Whether you are a nature lover, mountain biker, adventurer, or just searching for an exhilarating experience, Utah is the right place! With a mesmerizing desert Landscape, Utah is home to otherworldly rock formations, red sandstones, slot canyons, and the longest natural arch in the world!

From native plants to natural rock formations and water features, Utah’s landscaping design style strives to create a seamless combination of man-made and natural components.

Is the desire to “keep up with the Joneses” still relevant today? It appears that embracing individuality and pursuing personal preferences is now considered the superior choice. This notion applies even to Utah landscaping, where homeowners no longer wish for their yards to be mundane or identical to their neighbors. So, how can you make your Yard truly distinctive in all the best ways? And which landscape design styles are most suitable for Utah? Let us guide you through five exceptional landscape design styles and demonstrate how to incorporate them into your yard.

5 Landscape Design Styles for Your Utah Home

Regarding landscape design styles for Utah, we have five main types to discuss: Xeriscaping (or desert landscaping), garden design (also known as English garden landscaping), mountain landscaping, contemporary landscaping, and farmhouse landscaping. Each style has a unique and distinct aesthetic that complements Utah’s environment. We will provide examples of each style, but you can find them here if you seek more inspiration for your summer landscaping projects.

Xeriscaping: A Perfect Landscape Design Utah

It cannot be denied that xeriscaping is one of the landscape design methods that is most suited for Utah. Because of the regular water shortages experienced in the state, this design is especially appropriate since xeriscaping encourages water conservation. Many people have the misconception that xeriscaping means having a yard that is covered with rocks and cactus. However, there are innumerable ways to incorporate bark, rocks, and diverse hardscapes and materials to create water-wise yards that are still attractive in Utah.

Even if there aren’t a lot of plants in this yard, the aesthetic value of the space has been much improved because of the thoughtful application of bark, stones, and pavers in key locations.

It is a common misconception that xeriscaping must include an empty landscape. This is not the case. Even on the hottest days of a Utah summer, this yard design requires very little water yet still manages to seem lively and appealing.

This yard is anything from boring because of its varied topography, the presence of stones and rocks, and the variety of native plants and trees. In this instance, Xeriscaping results in a landscape that is everything from desolate since the environment continues to be active and appealing even during the sweltering summer days in Utah.

Although the whole front yard has been xeriscaped, you won’t find any cacti anywhere in the yard. We have developed an attractive, low-maintenance, and water-conserving yard using components not generally associated with xeriscaping. This has allowed us to save more water.

Garden Design: Exquisite and Charming

Garden design landscape, also known as English cottage garden or English country garden landscaping, is instantly identifiable since it resembles the verdant and meticulously kept gardens in England. Regardless of what you call it, this particular kind of landscape design gives Utah a one-of-a-kind look that is certain to get noticed in the most positive manner imaginable. Even if it needs a little bit more upkeep, there is no question that the time and work put in will be well worth it.

In this backyard is a creek, a light, a nice pathway, and an abundance of greenery, all of which may lead you to wonder whether you are still in Utah. These components work in perfect harmony to provide a heavenly haven for the dreamer.

This is the location to be in if you want to take your guests on a leisurely walk around the garden. Its rose-covered gates, lantern lights, and hedges offer the ideal atmosphere for strolling, gazing, or daydreaming.

Mountain Landscaping: Embracing Nature’s Beauty

It is only natural that we include the mountain motif in our selection of Utah landscape design styles. This makes perfect sense considering how close Utah is to the Rocky Mountains. Even in the valleys, the mountain landscaping utilizes natural features to create a more forest-like and rustic atmosphere.

This backyard is the epitome of mountainside beauty with its natural rock water feature, towering trees, weathered wood pergola, and meticulously arranged vegetation.

This yard includes a one-of-a-kind fire feature that evokes feelings of being in the woods, which contributes to the allure of its natural setting.

The home’s log-cabin façade provides the idea for this water feature, which is usually a crowd-pleaser because of its proximity to the water. It has been meticulously built to seem like a natural stream, and it works in perfect harmony with the flagstone stairs to give guests the impression that they are going on a leisurely walk on their approach to the front door.

