There are few undertakings more satisfying than transforming your landscape, whether you do it on your own or with the help of a landscaper. It’s an undertaking many of us plan to get around to . . . eventually.
As French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exúpery said, though, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” If you’ll be taking a DIY route, you need to create a landscape plan—a sketch of your vision combined with practical considerations like budget—and a timeline for getting it done.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, here are some tips on how to plan and execute your landscape design.
Survey Your Yard
For best results, landscape design starts well before you draw out your ideas. Start by taking a good look at your yard, weighing its limitations and potential. Use a tape measure to gauge the size of any pertinent areas.
Sketch out existing features of your yard, including natural structures like flowers, grass, trees, and vegetables. Include manmade structures like:
- Fencing
- Hills
- Shade structures
- Sheds
- Water features like fountains, ponds, and pools
You should also indicate areas that are sunny and shady. Once you have surveyed your yard, you can decide which features you want to keep as is and which you’d like to replace or upgrade.
Set Some Goals
Now it’s time to set some goals for your landscape. Ask yourself, “How do I want to use my yard?”
Parents or grandparents may opt to devote a portion of their landscape to play areas, installing a grassy area for games, play equipment or even a personal sports court. If you aim to relax in your backyard, you might consider putting in a winding path lined with trees, shrubs, and flowers. And how about a reading nook that’s shaded by day and lit up at night?
Frequent party hosts might want to leave an open lawn area where tables and chairs can be set up for entertaining. Additional ideas for entertaining in your backyard include features like a table for al fresco dining, a fire pit, barbecue or outdoor cooking area.
You may want your yard to serve all three of these purposes or have other ideas, like upgrading your swimming pool or making room for a chicken coop or planting area. Think of your landscape plan as a floorplan.
Get Inspired
Your next step is the fun part: getting inspired. Stroll through some parks, botanic gardens, home and garden shops and nurseries looking for ideas. You can also do some digital window-shopping, browsing through Pinterest or checking out a local landscapers’ online gallery.
Hire The Right Contractor
There are some projects you can do yourself and others that are best left to the experts. Stonetree enjoys working with the client to fill their needs whether you’d like for us to complete a project from start to finish or help with individual aspects of your landscaping like stonework, building walls, or excavation.
Embrace The Local Climate
The best way to have a landscape that’s beautiful and easy to care for, though, is to work with the region’s distinct desert climate rather than against it. You don’t have to limit yourself to rocks, succulents, and cacti.
Using drought-tolerant plants, particularly those native to the area can ensure your foliage survives the brutal summer heat. They’ll also provide you with colorful blooms that will draw your eyes as well as the attention of pollinators.
If you want great results and expert planning, we encourage you to contact Stonetree to arrange for your free estimate.
