn.

If the idea of permanent shade structures does not appeal to you, you can temporarily install a canopy over the area where your children will be playing that day.

You can also help keep your synthetic turf lawn cooler by avoiding black crumb rubber and opting for infills that do not heat up as much in direct sunlight.

In our opinion, it is best to choose artificial grass without crumb rubber infill if it is going to be used in play areas.

There are some studies that show potential health effects connected with repeated exposure to the crumb rubber infill used in some sports fields.

Until this matter is considered settled, it is best to choose other infill options, such as our popular Durafill.

Overall, artificial grass is a low-maintenance playground ground cover option that cushions falls, reduces slipping and tripping hazards, and will last long after your children have outgrown the play structure.

It has higher upfront costs than some other options, but can save significant amounts of water, time and money over its lifespan.

As an added bonus, if you remove the play structure after your children have outgrown it, you will still have a beautiful, functional lawn area that you can use for other purposes.

6. Play Sand

Sand has long been the ground cover of choice for play areas, most likely due to its affordable cost and ability to absorb falls.

It should be noted that shallow sand does not provide good protection when landing, so you will need to make sure to have several inches (ideally about one foot) of sand evenly spread across the area in order for it to be effective for this purpose.

Because sand can shift over time, you will need to check the depth regularly and replenish areas that have become too shallow.

Sand can scrape knees, and some can contain harmful substances that you would not want around your pets or children, but if you purchase sand that is specifically intended for play area use, it should be softer and safer than other types.

If pets share this space, you may want to keep in mind that both cats and dogs often prefer using sandy areas as a restroom.

One of the biggest downfalls of sand being used as a ground cover under a play structure is its ability to get inside socks, outside of play area borders and into your house.

Sand is certainly an affordable option that will work in a playground setting, but it is also a messy one that may become annoying over time.

If you like the idea of building sand castles or playing in the sand with your kids, but are not as keen on the potential mess, you might want to consider installing a sandbox as a smaller feature in your playground or creating a beach area in another section of your yard.

7. Wood Chips and Mulch

Wood chips and mulch are generally more expensive than sand or pea gravel, but they also provide a superior visual appeal that will complement any type of landscaping.

These options are available in a range of colors, which makes them even more appealing to homeowners who care about the look of their yard, but there are a few downfalls to consider.

Both wood chips and mulch can hide hazards (like broken glass), be prone to mold and make a good habitat for insects (like fleas), which makes them less than ideal for a children’s play area.

Both options can be swallowed by kids and present a choking hazard when used in areas frequented by young children.

And, of course, any wood product comes with the potential for splinters; however, there are wood chips specifically made for playgrounds that are made in a way that reduces the chance of getting splinters.

Mulch and wood chips tend to lose their color and texture over time and will require regular refreshing to stay looking their best.

Additionally, most of the bags of bark or wood chips you will find at your local garden center or home improvement store are made with dyes that enhance the color.

Therefore, if you choose this affordable option, be sure to look for all-natural products that do not have dyes or unnecessary chemicals.

8. Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)

Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a common material used in public playgrounds and is increasing in popularity for home use.

This attractive, slip-resistant option provides a springy cushion for falls and is generally considered a better option than mulch or wood chips.

It is made from wood, which means it will biodegrade over time and require replenishment.

Since it is generally more expensive than wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel or natural grass, this may make it a less appealing option for some property owners.

If you choose this option, make sure you purchase EWF that is made from virgin wood, since engineered fibers made from used wood may contain contaminants.

Playground Surface Materials: Final Thoughts

Have you installed a play structure at your home or in a common area in your multi-family complex?

If so, which playground surface did you select, and why?

Let us know in the comments below!

Photo Credits (in order of appearance): morgueFile, Penywise; morgueFile, kenny123; morgueFile, gracey; morgueFile, sideshowmom; morgueFile, nurbis; morgueFile, sideshowmom

The post Backyard Playground: Best Ground Cover Options appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

Even the most well-maintained concrete slab patios, driveways and garage floors suffer the accidental stain. If you entertain outdoors or just use your house like the average person does, making a mess on the concrete is a fact of life whether nature, your guests or you are responsible.

Take a deep breath and don’t stress. We’ve identified the most common household concrete stains and removal methods to try before turning to more drastic measures.

Concrete Stain Removal Tips

1. Don’t scrub concrete with a wire brush, as it can scrape it.
2. Be mindful of rinsing oil and other chemical stains into plants and other sensitive areas, as well as storm drains.
3. Spot test whatever you do on a small, hidden area of your concrete to make sure no further damage will be created by any of these methods.
4. Think about wearing protective clothing, eye wear and gloves, depending on which method you choose.
5. Concrete counter tops require extra precautions, so consult your manufacturer prior to using any of these stain removal tips.
6. Be careful using bleach or other chemicals on colored or stained concrete as it can discolor. Concrete is often colored in shades of grey so check to make sure yours isn’t.
7. Pressure washers can quickly remove dirt, debris and some concrete stains, but it is also easy to misuse them and damage your driveway, walkway or patio. If you think a power washer might be your best option, consider hiring a professional with experience pressure washing concrete, or do a bit of research on how to properly use a power washer to remove stains without damaging your concrete.

Removing Red Wine Stains

There’s no use in crying over spilled wine. If the spill is caught early, simply blot or wash it into a drain right away. After rinsing or blotting the initial spill, apply a 1:1 ratio of water to white vinegar and scrub with a sponge soaked with water and dish soap. Then simply rinse and blot dry.

If the stain is older or set-in, you can take the following steps to remove it.

Supplies Needed

• Tea tree oil
• Glycerin
• White vinegar
• Sponge with rough scrub side

Red Wine Stain Removal Instructions

1. Add a few drops of tea tree oil and glycerin (can be purchased at a drugstore) to a few quarts of water in a bucket.
2. Scrub the wine stain with the mixture and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Don’t let it dry too quickly–apply more if necessary.
3. Scrub again and rinse. Increase the amount of tea tree oil and glycerin if the stain isn’t lifted.
4. Apply glycerin with a damp sponge on any remaining stain and repeat the cycle.

Removing Potted Plant Stains

They’re so pretty, but moving potted plants around often leaves behind a stain from water getting trapped beneath the pot.These can be tough to remove, so we offer you options ranging from simple to severe.

Supplies Needed (in order of stain severity)

• Dish soap
• Sponge
• Dry detergent
• Distilled white vinegar
• Bleach
• Trisodium Phosphate

Potted Plant Stain Removal Instructions

1. Using water and dish soap, scrub the stain and rinse.
2. If this doesn’t work, sprinkle dry detergent over the wet area and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Pour hot water (be careful not to burn yourself) over the detergent and scrub well.
4. Repeat as needed.

Stain still showing?

5. Cover it with distilled white vinegar and leave for a few hours without allowing it to dry.
6. Next, try a 1:2 ratio of oxygenated bleach and water. Apply and let it soak for 10 minutes.
7. Scrub using more hot water.

