How To Landscape Around A Deck For A Backyard

Many people enjoy spending time with family and friends on their backyard decks or patios. Because these outdoor spaces are so popular, it makes sense to enhance these spaces with a little landscaping to make them more enjoyable. 

Landscaping isn’t as hard as you might think. In fact, landscaping around your deck or patio can be a fun weekend DIY if you’re the handy type. Below, we’ve broken the project down into easy-to-manage steps to help you get it done right.

 

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS

Once you’ve decided which plants to grow, the rest of the project becomes much easier. Start by choosing a couple of large shrubs or even a small tree. Next, look for a few perennials and/or ornamental grasses to fill in around the larger plants. The only thing you need to be sure of is that the plants you choose grow well in your hardiness zone. 

STEP 2: LAY IT OUT

Place your plants around your deck to determine where they look best. Use a garden hose to outline the plants and get an idea of how the border should go. Once everything is as you like it, use landscaping paint to outline the placement of everything. 

STEP 3: DIG OUT THE TURF

Move your plants and garden hose out of the way once you’ve marked everything with your landscape paint. Use a shovel to dig up the turf inside the area you’ve designated. You don’t have to dig deep – just push the shovel into the grass and slide it about an inch or so down to sever the roots and expose the soil underneath. 

STEP 4: INSTALL THE EDGING

After removing all the turf, install the edging to keep grass and weeds at bay. Dig a trench to accommodate the edging and use the excess soil to anchor it in place. 

STEP 5: LAY OUT LANDSCAPING FABRIC

Cover the soil with landscaping fabric to keep weeds from taking over your newly landscaped areas. 

STEP 6: CHECK PLANT LAYOUT AGAIN

Place the potted plants in their designated spots to check their placement once again. Try to keep larger plants to the back and smaller ones to the front. Make sure you like how it all looks and that the plants have plenty of room for growth before moving on. 

STEP 7: PLANT THE PLANTS

Cut holes in the landscape fabric and plant your plants. Water each plant well to help them settle into their new homes. 

STEP 8: SPREAD MULCH

To help the landscaped area look finished and stay moist, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch. Mulch comes in all types and colors, so choose the one that you like best and spread it as evenly as possible for the best results. 

That’s it! You’ve just landscaped your deck or patio. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come!