Urban landscape design techniques for Boston homeowners and city dwellers.

Homeowners in Boston and other New England metropolitan areas are familiar with the challenge that comes with urban landscape design.

An estimated 83% of Americans live in urban areas and have a small outdoor living area for their backyard. For most, this means creativity and imagination are needed to explore urban landscape design ideas. 

1. Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening is an urban landscape design technique that allows homeowners with small outdoor living spaces the opportunity to enhance their landscape design by way of attaching plants to vertically suspended panels. This technique allows homeowners to keep an abundant amount of plants and greenery in their yard without taking up space.

Why Should I Invest in a Vertical Garden?

There are a variety of reasons why homeowners in Boston and other Massachusetts metropolitan areas are building vertical gardens:

• To maximize limited outdoor living spaces
• Enhanced privacy
• Ease and accessibility
• Enhance visual appeal

2. Artificial Grass Installation

Artificial grass installation is a surefire way to keep your urban landscape design vibrant and lush at an affordable price. Furthermore, artificial grass means no more watering or mowing your lawn, resulting in a drastic decrease in utility costs and giving you more free time.

The cost of artificial grass depends on the project scope, but for homeowners in Boston with small outdoor living spaces, the cost of artificial grass installation will be drastically more affordable. 

Artificial turf generally costs between $5 – $20 per square foot. If you own a coastal Cape Cod home with a large outdoor living space, artificial grass installation in Massachusetts could cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, if your home is in the heart of Boston, your outdoor living area is likely much smaller. The results in a much more affordable artificial grass installation project.

3. Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a landscape design trend that stands the test of time. There are many outdoor lighting ideas and options for homeowners in Boston to choose from, all of which will give your outdoor living area a boost in ambiance and will have you spending all of your free time outside.

Popular outdoor lighting aesthetic include:

• Pathway/walkway lighting
• Outdoor string lighting
• Outdoor wall lighting
• Lanterns
• Deck lighting
• Pool lighting
• Up-lighting

4. Fire pit

Much like outdoor lighting, fire pit installation is the landscape design gift that keeps on giving. With so many people working from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an uptick in fire pit installation requests across Massachusetts. Boston homeowners with small outdoor living spaces may be wondering – can I even have a fire pit in my backyard?

Landscape design professionals and fire safety officers recommend that a fire pit have at least 7 feet of space around all edges. If you do not have this type of space in your Boston backyard, fire pit placement is not advised.

For homeowners who do have space, a fire pit is a perfect addition to any backyard landscape design. 

What are the Benefits of a Fire Pit?

• The outdoor living space can be enjoyed during fall and winter.
• Great for cooking!
• Allows homeowners to entertain guests outdoors year-round.
• Extends the amount of time you can spend outside, even when daylight savings time ends.
• Aids in relaxation.

5. Patio & Walkway Pavers

Walkway and patio pavers are the perfect way to increase the value of your Boston home and enhance outdoor aesthetics. For homeowners who want to get creative with their landscape design, patio and walkway pavers provide a variety of options for you to choose from, including cobblestone pavers, which remain a staple in Boston landscape design and architecture. 

Urban landscape design for small spaces is a great way for city dwellers to create a more livable outdoor living space while increasing property value. Whether you live in Beacon Hill, Downtown Boston, or the North End, there are many budget-friendly options to optimize your existing outdoor living space. 

To learn more about urban landscape design in Massachusetts, visit the JM Mento Landscape Design Services page and schedule a free consultation today! 

Check out our gallery for newly completed landscape design projects, and get inspired for your next landscape design remodel!

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