Lastly, try trisodium phosphate which can be bought at a hardware store. Keep children and pets away from it.

8. Mix 1 cup of trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon of water and leave on the stain for 20 minutes. If you can, blot it up versus rinsing, as it will kill plants.

Removing Mildew

Mildew is unattractive and can cause respiratory issues. Aside from being a health hazard, it’s also slippery and can make walking on your concrete unsafe. Mildew often results from moisture trapped by plants covering areas of concrete. To help prevent mildew, make sure to keep plants pruned and away from the concrete. It’s important to kill the mildew and sometimes the sun and ventilation is enough to do that. If the sun doesn’t do the trick, you’ll need a mildewcide.

Here is a recipe for a mildewcide developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Products Laboratory that can be mixed up at home.

Mildewcide Recipe

1. Pour 1 quart of chlorine bleach into 3 quarts of water.
2. Add 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent.
3. Apply with a brush to mildew stains.
4. Let it sit until the black or green stains turn white, but don’t let it dry.
5. Rinse off.

Removing Moss and Algae

Moss and algae can spread rapidly if not controlled. Using Simple Green, a scrub brush and a hose can help small areas. Or, try distilled white vinegar and a scrub brush. For larger areas, homeowners report success eliminating algae by attaching a liquid fertilizer delivery device to the end of a garden hose and filling it with pool chlorine. For additional options, read this guide on removing moss from paving stones. Most of the methods will also work to remove stains on concrete.

Removing Sidewalk Chalk

If left for long periods of time, even chalk that’s meant to be used on the sidewalk can be difficult to remove. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to remove any lingering chalk masterpieces from your concrete.

Chalk Stain Removal Instructions

1. Using a brush and water, rinse off as much sidewalk chalk as possible.
2. Next, apply Soft Scrub and work in a circular motion. If you prefer avoiding commercial cleaners, you can also create a paste by mixing baking soda and water for use a mild abrasive.
3. Rinse.

Removing Coffee Stain

You let the dog out first thing in the morning and trip over the door sill– launching coffee all over the concrete patio. It happens to the best of us. Coffee is tannic, like wine, so you can use a 1:4 ration of glycerin to water on a sponge to scrub and remove it. After scrubbing, rinse and repeat as needed.

Removing Crayon

Unfortunately, crayons don’t always stay on the paper. Washable crayons will probably remove with soap and water, but non-washable crayons are a different story.

Crayon Removal Instructions

1. Try using an oil-based lubricant or cleaner like Goo Gone or WD-40.
2. Use a scrub brush or toothbrush to get the crayon out.
3. Wipe away the crayon and cleaner.
4. If there’s an oil-like film remaining, use dish soap and water to remove it.

Removing Rust Stain

Patio furniture, garden tools and other metal objects can leave a dreaded rust stain on a concrete patio or driveway. Luckily, a few surprising pantry items can help wash them away.

Rust Stain Removal Instructions

1. To eradicate, mix unsweetened Kool-Aid lemonade with hot water.
2. Scrub and rinse.
3. No Kool-Aid? Pour distilled white vinegar over the stain and let it soak in for a few hours.
4. Repeat.
5. Then, scrub the stain with a brush, blot occasionally while scrubbing to absorb rust.
6. Rinse well.

Removing BBQ Grease

If your juicy steak splattered grease on the concrete patio, don’t panic. You can remove the stain with items you already have at home.

BBQ Grease Removal Instructions

1. make a paste of powdered laundry detergent and water.
2. Cover the stain with 1/4 inch of paste and securely tape plastic wrap on top.
3. Leave for 24 hours.
4. Scrub and rinse.
5. Repeat, if necessary.

Removing Oil And Grease

Working on your car and accidentally knock over a can of oil? Here’s how you can quickly clean up a fresh oil or grease spill at home.

Oil and Grease Removal Instructions

1. Grab paper towels and mop up the excess liquid.
2. Make sure to dispose of them safely.

From here, you have several options.

3. Scrub with some dish soap and water using a old towel or nylon scrub brush.
4. Blot up the excess liquid, as it’s not the best thing in the world to rinse it elsewhere.

Another strategy that works well is using kitty litter to soak up the liquid.

5. Cover the area with kitty litter and grind it in wearing old shoes. (Consider wearing a mask to avoid inhaling any kitty litter dust.)
6. Sweep up the kitty litter and rinse the area.
7. If this does not work, you may try spraying a generous amount of WD-40 over the stain.
8. Blot up and make sure to rinse the liquid off of the area.
9. If the WD-40 also does not work, you can try spraying a generous amount of oven cleaner on your grease stain.
10. Let sit 5-10 minutes and use a high-pressure hose to rinse off.
11. Repeat, if necessary.

Removing Berries and Other Dark Fruit Stains

The sun can dry stepped-on berries into an unsightly stain. In this case, using soap will actually cause the stain to set. Follow the directions below to remove berry stains properly.

Supplies Needed

• Flour
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Plastic wrap
• Tape

Berry Stain Removal Instructions

1. Mix flour and hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste similar in consistency to peanut butter.
2. Cover the stain with the paste in a layer that’s about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Securely tape plastic wrap over the paste and let sit for 24-48 hours. As the paste dries, it will lift the berry stain from the concrete.
4. You may need to repeat this a few times to achieve victory.

Preventing Commercial Salt Stains

If you live in an area where it snows, instead of using commercial salt to melt the snow in your walkways and driveways, use baking soda. The commercial salt can stain; whereas, baking soda doesn’t.

Removing Leaf Stains

As pretty as foliage is, the compounds that give it gorgeous color can actually be absorbed into concrete. If fallen leaves have left unsightly stains on your concrete, follow the instructions below.

Leaf Stain Removal Instructions

1. Scrub a mixture of dish soap and water on to the stain and rinse it off using high pressure from a garden hose with a nozzle.
2. It this doesn’t work, repeat using OxiClean instead of dish soap.
3. Let it sit on the wet stain for about 10 minutes or so, then scrub in a circular motion.

Removing Pet Urine

Fido doesn’t always make it to the grass to relieve himself. Fortunately, most pet stores carry safe, enzymatic urine removal products. If you have a pet, it’s wise to keep some on hand to tackle tough urine stains and odor. If you don’t have any and need to take care of a stain now, try the tips below!

Pet Urine Removal Instructions

1. First, scrub the concrete stain with dish soap and water in order to remove as much urine as possible. (If you catch the stain early, this might be all you need in addition to some sunshine.)
2. Odor can be further reduced by an application of distilled white vinegar; however, the pet store products are most effective.

Did you know that you can identify pet urine on concrete with a black light? Take a look at Urine Zero: The Pet Odor / Urine Smell Remover

Removing Cigarette Stains

The person who tossed that cigarette butt on your concrete had better have brought washing soda as a hostess gift.

