Planning the perfect lawn shape depends on several factors, but ultimately, you should personalize your yard with a shape that speaks to you.
Your lawn is one of the most versatile spaces on your property. Whether you enjoy gardening, playing sports, or having a barbeque with friends, a lawn is meant to be cherished. How you spend your time outside largely depends on the shape of your lawn.
Today, we’re sharing our best tips for choosing the perfect lawn shape so you can enjoy its full potential.
Consider How You Will Use Your Lawn
One of the central factors in determining the best shape for your lawn is how you plan to use the space. If you intend on using your lawn for recreation, consider constructing a large, open area, often best created by circular or rectangular shapes. Croquet, badminton, volleyball, or other lawn sports need plenty of open space to play.
If you’re into gardening, the design of your lawn should be optimized for the shape and size of your garden beds. In general, a pleasing garden should consist of one-third planting and two-thirds space. Avoid over-emphasizing the size of the lawn and instead, add depth to the planting features.
How you plan to spend your time outside is completely up to you and your lawn shape should reflect that.
Avoid Complicated Edges
In an attempt to make a lawn more unique, some people add wavy edges around the perimeter of their lawn. These lines can add personality, but become complicated when plants grow along the border. Instead, curves should be soft and lead the eye along the yard. Lawns with sharp corners or wavy borders can be difficult to cut and maintain.
Play Off of the Shape of the Plot
Oftentimes, finding the perfect lawn shape will depend on the shape of your plot. If your plot is largely rectangular, lean into that design when planning your lawn. This doesn’t mean that your lawn has to be restricted to the plot shape, but playing off of its natural shape will deliver the most aesthetically-pleasing results.
From there, add elements to make your yard more interesting, such as:
- Round the corners of a rectangular plot
- Plant trees along the border or in the center of the lawn
- Add a vertical element such as a pergola walk or archway
- Create curves with boulders, raised garden beds, or winding pathways
- Invest in built-in planters
- Try a sunken patio with wraparound seating and a fire pit
- Add more color to your flower beds with varieties you wouldn’t ordinarily use
- Install string lights around your patio
- Repurpose items in your home to create unique yard decorations
Keep It Practical
When designing your yard, its practicality should be at the forefront of your mind. You need to be able to maneuver a lawn mower and maintain your lawn with ease. Be sure to construct enough grass space between flowerbeds or paved walkways to allow for efficient and easy mowing. Likewise, avoid awkward corners or placing furniture or pots directly on grass space.
Incorporate Mowing Edges
Mowing edges are transitional areas between the lawn and other areas of the yard to make cutting the grass easier. For example, a gravel or brick edge around garden areas makes it much easier to maintain a tidy lawn. Moving up to the edge will be simpler and more accurate. Mowing edges also help you avoid any accidental damage to plants.
Common Lawn Shapes
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common lawn shapes to help you determine the perfect design for your lawn.
- Rectangular – A rectangular lawn is aesthetically pleasing as it brings a sense of order to the property. This is the most popular lawn shape due to its symmetry and easy mowing. This lawn shape is ideal for families who love to play games or sports in the yard. If you intend on kicking around a soccer ball or entertaining friends regularly, a rectangular yard offers you plenty of open space to have a great time. If recreation and ease of maintenance are priorities, a rectangular lawn is an excellent option.
- Open – An open lawn offers an incredibly relaxed shape. Rather than straight lines and edges, gentle curves outline this layout. An open-shaped lawn is ideal for homeowners that want a playful, soothing feel. Trees and their shade patterns often determine an open lawn shape. This is another lawn shape that is optimal for recreation and entertaining but with a more unique appearance than a rectangular shape.
- Circular – A circular lawn shape is ideal if you desire a formal look. This shape is often surrounded by shrubs, trees, and garden areas to infuse extra scenery into the space. A perfect circle catches people’s eyes and makes a bold first impression. The curved edge adds movement and overall, makes the yard look larger. Circular lawns are an excellent way to combine beauty with function while reducing heavy labor.
- Free-Flowing – A free-flowing lawn is full of pockets of gardens and trees between large areas of grass. These types of lawns feel like a small oasis like you’re in your own world in your backyard. This effect encourages exploration and makes your yard more unique and interesting. A free-flowing shape also offers the added benefit of illusion; when you can’t see the lawn all at once, it adds mystery and makes it appear larger.
Choose Summit Lawn & Pest Control for Premium Lawn Care Services
When it comes to choosing the perfect lawn shape for your yard, the experts at Summit Lawn & Pest Control are here to help. We have a passion for providing fast and affordable home lawn care and pest control services so you can focus on enjoying your yard instead of pulling weeds and eradicating bugs.
Call us today to schedule your free assessment and find out what we can do for your lawn! We serve cities in Utah County, Utah, including Lehi, Alpine, Orem, Provo, Spanish Fork, and more.
