How to Write a Landscape Paper

Writing about landscapes can involve diagrams of measurements, soil data and other details.

Writing a landscape paper means one of two things. A: You are using the standout format of turning an 8.5 x 11 document sideways to utilize the "landscape" option for viewing and printing rather than the more common "portrait" view. B: You are writing an actual paper about a landscape, for general purposes to plan or describe it, or to move forward on a project for which some changes are needed within a particular area. You can also do both A and B by writing the paper and presenting it in landscape orientation. Typically, if you write about landscapes per se, you will need drawings, graphics and possibly blueprints to support your work.

Instructions

A: Landscape Orientation

1. Create a document of any type as you typically would using a word processor. Create a new file, save it with an appropriate name.

2. Choose under File the Page Setup option. Select Landscape under Orientation. You may also set your margins at the same time, usually 1 to 1.5 inches on the left and right. Click OK.

3. Write your paper using the landscape orientation. Check it when finalized using the print preview option, and then print.

B: Landscape Description

1. Assess, measure and draw up any blueprints or plans necessary to complete your information. This process will include walking through a particular landscape, noting property lines, tree locations, prevalent winds and weather conditions, views, types of vegetation, shrubbery, soils, erosion, and water sources. Note any buildings that will have to be dealt with or worked around.

2. Consult the property owners regarding any potential concerns they have, areas where privacy is desired, materials they want to use and plant choices they prefer. Discuss the presence of children or animals and wildlife likely to traverse the landscape and areas that might be hazardous. Talk about whether automatic watering systems are an option and the various costs of the overall project.

3. Draw the plans, adding the components you have discovered through your research and discussions. Create a landscape design to scale. If you have prior or original plans, you can adapt them by making copies first. Sometimes these plans come in handy and may include something you had not foreseen or noticed.

4. Write up your discoveries, report and recommendations using details from your observations and thoughts about how to implement the best design. Make any suggestions by offering rational input with options that can later be discussed fully.

5. Present the written document and the drawings to your clients or customers, or to any planning group. Upon clients' request, include a supplemental paper listing materials and supplies needed, plus costs for everything, including time and labor.

Tips & Warnings

• Landscaping itself is a complicated process that can take quite a bit of time. The original assessment is key to the subsequent design factors. Take good notes and make sketches as you go.

• Writing any paper requires clear communication and word choices. In describing landscapes and plant options, use specific details and common names as well as botanical names, so that people who do not ordinarily use your terminology will understand what you are saying.

• You can write up a summary document on one page as well as having detailed multipage papers. The shorter version will help in reviewing major points.

• Listen to property owners carefully, and do not force your ideas on them. Make good suggestions, but be willing to compromise.

References

• UMass Amherst Libraries: Writing the Landscape

Resources

• University of Cambridge: How to Write a Paper
• Microsoft: Support
• Iowa State University Extension: Home Landscape Planning Worksheet