Why You Need a Landscape Design Before You Build
If you’ve ever looked out at your yard and thought, “I wish we had a place to unwind or entertain,” or “I’m tired of all this maintenance,” you’re not alone. Many homeowners dream of outdoor spaces that reflect their lifestyle, but aren’t sure where to begin. The answer? Start with a plan.
Just like you wouldn’t build a home without architectural drawings, your landscape deserves the same level of thought and detail. A professional landscape design is the most affordable—and arguably most important—step in the entire outdoor transformation process.
Whether you're installing it all at once or phasing it in over time, a well-crafted design ensures your investment leads to the outcome you envision. My process starts by getting to know you. You’ll complete a simple design questionnaire before we even meet, so I’m prepared to align the design with your priorities, lifestyle, and personal style. These details shape a space that feels natural and utterly unique to you.
A thoughtful landscape plan goes far beyond paint marks in your yard. It considers views, privacy, sun patterns, drainage, microclimates, and the specific characteristics of your property. My master plans typically include:
- Layouts for paving, grading, planting, and drainage
- Lighting and irrigation plans
- Spot grades, installation notes, and maintenance guidelines
- Optional 3D modeling for better visualization
- Phasing strategies to spread out installation as the budget allows
- Contractor coordination or bid support, if needed
This design-first approach helps eliminate guesswork and miscommunication during the bidding and construction phases. Without a plan, you're left relying on interpretations, which can lead to unexpected costs—or worse, a result that doesn’t meet your expectations.
When you have a clear, buildable landscape plan, every contractor is bidding on the same vision. That leads to more accurate pricing, better timelines, and fewer surprises.
Incredible landscapes don’t happen by accident—they’re carefully planned, just like the homes they surround. If you’ve been dreaming of improving your outdoor space but aren’t sure where to start, I’d be happy to help. Please fill out the contact form on my design page -
https://www.itsdavidschmidt.com/landscape
and let’s discuss how a great design can set your entire project up for success.
