Limitations to Know About Before Starting Landscaping

Every landscaping project presents its set of challenges that can affect the desired outcome. This is especially true in Wellington, given the sloping terrain and inclement weather. Here, we’ll explore these limitations and what they might mean when landscaping in Wellington. 

Not sure where to start? Consult our handy landscape planning checklist and get inspired by landscaping ideas in Wellington!

Landscaping Challenges

A shortage of space

Landscaping requires a number of tools and equipment, depending on the scope of your project. Is there adequate space to get any necessary heavy equipment like diggers, tractors, and excavators onto your property? 

To answer this question, you should measure the space between your house and the fencing along the side of your property and assess whether the gap is wide enough to accommodate whatever equipment is required.

Solution: Consult with a landscaping company to understand exactly what may be needed to make your desired backyard come to life. The experts at Zones Landscaping can help you to explore solutions to seemingly insurmountable access problems.

Discover the abundance of services Zones Landscaping in Wellington has to offer!

Steep slopes

Landscaping on sloping terrain poses the risk of erosion and drainage issues. Slopes can also affect the accessibility of your garden, making it difficult to maintain.

Solution: Retaining walls help prevent erosion, while terraces create accessible, flat terrain on a slope. Both have an aesthetically pleasing effect that add depth and dimension to your landscape. Native plants and shrubs with deep root systems thrive in hilly terrain, and also help prevent soil erosion. Work with a landscaping architect in Wellington to help you find the best solution for your backyard’s contours.

‍Great landscaping requires great planning – Ask the right questions during your initial landscaping consultation.

Poor drainage

Drainage problems are detrimental to a healthy, thriving landscape. Water damage from poor drainage could also affect your house if left untreated.

Solution: Begin by assessing the natural flow of water on your property and where water tends to accumulate. One solution could be permeable paving, which helps soak up excess water. Regularly clean your gutters - and you gully traps - to make sure rainwater flows freely away from your property.

Understand the benefits of landscape design and build in Wellington – Why is it so important?

Inclement weather

Wellington’s variable weather is a major factor to consider when planning your landscape. Rain is a constant, but if your property is exposed to strong winds or salt spray, you’ll need to be a bit more strategic when it comes to planting.

Solution: Understand Wellington’s microclimate and consider choosing resilient, native plants for your yard. Windbreaks, such as bushy shrubs or rock walls can protect your more delicate plants. Your landscaper in Wellington will be able to advise you on the best plan of action.

Read up on our expert landscaping design tips to learn more about the different types of landscaping, questions to ask yourself before you begin, and cost estimates in New Zealand.

Privacy restrictions

Lack of privacy is a common issue, but there are several ways to combat it. 

Solution: There are three routes you can take to add more privacy to your landscape. The first is to plant. Trees, shrubs, tall hedges, and bamboo are great options to add much-needed privacy. 

Secondly, think about hardscaping. Fences, pergolas, and lattice structures are built to provide privacy and focal points for your property. Lastly, utilise sound to create privacy with rustling grasses or water features. A soundscape also adds another dimension to the sensory experience of your garden.

Challenging growing conditions

A combination of inclement weather, poor soil conditions, and sloping terrain can prove to be quite a challenge when planning your ideal landscape. However, there are viable alternatives for your lawn and garden.

Solution: Mitigate the challenge of maintaining a grassy lawn by opting for statement-making hardscaping features like mulch, gravel, and pavers. Alternatively, get a soil test first before planting to understand the condition of your site and what options will best suit your property.

Learn about the different types of lawns and how to choose the right one for your site.

Ready to transform your landscape?

Get in touch with a Zones Wellington Landscape Consultant today to discuss your goals, come up with landscape drawings, source landscaping contractors, and more!