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Landscape design plans are the foundation to any attractive and functional outdoor design. These plans take into account every detail of a project, including the size and shape of the space, as well as regional location and soil conditions. Some of the most picturesque landscapes are beautiful because of their scale, while others have the correct use of the space with the appropriate amenities.
DESIGN
Landscape - Irrigation
Drainage - Hardscape
Lighting - Decking
Water Features - Plant Palettes
Construction Specifications
3D Rendering & Drafting
ESTIMATION
Landscape Construction
Material Sourcing
Estimation of Project Duration
PROJECT MANAGMENT
We’ll connect you with the right people to make your dream a reality, and be involved throughout the project to make sure your vision is executed.
The Essentials of a Landscape Design Plan
There are several types of landscape drawings used in planning. Which ones your outdoor area requires will depend on the various types of elements and amenities you would like in your project.
Most landscape designs begin with ‘the essentials’, which include creating a site plan as well as hardscape and planting plans. ‘Supplemental plans’ can be created depending on the needs of the project, and include demolition, irrigation, drainage, and landscape lighting plans.
Types of Plans
SITE PLAN
Essential
Site plans are the basis of all other types of design plans. These plans must be drawn to scale and should include at least the following elements:
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Property boundaries, as well as fences, walls, roadways, and other existing hardscape features.
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Existing elements within the landscape, including existing vegetation, patio structures, and swimming pools.
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Structures on the property with details regarding electrical outlets, access to water, and features that could obstruct the outdoor design like air conditioning units and decks.
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Terrain features of your outdoor area, including slopes and grades, hills, and areas with poor drainage.
Site plans can be used to develop other types of landscape design plans and can help you decide what changes or additions may be needed to create the ideal design. Existing trees and shrubs already growing in your property can be noted, making it easy to determine which vegetation to keep and which to remove. These plans can also be used to place additional trees, paths, focal points, and to designate specific living areas.
HARDSCAPE PLAN
Essential
Your hardscape plans include the non-natural elements of your outdoor space. Fencing, decks, and outdoor buildings can all be included in these plans, as well as walkways, driveways, and even outdoor kitchens. Hardscape designs include both functional and decorative outdoor features. Retaining walls and patios are common examples.
Your hardscape plans will reflect the overall theme of your landscape design and should be carefully drawn to scale. It is important to add these elements to your master landscape design plans before planning vegetation, water features, and other design options. It is important to note the color and texture of these items, and sometimes include a page for details associated with the items like garden walls, outdoor fireplaces, pools, patio structures and gazebos.
PLANTING PLAN
Essential
Plants and vegetation are an essential part of an attractive landscape design. The planting plans give detailed information with the specific locations and requirements for all landscape items within your outdoor space, including designating the size and spacing for plant material, groundcover material, and available sources for materials.
Planting designs hold specific information for installation, like both scientific and common names for the plants within the plan as well as precise characteristics including size, shape, color, and quantity. This information is generally contained within a legend and the plant locations are usually noted with a matching symbol.
There are many different elements involved in creating complete landscape design plans. Some help designate the design intent, including elevations and/or perspective drawings of some of the landscape areas.
DEMO PLAN
Supplemental
In many cases, landscape projects are done as a retrofit to an existing system, which may require implementation of existing elements into the new design. When looking at a new plan, it is important to know what elements may play a part in the installation of the new design. In other cases, namely with new construction, a site is clean, freshly graded, and ready to go, in which case a demolition plan is not necessary.
IRRIGATION PLAN
Supplemental
Irrigation plans are recommended, but not required portions of a landscape plan. All irrigation plans should include a zone chart and irrigation legend specifying the basic materials (including controller, valves, sprinklers, and drip irrigation).
One major decision will be selecting between a spray irrigation system or a drip method of watering. The industry has shifted over the past 15 years and nearly every new landscape now uses a drip irrigation system. The benefits include better control of water, quick and easy installations, and flexibility with the plant materials.
DRAINAGE PLAN
Supplemental
Drainage plans are also optional features and are just as valuable as irrigation systems. These suggest a variety of techniques to manage the water on site, maintain positive drainage away from all structures, and can prevent disease and decay in trees and flowers resulting from water accumulating around the plant roots.
LIGHTING PLAN
Supplemental
Outdoor lighting is not a necessary part of your landscape design plans but can be a convenience for evening entertaining and can make your outdoor space safer and more enjoyable.
There are several different techniques that can enhance your landscape, including accent lighting, shadowing, and silhouetting. Lights can also be used to illuminate paths, drives, steps, and terraces.
3D RENDERINGS
Supplemental
Some of the most creative projects are one-of-a-kind, and have never been done before. In cases such as this, existing inspiration photos may not be suitable to relay the design intent, and a 3D rendering may be helpful. The level of detail and scope of the project are all up to the client, but this service offers a personal touch for each project.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Whether you’re creating an assortment of landscape plans for a new home or adding lighting or irrigation to your existing outdoor space, it is best to properly develop your landscape drawings. With a professional design, your landscape contractor can easily and efficiently install your design with the right materials and precise measurements. Here are five points of a design to always keep in mind:
Property Boundaries: Understanding what usable space you have to work with is the first step to creating a practical design.
Focal Points: Whether these elements are existing or new, it is important to have a clear focal point in the design, which draws the user into and throughout the space.
Views: Lines of site are important, and users want to maximize their view of a space as much as possible. This could mean orienting items in front of windows or doors, or it could mean borrowing the views of neighboring properties to enhance the design of the property.
Screening: Every property is different, and screens may not always apply, but most landscapes, regardless of size, have areas with a specific designated use, and screens, whether vegetated or otherwise, help maintain those designations.
Trash: This is one of the most overlooked items, yet is vital to maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design. It is quite unfortunate to have a beautiful project be marred by a poorly-placed and improperly-screened trash area.