How to Make Landscaping Blueprints
Landscaping blueprints are a key planning step before you begin landscaping your yard or garden. The blueprints will organize your layout of the area and allow you to review possible changes prior to conducting the actual work. Blueprints provide an overview of what the finished product will look like and can serve as a reference guide to a landscape contractor you hire to complete the work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Obtain a parcel map of your home's lot. If you do not have a copy on hand, obtain one by visiting your local building department; all houses' parcel maps are filed with the city. There is typically no charge to check out the map. This map will provide the current layout of your home structure in relation to the lot. Make a copy of the map so you do not mark up the original for your landscape drawings.
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Make a list of all the elements, plants and ground cover you want to include in your landscape. Be sure to research whether or not the desired plants and shrubbery can survive in your particular climate. A great resource for this research is a local nursery. It will be knowledgeable about what plants are available for your use. It also can provide insight as to cost and maintenance.
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Assign a symbol to represent each element; for example, a circle might represent a shrub, and a triangle might represent a tree. You are creating a legend that will be used for reference on your blueprint. Once everything has been assigned a symbol, write the legend on the plan itself (in the lower right-hand corner).
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Begin drawing on the plan where you wish each element to be placed using the dedicated symbols. The parcel map will have a distance scale on it, so be sure to follow the scale when drawing your elements to obtain the desired spacing. Consider ideas such as open space, a pathway or walkway, future maintenance and care and shade requirements. Place the current date above the legend. Any time the plan is updated, add the current date; this will ensure you are using the most current plan.
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Ensure accuracy by comparing with the latest landscape blueprint. The blueprint is your approved scope of work and guide; the finished product should always match the plan. If something differs, and you find the change acceptable, update the plan to match existing conditions. This will ensure you have an accurate design of the landscape for future use.
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Tips & Warnings
Experienced gardeners or a local nursery can help identify spacing requirements for certain plants.
