The Elements of Landscaping Design

A Tutorial on Landscaping Design

Nothing is more enjoyable around your home than a gorgeous landscape.  There are so many styles and designs and each is unique to its owner.

When you start to consider your landscaping design (and the elements you want to incorporate into it), there are several things you will need to keep in mind.

Visual Focal Points

These are especially important for multi-leveled landscapes that have sloping terrains or areas you want to create that are sunken or lower than other levels.  Conversely, you may also need to consider focal points for elevated patios and even flat land.  Just because your property is flat doesn't mean it won't have focal points.

Designing your landscape can be as enjoyable as creating it.  In fact, many people enjoy the design process much more than the actual work, but don't forget to enjoy the work part of your project too.  This is when your design plans really start to come together.

Things you should consider

Survey the topography of your landscaping area and ask yourself if you plan to keep existing plants, walkways, buildings or other elements in your yard?

Evaluate your survey by answering these simple questions:

• Can you keep those existing elements so they are attractive, and functional?
• Can these existing elements be improved or enhanced?
• Where (in the scope of your project) do you need to start?
• What areas do you need to put off until later?
• How many stages will your overall design include?
• Do you plan to work in sections?
• Can you live with your design for many years?

Assess elements that you would like to have in your landscaping in the context of the elements you currently have.  What goes, and what stays when you implement your new design?

Keep perspective in mind.  Try to envision your design from all areas and all angles, even from overhead, as well as how it will look at eye level.

Stand in various locations and look across your landscape so you can get “big picture” view of things.  You will want take into account all levels of your landscaping area, especially if it has multi-levels.

If you have or go with a multi-leveled landscape design, there will be roughly three levels you need to consider: higher levels, ground or eye levels, and lower levels.

Will you have focal points that separate each area, but add depth and beauty to the surrounding landscape?  What are the tools and materials required to turn your vision into a reality?

You may need to spend a fair amount of time to scrutinize over things like the foreground, the mid-ground, and the background.  All of these elements will be in view, from the standpoint of your newly landscaped terrain.  This is why you need to look at everything from all angles and keep these details in mind.  If you can afford even a basic discussion with an expert – don’t let that option fall off the table.

Color and shade are other elements you need to consider before and during your landscaping design phase.  This is determined by how the sun travels over your yard each day.  You need to spend a few days paying attention to the sun and shadows at different times of day and evaluate your findings for incorporation into your landscaping design.

You must consider other elements like windbreaks, too.  Can you create a nice backdrop using a windbreak?  If so, don’t just decide to go with this idea.  Can you see any reason NOT to do this?

Texture is also an important element in your landscaping design.  Some people opt for several textures and blend them together, while others like to keep things as simple as possible.

This plan may suggest a lot to consider in your landscaping needs and design, but taking the time to work through these concerns will help your project go much smoother and give you a better idea of what your finished project will look like.

For landscaping books, tools and materials, you can use the link below to hook up with amazon where you will be safe.  The best of luck with your landscaping project – and may you enjoy the fruit of your labors for many years to come.

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