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Landscape the Narrow Lot |
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Rising land costs make narrow lots the norm in many locations.
Unfortunately, landscaping problems can increase in intensity with such
closeness.
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Before |
One wall of the house may rest nearly on the lot
line, leaving a narrow, hard-to-plant space on the opposite
side. Privacy, though harder to achieve, is more essential than
ever. Access and traffic flow within the yard are concerns, too.
Every inch of yard on the narrow lot must be used wisely.
To create the illusion of more space, try some visual
trickery. Expand the entry as it adjoins the drive to make the
space feel larger. Set low-level plantings along the drive and
walk to lead the eye to the front door and soften the harshness
of one house on top of another.
For outdoor living, build a patio or deck, or a combination.
You'll gain a needed sanctuary while retaining an open feel. To
provide privacy in the backyard and help absorb neighbours'
noise, plant trees and shrubs, and build a fence. Screening
plants along boundary/fence lines is a great idea to enhance
your privacy, and block out the view of surrounding suburbia.
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After |
The smaller the space, the more important it is
to define zones within the site. Here a streetscaping zone and
an outdoor living zone are developed with a concern for detail
that brings as much beauty and usefulness as many large yards
offer.
The rock garden, with a low fence in front, is a fine focal
point and makes the small space seem larger. A taller fence
behind it screens an area where equipment can be stored.
Along the property lines, easy-care plants that won't grow
out of bounds solve the problem of mowing in narrow places, and
add a sense of seclusion.
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If you know
that access to the backyard will be limited to a wheelbarrow once your
new house is built, but you want large boulders, or large quantities of
mulches, soils, pavers, etc to create the perfect backyard for you, then
remember to have them delivered onsite before the house is built. If you
leave it to the end, you may not be able to create the garden of your
dreams, or it may cost you many thousands of dollars more to do it. If
need be, you may need to allow for this in your
budget. 
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