Few things are more frustrating than a messy front yard. In addition to disrupting your curb appeal, overgrown, messy landscaping can also harbor pests and make it look like you don't care about your property. Fortunately, tidying up your yard doesn't have to be difficult. I have spent years learning more about landscaping, and this blog is all about how to become a landscaping enthusiast. Check out these articles about fun topics like planting flowers, perfecting pruned trees, and decorating your yard with whimsical additions. After you know more about landscaping, your yard might become the talk of the town.
You finally bit the bullet and bought the lake house of your dreams—and the boat to go along with it. You're probably thinking you're done spending money for a while. You'd be wrong, of course. The landscaping needs to be updated with a few essentials before you can sit back and enjoy your new place.
1. Seawall: A seawall keeps your shoreline from eroding. There are two main types to choose from: a concrete seawall or riprap. Concrete seawalls are solid, vertical walls that stop the waves from damaging your shoreline. Ripraps are simpler structures, made from piled-up rocks and boulders along the shore. Even if you live on a no-wake lake, you need a seawall to protect your investment from erosion over time.
2. Marine Pier: Every lake house needs a dock. Not only do you need to tie up your boat, but you can also use your dock for fishing. You can choose a rolling dock that needs to be removed each winter, or you can have a professionally installed dock with piers that are sunk down into the lake bed. Check with your local municipality or your state's department of natural resources first. They may have specific regulations that need to be followed for dock and marine pier construction on your lake.
Reach out to a marine pier construction company for more information.
3. Fire Pit: Summer nights at the lake just wouldn't be the same without a fire pit and roasted marshmallows under the stars. A fire pit can be as simple as a hole dug in the ground with lawn chairs pulled up around it, or you can build an elaborate, free-standing fireplace. It depends on your design aesthetic and, of course, your budget. If you aren't a master fire builder, consider having your landscaping crew install a gas line to your fire pit that you can operate with just a quick turn of a nozzle.
4. Path or Steps: Unless you get lucky, flat lots do not sell often on lakes. If you bought a sloping lot or even a ravine lot, you will need to install a meandering path or a sturdy staircase to allow you and your guests to access the lake safely.
5. Sandy Beach: You may have bought your lake house for the view, but you are going to want some sand to sink your toes into as well. Even if you live on a rocky lake, you can still add a sandy beach by removing some of the lawn and trucking in beach sand. You can even add a tiki bar while you are at it.
6. Perennial Beds: While an expanse of grass with views out onto the water is nice, you will need some flowering, perennial beds to break up all the green. Where you live in the country determines what plants will grow successfully at your lake house. Be sure to choose low-maintenance plants to ensure that you won't be spending your weekend caring for them when you'd rather be out on the lake.
7. Dining Patio: Dining al fresco is always nice when the weather cooperates. If you have enough space, create a patio area near the water for a dining table and chairs. Be sure to include electrical access for lighting and room for a BBQ grill.
8. Shade: When thinking about lake life, most people think in terms of fun in the sun. Shade is equally important, however. Whether you install a shade sail, build a pergola, or plant some trees, you need to have shade near the water so you can comfortably enjoy it even in 100-degree heat.
Landscaping is important when you buy a lake house. Everything from the marine pier to the flowers can help increase your enjoyment of the property.
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