Planning From The Inside Out

Unfortunately, many people don’t put the necessary planning into their outdoor space. However, other than hiring a professional to do it for you, there are a few strategies that can really help. One of them might sound a little odd, but it can work wonders. Starting your planning and thinking from the inside out will help you to get the most from your space with barely any effort at all, just a few observations that will lead to great ideas and plans.

Most homeowners totally overlook the fact that how you view your outdoor space from the inside can drastically increase your enjoyment or frustration with it. Before you build, purchase, or plant anything it is a smart idea to take a look through all of the windows facing your outdoor space and take note of what you see as this will help you decide what you will want to see.

Are There Any Unsightly Views You Need To Block Out?

This could be anything from trash cans to a direct view of your neighbor’s home. Spots like these are ideal for placing evergreen shrubs or trees that can act as a privacy screen year-round, not just in the warmer months. This could mean closer to your window or closer to the actual eyesore itself.

Planting a dense evergreen like Arborvitae right in front of a window allows you to keep shades or blinds open instead of closed. It also gives you a nice green natural view. Windows are for being able to enjoy the view of your space and also to let light in. By planting right in front of your windows you get to enjoy both.

Planting to block out something unsightly further back in your yard will also help to add to the beauty of your space as a whole when seen from your windows. The effect of a natural privacy screen can really be dramatic but of course fences and walls are options too depending on your taste and personal situation.

Many homeowners with pets may want to decide on a wall or fence as a way to accomplish two things at once: keeping their pets contained and privacy. A more attractive option is to add a wall or fence and then a row of evergreen trees almost up against them.

This will let you know your pets will be secure, help to keep out unwanted animal and human guests, and you get a fantastic view looking out on your yard from inside your home as well.

Obviously, when you are planting to enhance the view from windows you want to be able to enjoy that view in the near future, not ten years down the road. The biggest mistake people make is purchasing a tree that is just too small.

I have done this quite a few times and there is nothing more frustrating than opening your window only to see the eyesore you are trying to block out and a tiny tree that is nowhere near blocking it out. Don’t try to save a few bucks thinking the tree will grow and do its job.

The easiest and least stressful option by far is to buy a tree that is already large enough to do the job or close to it so you can enjoy your new green view as soon as it is planted in the soil. But, of course, it is up to you, if what you are trying to block out isn’t so bad a small tree might be the best choice for you. Many people also just love the process of watching it grow into a mature tree.

Arborvitae really is a fantastic choice for enhancing the view of your outdoor space that can be purchased at just about any home store, plant nursery, and even online. However, there are several different varieties all of which have different growth rates, maximum heights, spreads, and requirements.

For blocking out large spaces Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is awesome. It grows at least 3 feet per year and can reach upwards of 50 feet tall and 15 feet wide. But for smaller spaces, something like Green Emerald Arborvitae that gets to about 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide might be a better choice.

However keep in mind it may only grow about 1 foot per year in good conditions, so if you need privacy fast make sure you buy one that is already pretty tall. And of course, there are many more options some more exotic looking like bamboo that also make gorgeous privacy screens.

Are There Any Views That Need To Be Unblocked?

Just as important as blocking out unsightly views is unblocking inconvenient ones. When looking through your windows out at your space make sure you take into account trees and bushes that need to be cut away along with structures that may need to be taken down so you can have a clear view.

If you have small children it would be wise and responsible of you to you have an unobstructed view from inside your house of where they will be playing outdoors so that you can keep an eye on them at all times. This can also be important if you have a naughty dog that will be spending time outside.

And of course, if you plan to install or already have a focal point like a pond, water feature, classic garden bench, pergola, or gazebo, you’ll most likely want to make sure you get rid of anything that blocks your view of those so you can admire them from the comfort of inside your home.

How Will You Approach Your Outdoor Space?

Other than looking at the view from your window, looking at your space from a back or side door that leads you to your yard can also help you to think of what you may want to do or add. Do you want to walk in a straight line? Maybe a winding garden path might be more appealing?

Thinking about it will help you to decide what materials, what style, and what type of path, deck, or walkway you want to have if any, leading to your outdoor space. Many of these can also add to the view you have from inside your home as well!

Starting your thinking and planning from the inside out will help you to guarantee the best results from your garden, patios, yard, or all three. And, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space not only when you’re in it or walking to it, but from indoors as well, which is how it should be!

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