How to Create the Perfect Backyard Oasis

Close your eyes (after you read this, that is!) Imagine yourself sitting in paradise. Think about the smells, the sounds, the cool breeze blowing around you. Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? Here’s a thought you may not have realized: it’s totally possible to turn your yard into a proverbial paradise. All you need to do is follow our simple, 8 step process to create the perfect backyard oasis.

Step 1: Start with a plan

All great projects start with a plan. Whether it’s a sketch of your idea, formal blueprints, or something in between, knowing what you want in your backyard oasis is the first step in creating it.

Start big: what are your dream concepts and ideas? Do you want a privacy fence, built in features and components, or is paradise designed around an in-ground pool for you? Know what you want and what it could look like before picking up a single tool.

Step 2: Take an inventory of your tools

Speaking of tools, if you’re planning to DIY it, your next step is to figure out what tools and hardware you own. There are several tools you may only use once, but are critically necessary to making your dream into a reality.

For example, do you have a laser level? If you’re going to pour a concrete patio as a part of your backyard oasis, it needs to be level. Another tool you may not already have is a trowel. It’s not an expensive tool, but one you’re absolutely going to need if you want perfect, 90 degree angles and corners on your patio.

Step 3: Speak with a contractor

It’s also not a bad idea to chat with a contractor such as us. With years of experience seeing what does and doesn’t work, your local landscaping company can be a major asset to helping you design your perfect backyard oasis.

In many cases, they can consult with you for a fee or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take over the project for you (especially if you don’t have the necessary tools or the time to invest in purchasing them).

Step 4: Mark off your areas

Once you know what you’re planning to do and that it’s feasible, Step 4 is to mark off the areas you’re planning to dig up. Mark off everything from the in-ground pool you’re planning to install to your flower gardens to your sitting areas to your centerpiece gazebo.

Step 5: Design a focal point

In fact, a gazebo or another “focal point” as we like to call it can add a certain kind of perfect to paradise. Not everyone wants a gazebo, but other ideas include concrete fire pits, brick ovens, built-in grills, and covered seating areas.

Step 6: Don’t forget your landscaping and hardscaping

Earlier, when we mentioned marking off your areas, we said “to your flower gardens.” Believe it or not, corresponding landscaping and hardscaping is going to be absolutely critical to making your backyard oasis feel complete. Paver stones along your gardens, lighting in key areas, flower areas to add a pop of color, and shrubs to accent your yard will all help transform your yard into perfection.

Step 7: Purchase the right kind of materials

In a recent blog we broke down the types of materials you’ll need to get started creating or updating your backyard patio. Be sure to check it out when you have a chance, but to summarize you’re going to want to make sure you’re using the right kinds of materials for the job.

For example, flagstone is decorative. It should not be used in areas where you need to lay pea gravel. You should also take into consideration the shape of any patio pavers you plan to utilize. Will they match the overall aesthetic you’re going for, are the colors right, and will the geometric shapes take away from your designs? Here’s where you may want to consider concrete, and it’s all a part of purchasing the right kind of materials.

Step 8: Call the utility companies

Last but not least, call the utility companies before you pick up your shovel. Show them where you’re planning to dig so that you don’t run the risk of damaging any of their lines.

And as a bonus step here, be sure to check with your local government to make sure you’re in compliance with any local ordinances and permit requirements.

The perfect backyard oasis starts with Masters Landscaping

Since 2014, we’ve been helping customers in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean County with all of their landscaping and hardscaping needs. We’ll work with you to develop a plan, design your perfect backyard tasks, and take the landscaping around it to the next level. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation for our services, fill out our short form here. We’ll be in touch soon!