It’s December and it’s getting dark early. You may be able to enjoy your back yard less as we head into winter, but these colder months offer a great time to start planning your new back yard.

Below we’ve compiled a list of our top CT Landscaping Ideas:

Outdoor Living landscape designs are the most popular projects we are designing and installing right now. Outdoor Living encompasses the idea of bringing the comforts from inside your home to your back yard. Gone are the days of the small rectangular patio with uncomfortable folding chairs. Today’s Outdoor Living areas include all the features you’d find inside the home — including cozy couches, TVs and sound systems.

Fire features are so popular right now because they can serve as a focal point for gatherings with friends and family. They can also allow you to get use out of your yard well into the winter months by keeping you and your guests toasty. Fire features can include the basic fire pit as well as an outdoor fire place. There are pros and cons of various fire features that you can read about on our blog. It’s also important to remember that a fire pit doesn’t have to be fueled by wood. There are also gas-powered fire features that turn on with the flip of a switch.

Often people assume that they have to live with their sloping yard. If you are tired of your kids toys rolling down hill into the neighbor’s driveway, you might want to look into a retaining wall. Retaining walls can be designed to create flat areas of your yard for grass, plantings, patios, pools or fire features. We can build retaining walls custom to your needs out of natural stone or pavers.

Take a time out and walk around your yard. How is the grass growing? Are their bare batches? The experts at E.A. Quinn can help you determine what’s causing the trouble and recommend fixes. Hydroseeding, which is a quick method of grass seed installation, may help. We can also explain the advantages of using sod. Both methods are yard installation have their strengths and weaknesses.

Inground pools can make your back yard the place to be from spring through fall. Add an attached spa and you can even enjoy your back yard in the winter! Pool patios can be customized to your needs. Some of our clients opt for natural stone while others are drawn to one of the varied concrete pavers that are available. You can go big with your patio, or keep it small, depending on the type of use your back yard gets. The options are truly limitless!

It may be time to upgrade your grilling station. Today’s outdoor kitchens offer all the convenience of indoor kitchens, including refrigerators, sinks and kegerators. If you like to cook outdoors for just your family or for guests, you’ll want to check out our Outdoor Kitchen photo gallery.

Televisions are not just for inside anymore. We are regularly incorporating flat-screen TVs into our outdoor living designs. With the right layout and a pavilion, you won’t have to miss the game while you enjoy grilling or floating in the pool. And don’t forget a sound system for your patio!

Those are just a few CT Landscaping Ideas. If you want more information about transforming your back yard, visit our residential landscape design page or contact us today!