Need help redesigning our backyard- really need two separate areas

13 years ago

Hello, thank you in advance for any advise provided. Our dilemma is our backyard will not grow grass- it's got a lot of problems stacked up against it. We have two large dogs who like to play, the yard gets full western sun, it is on a slope, and there are tree roots exposed. Not good for trying to grow grass! I would like to section off a part of the yard and aesthetically hardscape it for the dogs, and then leave the better part of the yard with grass. My dilemma is how do you divide your backyard in half and still make it look good?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

elcieg
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
You don't want hardscape for the dogs, I wouldn't think. You definitely need a landscape architect to come in and do it right. Your yard has "issues", and it needs professionlal help. Check here on houzz for pros in your area.

But, I think your grass area should be the highest part of your yard and your hardscape the lowest and you need a way to get from one to the other.
Landscape Design and installation · More Info
Tesa Pickert
Original Author
13 years ago
our initial thought is to take down the trellis, which would create less privacy, but willing to sacrifice that. Then bump out the patio to cover the flower bed. We would open up more area for the dogs to enter the patio with steps all the way around the patio. Then create a dividing line from the pavers down to the rock bed somehow. I'd like to create a feeling of an upper and lower patio, just don't know how to achieve that.
Related Professionals
Sedalia Interior Designers & Decorators · Columbia Interior Designers & Decorators · Muncie Interior Designers & Decorators · Mankato Interior Designers & Decorators · Amherstburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Vincennes Architects & Building Designers · Hackettstown Architects & Building Designers · Watertown Architects & Building Designers · Montrose Architects & Building Designers · Albany Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Quincy Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Shreveport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Binghamton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Allentown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lancaster Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Tesa Pickert
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you for your comment, I guess I shouldn't say hardscape. We are just running into the dogs tearing up what grass we do have, and then tracking mud into the house. Perennials, tall grass, and ground cover is what i'm thinking.
PRO
Cascio Associates - Site Planning - Landscape Arch
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I hope that by this time you are following your own sage advice.

The large maple is surface-rooted, so you either have to add more topsoil before improving the lawn, or expanding the dogs sandbox in the corner to include their large umbrella.

For the general lawn area, go to the local highschool and ask the groundskeeper what seed mix they use to keep their playfields looking so good. Then, at the appropriate time of year, go back and spread some rich dark soil over your lawn, rototill it deeply, and reseed or sod for a great new lawn to enjoy.

If the screening was to shut your neighbors out of your BBQ parties, plant some evergreens out there toward their windows - how rude of them to look in at your dining area!

Enjoy!