LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The initial planning of your landscape is the most important phase of the entire project. The first step of planning should be serious consideration of the following questions. Doing so will save needless removal and transplanting of ornamental plants at a later date, which would further delay the desired end result of your project.

Splitting-out of a Bradford Pear

High winds on Mother's Day 2002 caused this Bradford Pear to split-out. We don't recommend planting Bradford Pears since they are subject to splitting, mostly from ice storms.
Photo: Donnan Landscape Services

When designing your landscape, ask
yourself these important questions:

Would you like to screen areas for wind, noise, or unwanted views?
Do you want special areas for children, recreation, entertaining, storage, pets, or gardening?
Would you like a sculpture, or other special features?
Is your outdoor lighting adequate?
Will an irrigation system be installed, now or later?
Which building materials, such as stone or brick, do you prefer? Are there any that you dislike?

More design questions....

What are your favorite spots in the yard, and why? What are your least favorite spots?
Are there views or vistas you would like to keep open?
Will natural rainfall be able to reach all your plants without supplemental irrigation or hand watering?

Plants dried-out under a building overhang

This building's overhang prevented natural rainfall from reaching these plants, resulting in their demise.
TIP: Plant out from underneath building overhangs!

What are your favorite plants or type of plants? Your least favorite?
In landscapes, do you generally prefer open or enclosed spaces?
What is the architectural style of your home?
How would you describe your decorating style?
Where will you pile snow in the winter?

Plan ahead for winter snow removal

Are you planning to make additions to the house or detached buildings?
What is your time frame?
What is your landscaping budget, both immediate and long-term?
Do you plan to implement all or part of the landscape design yourself?
Could you share landscaping projects along property lines with neighbors?
Will you have to consider zoning or deed restrictions, easements, building codes, or utility lines?
Are there any drainage problems?
Is deer-browsing a problem?

Leaf color adds interest to the home landscape
Bright leaf color adds interest
to this home landscape
'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple

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