You can buy washing soda (it’s different than baking soda) at almost any store that sells cleaning supplies or turn your baking soda into washing soda by sprinkling some onto a half-sheet pan (or similar) and bake it at 400 degrees until it loses luster and becomes grainy.

Of course, just buying washing soda is easier, but it does require a trip to the store.

Use a mixture of washing soda and water along with a brush to scrub the stain out.

Your best bet is to diligently spray down and seal outdoor concrete regularly, because it is so porous.

The other reason why keeping liquid from absorbing into concrete is important is because it puts stress on the concrete, leading to cracking.

Final Thoughts…

If the above stain removal measures don’t work, contact a professional.

And, don’t panic–concrete stains are a part of life so no one expects it to look flawless forever.

The post Concrete Stain Removal: How to Remove 15 Common Outdoor Stains appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

Walkway lights serve several purposes, such as keeping your guests and your landscaping features safer, as well as enhancing the visual appeal of your yard. The key is choosing the right path lights for your project to ensure proper illumination and a look that will complement your landscaping and your home’s architectural features.

Here are five reasons to install walkway lights, as well as tips and ideas to help inspire you.

Walkway Lights Ideas: 5 Reasons to Install Walkway Lighting

1. Guide Your Guests: Walkways are meant to guide traffic and lead the way to your front door, to outdoor living areas or through your garden. If your pathways are ever used in the evening, early in the morning or after dark, walkway lighting is essential in allowing your walkways to serve their primary function. Path lights guide your guests from parking areas to your home and help them easily go between outdoor entertaining areas after the sun goes down, which makes them an integral part of landscaping design for frequent hosts.

2. Increase Safety: Illuminating walkways keeps you and your guests safer by casting light on potential tripping hazards and defining walkway borders to keep you on the designated path. As an added bonus, any type of landscape lighting helps increase the security of your property by illuminating your yard and making your house less appealing to potential intruders.

3. Protect Your Plants: Providing your guests with well-lit, easily identified, designated walking areas will help keep them from walking across your lawn or mistakenly stepping on plants and flowers. This means that walkway lights not only increase the safety of your guests; they also keep your plants and other landscaping features safe.

4. Enhance Visual Appeal: Outdoor lighting serves functional purposes, such as making your walkways safer and controlling traffic, but it can also be an attractive finishing touch that can completely transform your landscaping. Pick a style that complements your landscaping and architectural features and see just how much adding a well-designed lighting system can instantly improve the look of your yard.

5. Upgrade Your Walkway: Adding walkway lighting is a great way to upgrade any type of walkway. For example, you can add even more visual interest to an existing paving stone walkway by adding lights along the border. You can benefit from this upgrade option even more if you have a simple gravel, bark or wood chip path that could use a bit of elevation in the style department.

5 Pathway Lighting Tips and Ideas

1. First and foremost, your path lights should be part of your overall landscape lighting design. Some homeowners add walkway lights almost as an afterthought, which can take away from the cohesion and overall visual appeal of your lighting system.

2. Motion sensor lights can add visual interest as they illuminate one or two at a time as you or your guests traverse the path. This can give your landscaping a modern feel and add drama to your yard; however, you will need to consider that the area will not be illuminated when the walkway is not in use. This will be fine for some projects but will not work for others.

3. Like most outdoor lighting systems, path lights will be most convenient and serve you best when put on a timer, which will automatically turn them on and off each night. This can help save electricity and save you the hassle of manually turning on and off your lights. This also helps avoid situations where you forget to turn on your landscape lighting before guests arrive or family members return home from a late night at work.

4. In some cases, the best lights for walkways are solar-powered options. This is particularly true for those who do not want to have to worry about transformer locations or their dogs digging up electrical lines. For example, if the walkway you want to illuminate is a good distance from the nearest power source, solar pathway lights might be your best bet. Solar-powered landscape lighting that has no wires and does not need a transformer is also generally easier to install in areas that are particularly rocky, steep or difficult to get to.

5. Even in sunny Southern California, solar lights are not always the best option. While they are an excellent solution for many landscaping projects, there are particular circumstances where you may not achieve a satisfactory result. For example, walkways that are close to structures or under trees and do not receive adequate sunlight may not be good candidates for solar-powered landscape lights. Your outdoor lighting professional can help you determine the best lighting options for your project.

6. When most of us think of walkway lighting, we think of the typical light fixtures commonly seen lining paths in residential settings. These usually consist of a globe atop a short post that casts light from just above the path. This type of outdoor lighting is easy to find, can be quite attractive and serves its purpose well. However, do not feel bound by this one style of lighting simply because it is what we most often see. There are many other ways to light walkways and one of those might better suit your needs.

For example, you can illuminate your walkways with lampposts, downlights mounted on a fence or other structure, under-eave lights for paths adjacent to buildings, wall lights or sconces, step lights, or downlights placed high in trees to create a more natural-looking moonlit effect.

To learn more about walkway lighting or begin designing your outdoor lighting system, contact Install-It-Direct at (858) 925-3000 to speak to a design consultant today.

Landscape Lighting: Further Reading

• Driveway Lights Guide: Outdoor Lighting Ideas + Tips\
• Halogen vs. LED Landscape Lighting (Which One Is Best?)
• Landscape Lighting Maintenance Tips (How to Avoid Costly Repairs)
• How to Increase Your Curb Appeal with Landscape Lighting (PRO Tips)
• 2017 Landscape Lighting Trends (Ideas + Tips)

The post Pathway Lighting Tips + Ideas (Walkway Lights Guide) appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.

Alternatives to Grass for your Backyard

For some, saving money is a key concern, and grass alternatives that require little or no water, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides or gas-powered equipment is an appealing way to enjoy significant savings while still having a beautiful yard. For others, mowing, watering, feeding, weeding, edging and aerating a natural lawn is just too time consuming, and the cost of hiring landscape professionals to care for their lawn is just as undesirable.

Other homeowners look into grass alternatives as part of their efforts to lower their home’s impact on the environment, since conventional lawns require more than their fair share of water, and common lawn care products – like chemical-laden herbicides and pesticides – are harmful to the environment and are linked to a variety of health issues.

You can save money and time, limit your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals, decrease your environmental impact and still have a great-looking yard by replacing your lawn or decreasing your lawn space by choosing one of the alternatives listed below.

Low-Maintenance Grass Alternatives: Things to Consider

If you are looking into installing landscaping that does not include natural grass, replacing your current lawn or reducing the size of your lawn, there are a few things to consider to help ensure that you are making the right choice.

One of the most important considerations is determining how you want to use your yard.

• Is your front yard just for looks, or do you want it to serve an additional purpose?
• Do you want your backyard to be a place where your children or pets can play?
• Do you plan on entertaining guests often?
• Do you enjoy grilling and cooking outdoors enough to invest in an outdoor kitchen?
• Are there particular features you would like to include, such as a vegetable garden, children’s playground, dog run or putting green?

How you want to use your yard will have a significant influence on planning your low-maintenance landscaping, so be sure to consider your needs before you begin the design process.

