Author: Richard Clayton

People love animals and share a special bond with their pets. Animals (cats and dogs in particular) have become so much part of your family that you deliver funeral services upon their passing, and maybe even cremate them. Animals that aren’t pets also receive attention from the general public, especially when they are harmed or killed.

There is no doubt that people and animals share a special connection, but do you love animals as much as you think? How do you become attached to them?

Why We’ve Become Attached

According to Hal Herzog, a psychology professor at the Western Carolina university, people become attached because of affection and biology. Biologically speaking, you feel good when you look or touch your pets. Most pets also provide unconditional love, which satisfy a human need for affection. It’s this reason that people care for animals as much as people, sometimes even more.

How people care for animals can be seen in how they treat their pets. Dogs, for example, grow up with their owners and can be trained to improve their behavior. You may even send your beloveddogs to board and training servicesin your city. Other owners choose to train their dogs themselves, strengthening the bond.

If not trained properly, some dogs may exhibit aggressive and unwanted behaviors. This is why training them at an early age makes more sense and makes them more obedient to their owners. As early as five weeks old, dogs can be reinforced to avoid certain behaviors and be encouraged to continue doing good.

Like human babies, dogs learn to socialize with other dogs and humans to learn the necessary skills needed growing up. These skills include behaving properly or assisting those in need. When a young dog is trained properly, it becomes accustomed to its environment and shows less aggressive behavior.

If you’re an owner of a well-trained and obedient dog, you’ll see the results of training come to life. The time and affection spent with your pet has increased and made you more attached to them.

Do People Love Animals More Than Humans?

The answer is no. Most people care about their pets and the adorable zoo animals they learn to protect. Animals beyond these categories are those people don’t care much about. People will still react strongly to a dog being maltreated over the thousands of animals that die each day for human consumption.

People may not care for all the animals in the world, but there’s one reason why they’re loved. It’s because animals are innocent and act on instincts. When you put a human crime victim and an abused dog side by side, people will show lesser empathy toward the human. Another reason people care for animals deeply is because they’re more helpless than us. People can vocalize opinions and communicate. Cats and dogs can only do so much to voice out how they feel.

You can train our cats and dogs to behave accordingly. People do show love and compassion to animals, even those not part of the family. Probably the best way to explain how people and animals bond together is because we can make their lives better and provide them the care they cannot do themselves.

 

They scurry across your kitchen floors and are breed in the nooks and crannies of your home.Cockroachesare pests that most people around the world despise. Many people are aware of the dangers cockroaches bring to households, spreading germs and allergens. They are some of the most common insects thatrequire pest control, Sandy exterminators will attest to that, alongside rats, and ants. Their resiliency, however, leaves many of us in awe – and even in bewilderment and frustration. It is said that even after a nuclear blast, cockroaches will outlive humans.

Are all cockroaches really as pesky as we think, though? How much can they take before being put down for good?

Diversity

There are over 4,800 known species of cockroach and less than 1% of them are the ones people find troublesome. The number of cockroach species also varies; cockroaches live in diverse habitats and come in all shapes and sizes. Roaches live in all continents of the world except Antarctica and are more common in the tropics. Some roaches also adapt to extreme temperatures, with one species found in Mt. Everest at 5,000 meters above sea level. In nature, roaches feed on dead bark and leaves, giving them an important role in ecology.

The variety of cockroaches makes them more versatile than the other pests. Cockroaches also employ different means of self-defense. Banana cockroaches rely on camouflage to avoid being spotted by prey while the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach makes a hissing noise to fend off any predators.

Resilience   

With the sheer variety of cockroaches, they can adapt well and are hard to kill. These include the American and German cockroach, the most common species of pests. Here are thetop reasonswhy these roaches are hard to kill and are among the hardiest pests walking the earth.

• Cockroaches have been known to exist since the Carboniferous era, around 280 million years ago. They are experts at evolution and survival.           

• Cockroaches can survive a week without their heads. Small holes around their bodies make them breathe air without a head. They eventually die because of thirst.        

• Cockroaches can live underwater for 30 minutes by holding their breath to regulate water loss.    

• As cold-blooded insects, cockroaches can survive a month without food, but can only last one week without water.        

• An adult cockroach can run as fast as three miles per hour. This makes them spread germs very quickly.

How about Nuclear Blasts? 