Contemporary: Blending Modern Trends

When it comes to furnishings, it is not difficult to recognize a modern design; nevertheless, distinguishing current landscape design trends may be more difficult. In general, contemporary design combines elements from recent trends with a dash of futuristic elements. Using bark, wood, grasses, and neat, straight lines are all landscaping components.

The sleek lines and wooden frames of the outdoor furnishings are reminiscent of those that can be seen on the home’s deck. The appearance is finished with a variety of plants, a horizontally slatted wood fence placed against a foundation of white stucco, and both elements together.

This large front yard has symmetrical concrete planters constructed out of various materials to help break up the expanse. The front yard of this contemporary house has an eye-catching arrangement of succulents and other low-water plants that are held in place by metal and stones.

Backyards with a hillside provide a wonderful opportunity to build outdoor “rooms” that combine a variety of components, such as fireplaces, sitting spaces, water features, and novel lighting solutions, which add interest and depth to this contemporary house. Hillside backyards also give fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

Farmhouse: Embracing Simplicity and Coziness

The landscape’s natural features, such as wood, stone, and flowers, serve as a source of inspiration for the farmhouse landscaping design. It has a laid-back vibe that makes one think of a lifestyle that moves more leisurely and offers a comfortable setting in which one may repose and mingle with others.

Who needs white picket fences when you can have a fence that looks like this? It gives the impression of a farm by virtue of its colorful X design and its lovely gate, both of which are included in it.

A real farmhouse aesthetic was achieved in the backdrop of a suburban Utah neighborhood by using galvanized steel borders for the raised planter beds.

The look of this timber fence is reminiscent of that of a farmhouse. It is a great place to relax and take in the scenery since it is complemented by a garden full of alluring plants and beautiful wildflowers.

These hanging chairs give off a unique “modern farmhouse” atmosphere, in contrast to the more traditional look of a porch swing. You shouldn’t be afraid to give this homey design your original and creative spin; you should.

In the event that you need more advice in determining the kind of landscape design that best suits your preferences, making plans for your outside area, or developing the yard of your dreams, we are here to provide it. 

5 Landscaping Ideas to Beat the Heat in Utah City

Utah City’s hot and dry summers require smart landscaping strategies to keep your yard looking lush and vibrant without excessive water usage. Here are five summer landscaping ideas tailored to the semi-arid climate of Utah City:

Embrace Native Plants:

Native plants in Utah are characterized by their variety and their natural adaptations to the state’s environment. These plants are good for low-maintenance and drought-resistant landscapes since they need less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native species do. You could want to include native species like Russian sage, Bluebells, Engelmann daisy, Firecracker penstemon, and Scarlet gaura into your landscaping.

Implement Xeriscaping Techniques:

Xeriscaping is an approach to landscaping that emphasizes the use of water-conserving gardening techniques to reduce overall water use. Utilizing plants that can survive in dry conditions, smart irrigation practices, and other conservation strategies can allow you to create an attractive and long-lasting landscape. In a xeriscape garden, some great options for plants to use are cold-hardy succulents such as Sedum, Sempervivum, and Jovibarba, as well as shrubs such as Sagebrush, Manzanita, and Cenizo.

Utilize Mulch:

Water may be saved in your landscaping with the use of mulch in an efficient manner. It is possible to minimize the amount of water lost to evaporation and to inhibit the development of weeds by applying a layer of organic material such as wood chips, leaves, or straw. In addition, organic mulches decompose over time, which results in an increase in the soil’s ability to hold water and enrichment of the soil with various nutrients.

Opt for Drought-Tolerant Grass:

The summer heat in Utah City might make it difficult to keep a lawn green, but if you choose the appropriate grass species and follow the recommended procedures for lawn maintenance, you can achieve this goal. If you want to maintain a healthy and green lawn, consider planting grasses that can withstand extreme heat and drought, such as Kentucky bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Perennial ryegrass.

