LANDSCAPE DESIGN DO’S AND DON’TS

Drainage Considerations

One of the most important landscape design considerations is drainage. No matter what feature you’re installing, whether it’s a stone patio or a birdbath, it’s going to affect drainage in your yard. You need to make sure that you are able to plan runoff correctly – it either needs to be moved out of the area or captured for use in other applications.

Green, Green, Green

Too often, homeowners focus on adding permanent landscape elements like patios, outdoor kitchens or swimming pools. However, if you really want your landscape design to work, you cannot forget the greenery. Your back yard should not be a hardscape unless there is no other option (for instance, if you live in the Southwest). A back yard needs to be green and healthy, with thriving plant life, even if it is only a healthy lawn.

Style Considerations in Landscape Design

You are also going to need to make sure that your landscape design matches your home’s style as well as your overall plan. For instance, you don’t want to mix an intimate flower garden with a formal Victorian garden. While blending a few elements can help create a unique look, your landscape design needs to be cohesive throughout in order to evoke the style that you really want. The best way to ensure this happens is to work with a professional designer with experience.