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How to Enhance a Small Backyard

Maybe your backyard is not large enough to accommodate a swimming pool or an expansive deck, but there are plenty of ways to rethink this space for entertaining. There are subtle ways to enhance your outdoor living space from strategically placing your outdoor seating to adding small platform steps. We have listed some simple ideas to transform a small backyard landscape into an oasis.

Remove clutter

Space is a premium for a small backyard. Where possible, you should include built-in seating and add some plants to make a statement in the seating area. Make sure that you leave some room in the seating area to bring additional chairs outside when entertaining guests.

Plant for privacy

You can create a private, cozy retreat by planting enough small shrubs to screen out the neighborhood view. Consider adding large, leafy plants to screen your backyard space while framing the view to your house. In addition, you can install a low split-rail fence with a couple of rows of shrubs at the end of your property. This will create the illusion your yard is bigger.

Install a fireplace

Fireplaces are available in a variety of sizes and materials, adding a level of warmth that is perfect for a cozy backyard seating area. You can install an outdoor fireplace that won’t overwhelm the seating area with its size.
Tucson landscapers Brian and Garrett Ham originally began Santa Rita Landscaping to offer landscaping services in Tucson and southern Arizona. Today, we have become one of the best and largest companies offering landscape design Tucson. For more information, call (520) 623-0421.

Fire Pit Options for your Backyard

Adding a fire pit into your landscape design adds another detail to your backyard for entertaining. Here are some fire pit design ideas that can instantly enhance your backyard.

A Covered Fire Pit

A covered fire pit allows people to sit around and enjoy the warmth of the fire no matter what the weather. A gazebo will create a new layer of design for your outdoor area.

A Stone Fire Pit

A stone fit pit will complement features in your hardscape. Its natural appeal creates a visually stimulating outdoor area that is perfect for entertaining anyone from a single friend to a party full of people.

A Rectangular Fire Box

If you want to set up a seating area around your fire pit, the rectangular firebox is a good option. Whether you want an L-shaped outdoor sofa or a lot of comfortable chairs, this feature makes it easy to achieve your ideal outdoor aesthetic.

Round Firepit

Round firepits work well if you want a less formal design. All you need to do is pull up your chairs and enjoy the warmth.

A Large, Square Fire Pit

If you are looking at a fire pit to be the focal point of your entire yard, choose a large, square design. When it sits in the center of your backyard, it is easy to choose the perfect landscape design to go around it.

Heating Options

Firepit flames can be fueled by natural gas, propane, or wood. For the gas and propane option, there are round or square burners. Burners can be covered with lava (cinder) rocks or beautiful colored glass.

Whether you want to add a fire pit to a yard that is almost complete or you want to completely transform your current landscape design, Santa Rita Landscaping is here to help. As one of Tucson’s top landscaping companies, we can give you all of the features you need to achieve your ideal exterior design. To learn more about our services or to see our gallery of completed jobs, call (520) 623-0421.

Fire Pit or Fireplace?

Creating an area in your backyard for family and friends to gather is a great asset. A fireplace or a fire pit is the perfect option, especially during these cold winter months. But which one should you choose ~ a fireplace or fire pit? Each provides different uses with their own pros and cons.

To assist you in making an informed decision consider the following:

Fireplaces

In addition to keeping you warm at night, an outdoor fireplace can be very architecturally pleasing. Built from brick and stone, they can be customized to fit the architecture and décor of any backyard area. Chimney options include masonry, reinforced concrete, and clay. Fireplaces can be large enough to provide privacy in your backyard through strategic placement.

Fireplaces are more expensive than a fire pit and may require a permit. Due to their limited face size, they have a limited ability to produce heat and they can be difficult for a large group of people to gather around.

Firepits

Fire pits provide a relaxing and laid back outdoor environment. Children and adults alike can easily roast marshmallows or other snacks in it. A fire pit is more cost-effective to install than a fireplace since there are fewer parts. People can feel the heat from all sides of a fire pit therefore a larger crowd can gather around it.

The downside of a fire pit is that it requires more of your patio seating area since they are generally placed in the center of it. There are also fewer options with a fire pit, making them a less architecturally pleasing option.

If you need more information about fireplaces and fire pits, and which would work best for your space, contact Santa Rita Landscaping. We can be reached by phone at (520) 623 0421, or by email at info@srlandscaping.com.

BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR FIRE PIT

Tucson’s cool desert nights make it the perfect place to enjoy a fire pit.  Adding a fire pit to your outdoor living space offers the perfect place to relax or enjoy the company of family and friends during social gatherings. We can help you design and install the perfect outdoor fire pit for added home value and enjoyment.

Outdoor Comfort and Enjoyment

Fire pits are designed to improve your outdoor comfort, especially at night. A fire pit will allow you to continue enjoying time spent outdoors by providing heat as well as light for your patio, deck, or yard once the sun has set and temperatures start to cool. A fire pit can also serve as the perfect place to BBQ meals, host parties, family gatherings, or simply just relax after the day’s activities are done providing a warm, safe, and welcoming environment.

Visual Appeal for Your Property

Fire pits add increased visual appeal to your property. Whether you want your fire pit to blend in with existing features or stand out as the centerpiece of your yard, there is a wide range of styles available for you to choose from. Installing a fire pit will increase the value of your home whether you plan to remain in place or are considering selling your property in the near future.

At Santa Rita Landscaping, Inc., we specialize in both landscaping and hardscaping to help you create a beautiful and appealing home or commercial property. You can reach an experienced landscaping expert in Tucson today by calling (520) 623-0421, or visit our website to check out our past projects, landscaping blog, and complete landscaping services.

BACKYARD FEATURES YOU CAN ENJOY THIS SPRING

Springtime is the perfect time of year for you to enjoy outdoor living with comfortable temperatures and new blooming plants and trees. Enjoy more time in your backyard this spring by adding the following features into your home landscape.

Artificial Turf for Outdoor Play

Just because we live in the desert, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the look of grass! Real grass can be difficult and expensive to maintain.  That’s why many homeowners have chosen to add artificial turf to their landscaping. Artificial turf gives your backyard that green welcoming look and offers children and pets a great area to play on a soft service. Do you like to golf? You can add a personal putting green to your outdoor oasis.

 

Fire Pits for Warm Nights

Desert temperatures can drop by 20 degrees in the evening during the spring and summer. Make the most out of these evenings by adding a fire pit to roast marshmallows or just enjoy sitting around the fire.  There are fire pits to match every type of home style from more natural-looking rock pits to modern, sleek sculptural designs. Note that natural gas designs are extremely easy to use and maintain.

 

Relax with Water Features

Who doesn’t enjoy the relaxing sound of water falling and traveling over rocks or a bubbling spring?  Water features are guaranteed to add soothing sights and sound to your home.

Incorporating a water feature is easy. Similar to fire pits, water features are available in a variety of custom natural or architectural designs. Recreate the essence of a natural pond in your backyard or install a Mediterranean style fountain.

At Santa Rita Landscaping, we specialize in helping businesses and homeowners maximize the potential of their outdoor areas. Contact us at (520) 623-0421 to learn more about our services.