Often the percentage of soft surfaces versus the percentage of hard surfaces is not even up to you as the property owner; it’s the decision of your local council. This is most usually relevant to building extensions, renovations and new developments where councils give more credits for lawns to reduce costly storm water.
Hard surfaces such as building foundations, decks, paving and driveways prevent water from being absorbed into the soil which, in turn, results in more water running off and ending up in the storm water drains. This additional pressure on the storm water system can cause flooding which none of us really want to deal with.
Aside from this requirement, the balance is a personal preference. A mix of hard and soft surfaces should be decided upon based on aesthetics, use of the space (do the kids need somewhere to kick a soccer ball around or do mum and dad need a deck to relax on more) and the future value of the property. If you’re looking at selling some time in the future what would potential buyers prefer most; a lovely lush green backyard or a completed paved space?
Just keep in mind that lawns and garden beds (soft surfaces) can be used in a wide range of spaces from acreage, to conventional house blocks, rooftop terraces and even the tiniest of courtyards. Ensure that you choose a shade tolerant turf variety such as Sir Walter DNA Certified lawn if buildings shadow your courtyard.
Before you lay that first paver or roll of turf grab some graph paper and some pencils and get planning; the whole family can get involved in this activity. Plan out the ratios of hard to soft surfaces on paper first; it’s a lot easier to erase some pencil lines and redraw them than it is to move a garden bed or even a clothesline.
For your new lawn to add the soft surface balance contact the team at Harden Park Lawns today.
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