Utah is a land of dramatic contrasts, from the jagged peaks of the Wasatch Range to the red rock canyons of the south. For homeowners in the Beehive State, our backyards are more than just patches of grass; they are an extension of our lifestyle. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue in Salt Lake City or watching the sunset over the desert in St. George, the potential for high-quality outdoor spaces is limitless. At Jones Outdoors, we believe that moving beyond a “basic yard” means designing a functional environment that mirrors the comfort of your indoors while embracing the rugged beauty of the Utah landscape.
Why “Basic” Isn’t Enough Anymore for Outdoor Spaces
For decades, the standard Utah backyard consisted of a rectangle of Kentucky Bluegrass, a concrete pad for a grill, and perhaps a few perimeter shrubs. While functional for some, this traditional approach often ignores how we actually live today.
Modern Utahns view their property as a sanctuary. With the rise of remote work and the increasing desire for “staycations,” homeowners are looking for ways to maximize every square foot of their lot. A basic yard is a chore to mow; a functional outdoor space is a destination to enjoy.
The Elements of Functional Outdoor Spaces
When we talk about functionality, we aren’t just talking about adding a patio. We are talking about “zoning”—the practice of creating specific areas for specific activities. This ensures that your yard serves a purpose year-round, regardless of the unpredictable Utah weather.
1. Outdoor Spaces Highlights: Kitchen and Dining Hub
In Utah, dining alfresco is a seasonal rite of passage. However, a functional space goes beyond a rolling charcoal grill.
- Built-in Grills: These provide a seamless look and more cooking surface.
- Stone Countertops: Durable materials like granite or treated concrete can withstand our harsh UV rays and freezing winters.
- Infrastructure: Consider running gas and water lines early in the process to avoid messy retrofits later.
2. The Multi-Generational Fire Feature
Whether it’s a sleek, linear gas fire table or a rustic wood-burning stone pit, fire features extend the usability of your yard into the chilly autumn and spring months. In Utah, where evening temperatures can drop rapidly, a fire feature acts as a natural gathering point for family storytelling or late-night stargazing.
3. Lounging and “Zen” Zones
Functionality also includes the ability to relax. Creating a secluded corner with comfortable deep-seating furniture, perhaps shaded by a modern pergola, allows for a quiet escape. Integrating water features—like a disappearing basalt column fountain—adds a sensory layer of sound that masks neighborhood noise.
Designing Outdoor Spaces for the Utah Climate: Xeriscaping and Beyond
Utah is the second-most arid state in the nation. This reality dictates how we approach landscaping. Creating a functional space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice greenery; it means you have to be smart about it.
Smart Irrigation and Local Flora
Relying on drought-tolerant plants isn’t just eco-friendly; it’s lower maintenance. Plants like Blue Oat Grass, Lavender, and Utah Holly thrive in our alkaline soil and require significantly less water than traditional turf.
For those looking to stay updated on local water conservation efforts and regional planting guides, the Utah State University Extension offers invaluable resources on how to maintain a beautiful landscape in our unique high-desert climate.
Hardscaping as the Foundation
To reduce water consumption while increasing functionality, we often recommend increasing the ratio of hardscaping (pavers, stone, decks) to softscaping (plants and grass). High-quality pavers from brands like Belgard or local stone options provide a level, durable surface for furniture while preventing the “muddy yard” syndrome during the spring thaw.
The Importance of Professional Lighting in Outdoor Spaces
If you only use your yard during daylight hours, you are missing out on 50% of its potential. Functional lighting serves three purposes:
- Safety: Illuminating stairs, pathways, and changes in elevation.
- Security: Eliminating dark corners around the perimeter of the home.
- Ambiance: Highlighting the texture of a stone wall or the canopy of a specimen tree.
LED lighting systems today are incredibly energy-efficient and can even be controlled via smartphone apps, allowing you to dim the lights for a movie night or brighten them for a dinner party.
Privacy in the Growing Beehive State
As Utah’s population continues to boom, many newer developments feature houses that sit closer together. Creating a functional outdoor space often requires solving the “privacy puzzle.”
- Vertical Gardens: Using trellises with climbing vines like Clematis.
- Strategic Planting: Using columnar trees like Swedish Aspen to create a living screen without taking up too much horizontal space.
- Decorative Privacy Panels: Laser-cut metal screens can act as both art and a barrier.
Making the Transition: From Vision to Reality
A common mistake homeowners make is trying to do everything at once without a cohesive plan. To create a space that truly works, follow these steps:
- Audit Your Lifestyle: Do you host large parties, or do you prefer quiet family nights? Do you have dogs that need room to run?
- Determine Your Budget: Hardscaping and permanent structures are investments that add significant value to your home.
- Consult a Professional: A designer understands “flow.” They know how to ensure the path from the kitchen to the grill is unobstructed and that the fire pit isn’t too close to low-hanging branches.
Why Utah Homeowners Choose Jones Outdoors
At Jones Outdoors, we aren’t just landscapers; we are outdoor architects. We understand the specific challenges of Utah’s soil, the intensity of our sun, and the weight of our winter snow loads. We specialize in taking “basic yards” and transforming them into personalized retreats that reflect the homeowners’ style and the state’s natural majesty.
Our process is collaborative, ensuring that every stone laid and every plant chosen serves a purpose. We think your outdoor spaces should be the favorite “room” in your house.
Get Started on Your Outdoor Spaces Now
The move toward functional outdoor living is more than just a trend; it’s a shift in how we value our time and our properties. By focusing on zoning, climate-appropriate materials, and professional design, you can transform a simple backyard into a sophisticated environment that provides joy for decades.
Utah offers some of the world’s finest backdrops. Isn’t it time your backyard lived up to the view?
Ready to Transform Your Yard?
Don’t settle for a basic lawn when you could have a custom-designed sanctuary. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet outdoor kitchen, a cozy fire feature, or a water-wise landscape that stands out, Jones Outdoors is here to bring your vision to life. Contact Jones Outdoors today for a consultation, and let’s start building the outdoor space you’ve always dreamed of!