Assess Before You Address
What do we do with our outdoor space? Whether you pay rent, a mortgage, or even just taxes, you’ve made an investment, however short or permanent. So what do we do with our investment now that we’ve written that check this month?
Outdoor spaces can serve many beneficial (to you and potentially others) purposes. So when is the last time you looked out in your yard and really made an assessment?
Do you need outdoor storage space for things such as work or recreational uses? What about utility areas such as near AC units or septic tanks, etc? And can service people access these areas?
Will you be spending time in the yard doing activities or simply relaxing? Do you want to leave a natural, wild buffer around the perimeter to keep out noise and create privacy? Will you be trying to grow your own food? Are you maintaining a property that needs to look tidy for business purposes? Or maybe you simply wanted to plant something that reminded you of somebody (a most noble reason!). If you have outdoor space, you have options.
Before rushing into some certain direction, contemplating the purpose of things will really affect how easy things are for you down the road. (Not just in landscaping, but in life as well!) If we’re storing things outside, do they need to be covered from weather? Are the items laying in tall grass that you have to move every time you mow or run a weedeater? Or maybe you’ve put down some stone to drain off rainwater and keep things dry?
Do fruit trees, blueberry bushes, wild strawberry and other edible landscapes appeal to you? Will you need a sunny part of the yard to grow certain fruits and vegetables? Have you considered a low environmental impact yard that uses little to no chemicals or provides shade to keep utility costs down? What about your vacation rental that generates your income, does it appeal to customers? Can visitors relax out on the lawn or yard in a private setting?
The term “wasted space” only applies to that which serves no purpose. There’s a potential purpose behind all space. In anything, assess before you address!
See you next month and Aloha!
Charlie Stonecypher is the owner/operator of Suncoast Irrigation and Landscaping. They help people (mostly residential) troubleshoot their landscape and outdoor areas, and specialize in products that work smart without wasting resources. Contact Charlie at 843-327-8642 or suncoastirrigation@gmail.com.
