Rural Backyards Series: USDA Zone, Climate & Property Location, Soil, Terrain, Sun & Lawns
You may buy or own an existing home where your neighbors are far enough away that you don’t know their business. You may live in what is referred to as the ‘sticks’. Rural backyards tend to be expansive, bound by woods or just plain woods to begin with. A stream might run through the property or a swamp or pond may take up a corner of the lot. These natural features are common in rural areas where lot sizes tend to be at least 2 acres and usually more. Sometimes large areas are harder to decide what to do with and require a different type of planning than an area that is more defined by neighbors’ fences and buildings one on top of the other. Rural landscapes have great possibilities and afford the owners opportunities to subdivide their backyards into multiple use areas.
I’ll be exploring the ideas below in future articles in more detail. Stay tuned!
The location of your property determines the types of landscape materials that are available to you. Determine your planting zone first by referring to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ( http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html ) and document your own climate changes, temperature variations and seasonal shifts which will help you make better decisions about plant materials you may wish to purchase. See Location, Climate & Hardiness Zones by S. McRae
What kind of soil conditions exist below the grassy field or in the woods that you are thinking of clearing? Take soil samples and find a reputable test facility in your area or take it to your local university extension office for testing. There are kits available too which allow you do your own tests.
The terrain of your backyard space needs to be taken into account. If it’s flat or just a little bit rolling you’ll have less challenges to face. If you live on a hillside your challenges increase and if there is water on the property you face even greater challenges including environmental impact situations and sometimes permit requirements. Even if your zoning doesn’t require permits to change existing wetlands or redirect streams it is still important to have studies done and to follow the guidelines set out in these studies. States have laws regarding wetlands, so it’s best to check with local and state environmental commissions before you make any drastic decisions to alter waterways or wetlands. You don’t want to have to undo what you’ve done because you broke the law. That will be very, very expensive.
How much sun does your backyard get? How many hours a day? Are there parts that are shaded? How does the sun move at various times during the seasons? Note the answers to these questions and it will help determine your design and the types of plants you can install. You’ll need to do a study or research the amount of sun your area gets a day during any one season, particularly the growing season. Grass is a plant and is susceptible to sun, shade, soil conditions and climate. If you are going to establish a lawn then take these factors into consideration. All your other plantings will need to be chosen with these questions and answers in mind.