The Cost of Grass Alternatives

Once you have decided how you want to use your yard and what features you would like to include, the next step is considering your budget.

For example, an outdoor kitchen would be an excellent addition to any backyard, but they can become quite pricey quite quickly, particularly when you add in running electricity and a water line to your patio. But if your budget does not allow for a full backyard kitchen, you still might be able to install a built-in barbecue and design a wallet-friendly alternative.

Or, if an in-ground rock fire pit is above your budget, you could still create a cozy place to stargaze or entertain with an affordable, portable fire pit and inexpensive patio furniture.

Lawn Replacement Maintenance Requirements

The next thing on your to-do list for planning your yard is to decide just how low maintenance you want it to be.

Do you want a yard that requires the least amount of maintenance possible?
This might mean designing a yard that is mostly made up of hardscape features and low-maintenance ground covers, such as a large patio and walkways with gravel or bark as a ground cover. This type of design would require very little maintenance with just an occasional sweeping or rinsing off for the patio, and a bit of raking and freshening up on occasion to keep the gravel or bark looking sharp.

Or would you prefer a bit of greenery that requires just a little maintenance?
This option might include drought-resistant plants, artificial turf, or easy-to-care-for trees or shrubs.

If you know that one of your goals is to avoid having a natural grass lawn or to have just a small lawn, the grass alternatives below will help you design a yard that is inviting and fits your needs. I have also included some pros and cons for each idea in order to help you choose the right lawn alternative for your home and family.

Be sure to check local ordinances — or your CC&Rs, if you live in a community with a homeowners association — before removing your lawn and replacing it with alternatives to grass. Some neighborhoods and areas have specific requirements or regulations governing how you can landscape your property.

Low Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

1. Wildflower Meadow

If you are tired of weekly mowing and rising water bills, try replacing your lawn with a wildflower meadow. Seed mixes are easy to come by at your local garden center, and you can have a beautiful, flowering meadow to enjoy instead of a typical grass lawn.

Pros:

• Easy to grow
• Requires less water than grass
• Provides beautiful flowers during blooming seasons
• Good alternative for slopes, rocky areas and uneven terrain

Cons:

• Will need to be reseeded every few years
• Requires weeding to remove wild grasses and weeds
• Not a hardy option for play areas for pets or children
• Not suitable for high-traffic areas and walkways

2. Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden is a great addition to any backyard and can be an attractive landscaping feature when done right. Install raised planting beds for a tidy, uniform look, and you will have a great family project that lets you grow some of the food you eat.

Pros:

• Saves money by supplying some or most of your family’s produce needs
• Provides a fun activity the whole family can enjoy
• Reduces chemicals in your food if grown without pesticides and herbicides
• Great way to teach kids about how food is grown
• Helps to create functional landscaping

Cons:

• Requires regular watering, which can be accomplished with a drip system
• Requires regular weeding, which can be reduced by using ground covers around plants
• Many plants will need to be replanted for each growing season

3. Herb Garden

An herb garden is an attractive lawn alternative that adds color and texture to your landscaping. Herbs can be planted in borders, raised garden beds or in the ground with meandering pathways that lead through your garden. Aside from colorful blooms and easy care, an herb garden also allows you to grow useful plants that can be used for culinary or medicinal purposes or that can be used in cut flower arrangements.

Pros:

• Adds color and texture
• Versatile planting and design options
• Adds plants for culinary or medicinal purposes
• Most herbs are low maintenance
• Most herbs are easy to grow with children

Cons:

• Some herbs can be toxic or skin irritants for pets or children, so choose plants that are right for your situation
• Some herbs require extra water during times of drought
• Requires regular weeding, which can be reduced by using ground covers around plants
• Some herbs require pruning or deadheading to maintain appearance and health of plant

4. Moss

If you have a shady yard, or a shady area in your yard, moss can be a great, low-maintenance alternative to grass. This low-growing ground cover comes in many varieties, which allows you to choose between a smoother texture or options that look more like grass.

Pros:

• Low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in shade
• Attractive appearance

Cons:

• Most varieties cannot stand up to traffic or playing
• Requires regular watering in drier climates

5. Gravel

Gravel is an economical, simple alternative that can be used anywhere you need a ground cover. Your local garden center or rock yard will have a variety to choose from, giving you some choice in the size and color of gravel you use in your yard.

Pros:

• Essentially no maintenance, unless leaves need to be raked away
• Inhibits weed growth
• Inexpensive
• Requires no water
• Can enhance drainage
• Provides an easy-to-clean surface for dog runs and pet areas
• Inexpensive option for walkways and driveways

Cons:

• Not a good choice for children’s play areas
• Requires additional landscaping features to add color and texture to your yard
• Can pose a choking hazard for small children
• Can be tracked indoors in the tread of shoes

6. Wood Chips or Bark

Using wood chips or bark is a great way to cover ground with a low-maintenance material that is attractive and easy to care for. This affordable option is available at garden and home centers, and can easily be used as a lawn alternative. You may also be able to find free or low-cost wood chips in your area by contacting local tree trimming and removal services or through local programs. For example, San Diego residents can purchase natural wood chips for $24 per cubic yard at Miramar Greenery.

Pros:

• Attractive appearance
• Inexpensive
• Inhibits weed growth
• Requires no water
• Minimal maintenance (raking leaves, refreshing with new wood chips or bark periodically)
• Great for use around plants

Cons:

• Loses color and breaks down over time
• Can pose a choking hazard for small children
• Smaller pieces can be tracked indoors on shoes or paws
• Dyed wood chips and bark should not be used around food plants
• May attract ants, fleas or termites

7. Mulch

Mulch is a low-cost, low-maintenance, attractive alternative to grass that adds color to your yard, limits weed growth and helps to control erosion. You may be able to find free or low-cost mulch through local programs or from tree trimmers in your area. For example, San Diego residents can obtain up to two cubic yards of mulch for free at Miramar Greenery with proof of residency.

Pros:

• Attractive appearance
• Adds color to your landscaping
• Inexpensive
• Great for high-traffic areas
• Can be used in play areas and under play structures
• Inhibits weed growth
• Helps to control erosion
• Requires no water
• Minimal maintenance (raking leaves, refreshing mulch periodically)
• Breaks down over time to add nutrients to soil
• Great for use around plants

Cons:

• Breaks down over time and will need to be replenished
• Can pose a choking hazard for small children
• May be tracked indoors on shoes and paws
• May attract ants, fleas or termites

8. Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch made from recycled tires is available in a variety of colors and is an easy lawn alternative that can last many years with minimal maintenance. Shredded rubber mulch looks like organic mulch and functions in much the same way to limit weed growth and control erosion as a colorful ground cover.

