New Landscape Makes a Yard Feel New Again

A major landscaping project can seem overwhelming at the outset, but taking the time to create a design plan can help get your thoughts organized. The following are some key things to think about as you design your dream yard.

Why Are You Landscaping?

Know your reason why before you begin. Do you need a better yard for the kids to play in or do you want to begin growing roses for personal reasons? Perhaps there are structural issues, such as poor drainage, that need to be addressed. Make a list of the "why"s of the landscaping project. This way you can make sure that the plan you come up with is actually guided by the reasons you need to landscape and not just a pretty picture of someone else's landscape design.

How Will The Land Affect the Plan?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to a design plan. Take the time to assess sun exposure, rain, shadows, drainage, and even wind direction in your yard before making the plan, or you may end up putting plants and even garden structures in less than ideal others. Draw a simple map of your property and then use colored pencils to map sunlight throughout the day and throughout the seasons, as well as wind exposure. Further, note areas with poor drainage as well, as those tend to be dry.

What Limits Are There?

There will be limits once you begin implementing your design plan. For many homeowners, the most obvious design limitation is budget, so make sure you have your budget dialed in before you begin to plan and shop for services and materials. Another common limitation is skill -- you may not have the necessary skills to complete some tasks on your own, so you will need to plan to bring in a professional. There may also be seasonal limitations; for example, you may need to get the hardscaping installed first because otherwise it will be the rainy season and hard to complete construction projects. You can contact a hardscape contractor to learn more about this.

Which Components Are Most Important?

Due to budget or space limitations, you may not be able to have everything you desire included in your landscape plan. Make a list of those components that you simply must have. For example, if a patio dining area with an integrated firepit or grill is your big dream, list this at the outset so that you can ensure that enough of your space and budget are allocated to making this dream come true.

Who Can Help You Achieve the Plan?

Don't attempt to create your dream landscape on your own. Reach out to a landscape design contractor for more help.