Mobile Home Landscaping Ideas: Transforming Your Exterior
The best mobile home landscaping ideas can boost the value of your manufactured home and enhance its appearance. When it comes to landscaping your mobile home, you will spend less time working and more time enjoying the small yard. Most mobile home communities offer mobile home maintenance services such as grass cutting as part of your rent.
This means you will have more time to dedicate to low-maintenance mobile home landscaping.
Your mobile home experience will be worth it!
In this article, we look at some easy landscaping ideas for mobile homes to add a splash of color and personality to your manufactured home.
Easy Landscaping Ideas For Mobile Homes
Let’s take a look at some of the best-manufactured home landscaping ideas.
Sunny Landscaping Ideas
Landscaping in mobile home communities can sometimes be more challenging than on private land because there are rules that must be followed. You also don't want to spend a lot of money on trees or plants on land that you don't own.
On the other hand, you can use a small budget to beautify your mobile home exterior. We suggest landscaping the perimeter of the entire property to solidify it.
Using different heights will add variety. Lanterns will add light with style. Rocks will add texture. Make sure to use decking and pathways properly.
Check out My Mobile Home Makeover for beautiful examples of mobile home landscaping ideas.
Shady Landscaping Ideas
If you live in a shaded area, the most effective way to add texture to your property is through the use of flowering plants, such as flower beds and grasses. Evergreen shrubs and mature trees are also beneficial, provided they are free from pests and in good condition. Potted plants can be planted on your deck, and it is recommended that you use native shrubs and trees. Additionally, a flower bed can be a great addition to your property, however, it is important to ensure that you are using raised garden beds for this purpose.
Water Feature Ideas
If you want to add some peace and quiet to your yard, a water feature is a great way to do it. But it's not just about digging a hole and putting some black plastic down. You need to make sure it's filtered properly, has the right chemicals, and has enough circulation. To make it look like it belongs in your yard, add some plants and rocks. If you're thinking of installing a pond, we suggest getting a bigger one for better stability. A bigger pond requires less maintenance, but a smaller one isn't great for circulation and won't have enough space for the animals and plants. Plus, you'll need to use fewer chemicals once the fish have made it their home. Make sure the pond is deep enough for the fish to winter in.
Mobile Home Parks
Even if your mobile home park doesn’t allow mobile home landscaping, you can still do it. However, you’ll need to check with the park’s rules to see if there are any prohibited species.
For most mobile home parks, fast-growing plants and species with large root systems are not allowed because they can damage your mobile home’s foundation and plumbing pipes. Invasive plants should also be avoided.
In that case, we suggest slow-growing shrubs and small trees. You may also want to consider native mobile home perennials.
Softening your ‘boxy’ mobile home can be achieved with natural and outdoor architectural elements, such as plants, flower beds, and trees. Adding dimension can also be done with the right plants.
Another option is to use containers to plant whatever you want. This gives you complete control over growth and roots.
Hardscapes and Skirting
Take the ' mobile' out of your mobile home if you want to keep it for a while. If you're planning to stay longer, keep the walls to cover up the skirting around it. Skirting is a great way to keep your mobile home cool during the summer when it's hot or if you don't want it to get too hot. Hardscaping can include things like a fire pit, a patio, and a barbecue. Plus, you can add things like lanterns, tiled stairs, and ceramic plantings.
Handy Landscaping Tips
The first thing you need to know is what kind of soil you have. Is it alkaline? Acidic? Neutral? Different types of plants will grow well in different types of soil.
Here are some tips to help you create mobile home landscape ideas:
Elements for Beautiful Landscapes
If you want to get the most out of your yard landscaping project, there are four key elements you should keep in mind. Light, texture, color, and height all work together to create the perfect look for your yard.
Test the Soil
To test for alkalinity, add distilled water to the soil and add a small amount of vinegar. The soil will fizzle, indicating alkalinity.
To test for acidity, add the soil to distilled water and a small amount of baking soda. The soil will bubble, indicating acidity.
If you find nothing with either of these tests, you have neutral soil.
Annuals vs. Perennials
If you're looking to spruce up your mobile home's landscaping, most pros suggest planting perennials for the most part. But if you want to switch things up and add some drama, you should also consider adding annuals to your beds. Some annuals are just too good to let go, and the great thing about them is that they're usually pretty affordable.
Herb Gardens are Ideal for Small Areas
Herbs are not only pretty, but they can also be used for a variety of things like natural medicine, cooking, and beauty.
Rain Barrels are Perfect
If you want to get drip irrigation, we suggest using a rain barrel. That way, you'll save money on watering your plants.
Marigolds Keep Mosquitoes Away
Marigolds are a great way to keep mosquitoes away! You can trim the deck with them or put some containers around your lounging spots and doors.
Consider Composting
Composting is one of the best mobile home landscaping ideas you can think of. All you have to do is set aside a small area next to your mobile home. This area is perfect for disposing of your landscaping debris, grass, or other natural debris like dirt and bark. When you first start composting, cover the area with a back tarp to kill bacteria and fungi.
Begin with a Plan
We always start with a drawn-out plan, whether it’s on a computer screen or on a sheet of paper. Having a plan makes it easy to decide where to plant things, and it also makes it easier to identify native plants in your area.
It’s recommended that taller plants be planted in the center or back of the yard, and shorter plants in the front of the yard. Add height to your yard by planting a tree or arbor.
For added beauty and safety, consider adding solar lights on your pathways. Solar lights also make your mobile home more efficient.
Lastly, don’t forget to add some mulch. Mulch promotes plant growth and keeps moisture inside the ground.
Conclusion Mobile Home Landscaping Ideas
If your landscaping is done correctly, you will spend less time maintaining your yard and more time enjoying it. That’s why it’s important to invest in low-maintenance landscaping. Follow the tips we’ve given you above for a successful landscaping project. If you can, hire a professional landscaper. We hope you find the right plants for your yard and the right place to plant them. Your mobile home living will be worth it!