Tips to Design a Cohesive Patio and Lawn

Two installations tend to dominate the backyard — the patio and the lawn. Quite often you see the two structures seemingly operating independently with the patio occupying its own space separate from the lawn. Yet usage of the two spaces tends to blur the lines more than their layout suggests. Create cohesion in your backyard by designing the patio and lawn to work together.

If you're adding a lawn, or upgrading the existing one, consider utilizing sod. With sod, you can better devise a custom shape, in this case one that echoes shapes within your patio. For example, many patios are rectangular. A rectangular lawn next to the hardscaping would create a balanced appeal.

Perhaps you don't mind getting more creative with the lawn shape. You could choose a shape from within the patio and have the contractors lay sod to replicate it. For instance, perhaps your rectangular patio includes a square fire pit. You could have the sod laid to echo that shape.

This mimicked shape could be just a portion of the lawn — the rest could remain whatever shape comes naturally to your yard. So, let's say you have a walkway in your backyard. The lawn on one side of the walkway could echo the patio shape, while the rest is naturalistic.

In a similar vein, sod also allows you to create curves in your lawn's shape. If you're revamping the entire backyard, consider a freeform border between the lawn and patio. Either the patio or the lawn will cut into the straight line of the other structure in a pleasing arc. Typically, you see the patio arching into the lawn, but you could devise an undulating border, too.

A common adaptation on this theme is the round or semi-round patio. With this style of structure, the contractors lay the sod to partially or fully encircle the round patio. The semi-round shape comes into play if the patio is flat against the house. However, sometimes the patio, or at least part of it, is completely separate from the house, allowing for a full circle.

Going along with that idea, your patio doesn't have to be the only hardscaped area of your backyard. Many homeowners opt to separate spaces according to designated use. The portion of the patio that's nearest the house is often utilized for cooking and dining because the proximity of the kitchen facilitates these tasks.

A large expanse of lawn is beautiful. However, you may want to convert some of that space for other tasks. Perhaps instead of locating a fire pit in the main patio, you could create a small hardscaped area in an unused corner of your yard. Just ensure the turf around this new usable space is hardy enough for the increased traffic — talk to your lawn specialists to make sure.

When you've talked to your local lawn specialists about hardy turfgrass suitable for your yard, consider using the sod in an unexpected area — the patio itself. One of the most effective methods for blurring the line between the patio and lawn is to literally blur it or omit it.

A recent trend in patio design sees homeowners eschewing the traditional, fully-paved patio. Instead, they're opting for a patio made of pavers. With this style, the contractors leave spaces between the pavers where the grass frames them. The overall effect is of a continuation of the lawn throughout the backyard.

Since the grass border emphasizes the shape of the pavers, focus on that element of the design. Choose freeform pavers for a naturalistic effect. If you choose a regular pattern of geometric pavers, though, you'll have a modern design. Look to the style of your house for design inspiration.

Create harmony between your lawn and patio with deliberate sod placement. Visit the lawn specialist at Novasack Turf Farmsfor the supplies and project help you need.