3 Additions to Complement a Drought Tolerant Backyard

California's dry climate compounded by recent drought conditions has moved many homeowners to convert lush, grassy backyards into something wildly different. The key to true responsible water consumption is to choose landscaping features that need little or no water.

If you feel xeriscape and other drought-tolerant landscapes seem stark or unimpressive, consider the use of concrete in your backyard. Concrete is a flexible medium you can utilize in many different ways.

Here are three concrete additions to complement a drought-tolerant backyard.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are a viable landscape option because they require no water yet are incredibly diverse in terms of size, shape, and purpose. For example, concrete pavers may be square, rectangular, or irregular. Additionally, pavers can be small enough to accommodate a single footstep or massive in size.

Concrete pavers are suitable for a range of purposes. A pathway of regular or staggered pavers draws visitors deep into your yard to view or inhale scented native plants, like the California lilac. Pavers can delineate your yard into spaces with different purposes. Use pavers to separate a garden area with raised planter beds from a seating space or fire pit.

You can place pavers in a pattern of rows or arches to cover a small area of yard or to fill it entirely. Surround concrete pavers with a different medium like pebbles, river rock, bark, decomposed granite, or succulents for added impact.

Decks and Platforms

One popular choice for a drought-tolerant yard is to cover large portions of it with raised decks and deck platforms. Unlike other mediums that cover the ground like gravel or mulch, decks give you more than just coverage, they are outdoor living spaces that you can enjoy year round.

Decks can be designed with integrated drainage as well, allowing you to capture & divert water runoff to specific areas of your yard. Decks can be designed using materials like exotic hard woods, cedar, redwood, or composite decking like Trex.

Raised Recreational Foundations

There's no real rule that states a drought-tolerant yard must be devoid of entertainment or recreation. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy an attractively xeriscaped yard is to spend time in those spaces. To do so, add one or more raised concrete foundations to entertain family and friends or indulge in recreation.

A raised foundation adds height and focus on a space meant for enjoyment. A foundation also helps keep water away in the event of a winter downpour.

Not sure what to tuck into your yard? Here are a few ideas to consider:

·         Palapas provide shade and interest for a barbecue island.

·         A fire pit with tables and chair for snacks and drinks gives you a place to enjoy cool autumn evenings.

·         A covered porch adjacent to your home gives you outdoor living space to converse, dine, or take a nap.

·         A sport court allows individuals to enjoy a game of basketball.

·         A hot tub lets you soak beneath the stars or drought-tolerant palmtree fronds.

·         Add a different ground cover around the perimeter of concrete like river rock or colored glass chips

Drought-tolerant backyards do not need to be boring. Contact Hastings Construction Inc. for these and other concrete needs for your own yard.