5 Factors a Landscape Company Considers When Designing Year-Round Yards in Cherry Hills Village and Conifer, CO
A beautiful, functional landscape should be a source of delight in every season, from the first blooms of spring to the quiet beauty of winter. For homeowners in Cherry Hills Village and Conifer, CO, achieving a landscape that thrives year-round means working with a landscape company that understands our area’s unique climate and terrain. When a landscape company designs for year-round beauty, several key factors are considered to ensure your backyard remains stunning and vibrant, no matter the season.
1. How a Landscape Company Select Plantings for All Seasons
A year-round landscape starts with the right planting choices. Selecting a variety of species that bloom and offer interest at different times of the year keeps your backyard looking fresh and engaging from January to December.
Early spring might feature bulbs like tulips and daffodils, followed by summer perennials like coneflowers and lavender. Fall brings the warm hues of maples and oaks, while winter interest can be achieved with evergreens like pines and spruces or shrubs with colorful bark and berries. A landscape company chooses each bloom for its ability to thrive in our area’s unique climate, from high elevation to warmer, more protected areas. A balanced mix ensures there’s always something to enjoy, regardless of the weather.
2. Ways to Design With Microclimates in Mind
Every backyard has microclimates—areas where temperature, sunlight, and moisture levels differ slightly due to the presence of structures, slopes, or trees. Expert landscape companies consider these variations when creating a plan for a year-round landscape. South-facing areas may receive more sun and warmth, making them ideal for plantings that need plenty of light, while north-facing sections might be shadier and cooler, perfect for shade-loving plantings or evergreens that provide a splash of color even in the depths of winter.
3. How Landscape Companies Incorporate Durable Elements
Structural elements, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls, are essential for a functional landscape that can be enjoyed throughout the year. A landscape company thoughtfully designs an outdoor living space to enhance both the beauty and usability of your backyard, providing areas for relaxation, dining, or play, even when temperatures dip.
During the summer, a stone patio can become the perfect spot for outdoor dining, while a fire pit or outdoor fireplace adds warmth and comfort for fall and winter gatherings. Retaining walls and raised beds are not just visually striking; they also help manage soil erosion and drainage, which is particularly important during spring rains or snowmelt.
4. Planning for Seasonal Color and Texture
Creating a landscape with year-round appeal means thinking beyond just blooms. Texture and color from foliage, bark, and other elements can keep the backyard visually interesting throughout the seasons. Deciduous trees with striking fall colors, evergreens that offer green backdrops in winter, and shrubs with unique textures or berries can create a dynamic landscape that changes with the seasons. Grasses that sway in the wind add movement and interest, while textured barks of birch or dogwood provide subtle beauty, even in winter. A landscape company will layer these elements to create depth and variety, ensuring that the planting bed looks alive and vibrant, no matter the time of year.
5. Managing Wind and Sun Exposure
In our area, wind and sun can be particularly harsh, especially in elevated areas. Designing a landscape with these elements in mind helps protect plantings and outdoor living spaces from damage. Windbreaks, such as strategically placed trees or hedges, can shield more delicate plants and reduce wind chill around patios or seating areas.
Pergolas or arbors can provide shade during the hot summer months while allowing the lower sun of winter to shine through, making outdoor spaces usable year-round. An experienced landscape company knows how to balance these elements, creating a comfortable and inviting space that’s protected from the extremes.
