Part of what makes the home a beautiful and enjoyable place to live is its yard and landscaping. If you’re considering a new landscape design, there are several factors you should consider to help you create a usable and appealing backyard area.

4 Landscape Design Tips

1. Think About the Use & Users

If the space is shared by pets and children, minimize animal-toxic plants, like tulips, and those with thorns, such as sleeping grass and roses. Place plants around the perimeter of a patio if you entertain outdoors, and opt for trees that can provide shade so that the space is comfortable during the day.

2. Consider the Climate

Hawaii has a sunny, humid climate, so opt for sturdy plants that can tolerate the condition, such as bromeliads and bougainvillea. Stay away from dainty species, like hydrangeas, as they’ll wilt in the heat. The Aloha State spends six months in hurricane season, so if you want to incorporate desert-plants, like lithops and echeverias, into your landscape design, keep them potted and put them in a covered area to prevent over-watering.

3. Enhance the Soil

Test your soil to determine what it lacks to help plants grow. On Oahu, many homes are built on former sugarcane and pineapple fields, so the ground is now acidic and needs lime. Areas by the ocean may benefit from the addition of compost, but many native and ornamental plants will grow well in coastal alkaline soil. Although plants have diverse needs, having basic, compost-amended topsoil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2 is adequate for ornamental plantings on Oahu.

4. Place Plants Accordingly

If the plant is sturdy and needs a lot of light, put it in an area that receives strong afternoon sunlight. Keep in mind that morning and afternoon sunlight are different, and the latter can burn the leaves of fragile plants. Hawaiian tree fern is an excellent native shade choice that also protects against erosion. Hibiscus comes in several varieties, producing beautiful flowers in sunny locations. Gardenia is a fragrant shrub that needs sun and moderate water.

If you’d like professional help creating a beautiful backyard, contact the skilled team at AAA Plantscapes Hawaii in Honolulu. For over 15 years, these professionals have helped Oahu residences transform their outdoor areas, providing plant rentals and landscape design suggestions. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 753-6606 to discuss your project with a specialist.