Do a soil test to find out the pH and nutrient levels present in the soil.
Look at information like soil type and drainage on your site. Does it drain well or are there areas that might hold water?
Note where your windows, doors, and walks are to avoid blocking them or the view from them. Note where the views are good or bad and consider landscaping to block the bad views.
Note areas of sun and shade on your site. Consider how these patterns will change through the seasons.
Determine what vegetation and trees you’d like to keep and what you’d like to take out.
Keep structural limitations and obstructions in mind. For example, utility lines, irrigation pipes, telephone lines, both overhead and underground, can help you determine where to locate trees and shrubs.
Always call 811 before you dig to locate utility lines.
Preservation
In new construction or new landscape installations, use low-impact site design practices (such as the preservation of existing native trees, vegetation, and soil) to the maximum extent feasible. This should include, where possible, removal of invasive species.
Preserve existing, pre-construction vegetation to retain values such as wildlife habitat, soil integrity and shading, and create beautiful and welcoming natural spaces in the landscape. Vegetation that is preserved at the existing grade is already established and suited to the site, reducing the need for irrigation and chemical applications. These areas also reduce stormwater runoff and increase plant and animal diversity.
Protect existing trees where possible. Tree canopies reduce stormwater runoff through the process of evapotranspiration from the surface of the canopy. The shade created by tree canopies helps retain moisture in the landscape, thus reducing or eliminating the need to provide supplemental irrigation.
Choose plants appropriate to your sun/shade patterns (Full sun, partial shade, or shade).
Choose plants that match your site’s water availability (require wet/moist/dry).
Know the mature height and width before you choose your plants - remember to choose plants that won’t block windows, walkways and views as they mature. You’ll save time on pruning later.
Avoid the urge to overcrowd or over-plant to make a landscape look mature faster. It causes disease and increased maintenance in the long run.
Choose low-maintenance plants suited to your site that require little pruning to maintain the desired form. Consider dwarf varieties.
Choose a diversity of plants. Your site will be less prone to pests and diseases, and you’ll provide a more diverse wildlife habitat with seasonal interest.
Turfgrass can be the right plant for some places just like any other plant. Plan turf areas to be functional and easy to maintain (e.g., play area, erosion control, and nutrient uptake).
As trees mature and produce more shade, reevaluate the understory plantings based on this change in the site conditions to ensure future success. Healthy trees provide significant ecosystem services and should take precedence over most understory plant material and groundcovers.
Purchase
Purchase healthy insect and disease-free plants.
Purchase plants not too large for their container. They may be rootbound.
Placement
Group plants according to their water needs
Use groundcovers where turfgrass is difficult to grow or maintain
Plant foundation shrubs so that the main leader of the shrub is at least 2.5’ from the foundation of the house
