Making the most of a small Denver yard

A recent article in the Denver Post prompted me to think about the perceived trend of smaller lots in Denver neighborhoods. The small Denver yard is nothing new since lots in central Denver neighborhoods have always tended to be "shoe-box size.”

While many new homebuyers feel that they are facing a dilemma of shrinking lot size, this is certainly nothing new to our area. It is true that in recent years Denver homes have been getting larger and most lot sizes have been getting smaller. It is reported that residential lots shrank approximately 6.5% between 1990 and 2006.

As metro Denver land values rise, local builders are forced to divide land into marginally smaller lots as they concentrate on their bottom lines. While this may seem like a disadvantage to some Denver homebuyers, a small lot offers some distinct advantages including less water consumption that results in lower water bills and more water conservation. 

If your goal is a private back yard retreat or a romantic spot for dining al fresco, here are some tips for creative landscape design:

No straight lines. Your plan should steer away from straight lines and right angles.  To please the eye, use curved paths and beds that lead the eye around the yard. This produces a natural feel that creates the perception of a larger space.  A straight, narrow walkway winding through a small yard will only tend to accentuate the yard’s smallness.  On the other hand, curving stepping stones meandering through the same space will fool the eye and the yard appear larger than it actually is. 

Eye trickery. Size and color are fool the eye at times. Dark colored vines or a dark colored wall will make the back fence appear further away than if the wall or fence is painted white or some other light color. The eye’s perspective changes. This same effect can be achieved by placing large, lighter items at the front of the yard and smaller, darker items in the rear. 

Trees are essential.  We often advise our metro Denver new homebuyers that trees will yield the biggest return on their landscape investment. With proper care and watering, trees planted during the first year of homeownership will yield a substantial return after five years.  This is especially true when the home is in on the market competing with other homes in the same age category without trees. A well-planned yard with trees will always give the home seller a huge marketing edge. 

Trees in the west are almost sacred but they can be found. Which trees are right for the smaller Denver yard?  Choose trees that canopy over your smaller yard and that have narrow trunks.  Good examples of these would be purple leaf plums, Japanese maple, fichus and Russian olive.  These well-selected trees not only will give the beauty and privacy desired with a small yard but the shade will be a relief during Denver’s warm summer months.

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