How to Design Your Own Landscaping Online

Create your own landscape design by consulting Internet design sites.

Successful landscape design starts with measuring of your property. Once you know the measurements, decide whether to hire a pro or consult an online landscape design site or software. Consider requesting a plat survey of your property from your county government. While an increasing number of DIY landscape design sites exists, quality is not always guaranteed. Research options before investing a lot of time, energy and money.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Digital camera
• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Research reputable Internet sites that provide landscape design services, and choose one based on reviews, recommendations and links from other trusted sites. Determine requirements for obtaining your personalized landscape design. Most sites require at least one photo of your home, if not several images from various perspectives.

2. Measure your home's dimensions across the front, back, sides and from ground to roof. Measure your total lawn space, walkways, porches and existing landmarks that may impact your design.

3. List weather conditions where you live, and note soil type. Take inventory of obstacles outside the home that may interfere with the landscape design.

4. Take photos of your home, keeping a straight frame and centering the home with each shot. Take photos from a far enough distance that the entire facade is contained within the frame, and several feet remain on each side of the home.

5. Download images to your computer and save. Upload photos of your home on the selected landscape design site and follow instructions to create your design. Include information from steps 2 and 3 in the design process to ensure a personalized design.

References

• Houselogic: Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget
• Association of Professional Landscape Designers: Resources (Other Resources)