Cockroaches can survive nuclear blasts; however, they cannot survive high amounts of radiation. Despite this, cockroaches are still five times more likely than humans to survive a nuclear apocalypse.

Certain types of cockroaches are, indeed pests – specifically, the American and German breeds. On the other hand, there is a vast diversity of cockroaches living in different habitats around the world with important functions in ecology. Cockroaches, in general, are hard to put down because of their survival instincts and evolutionary capabilities.

To avoid a cockroach infestation at home, people should dispose of garbage properly, keep food sealed, and maintain proper ventilation for basements and crawl spaces.

 

Have you discovered bed bugs in your bed? Or, compromising your sleep for a few days due to bed bug bites? Then removing those tiny bloodsuckers is the need of the hour. Their presence in your personal space is really daunting because they feed on your blood.

So, how do you get rid of them? Keep reading to discover.

Bed bugs are one of the most stubborn pests in the pest world. Their number increased along with the growing human population. They can survive without single blood for more than a month, besides due to their tiny and flattened body, they can hide in almost every possible place, including the smallest cracks and crevices.

First of all, if you discover bed bugs in your bed or couch or any other area, don’t panic! Just calm down! Make decisions wisely; otherwise, you may end up creating a mess.

How Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown pests. Around 4-5 cm long, due to their appearance, they sometimes are mistaken with ants or cockroaches. They feed on the blood of humans or other animals. They are mostly nocturnal but can bite you whenever you are available, and they feel hungry.

They cannot fly like roaches or other insects, but they can run really faster. They also reproduce faster than other pests, which is why if you have bed bugs, you have to be prompt regarding eradicating them from your place.

How do bed bug bites look?

Bed bug bites are small circular and appear in a cluster to the areas like your back, neck, hand, thighs, etc. those areas that keep touches your bedding material at the time of sleep. In most cases, you won’t feel their bite because while biting, they inject a small amount of anesthetic into your blood.

These bites tend to be itchy and swelling. If you have sensitive skin, you may feel extreme itchiness. Dermatologists always recommend not to itch the bite site to prevent the further urge of itching. Try to cut your nails short if it helps to suppress the urge.

Sometimes the bite site also feels warm while touching; under such conditions, try to apply ice to soothe the area. If the itchiness and scar don’t disappear naturally after a week, don’t forget to check with your dermatologist.

Do bed bugs spread harmful diseases?

According to reports, bed bugs do not spread harmful diseases like mosquitoes or cockroaches. But sometimes they may spread parasites of Chagas disease, though this is extremely rare. Under such disease, swelling and mild fever can happen to the victim.

Problems with bed bug bites

Though bed bugs don’t spread harmful diseases but their bite can be distressing. This is because they tend to bite during the night due to their nocturnal nature. But our biological clock is contradictory; if you have bed bugs, you may experience sleepless nights.

Those sleepless nights may cause serious health issues, which may result in insomnia. It can also result in serious medical conditions like heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, etc.

You can be in real trouble if you fail to realize their bites for a long time. This can happen due to less sensitive skin. Under such conditions, if you have bed bugs, you don’t realize their presence, which may lead to a larger infestation.

Bed Bug Inspection Tips

If you are tired of fighting with the bed bugs and determined to remove them, then before calling an exterminator, start inspecting their presence so that it will be easier for them to start the treatment. You have to do the same if you want to remove them on your own.

Start with the corners of the bed since they love to hide there. Bed bugs are smart; they like to be close to their food source (human) so that they feed and quickly hide back to their places. Thoroughly check the bed frames, cracks, and crevices, couches, carpets, etc.

If you are trying to find them in the day you need to carry a torch, as bed bugs don’t like natural light, they always like to hide within dark areas where light cannot enter easily.

Check your couch and carpet following the same procedure. You can take that furniture to an exposed area where there is enough sunlight so that it will be easier for you to find those tiny bloodsuckers.

If you think they might hide within cracks and crevices, seal them at your earliest. Don’t forget to check your closet as they may hide within your clothes. Bed bugs also like to hide within drawers and desks. Turn over your furniture to get a proper view.

Bed Bug Treatment Procedure

Tough it is hard to remove bed bugs from your house, but do you know bed bugs are sensitive to heat? They cannot tolerate heat above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. So instead of applying bed bug sprays or powders, you can go for heat treatment.

Ask your exterminator what can be best for your bed bug infestation. Be careful if you are going to perform the treatment on your own. You must be aware of the procedures regarding how to apply the heat on the infested furniture.

