3 Landscaping Ideas for Making Your Naperville, IL Property More Useful

COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions have many homeowners reconsidering the usability of their backyards, and thinking about ways to maximize the space so that the whole family can enjoy being outdoors. In many cases, just a few small touches can make all the difference. Here are __ landscaping ideas for making your Naperville, IL property more useful.

1. Shelter

Nothing is more frustrating than enjoying time outdoors only to find that the weather just won’t cooperate. Whether you need shelter from the sun or want to create more of a three-season outdoor room, adding a permanent shelter to your outdoor space can make all the difference.

One option is a pergola, which offers shade from the sun while letting hot air rise and breezes to flow through.

If you enjoy the open-air feel but want more protection from rain, opt for a pavilion or a gazebo. Pavilions and gazebos are also great for setting up a temporary outdoor office, if you are able to work on a laptop.

Any of these permanent structures can be made more comfortable with the addition of an outdoor fireplace. You can also add a vine-covered trellis on any side to add privacy and serve as a windbreak.

2. Privacy

If the neighbors are just a little too close, a privacy wall can help make your backyard into a more private sanctuary. Privacy fencing is often plain and boring, but there are ways to make your space more private without feeling like you’re in a cubicle.

Add trellises in front of a wood privacy fence, so the climbing vines add greenery and interest. Planting tall cedars in front of a privacy fence also helps soften the look. It also adds a dimensional quality to the yard’s perimeter so it feels more natural. You could opt for a living fence (cedars are great for this) but keep in mind it will take some time for them to mature and fill in the gaps.

For a chic and unexpected twist, a water wall can serve as a functional privacy wall as well as an attractive focal point. A water wall pumps water to the top of a smooth vertical surface like tempered glass or metal, and allows the water to cascade over the surface into a catch basin. You get the amazing qualities of water in the warmer months, and the wall is just as beautiful and functional when the water is turned off for the season.

3. More Space

Carving out more usable space in a backyard isn’t always easy. But have you considered how you can best use your side yards? Side yards can be the ideal solution for raised bed gardens, a play area for the kids, a game area for all ages, a hot tub, a meditation nook, a breakfast patio, or even a hangout for teens. For a magical side-yard getaway, start with a small paver patio. Add a privacy fence, comfortable seating, fun string lights and eclectic decor, and you can transform your neglected side yard into a functional work of art!

If using your side yard isn’t an option, consider going vertical with some elements to give the illusion of more space. Adding multiple levels to your outdoor living space (even if it’s only a few steps) helps break up the space into unique zones, which will also help you organize activities into various levels of active to relaxed.