REASONS WHY EVERYONE NEEDS A LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Would you build a house without a set of plans for the builders to follow?
Would you buy a set of furniture with no instructions on how to assemble it?
Obviously not!
So why do so many people think they can just wing it when it comes to landscaping?
A few trees, shrubs, and some grass and you're good to go…right?
Again, no.
The same reason why building a home without plans is an awful idea, so is installing your landscape without a plan to follow. You could spend tens of thousands of dollars on a yard that doesn’t work well, feel right, or look good. Without planning, you are setting yourself up for disaster.
Am I suggesting you need to spend thousands of dollars to hire a designer to create a highly sophisticated piece of living art? Not necessarily.
I am saying that you shouldn't just plunk a few trees in the ground, frame out the border with shrub beds, and call it a day. Landscaping is a unique mixture of art and technical skill that can take many years to master.
There are a number of key elements to making a beautiful landscape, and without getting into detailed landscape theory, I’ll offer the highlights.
Form & Function: This is the actual physical layout of seating areas, walkways, lawn, plant beds, and features. This gives your garden a sense of flow, and directs the movement. This is also balanced by the practical uses of your yard, whether it’s entertaining, a kids play space, or a secluded retreat for relaxation, the “bones” as it’s often called is like the layout of a house.
Scale & Balance: The proportions of your yard, and any of the spaces are important to ensure a well balanced space that feels harmonious.
Style & Theme: This is the choice of colours, textures, and materials you will use. Keep it cohesive by choosing furniture, planters and decorations that complement your chosen style.
Planting: Plants give your yard energy and life. It’s the living part of your yard that will grow and change with the seasons, and is so incredibly beautiful!
Now there are homeowners with the time and capability to create a custom plan for themselves, and get beautiful results, but the key is “plan”. No good yards happen without thought and planning.
To drive my point home, here are my 5 reasons why everyone needs a landscape plan:
End Product: Simply put, you will get better results when you take the time to plan out the sizing, placement, colours, materials, and plant choices, etc. If the design/planning process isn’t in your wheelhouse, then it’s best to find a trusted landscape professional to assist you in bringing your dream to life.
Save Money: whether you DIY the project or hire a contractor, having the plan to follow will save you money. If you decide to DIY, you’ll be better able to source materials from vendors and compare prices, instead of just buying what you think you need (or want). You will also have more accurate measurements and quantities calculated, that will prevent over/under ordering (very costly). Hiring a contractor is also made much simpler as you can provide multiple companies a copy of your plan to price out. They will be able to give you a thorough estimate on your scope, and you can compare those quotes on an apples to apples basis, giving you more power to select the contractor that’s right for you.
Project sequence: Construction is made so much easier when you know what materials you need, what features should go in first, what kind of equipment you’ll need, and on and on. Planning the actual stages of the work will prevent install errors, damage, and re-work.
Permits & Regulations: A lot of landscape projects will require permits and regulations to abide by. If you don’t have the plans from the get go, you may find yourself having to supply documents to your local municipality to obtain approval to build certain structures, like decks, gazebos, sheds, and fences. You may also need a permit to install a pool, hot tub, or other feature. Finding a qualified landscape professional can save you a lot of time and money by designing something that will meet all applicable permit requirements and local regulations.
Less Stress: Taking your time to develop a landscape plan (whether yourself or through a professional), will make the process so much more enjoyable. You can focus on each stage with confidence, and take satisfaction in seeing your vision come to life.
The world of landscaping and horticulture is fabulously rewarding and beautiful, and its importance for homeowners should not be understated. The benefits of beautiful outdoor spaces are plenty: Improved property value, sense of pride, brings joy and satisfaction to anyone who visits the space, environmental improvements, cleaner air, reduced heating/cooling costs, and so much more!
Take the time, and invest in planning your greenspace today, and reap the benefits tomorrow.