If you target belongings like mattresses or couches, make sure the materials are not sensitive to heat. The heat needs to be applied evenly on the target furniture; otherwise, bed bugs may reinfest later. You can go for heaters and steamers, which are effective in killing bed bugs. Keep a handy one (heater) if you are a traveler.

In case you are applying steam, remove heat-sensitive materials before starting the treatment. Do not throw your mattress or other belongings in case of large infestation as those can be treated as well.

After the heat treatment, try applying a bed bug spray with strong residual property, it will help to kill those bed bugs that might escape the heat treatment. Before purchasing any bed bug killing product, try to consult a professional exterminator, let them inspect the target area first.

If you are suffering any respiratory problems like asthma, then do not apply the sprays without proper instruction. Carefully read the user manual before applying any insecticide. If you have children and pets, try to keep them away while applying the sprays (or powders).

Preventing Bed Bug Infestation

 Here we have highlighted some of the preventive measures which will help you keep the bed bugs away.

• Try not to purchase second-hand furniture as bed bugs may hide within the cracks and crevices and crevices of the furniture. If you have to buy second-hand furniture, make sure you treat them with heat and bed bug spray before taking them within your house.
• If you are a traveler, treat your belonging with steam or heat after coming back to your home.
• Try using bed bug traps, which will help you track the presence of bed bugs in case they enter your house.
• Use vacuum cleaner every day to keep a strict eye on your bedding materials for the presence of bed bugs.
• Do not overlook early signs of infestation like itching or red bite marks.
• Call an exterminator if you think you have bed bugs.

Do not jump on purchasing random bed bug killing products. Every product claim to be the best due to their marketing techniques, but most of them fail to perform in practice. So, consult with an exterminator before taking any constructive decision regarding killing bed bugs.

Author: Tanaya is a Senior Content Developer at PestTactics, who helped to build the content of the site along with several other sites with her compassionate SEO driven content. She is also a HubSpot, certified Content Marketer. She brings her five years of experience to her current role, where she is dedicated to developing the content of different websites.

 

 

 

 

 

Green infrastructure systems have been on the rise in recent years, as more and more people recognize the benefits that they bring. They not only create healthy environments but also provide balance to the crowded urban cityscape.

Green spaces can range from parks and recreational areas to something as simple as people’s own backyards at home. Learn more about the advantages of putting up more green spaces in cities.

Reducing the Heat Island Effect

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines heat islands as areas that are warmer compared to surrounding rural areas. Since most cities have more concrete than grass, heat is easily stored. These heat islands can greatly affect communities, particularly during the summer months.

They usually result in decreased productivity, higher energy consumption, and increased presence of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. According to the EPA, the average temperature for a city of one million people is around 1.8 to 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than surroundings.

Promoting More Livable Cities

More than helping improve a city’s landscape, green spaces and infrastructure make the city more livable for its residents. For one, exposure to nature and green spaces helps people reduce their stress and anxiety, according to environmental psychologists.As a result, people get to improve their productivity, as well as their mental health.

Life in the city usually means working extra hard; thus, cognitive overload. Walking along green spaces can help ease the pain of information overload and mental fatigue. Exposure to nature can also fuel people’s creative juices and foster positive psychological effects, such as peace of mind and happiness.

U.S. cities, whether it is New York or Lehi, all have natural spaces to explore for the betterment of their communities and residents. For example, communities can get tree service professionals for the proper care and maintenance for their trees.

Cutting Carbon Emissions

The soil from green spaces and backyards helps absorb carbon in the air, reducing carbon emissions. One study even shows that backyard soil can absorb more harmful carbon emissions compared to native grasslands and forests. This makes building urban green spaces all the more important to provide residents with cleaner and healthier air.

Regulating Water Consumption

Green spaces also involve the use of green roofs. Green roofs act as a sponge of some sort, absorbing water, which means reduced sewage overflow. Water absorbed on green roofs will slow the rate of flow, helping regulate the process. This is important because many cities remain lacking in terms of green infrastructure.

Providing Economic Advantages

Aside from their many natural upsides, green infrastructure systems also add economic value to any given city. Green spaces increase property and land value, as well.

With all these benefits, there is no doubt that green infrastructure and spaces are worth keeping in cities and being integrated into urban planning. Many people would agree that a nice change of pace and scenery compared to a gray and gritty city can greatly help boost the benefits mentioned above, bringing life to an urban jungle.

