You should plan your landscape even if you want to hire a pro to do the work.
Just as you would with akitchen remodel, begin with a list of the qualities you want.
At this stage of landscape planning, go wild.
Credit: Laurie Black
Walk around the perimeter of your property as if you were a stranger, objectively viewing the space.
This site analysis will become your roadmap for change.
Notice what’s behind overgrown shrubs or vines.
Credit: Laurie Black
Identify Liabilities
Landscape planning includes finding your yard’s liabilities.
Maybe there’s an unattractive property or garage next door you’d like to screen out.
Then, think about how to turn that liability into an asset.
Credit: Steve Pomberg
The southern or southeastern face of your house provides warming rays in winter and sun all day in summer.
However, these spots might be too bright and hot in summer to be comfortable.
It’s a low-cost way to explore possibilities and prevent costly mistakes.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Either way, it’s important to have a visual representation of your landscape planning.
Your base map should show your house’s exterior dimensions and your property’s perimeter lines.
Many city or county assessors also provide these online.
Credit: Illustration by Travis Rice
Note the locations of doors, windows, theair-conditioner, utilities, and other services, including septic systems.
When you finish a base plan, make several copies.
Then, you might start playing with the layout.
Don’t worry about cost; right now, this is a brainstorming activity.
Bubbles also may show where you’d like toplant trees and shrubsor where you’d like them removed.
When you’ve placed your bubbles in the best spots, make a clean, new final drawing.
This is your design concept, and it should include every decision you’ve made.
Each bubble represents one project or phase of your landscape planning.