Plant Shade Trees:

The thoughtful use of shade trees in your landscape design may provide a variety of advantages. The shade trees help keep your house cooler during the sweltering months of summer but also improve air quality, lowers energy expenses, and boost the value of your property. To make the outdoors a more pleasant and bearable place to spend time, think about planting some trees that provide shade, such as maples, cottonwoods, and ash.

Step 1: Central Open Shape

Begin your Localscape plan by creating a central open shape in your yard. This area can be paved, covered with gravel, adorned with ground cover, or even designed as a section of grass. If you choose to use grass, aligning the shape with your sprinkler system is recommended to enhance efficiency. Design this space with functionality in mind, ensuring it doesn’t exceed 30% of your total landscape area if you opt for a lawn.

Step 2: Gathering Areas

Gathering areas are designated spaces in your landscape where you can enjoy the company of friends and family or spend some quiet time outdoors. They can come in various shapes and sizes, providing opportunities to enhance your yard’s appeal. Consider adding features like gazebos, patios, decks, or fire pits to create distinct areas outside of your lawn. These gathering spaces offer different perspectives throughout the day and year, effectively extending your living space outdoors.

Step 3: Activity Zones

Determine the activities you wish to engage in within your landscape. Whether it’s spending quality time with your family, hosting large gatherings, or focusing on vegetable gardening, each preference will influence the design of your yard. Activity zones cater to specific needs and can encompass spaces for vegetable gardens, swing sets, sports courts, swimming pools, sandboxes, trampolines, or any other desired recreational activities. It’s important to note that most activity zones are separate from lawn areas due to their specific function, water requirements, and the materials needed for their creation and maintenance.

Step 4: Paths

Once you have established the central open shape, gathering areas, and activity zones, it’s time to consider the connections between these areas, your house, and the overall flow of movement within your landscape. Pathways serve as conduits that allow you to navigate and appreciate different parts of your yard logically and effortlessly. Choose appropriate materials such as stones, pavers, or flagstones for your paths, as the grass is not recommended as a pathway surface. Grass strips subjected to heavy foot traffic can be challenging to maintain, irrigate efficiently, and keep looking good. Durable pathway materials save time and provide access to overlooked areas of your yard.

Step 5: Planting Beds

The final element of your Localscape plan is the planting beds. These areas fill the remaining space after you have designed everything else. Thoughtfully chosen plantings will connect and accentuate other sections of your yard, creating unique focal points. Begin by selecting trees that will provide structure, shade, screening, or other desirable features for an extended period. Ensure you choose tree species that are appropriate for the available space, adhering to size guidelines and maintaining suitable distances from structures or fences.

Next, focus on shrubs, which come in various sizes ranging from a couple of inches tall to over 10 feet tall. Shrubs add color, texture, and year-round interest to your landscape. Choose shrub types and varieties that suit your needs while ensuring they don’t overcrowd the available space. If you have room for a three-foot shrub, avoid assuming you can simply prune it to keep it small. Select plants that naturally fit the allocated space.

Once you have designed the trees and shrubs, fill the remaining area with perennials and decorative grasses of your choice. There is a wide selection of plant varieties suitable for the Utah climate. Opt for plants with similar water needs to simplify and optimize irrigation, ensuring you neither overwater nor underwater certain plants. Your plantings can be dense and full, or you can leave ample room to create focal points.

For watering planting beds, drip irrigation is recommended as it ensures efficient water delivery directly to the plant roots, minimizing spray blockage. Drip irrigation is easy to set up and maintain. Once the plants are in place and the irrigation is established, the final touch is adding mulch. Mulch helps maintain even soil temperatures, reduces evaporation, minimizes weed germination, and gives a finished look to your landscape. You can choose organic mulch like bark or shredded wood or opt for various sizes and colors of rock mulch.

Conclusion

If you follow these basic five steps, even if you do them in a phased way across your yard, you will be able to construct a landscape that is ideal for your requirements, tailored to the climate of Utah, that will save you time and money, and that will dramatically decrease the amount of water you need to use in your outdoor spaces.