 

Utah is an outdoor adventurer’s playground. Salt Lake City, specifically, is known for its beautiful mountains and desert lakes. It is also home to about85,000 public trees. These trees provide several benefits to society, including :

• Heat reduction: Trees provide shade for buildings, roadways, parks and neighborhoods. When they cover over 40% of an area, trees can provide full temperature benefits. Buildings, for example, can enjoy reduced energy use due to the improved air quality in the area.          

• Noise reduction: Dense trees buffers can reduce noise levels that allow normal outdoor activities to occur. This is one reason they are lined up between roads and neighborhoods and along highways and fences.   

• Human Health Boost: Numerousstudieshave confirmed connections between the improvement of human health and exposure to the natural environment. These benefits include reduced risks of stress, anxiety, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, high blood pressure and even preterm birth. Some hospitals have added tree views for patients as a result of these studies.           

• Improved property aesthetics and value: Trees provide significant benefits for property owners and developers by increasing the looks and value of a property by at least 20%, according to the US Forest Service.

Trees are living, breathing creatures. They require necessities such as water, food and light. And just like any living thing, trees can sometimes get sick. They become more susceptible to disease when they get older. This is where humans need to step in and lend a hand.

When a tree becomes too sick to save, however,tree removal services in Salt Lake Citywould have to be contracted. A diseased tree, for instance, can fall, causing devastating damage to the area around it.

How to Tell if a Tree is Dying

Decay

Root decay, or root rot, is a disease that attacks the roots of just about any type of tree or plant and is a serious trouble sign. This decaying disease is a common cause of death in trees. An obvious decay symptom is fungal growth, which causes the root system to reduce and turn to a dark brown color.

Other symptoms include slowed growth, loss of healthy leaf color or premature autumn leaf color, and loosening or separation of the lower bark.

Leaning Structure

Roots lose their strength and ability to hold a tree upright when they are unhealthy, damaged or dying. A noticeable lean on the tree is a serious sign of problems hidden below ground. If the tree is enormous, it can pose a serious threat of falling to an adjacent property and, therefore, will most likely have to be removed.

Deadwood

Deadwood is exactly what it sounds like: wood that is dead. Often times, only a part of a tree dies while the rest of the tree appears healthy. These expired parts are called deadwood, and they are brittle and can break very easily.

For this reason, dead branches need to be removed immediately before the problem spreads to the rest of the tree and before they cause any damage to the surrounding areas.

Trees are vital. They contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, storing carbon, improving air quality, preserving soil as well as giving life to wildlife. They are of invaluable importance to humans’ wellbeing. Conversely, some trees need humans to intervene and save them when they are dying.

The longer a dying tree is left on its own, the worse things can get for the property and for the people around it.

 

 

Sunlight is good for a lot of things, not just for getting a suntan. If you check out some of the office buildings these days, you’ll notice that many of them are opting to use sunlight as their major source of power, like commercial solar panels. Many individuals and businesses in Utah are starting to use solar panels to light up their homes and establishments.

Aside from that, there are many other benefits to sunlight, most of which are even health advantages. Know more what an ample amount of sunlight can do for you.

Sunlight can minimize risks of heart diseases

In a 2013 study, scientists discovered a correlation between high blood pressure and sunlight. In their study, they monitored people who frequently get an ample amount of sunlight and those who didn’t.

Their findings showed that those who got enough sunlight had lower blood pressure and consequently, less chances of suffering from a stroke. The people who were often sheltered from sunlight had the opposite effect. Their blood pressure was higher, so they were more at risk of experiencing a stroke.

The reason behind this is that sunlight initiates a chemical reaction on the skin. When sunlight enters the skin, the latter produces components of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide enables the blood vessels in our bodies to widen, which means the blood can flow more easily and therefore, lessen the risk of having a stroke.

Sunlight can slow the development of obesity

The same scientists conducted further studies on sunlight and its impact on human health. They experimented on laboratory mice, where in the animals were overfed to cause obesity. But when the obese mice were exposed to an ample amount of sunlight, their weight gain significantly decreased.

The scientists replicated their findings by applying a cream with nitric oxide on the overfed mice. The end result was the same: their weight gain slowed down when nitric oxide was introduced to their body through their skin.

