Creating Your Landscape Site Plan - Part 2
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Please also visit part 1, Creating Your Landscape Plan
The last article, Creating Your Landscape Site Plan, described how to draw your site plan and evaluate the conditions specific to your site. Don't underestimate the importance of this step: a thorough understanding of all environmental factors is critical.
For example, in the north, you probably need to know from which direction the cold winds come in winter; you may be able to create a windbreak or shelterbelt of plant material to help keep your home warmer. In the south, you will be more concerned with establishing sufficient afternoon shade and taking advantage of any cooling breezes. Yes, careful placement of plants can channel breezes to where they'll do the most good.
The above are just two examples...there are *many* other factors to consider as you place your softscape and hardscape into your landscape design.
There are several techniques for actually drawing your design. One of the best is using tracing paper over your site plan. Using your knowledge of plant forms and size, or a database that provides this information, draw your plants and hardscape elements on the tracing paper...you probably won't be satisfied with the first result, so simply use another piece of tracing paper. Just sketch the items to scale...don't worry about beauty. You can save your copies to evaluate the benefits of each version.
Another popular method is to create several cutouts to represent plants and hardscape items. These can be moved around on the site plan in various configurations...when you're happy with the results, pencil in the locations.
Don't rush this process - and keep in mind all the site-specific conditions...wind directions, topography, sun angles, your preferences, etc. It's a mind-expanding process! You'll find that several design sessions will produce much better results than trying to do it all at once. Share your work with other family members - they may have insights you would overlook.
Please also visit Creating Your Landscape Site Plan Part 1 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...
90187 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...
71090 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...
70478 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...
49748 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...
29513 Views
Latest Articles
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
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
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
![What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire? What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?](http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/uploads/a/admin/construction_47639__e04de.jpg)
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 — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
The Water Heater is Broken: Now What?
When you think about the easy projects homeowners can do by themselves, fixing a broken water heater is not the first that comes to mind. However,...
Pests and Your Household
Are you flirting with the thought of becoming a proprietor? Try not to let such flirtatious thoughts blind you from what matters most -- booking an...
Gun Safe - Securing Your Property and Family
Due to different reasons, taking the steps to secure your property and family will need the right device like a gun that is available in your home...
Signs That Your Air Conditioning Unit Needs Replacement
A customer has to understand the bad symptoms made by his AC unit. The bad symptoms shown by the AC unit are the major indications for you to check...
5 DIY Projects for Updating an Older Home
Old homes have history and character, and they're true prizes to own. Unfortunately, they can also be a lot of work to maintain if problems of...