Pros:

• Attractive appearance similar to organic mulches
• Inhibits weed growth
• Requires no water and minimal maintenance
• Generally does not need replenishing for up to 10 years
• Recycled rubber product that keeps tires out of landfills
• Provides soft ground cover for play areas and under play structures

Cons:

• Does not increase soil health
• Should not be used around plants dues to the potential for leaching zinc into the soil
• Significantly more expensive than organic mulch
• Flammable and has been shown to catch fire easier, burn faster and burn hotter than organic mulch
• Questions remain about the safety of recycled rubber products, which is being looked at by the EPA

9. Artificial Grass

Synthetic turf is an ideal option for anyone who wants the look and feel of a natural grass lawn without the extreme water usage, chemicals and maintenance requirements. This low-maintenance option allows you to enjoy a lush lawn that you can use just as you would use a natural grass lawn, but without the frequent, ongoing water usage and high level of maintenance.

Pros:
Provides a lush, green lawn for your front yard or backyard
Good option for areas where pets and children play
Allows you to use your yard just as you would with a conventional lawn
Requires minimal maintenance (learn more about artificial grass maintenance)
Requires no mowing, aerating, weeding, watering, edging or fertilizing
Durable and long lasting

Cons:
Initial installation costs are higher than some other options
Requires some maintenance and water to keep it clean and free of bacteria in pet restroom areas (Pet Urine Odor Solution)

Find out how much artificial grass will cost for your backyard with our fake turf calculator.

10. Patio

Hardscape features of any type will take up space in your yard to allow you to avoid a grass lawn or limit its size. Patios, in particular, are a good option since they provide a high level of utility and can be used to entertain, relax at the end of the day or cook family meals on your grill or in your outdoor kitchen. This is also a good option for combining with an artificial grass lawn for an overall low-maintenance, functional backyard design that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Pros:

• Low-maintenance option
• Many attractive designs available if you choose paving stones or stamped concrete
• Provides a good surface for outdoor entertaining, grilling and more
• Could potentially increase the value of your home
• Easy-to-clean surface for pet areas

Cons:
Can result in scraped knees and elbows if used in children’s play areas

Concrete patios can crack over time

Initial installation costs are higher than some other options

11. Wood or Composite Deck

Replacing a natural grass lawn with a wood or composite deck is an ideal way to increase your functional outdoor living space and lower your property’s irrigation needs. This option is particularly well suited for families who enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors or who entertain regularly.

Pros:

• Low-maintenance option
• Many attractive designs available
• Provides space for outdoor living and entertaining
• Could potentially increase the value of your home
• Composite decks last for many years with minimal upkeep

Cons:

• Wood decks require regular maintenance, including painting or staining and sealing
• Initial installation costs are higher than some other grass alternatives

12. Gazebo

Adding a gazebo to your backyard is a great way to reduce lawn size and can also be included in an overall plan for a no-lawn backyard when used with ground covers, patios and flowerbeds. This attractive addition also provides a space for reading, relaxing, meditation or entertaining.

Pros:

• Provides space for outdoor activities
• Attractive backyard feature
• Increases shade in outdoor living areas

Cons:

• Initial installation cost is higher than some other options
• Requires some maintenance, such as periodic painting or staining

13. Playground

If your natural grass lawn is functioning primarily as a play area, but you would like to remove it to save water and reduce the time you spend caring for your yard, installing a playground might be your best option. Once you remove your lawn and choose the play structures to install, you can use mulch or artificial grass as a ground cover beneath the play equipment.

Pros:

• Creates a fun, inviting space for your children and their guests
• Designates an area for play, leaving other areas for different purposes
• If using artificial grass or similar ground cover, can be used all year and right after rain (unlike natural grass)

Cons:

• Children will outgrow installed play structures
• Limits use of area
• Play structures can be expensive to purchase and have installed
• May require maintenance, depending on the ground cover and play structures you choose

14. Fire Pit

Adding a fire pit with a seating area is a great way to use space in your yard while adding an attractive, useful landscaping feature. A simple rock or paving stone fire pit can be surrounded by gravel, or a patio made from concrete or pavers, to provide a wonderful spot for entertaining guests or roasting marshmallows with your kids.

Pros:

• Low-maintenance option
• Provides space for entertaining and family activities
• Could potentially increase the value of your home

Cons:

• Depending on design and materials, installation costs may be higher than other options

15. Island Flowerbed

Island flowerbeds are good choices for people who either want to reduce their lawn size or replace their grass completely. For reducing lawn size, this type of flowerbed allows you to remove as much or as little as you want of your natural grass lawn. That area can then be planted with low-water, low-maintenance plants that add texture and color to your yard. To replace your lawn completely, you can pair and island flowerbed with another of the options on this list, such as artificial grass, mulch or gravel.

Pros:

• Adds color and texture to yard with or without lawn
• Increases curb appeal

Cons:

• May require regular watering and maintenance, depending on plant choice
• Limits use of area, which can no longer be used in the same manner as a lawn

16. Rock garden

Rock gardens can be small areas with strategically placed boulders and rocks, or they can be the basis of your entire landscape design. By using a variety of rocks and gravels in various sizes, textures and colors, you can create a beautiful, inviting outdoor living area that requires little to no water or maintenance.

Pros:

• May be able to source rocks locally
• Can enhance curb appeal with proper design and installation
• Requires little to no water, depending on inclusion of plants
• Low-maintenance landscaping option
• Can be installed anywhere regardless of heat or freezing temperatures

Cons:

• Can have stark appearance if succulents or other plants are not included
• Small rocks can pose a choking hazard for children

17. Xeriscape/Succulent Garden

If you are replacing your lawn to save money on your water bill and lower your home’s environmental impact, then you really cannot go wrong with xeriscaping. This type of low-water landscaping is popular in Southern California and can be seen throughout the Southwestern United States. The basic principle is to use drought-tolerant native plants and succulents to create a low-maintenance, low-water alternative to natural grass lawns and other water-wasting landscaping options.

Pros:

• Requires very little water
• Very low-maintenance grass alternatives
• Can be combined with a rock garden for added visual interest

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming and costly to initially install and maintain
• Requires some water and care while plants become established

18. Fruit Trees

Replacing your natural grass lawn with a family orchard transforms your lawn area into a functional, food-producing space you can enjoy with your family for years to come. To limit weed growth and make it as low-maintenance as possible, install a drip system and cover the bare earth between trees with mulch, gravel, wood chips or bark.

Pros:

• Adds shade to your yard
• Can lower cost of heating and cooling your home, depending on tree placement
• Adds food-producing trees to your property
• Can increase the perceived value of your home when selling

Enhances privacy of outdoor living areas, depending on tree placement

Cons:

• May block views as trees grow
• Requires regular watering, which can be accomplished with a drip system
• Requires some regular maintenance, such as fertilizing and pruning

19. Lantana

Lantana is incredibly easy to grow in Southern California, is drought-tolerant once established and grows quickly. Make sure you choose a variety that is used for ground cover, because some can grow into sizable shrubs. Plants can be found with white, red, pink, blue, orange or yellow blooms, so you are sure to be able to find one that suits your needs.