Sunlight can strengthen our immune system

Sunlight does double duty when it comes to boosting our immune system. Vitamin D, which is abundant in sunlight, already helps improve our immune system, but there’s another way that sunlight helps our bodies fight off any infection.

Sunlight can also boost our T cells, which are responsible for attacking cells inside our bodies that have been infected. So, before the virus gets to replicate and attack other healthy cells, the T cells will try to kill them.

Since sunlight helps T cells become stronger, it also enables the body to be more effective when it comes to killing viruses. So, if you want to be healthier, get an ample amount of sunlight to help fight off viruses floating in the air.

Due to our fears of getting skin cancer, we’ve learned to fear the sun a little bit too much. Sunlight is good for us, as long as we don’t expose ourselves to too much UV rays. If it’s sunny outside, go out and spend a few minutes under the sun. A little bit of sunlight goes a long way to making you healthier.

 

 

 

 

 

Himalayan pink salt lamps are not just an ideal décor option for your office or your bedroom, but it is also a very good option to be given out as a gift to your clients, relatives, and friends. 

Are you looking for some healthy unique gift ideas? Do you want to gift your friends and family with one of the best health and wellness gifts? 

Himalayan natural salt lamps are composed of dried remnants of the original, primal sea. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it attracts water molecules to itself; thereby, trapping air pollutants like mold, bacteria, and allergens in it. So, when the Himalayan salt lamp is turned on, it dries out the salt and continues to attract water vapor and pollutants. 

Consequently, freeing the water vapors back into the air; but trapping the dangerous pollutants within the salt lamp. 

So, if you care for your loved ones; would you like to opt for one?

Before we look into the best gift option, let’s look into some of the salt therapy products. 

Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt Lamps

A Himalayan pink salt lamp is the most effective salt therapy product you can opt for! They improve the ambiance of your room naturally. The fluorescent light lit in your room not only purifies the air, improves breathing, reduces stress but also helps improve sleep. Most importantly, they are the best purchase you can make to decorate your room or gift your loved ones. 

Now, let’s look into the reasons Himalayan salt lamps are a perfect choice. 

Reasons Himalayan Salt Lamps Are the Best Gift

Promote Negative Ions

We are living in a technology-savvy world; where we are surrounded by electronic devices. Therefore, we are not only getting dependent on them but we are sieged by positive ions. These positive ions result in impairing brain functions and suppressing the immune system; resulting in anxiety, fatigue, and other health-related issues.  

Heating a Himalayan salt lamp promotes negative ions; thereby purifying the air quality and bringing in more energy and vitality in the air. 

So, what are you waiting for? Replace positive ions with the negative ones and make this mother’s day a special one for your dear mother by presenting her with one of the unique Himalayan salt lamps.

Alleviate Allergies 

Are your loved ones suffering from asthma, depression, stress, or any minor or acute allergy? If yes, then it’s time to give them an excellent gift. Rock salt lamps can boost your loved one’s energy level and strengthen their immune system.  Thereby helping people with asthma, allergies, bronchitis, SAD (seasonal affective disorder), anxiety, depression and various other health-related problems.

Lovely Ambiance

Do you adore the soft, ambiance lighting glow in your room?  Would you like to sleep with a dim glow lamp turned on beside your bed? It creates an overwhelming serenity! If you love it; so will your loved ones. 

Salt lamps and various other salt products naturally heal the mind, body, and soul; thereby promoting a healthy and positive lifestyle. 

Wide Range of Options  

The natural Himalayan rock salt naturally comes in different shapes that are a genuinely unmatched option for any other décor. Moreover, they come in various types of colors; most demanded and famous is the pinkish-orange hue. 

Some of the finest manufacturers have transformed the natural rock salt into a piece of art. Among many, Fab Glass and Mirror are reliable, authentic manufacturers. So, if you want a decorative Himalayan rock salt lamp as a gift for your loved ones; try Fab Glass and Mirror. They offer a wide range of salt lamps. 

Let’s look into different types of salt lamps in detail below. 

Different Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamps

Natural Salt Lamp 

The natural salt lamp comes in its pure form. The natural shape of the crystal rock salt retains within the natural salt lamp. Thereby creating an ambiance and serene environment that helps to improve the living space in your loved ones’ home. Natural salt lamps can be placed in a bedroom, living room and even in toddler’s room.

