Creating Your Landscape Site Plan - Part 1
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Please also visit part 2, Creating Your Landscape Plan
Previous articles in the landscape design series we have discussed the basic principles of landscape design. The theory is important, but now it's time to have some fun with the design process. Creating your site plan is the important first step in creating your ideal landscape.
Before you begin to design your landscape, you need to put into writing exactly what you like (and don't like), how you hope to use your landscape areas and other information which will determine your general layout, hardscape choices and plant selection.
Answering the questions on this form will help you focus on your preferences and may also bring up some ideas which you haven't yet considered. It's a good idea to share the questionnaire with other family members - each will have important input.
The first step in the drawing process is to measure and record the location of the house, all other structures, hardscape features, existing plants and property lines. Often, you will be able to use a site plan, plat map or other drawing supplied by your builder or your local government. This will save you lots of measuring time.
Accuracy is important! - you'll be basing all your design decisions on this drawing. You can use drafting tools and an architect's scale, or you can complete the drawing using graph paper, with each square equal to "x" number of feet. Make several copies of this drawing.
There are also several software programs available... unfortunately those in the price range appropriate for one- time homeowner use are not very easy to learn and produce poor output. If you like to play with the software, you may have fun with these, but drawing by hand will probably be most accurate and less time consuming.
First, using a copy of the basic site plan, create a "bubble diagram" of your intended use areas. Don't worry about defining each area precisely - this is just a general plan of what you want in various locations. Think about the family's needs for recreation, privacy, dining, entertaining, etc. This plan could also include a rough layout of your desired planting areas.
Next, with another copy of the site plan, draw all the environmental factors which will affect your property... compass direction, wind directions (both summer and winter), existing trees, etc.
You'll now begin to bring together your preferences and the principles of landscape design and apply them to the physical layout of your property. This is perhaps the most "difficult" part of landscape design - it's also the most fun! In the next article, we'll explore this part of the process.
Please also visit Creating Your Landscape Site Plan Part 2 of this article.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
88488 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69974 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69692 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
48374 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29059 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
3 Important Reasons to Purify Your Water
When improving your house you should take very precise attention to your kitchen, because according to the statistics this is the place where...
How to Choose the Right Solid Wood Door
Deciding which doors should go where in your home is hard work and it will take some time and lots of planning and research to find the best doors...
How HVAC Preventive Maintenance Can Benefit Your Family
Homeowners have a lot on their plates, and this means that more mundane tasks like annual maintenance can be easily overlooked. It’s not...
What You Need to Know About Basement Waterproofing
A wet, leaking basement is a seller’s, buyer’s and homeowner’s worst nightmare. A leaking basement can be a health hazard; it...
How Do You Choose a Heater for Your Home?
Buying a furnace is not something you can do randomly. You will need to make sure that it would fit perfectly in your home. If you don't buy the...