The Start of Something Good

You’ve got a landscape design in mind. You’ve found the perfect landscaping professional to help make your dreams a reality. You’re ready to begin the transformation.

Before taking that next step, look over YardBuilder’s guide to avoiding some common mistakes made by home owners as they begin the process.

Sound planning, maximum results

1. Always have a plan. You need to know what you want when consulting with a landscape professional. The relationship works best when they know your style and needs.

2. Don’t assume the landscape you admire in your neighbor’s yard will work for yours. The best landscape design is a sound assembly of the natural area of your lot, your home and the existing elements. A landscape professional can help determine the best design suited to what already exists on your property.

3. Make the commitment. The most beautiful, well-kept yards require year-round care. Of course, fall and spring are integral seasons for landscaping, but your commitment to retaining your beautiful yard should be constant all year long.

4. Don’t forego functionality for attractiveness. The best yards have a perfect balance of both. Landscape professionals can help you determine the best ways to achieve that balance.

More considerations …

1. Think about the design in proportion to your house. Avoid blocking natural scenery, and make sure the sizes and styles are right for your home.

2. Use trees and shrubbery to frame your home.

3. Use historical items as focal points. For instance, a historical brick or other family heirloom can make a perfect centerpiece.

4. If you’re going for an elaborate backyard, make sure pathways are part of the design, allowing visitors to enjoy the area without damaging it.

5. Don’t forget about seating. Benches or furniture sets create the perfect place for relaxation.

Explore More

So you’ve found some YardBuilder hints and tips that help. Now it’s time to explore more of the YardBuilder.com community.

Try our interactive YardBuilder to see firsthand how your property is dramatically enhanced through landscape design. The YardBuilder allows you to place landscape elements around a footprint similar to your home’s.

Also, you can read about the variety of benefits you’ll find with functional, beautiful landscaping.

If you have questions, feel free to ask our resident expert any question you may have about landscaping design. Find national articles on the topic here, or visit our library of information to find definitions for landscaping terms and other general landscaping information.