Pros:

• Non-invasive, perennial ground cover option
• Adds additional color during blooming seasons
• Deer resistant
• Low-maintenance, living ground cover
• Once it fills in, it will completely cover the ground and limit weed growth

Cons:

• Not appropriate for high-traffic areas
• Requires some maintenance to keep it within the borders as this is a good grower (but not a thug)
• Spiders like to spin webs between the stems (this can be a pro or a con depending on how you feel about spiders)

20. Clover

Clover is a great choice for people who want the look of a natural grass lawn, don’t mind a bit of mowing and are not concerned about a lot of traffic. This pretty ground cover requires little water and stays green all summer without the need for chemical fertilizers. It is an inexpensive option that looks great and can stand up to some traffic.

Pros:

• Lush, green look
• Requires little water and minimal mowing
• Inexpensive option
• Unlike natural grass, can withstand dog urine without brown spots

Cons:

• Requires some mowing
• Not a good option for high traffic areas
• Active pets may damage it more easily than a conventional lawn

21. Creeping Ivy

Creeping ivy is a vigorous grower that will be more than happy to cover your entire lawn area for you. This easy-to-grow option will take root almost anywhere and can even be grown from cuttings or divisions acquired at no cost from a friend or neighbor. While it is beautiful to look at, it can be a bit monochromatic if not paired with other plants.

Pros:

• Easy to grow
• Requires little water once established
• Can thrive in poor soils and poor conditions
• Provides shelter for small wildlife (this can be a pro or a con)

Cons:

• Can be invasive
• Requires regular maintenance to tame it and keep it from taking over your yard
• Can be monochromatic when used in large areas without other plants
• Can slow or stop the growth of other plants
• Provides shelter for small wildlife, such as rodents and snakes (this can be a pro or a con)

22. Creeping Thyme

Creeping thymes are low-maintenance ground cover plants that can even be harvested for culinary or medicinal purposes, depending on the variety you choose. It can be used in light traffic areas or around stepping stones, which allows its fragrance and tiny flowers to add character to walkways. Be sure you choose a variety of thyme that is appropriate for the size of the area you need to cover, since there are both slow- and fast-growing varieties. If you plan to harvest it for culinary or medicinal purposes, it is best to use this lawn alternative away from areas that are used for parking, walking or pet restroom areas.

Pros:

• Drought tolerant once established
• Adds both color and fragrance to your landscaping
• Low-maintenance ground cover that requires no mowing or fertilizing
• Can tolerate light traffic

Cons:

• Can be a slow grower so requires patience to fill in large areas
• Requires regular weeding until filled in
• Not good for high-traffic areas

23. Oregano

Oregano is another herb ground cover option that can be used to replace a natural grass lawn. This attractive choice brings a delightful fragrance to your yard and can handle light-to-moderate foot traffic, depending on the variety you choose. Creeping oregano is a fast grower that only gets about three inches tall, which makes it among the best choices of oregano varieties to use as living ground covers. Remember, if you plan on using your oregano for culinary or medicinal purposes, it is best to use it to replace lawns that are not near areas used for parking, walking or pet restrooms. Alternatively, you can always plant a separate crop in a container or in your herb garden for household use.

Pros:

• Beautiful, fragrant, fast-growing ground cover
• Some varieties can withstand moderate traffic
• Can be harvested for culinary or medicinal purposes
• Limits weed growth once established
• Natural pest repellent for mosquitoes and a variety of other insects
• Can be mowed or left to grow naturally
• Flowering perennial

Cons:

• Mowing every other week is necessary for those who want to maintain a well-groomed look
• Not a good choice for high-traffic areas

24. Prostrate Rosemary

Prostrate rosemary (also called creeping rosemary and trailing rosemary) is an attractive, drought-tolerant option that is ideal for use on slopes and hillsides, particularly if you have a paving stone retaining wall that it can spill over. This type of rosemary has a good root system for controlling erosion and is perfect for replacing a natural grass lawn in a low-traffic area, like a hillside. While it can withstand traffic, it is too bushy to walk on, so this is best used in areas where it can show off its white or bluish-lavender blooms and give off its lovely fragrance without encumbering walking paths. This also keeps it away from children, pets and parking areas if you intend to harvest it for household use.

Pros:

• Adds beautiful color and welcoming fragrance
• Drought-tolerant lawn alternative
• Helps to limit weed growth and control erosion
• Can be planted on hillsides
• Low-maintenance grass replacement
• Attracts pollinators
• Repels mosquitoes

Cons:

• Not easy enough to walk on for use in high-traffic areas
• May not be a good choice near play areas, since it attracts bees when blooming

25. Rosemary Hedges

If you have narrow strips of natural grass bordering walkways, you can replace the grass with rosemary hedges. This will enhance the visual appeal of your yard, add lovely color and fragrance, and allow you to enjoy drought-tolerant greenery along your garden paths. You can also replace a larger lawn area with a maze or labyrinth made from rosemary hedges. This whimsical addition will give your yard an old-world touch and take up plenty of space with an attractive, low-water, living grass lawn alternative.

Pros:

• Adds beautiful color and welcoming fragrance
• Drought-tolerant lawn alternative
• Helps to limit weed growth and control erosion
• Low-maintenance grass replacement
• Attracts pollinators
• Repels mosquitoes
• Can be harvested for culinary or medicinal purposes

Cons:

• Requires regular pruning and shaping if you want a clean look
• May not be a good choice near play areas, since it attracts bees when blooming

26. Low-Growing Shrubs

Low-growing shrubs, such as dwarf myrtle, can be drought-tolerant lawn alternatives that can be left to grow wild, or trimmed for a ground cover that is about one foot in height. Dwarf myrtle does fine in full sun and requires little water once established. It will also crowd out weeds once it fills in and has tiny, white blooms beginning in spring and lasting through summer. Low-growing shrubs are good for erosion control, so they can also be used as a lawn alternative on a slope.

Pros:

• Can be trimmed or allowed to grow naturally
• Low-maintenance grass alternatives when left to grow naturally
• Drought-tolerant
• Enhances erosion control
• Limits weed growth

Cons:

• Not appropriate for traffic areas
• Limits the use of the area
• Will need to include walkways if you need to traverse the area

27. Silver Ponyfoot

The silvery-green foliage of this drought-tolerant ground cover can seriously enhance the visual appeal of your lawn area. Fast growing and low to the ground, silver ponyfoot can thrive in part shade or full sun, which makes it a versatile option for Southern California gardens. It can be grown around stepping stones in a walkway or allowed to spread to fill in an entire lawn area. This one is not a thug, so you can also intersperse it with other low-water ground covers to replace grass.

