Does your yard suffer from an awkward border shape? Maybe you have a corner lot in a weird triangle, a house placed at an angle within the yard, or a large piece of land with irregular borders. What can you do to straighten out these unusual shapes and make them more traditionally pleasing? Here are a few methods to consider. 

1. Layered Borders. Layering the yard perimeter with full, varied plantings lets you fill in the gaps between the oddly-placed border and a straight line. Do this by planting trees nearest the perimeter. Then, fill in with mid-height shrubs and dwarf trees inside that and a final layer of short flowers and plants on the inside. Spread out these layers or tighten them up to turn uneven angles into a straight line. 

2. Retaining Walls. Retaining walls can be practical, holding back slopes and preventing erosion. But they also create a straight line where none may otherwise exist. Build up the earth behind the retaining wall so it's a flat and usable space. But the short wall provides visual structure in the desired shape, distracting from whatever is behind it. 

3. Flower Beds. If you can't beat 'em, dazzle 'em! Design a flower bed with any border shape you want on the inside facing yard users. Then fill it with colorful blooms, plants of various heights, bushy greenery, and ground covers. Users will focus on the clean border shape next to them, and the flowers distract from the actual perimeter behind them. 

4. Zone Design. Zones within the yard help divide up large, open spaces into smaller, useful bits. But in this case, zones also force a new structure to the yard. Create a square outdoor entertainment zone or turn an awkward triangle point into a classic circular conversation zone. You can use zones in just a few strategic places or turn the entire yard into a pleasing grid. 

5. Pathways. Finally, can you change the visual structure through a strategic pathway or walkway design? A straight pathway leading out into the yard creates a focal point with an eye-catching leading line. The viewer tends to focus on that line rather than what's around it. 

Where to Get Help

Redesigning unusual yards into simpler structures can be challenging. Get help by meeting with an experienced landscape design service in your local area today. With their expertise and vision, you'll soon find the right route to backyard success. For more information on landscape design, contact a professional near you.