Backyard Planning Now to Enjoy Later

Beautiful Backyard Waterfalls provides tips on backyard planning, from putting a list on paper to deciding what to do with planned areas.

West Fork, AR (PRWEB) December 29, 2007 -- This is the time of year that seed and nursery catalogs appear in every mailbox. It is also the best time for planning for the coming year. Sharon Deloy, president of Beautiful Backyard Waterfalls and Ponds, has these tips for planning a beautiful backyard for next spring, summer, and autumn.

Make a list of the things that are possibilities for a backyard. These might include:

putting green

potting shed

greenhouse

patio

water garden

tennis court

childrens area

swimming pool

pond or waterfalls

utility area

garden area

guest and entertainment area

tree house

lawn bowling

ice rink

privacy fence

something to hide an ugly view

If short on room, pick out the most important areas, remembering to be aware of any city, county, or state restrictions on any of the items. In some cities, permission must be obtained to even take down a tree and a person must have a very good reason to for removing a tree. Also consider setbacks, access for utility companies, neighboring buildings, etc.

Measure for the areas planned. Is there enough room? Is there any obstruction that would make it unfeasible for that area? Are there any overhead wires or underground wires? A quick telephone call to the utility company should do the trick, and they will gladly come out and mark for any underground wires. Are there any preparations that should be done, such as excavating, leveling,plumbing work, electrical work, or concrete work?

Measure those areas again, just to make sure that there is enough room and then some. Measure the backyard in each area for the plan. Like the carpenter's adage, measure twice, cut once.

The next step is to hire a contractor or plan on doing it alone or with friends to help. Some things are simple enough for the homeowner, while others require professional help.

Remember that everything does not have to be done at once. Pick out the most important things to do first.

This is definitely the time for planning in these dark, dreary days, and there is plenty of time before spring and summer to revise the plans.

Check out http://www.beautiful-backyard-waterfalls.com for other tips and articles.

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