Pros:

• Drought tolerant once established
• Limits weed growth
• Can be grown with other low-water ground covers
• Spreads quickly

Cons:

• Not good for traffic areas
• Not good for play areas

28. Moneywort (Creeping Jenny)

Moneywort is an invasive thug, which means that it will spread quickly and overtake pretty much anything in its path. Invasive thugs are usually not wanted in gardens, but it does make them a good choice for folks who have a large lawn area to replace. With proper edging and regular efforts to control the spread, moneywort can be an attractive grass alternative that will even grow in shade. Just keep in mind that this thug really will creep, so be aware of this before you plant it.

Pros:

• Spreads quickly
• Can withstand light traffic when used around stepping stones
• Low-maintenance lawn alternative (except for controlling the spread)

Cons:

• Requires regular irrigation
• Must be controlled with edging and regular cutting back or pulling
• Invasive thug plant

29. Creeping Charlie

Like Creeping Jenny, Creeping Charlie is an invasive, fast-spreading ground cover. However, unlike Creeping Jenny, Charlie is not a thug. So, while it will take over your lawn area and every flowerbed and border in sight, it actually can be used among other plants without killing them. Generally considered a weed, Creeping Charlie has soft, attractive leaves and is often grown as a salad ingredient when not being used as a ground cover.

Pros:

• Spreads quickly
• Creates a matted ground cover
• Can withstand light foot traffic
• Can be used around stepping stones
• Can be used to quickly replace an entire lawn

Cons:

• Invasive plant generally considered a weed
• Requires regular maintenance to control spreading behavior

30. Mint

Most gardeners know that all varieties of mint are best planted in containers so that they do not take over the entire garden. However, this invasive quality is precisely what makes mint such a great lawn substitute. If you want an attractive, fragrant, grass-free lawn, mint might be the right choice for you. As an added bonus, you can harvest it for making tea, cooking or medicinal purposes. If you do plan to harvest it, be sure to only take cuttings that are not close to parking areas, pet restroom areas or walking paths.

Pros:

• Fast growing and spreads quickly
• Low-maintenance requirements (except for controlling spread)
• Adds great color and fragrance to yard
• Tolerates some traffic, which releases aroma

Cons:

• Invasive, aggressive grower
• Requires some maintenance to control spread
• Requires regular irrigation

31. Chamomile

Some chamomile varieties can be used as lawn alternatives, such as English chamomile and Roman chamomile. While this grass replacement is fairly time consuming in the beginning, it becomes an attractive, low-maintenance option that can even withstand traffic once it is well established. The small, white flowers on many creeping and low-growing varieties make chamomile lawns particularly appealing.

Pros:

• Low maintenance once well established
• Can be mowed periodically to shear and deadhead
• Attractive, fragrant lawn alternative
• Grows well in sunny areas
• Can withstand traffic once established

Cons:

• Requires a lot of care in the beginning, including watering, weeding, thinning and seeding
• Requires regular watering, particularly in times of drought
• Does not do well in heavy clay soil, which is common in San Diego and surrounding areas
• Cannot walk on a chamomile lawn for at least three to four months after planting

32. Yarrow

Several varieties of yarrow can be used as a dense, traffic-tolerant lawn alternative. Dwarf yarrows are often the best choice for those who want something that looks and acts more like a traditional lawn. Flowering varieties are also a popular choice, since they add more color to your yard. While yarrow is not drought tolerant, it only requires about half of the water needed to keep a natural grass lawn healthy, so it is a water-saving lawn replacement. To create a lawn that can withstand a lot of traffic, mow your yarrow regularly for a denser ground cover.

Pros:

• Requires about half of the water needed for a natural grass lawn
• Attractive, popular grass substitute successfully used in Southern California
• Can withstand traffic

Cons:

• Requires regular irrigation
• May require regular weeding if not mowed regularly

33. Ornamental Grasses

Drought-tolerant ornamental grasses are a good choice for folks who know they need to give up their conventional grass lawn for the sake of the environment, to save money and to save time on yard care tasks but who are not quite ready to completely give up grass. These attractive lawn alternatives require no mowing and little water once established, plus the clumping varieties will grow only where you plant them, so you do not have to worry about invasive spreading. The biggest downside is that most ornamental grasses are only for looks, so this lawn alternative will not work in areas where you actually want to use your lawn. Check out mondo grass for low-growing varieties if you are looking for a shorter grass that will look a bit more like a conventional lawn but without the regular mowing requirements.

Pros:

• Drought tolerant once established
• Clumping varieties are non-invasive
• Low-maintenance landscaping option
• Requires no mowing

Cons:

• Limits use of the area
• Not good for traffic areas

34. Creeping Lilyturf

Lilyturf is an ornamental grass that is a popular lawn substitute but needs to be addressed separately, because its qualities differ from the ornamental grasses mentioned above. Creeping lilyturf, as the name implies, is a creeper, which means it send out runners and will continue to spread if not controlled. While it can withstand a little traffic, lilyturf makes for a pretty lumpy lawn, so it is not ideal for play areas or walkways.

Pros:

• Drought tolerant once established
• Deer resistant
• Can grow in sun or shade
• Limits weed growth
• Spreads quickly

Cons:

• Not good for traffic areas
• Invasive when not controlled

35. California Meadow Sedge

California meadow sedge is one of several sedge varieties that can grow well in Southern California. In terms of living lawn alternatives, sedges are among the fastest growing in popularity and, once you have seen just how conventional-grass-like some of these sedges can be, you will know why. While they do require regular irrigation, sedges require little to no mowing, thrive in a variety of soils, and can withstand foot traffic. For higher-traffic areas, California meadow sedge is a particularly good choice. Plus, this variety can grow well in the clay soils we see throughout San Diego, as well as the sandier soils near the coast.

Pros:

• Sedge lawns are natural grass lawns
• Native sedges require little maintenance once established
• Mowing a few times a year keeps sedges looking more like conventional lawns
• Requires less water than conventional grass if you choose a native variety

Cons:

• Requires regular irrigation
• Requires regular weeding until established as a ground cover

36. Ice Plant

Ice plant is the type of plant folks either love or hate. It can be seen everywhere in coastal California, often taking over a large area, since it can be quite invasive. This invasive tendency can be a problem, but it also makes it an easy-to-grow choice as a grass alternative that will quickly cover your lawn area with greenery and seasonal blooms.

Pros:

• Grows well in coastal California
• Drought-tolerant
• Will easily cover a large area
• Limits weed growth
• Controls erosion
• Forms a thick ground cover

Cons:

• Invasive thug plant that will crowd out native plants
• Not good for traffic areas
• Requires maintenance to cut it back or remove it as it spreads
• California Department of Fish & Wildlife has it listed as an invasive plant to avoid

37. Stonecrop

The terms stonecrop and sedum refer to a large range of succulents that thrive in sunny spots and require little water once established. Creeping varieties are particularly good choices as grass alternatives and can be planted from clippings, which makes this an inexpensive option. This option is just for show and cannot be used in areas with traffic or where children or pets play.

