How to Plan Your Home's Landscape
If you are moving into a new home with a bare landscape, or you want to redo the existing plants and add a few special touches to the home you've had for years, planning is always the first step to landscaping. Take into consideration the general lay-of-the-land with all that's currently present, your local climate zone, views to enhance, views to block and what you want to grow. Ask yourself how much maintenance and upkeep you want to provide -- or that you'll actually have time for. Then start with some basics. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Camera (optional)
- Notepad
- Measuring tape
- Drawing or graph paper
- Ruler (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Stand on your street curb, and face your home. Look at the entire yard and property, and notice where everything is located, including the home, outbuildings, existing major trees, overhead wires, utility poles, fences and any other details. Walk the length of the front curb so you can see from all angles. Take a few snapshots with a camera, if possible.
-
2
Stand at your front door, back door, side doors, gates and hilltops, and assess what is there. Do the same from indoors -- this process is especially important for things like front windows. If you have to gaze out at something unsightly, or you want more privacy, you will likely be planting to block the views. Jot down some notes in a notepad about your concerns.
-
-
3
Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of the property, as well as driveways, the home itself, outbuildings, walkways and other structures. You'll need measurements to create a scale drawing. If you want a less formal plan, simply note approximate layouts.
-
4
Start listing what you want to keep, where you want to add things and where you cannot plant due to obstructions. For example, if you're tired of seeing the neighbor's junk collection, add trees in your yard. Note areas where trees, shrubs, perennials and vines will work.
-
5
Take the information to a table where you can draw out a rough sketch. Lay out your paper -- the larger the better. You can also use graph paper and a ruler for an overall layout if you're drawing to scale. For example, 1 (or 10) foot equals 1 square on the graph. Make a drawing that shows the yard's dimensions, the placement of the home and all outbuildings and walkways.
-
6
Sketch in the plants, starting with the largest trees to the smallest perennials. Only sketch in what plants will remain. Mark septic areas and sewage or underground cable lines.
-
7
Outline an area where you plan to add a water feature, and sketch in where pipes should be laid. Include piping for other watering systems, such as automatic sprinklers. Add outlines for lawn, an herb or vegetable garden, focus plants, special flowerbeds or children's play areas. Add anywhere you want rocks, stones, decks, birdbaths, outdoor rooms, fire pits or a brick grill.
-
8
Take your sketch outside, and walk around the property, comparing it to what's there and checking to see if you've omitted something. Alter the drawing as needed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It's important to know how the sun shines on your property to choose the right plants. Watch the weather during the course of a year to know where the sunniest and shadiest areas are.
Consulting a professional landscape designer, even to have a look at your rough plans, is advisable when doing major projects.
Use the books available right in your neighborhood library to get ideas and learn about landscaping.
Landscaping software is available. Some people find these useful, while others find them limiting.
Big landscaping projects can get very expensive, especially when you're adding water features, a lot of big stones or 500 feet of specialty fencing. Think through what you really need and want, and stick to your budget.
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