Credited by fab glass and mirror

Natural Salt Lamps

Decorative Salt Lamp

Decorative salt lamps create a modern alluring look. If you detest natural look and prefer an elegant yet natural look; look out for flame-shaped salt lamps. You can opt for the following decorative rock salt lamps:

• Chunk bowl-shaped salt lamp
• Pyramid-shaped salt lamp
• Christmas tree shape salt lamp
• Rectangle shape salt lamp
• The egg-lined style shape salt lamp  

Credited by fab glass and mirror

Decorative Salt Lamp

Salt lamp night light 

Night light lamps are the best salt lamps for night sleep. You can have lit the lamp at night and reduce stress and improve your loved ones sleeping pattern. Once, you lit the night light salt lamp; it will create a calming ambiance, thereby improving their mood and boosting their energy in the morning. A good night’s sleep and a good feeling to start a new day! 

Credited by fab glass and mirror

Salt lamp night light

Salt candle holder

The candleholder is always one of the most mesmerizing gifts you can buy especially when they hold natural healing powers. Salt candle holders create a radiant glow in any room and even washrooms. They create a perfectly cozy, comfy feeling you can think of. 

Credited by fab glass and mirror

Salt candle holder

Salt metal basket 

Himalayan basket salt lamps create the same awe-inspiring ambiance that other glowing lamps create. In fact, they come up with a natural light that can be the best setting for gatherings, or even dinner dates. 

Credited by fab glass and mirror

Salt metal basket 

Conclusion 

Gifts spread love, affection, and laughter, especially a good gift; one that effectively soothes your loved ones’ health-related problems with ease. There are wide ranges of gift options but if you are looking for thoughtful gifts; then opt for Himalayan rock salt crystal products. They are legendary, famous and hold a wide range of health benefits. Among the ones we have listed; our recommendation is Himalayan salt lamps. The crystal rock salt lamps not only create an ambiance in the room but are a freshness to the eyes. They come in different shapes, sizes, and designs; choose the one you like best. You can also buy a salt candle holder. 

Fab Glass and Mirror is a good option in the market. You can browse their website and order online whichever type of lamp you like. They offer a wide range of Himalayan salt lamps options.  

What’s not to like about this gift anyway? Especially when it has so many benefits to offer. A perfect gift that will create serenity and style in any living area!

 

 

It’s exciting to own a new property, but when budget is an issue, there are certain comprises every homeowner should make. This often begins with the amount of available space you can own. If you’ve been dreaming about owning sprawling grounds and massive gardens for every type of greens, sometimes you have to make do with a compact backyard.

But, no matter how small it may be, there are still a lot of things we can do with a small backyard. While it may not be possible to build a swimming pool or a literal bed of roses, you can turn whatever space you have into a sanctuary where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee, read your favorite book, have an afternoon tea with loved ones or just simply take in some outdoor views.

Here’s a simple guide on how you can turn small backyards into a truly functional space. See how the following design and landscaping maintenance ideas can help you make the most of your tiny space:

Create an illusion of a larger space by making small backyard zones

This may sound like a contradictory design idea. However, many landscaping experts have proven that this trick truly makes a small backyard feel spacious. Make full use of the open areas of your small yard by breaking them up in order to create that larger feel.

If you plan to put a few furniture pieces, use them to create partitions in your small backyard space for that nice resting spot. Landscaping rocks can also work to divide your available space and create specific groups and paths.

Turn your small backyard into a multi-purpose space

So, you want a garden, a greenhouse, and a dining space? While this may sound pretty ambitious if you only own a small piece of land, there’s certainly a way to design your backyard and have all of these in one contained spot – define its specific function.

Start by thinking about the things you’d like to have in your outdoors. Whether it’s a small table with a few chairs for a simple reading or coffee area, a swing chair, or even a mini fire pit so you can enjoy some s’mores, you can certainly have all these small areas as long as you know how to do simple size adjustments.

Do some vertical landscaping for increased “height”

Even in interior design, there’s a design principle in which having high ceilings is believed to create an illusion of a bigger space for a small living room. This can also work for designing backyard. Create the same illusion of more height in your backyard by focusing on upwards design.

While it may be impossible to add more width to your compact backyard, you can make the area look a lot more spacious by doing some vertical landscaping tricks. Start by looking for a variety of plants that grow a certain height, such as sprawling ivies, perennials, and low-maintenance trees that offer a large amount of shade.

Create that relaxing backyard that will make you forget you have limited space in the first place.