Backyard surface recommendations please (multiple challenges, pics)!

5 years ago

Hi, We are located in Seattle and are semi-capable DIYers. I enjoy gardening and plant selection, but we are at a loss for what to do for our backyard surface. I will detail the hurdles we are facing and would appreciate any recommendations.

Mid-Century Modern Home
Back cement patio/walk-way is 6' wide
Patio edge to maple tree line is 13'
Area for surface is 65' long
Plans for a raised bed at maple tree base will take 2' - total 11' wide x 65' long for surface
Fence is 6' tall
Trampoline will likely depart within the year
Back yard has 6 maples along the fence line and evergreens at each end - year round debris
Yard has inground sprinkler system
Pictures are taken at mid-day - we could limb up maples a bit more, but yard is shady
Yard used to be grass (moss), gravel (filled w/tree debris) and a maple we removed (near hot tub)
We have a springer spaniel who loves to play in the yard - dust bowl in summer, mud pit in winter
We did install a paver/gravel path along fence line to mediate mud from dog's perimeter running

We were thinking of adding flagstone patio zones, but my understanding is that maples have their roots in the top 12" of soil, so the necessary 6" excavation for the patio would likely kill the maples. Hard to see in photos, but surface roots of maples are plentiful in the dirt. We have also pondered adding a platform deck (16'x8-10') against the house to take up some of the space and provide another zone, but we would still need to determine what to do with the rest of the surface.

We are happy that our dog enjoys the yard, but finding a surface that will withstand a dog, shade, year-round tree debris (leaves, needles) and installation will not kill the maples has been daunting. Any ideas would be highly appreciated! Thank you!

Featured Answer

kara werth
Original Author

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I thought I would post an update and share some of my progress to date. The below are some before and after pictures. I am still working on the beds; a few additional plants, dirt/mulch and a low landscape fence to keep the dog out. We have also dug the central part of the yard down and will add wood chips for the dog to run through. I think we will be happy with the separation - something pretty and nice for us in the garden beds and a place for the dog to run. I will post "final" pics in a couple of weeks.

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Comments (6)

laceyvail 6A, WV
5 years ago
Well, I could suggest a couple of groundcovers that would tolerate the roots of the maples. But they won't tolerate a rambunctious dog. Is there any other part of your yard where the dog could run/play?
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
5 years ago
Ditto groundcover- if you expect these trees to thrive I would not block rain etc. with any sort of pavers. Is there really no better place for a dog to play? Even my mulched beds stand up well to my giant breed dogs and that looks like a good spot for plantings.

I often cage off new plants so they can get established without being trampled but once past the delicate stage they hold up just fine to the feet of my 200 lb. behemoth dogs.

So don't write it off as a "surface" when you can plant lovely things!
kara werth thanked cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
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kara werth
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you laceyvail and cearbhaill. Unfortunately the dirt area is part of the dog's running route. Down the middle of the yard, around the pine tree and along the fence line, which is why we were thinking of some sort of hardscape additions, with adequate drainage, but then realized the root areas would be problematic.

Fencing off beds is possible. While she runs like crazy, she is not an agile jumper and 18" of fencing deters her. We could add the platform deck (mainly over the existing patio) and some additional planting beds (not in the main running path) to improve the look while leaving the dirt paths (add wood mulch/cedar chips) to make it a bit cleaner. If hardscape is not a good idea and grass or ground cover won't tolerate a dog, it may be our best option. Thx!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
5 years ago
id probably put a line of retaining wall brick along the presumably level cement pad... to gain a few inches ... and backfill with mulch ... and let the dogs play ... the added height.. to keep the mulch retained to some extent ... subject to dog joy of course ...

if you decide down the road a bit.. you can sprinkle in some shrubs over the years ....

note my brick work on the edge of the walkway .. easiest ..... most level block work i ever did.. lol .. and it was done for the same reason.. to hold back the mounded soil .. and mulch ...

ken
KW PNW Z8
5 years ago
@kara werth the changes you’ve made are wonderful & look so pretty. Bet you can’t wait for next spring to see how the plants grow. I have to say that I so enjoyed reading through this post because it made me feel better knowing I’m not the only one who arranges my house & yard with our dog’s comfort as the top priority! 😁