Pros:

• Drought-tolerant ground cover
• Limits weed growth
• Helps to control erosion
• Can be planted almost anywhere that receives sun
• Many varieties have colorful blooms

Cons:

• Cannot withstand foot traffic
• Some varieties have thuggish qualities and will choke out native plants or other stonecrops

Natural Grass Alternatives: Final Thoughts

If you simply must have at least a small patch of natural grass, you can still save money and limit your environmental impact. You can do this by choosing drought-tolerant grasses, such as buffalo grass, zoysia or switchgrass, that require less water and by using a push mower, instead of a lawnmower powered by gas or electricity. Low-maintenance, drought-resistant grasses also require less weeding and fewer chemical lawn care products, making them a better choice than conventional lawns.

You can also limit the space you dedicate to natural grass by including walkways, flowerbeds and plant borders in your landscape design. Limiting your lawn space, or replacing a grass lawn completely, can help you lower your water bill, save time on maintenance and limit the chemical products required to keep your yard looking great.

With the alternatives listed above and a bit of creative landscaping design, you will find that you can have an inviting, visually appealing yard with little or no natural grass. If you’re in the Southern California area and are looking for a grass alternative for your yard, Install It Direct has a solution for you. Schedule a free estimate and consultation today.

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A beautiful vine adds visual interest to an outdoor living space, but they actually have a list of benefits that is longer than most homeowners realize.

In addition to pretty flowers that serve as pollen sources for birds and bees while, the vines’ sometimes dense mats provide shelter for nests and other wildlife.

Not to mention, vines draw the eye upward while also covering up unsightly vertical spaces in our yards. Need to liven up a bare area or hide a fence? A vine can be a perfect solution with a little bit of care.

Since water-wise gardening is a priority for Southern California residents, we’ve identified eight native vines to California for consideration. There aren’t a lot of native vines to choose from, but the options we have can be good ones in the right applications. Consider adding them to your landscape designs.

1. Chaparral Clematis (Clematis lasiantha)

Pictured above, Chaparral Clematis is a deciduous vine with showy cream flowers the bloom in the spring though female plants maintain a puff-like flower even after the foliage browns during the summer. This vine can grows quickly up to 20′ tall and wide which makes it a great option for covering fences quickly. Like most native vines it prefers shaded roots and sun on its leaves.

Chaparral Clematis grows well on the coast from Baja through Northern California and tolerates sand and clay soil.

2. California Dutchman’s Pipe or Pipe Vine (Aristolochia californica)

The 1″, purple-striped flower on this vine may be a little crazy looking but this plant provides important benefits to the ecosystem.  It will grow like a carpet on the ground or climb up to a length of 20′ and does well in conditions absent of proper drainage and areas with flooding. The plant is native to Northern California but does grow in Southern California. It’s one of the many vines on display at the San Diego Zoo! (Here at Install-It-Direct, we service Southern California. If you’re looking for landscaping services in Northern California, Sequoia Outdoors is a great company check out.)

This unusual-looking vine is perfect for a butterfly garden. The red spotted caterpillar eats the vine’s leaves and uses the flowers as place to undergo metamorphosis. The plant has a toxin that when eaten prevents the caterpillars from also being eaten by predators.

The larvae of the California pipevine swallowtail (native to Northern California) relies on the California Pipe Vine as its only food source.

3. California Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)

Another deciduous vine, pink honeysuckle can handle anything from full sun to shade. Pretty pink flowers grow at the end of stems that attract hummingbirds among others. The vine bears a small fruit that is edible but bitter and grows also up to 20′ tall. Homeowners also report that it’s deer resistant.

Fun fact: Since the stems are hollow, pink honeysuckle was used as smoking pipes by the Pomo people (an indigenous people of California).

4. Western White Clematis (Clematis ligusticifolia)

This pretty white flower appears in late summer and rests on a deciduous vine that prefers wet soil in a sunny spot of the first year or so until it becomes drought tolerant and almost self-sufficient. You don’t want to plant this in areas of high traffic as it can cause minor skin irritations and because of this, deer stay away from it. Expect it to grow up to 16′ and tolerate a number of soil conditions.

Fun fact: This plant was used as a substitute for pepper (which was quite expensive at the time) by pioneers of America’s Old West. And, Native Americans used it to treat migraines, eczema and other skin irritations as well as to ward off evil spirits.

5. California Morning Glory (Calystegia macrostegia)

This pretty morning glory is native to Baja, Southern California and the Channel Islands. California Morning Glory grows like a larger groundcover or climbs depending on the environment. Either way it can reach up to 27′. It prefers full sun near the coast and morning sun/afternoon shade in warmer inland climates. The seeds can be toxic. This twining vine is often used when xeriscaping and the blooms last nearly all year round. It helps to wash it down in order to prevent the foliage from drying out in the summer.

6. Pacific False Bindweed (Calystegia purpurata)

Pacific False Bindweed is also a species of Morning Glory with growing preferences the same as the California Morning Glory—full sun on the coast and afternoon sun inland. The flowers on this vine are much showier with glossy green leaves. It does extremely well on trellises, with its slender stems growing up to 10′ tall and wide.

7.  San Diego Sweetpea (Lathyrus laetiflorus alefeldii)

It’s not a terribly common vine, but worth a mention since it’s actually native to San Diego as the name implies. This sweetpea has fragrant purple blooms and can grow to about 10′ high and 3′ wide. It’s usually found under oak trees in the wild and prefers only partial sun. San Diego Sweetpea is often called Canyon Pea or Pacific Pea.

8. Pink Flowered Currant (Ribes sanguineum glutinosum)

Pink Flowered Currant is a shrub that vines with showy pink, scented flowers in late winter. It likes shade and partial shade, growing to about 6′ tall and wide. The fruit is edible and once established, this currant is extremely drought tolerant and hearty in coastal areas. This is one of our favorite colorful flowers to use in landscape design projects in Lakeside due to its drought tolerance and attractive scent.

How to Get Your Vine to Climb

Your new vine will need some guidance once planted because if the growing ends can’t find something to cling on to, they’ll stop growing completely. While some vines grow beautifully up lattices, others prefer thinner support such twine. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to use twine or netting in addition to a trellis for climbing vines such as clematis.

Depending on the type of vine, you may have to help it by trussing or tying it on to the support structure as it grows. Fishing line and twine work well for this. You’ll likely need to research the best time of year to prune your vine, too. Ask your local nursery for tips.

Your Turn…

Which California native vines are growing in your yard?

Photo credits: Clematis lasiantha, Flickr/NatureShutterbug; Lonicera hispidula, Flickr/briweldo; Lonicera hispidula, Flickr/docentjoyce; Clematis ligusticifolia, Flickr/archesnps; Calystegia macrostegia, Flickr/jkirkhart35; Calystegia purpurata, Flickr/tomhilton; Ribes sanguineum glutinosum, Flickr/briweldon. All photos are Creative Commons 2.0 with no modifications made.

The post California Vines: 8 Drought Tolerant Native Vines for Southern California Gardens appeared first on INSTALL-IT-DIRECT.