Landscape Design – Landscaping Ideas for Front & Backyards

Updating your home’s landscaping is a great way to increase the value of your property and create outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining. Whether you want to focus on increasing your curb appeal with a reimagined front yard, create a backyard retreat with dining and entertaining areas, or both, there are many options and features to consider. Use the information below to start determining what you want in your new landscape.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN BASICS

BACKYARD LANDSCAPING

In the backyard you can create a space for entertaining friends and family complete with an outdoor kitchen, fire feature, pool and more, or you could create a lush garden that attracts wildlife and allows you to relax and reflect.

Embrace the indoor-outdoor lifestyle by transforming your backyard into a comfortable retreat with these landscaping ideas:

FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING

In the front yard, you could amp up curb appeal with a beautiful walkway, or take out your lawn in favor of an eco-friendly garden.

Make your neighbors jealous by creating a front yard landscape that’s both beautiful and welcoming:

How do I design my own landscape?

Before you start digging, you’ll need to have a plan in mind. Start with these 4 steps:

1. Outline: Start with a rough sketch of your property or area to be worked on. This doesn’t have to be to scale at this point, but should include any permanent features such as your house, shed, large trees or shrubs that are staying in place, areas that are currently paved, patios, pools, etc.
2. Measure: Take that rough sketch outside and measure everything. Note the measurements on the sketch. Note where windows and doors are for views and traffic patterns, and also where water faucets and electrical outlets are.
3. Transfer: Transfer your property map to graph paper and draw to scale; this will become your master copy. Make note of sun and shade patterns, wind-prone areas, slopes, etc.
4. Trace: Use tracing paper over the top of your master copy and begin experimenting with designs.

Is there an app for landscape design?

If you’d like to try your hand at designing your own landscape there are apps that can help you, such as Home Outside, iScape, Landscaper’s Companion, and many more. Home Outside offers upgraded services from phone/video consultations with professional landscape designers to complete designs done remotely.

How much does it cost to get a landscape design?

As with most home improvement projects, the price can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. Homeowners can expect to pay $2000 to $8000 for a professional landscape design to be drafted for their property. As a general rule, homeowners spend approximately 10% of their home’s value on landscaping.