Water, Sunlight & Utilities.
As you start to plan your outdoor spaces, it is fun to consider the features that you will see. The patios, pools, plantings, and the list goes on. As important it is to think about these features, it is equally important to keep in mind the ‘other’ considerations that are involved in the planning process. How water moves through the property, what areas get sunlight and when, and locations of utilities are all practical things that need to be thought about and planned for accordingly.
Water
Drainage and how water moves through your property is one of the first things to take note of when you start your design process. If you are wanting any patios, you want to make sure there is enough elevation change that water can be drained off the patio and away from the house. There may be retaining walls that are needed to help address potential drainage issues. You may even need to consider underground drainage systems to help remove water from areas that don’t have enough slope to direct water correctly. The goal is to make sure as much water is draining away from the house as possible.
Sunlight
The location of sunlight throughout the day will affect how you plan your outdoor space. If the space you pick for your patio has a lot of afternoon sunlight, it would be good to consider some sort of shade structure or planting trees to help provide shade in the afternoon. If you have a pool, it is nice to have more sunlight for those tanning ledges or lounge areas on the patio. When you are planning out the plantings around your home, plants will have different light requirements. So, you’ll want to make sure the plant you choose for an area can tolerate the amount of sunlight it will receive.
Utilities
On all properties, you’ll have utilities that will need to be worked around. These can include water, gas, electric, and communication lines. These utilities may be underground or overhead. As the outdoor spaces are planned, you’ll want to abide by local regulations they may dictate what can be done or where certain features will need to be located. Along with the utilities themselves, many may have easements that have restrictions on what can be built within those easement boundaries. If you are unsure of where utilities are located, Missouri One Call can mark the public utilities for you. However, they may not mark the private utilities such as your irrigation system.
Conclusion
It is easy to get caught up in planning out the fun or aesthetically pleasing features of your outdoor spaces and what you’ll see on a day-to-day basis. But keep in mind, it is imperative to consider the water, sunlight, and utilities as you work on the design for your future projects. If you need assistance with these designs, contacting a trusted landscape company is a great place to start.
