7 Easy Steps to Plan the Perfect Landscape for Your Home
A thoughtfully designed outdoor space turns a house into a home, creating a place for relaxation, connection, and everyday enjoyment. But when homeowners start thinking about landscape planning, they often hit the same roadblock: Where do I even begin?
The good news is that designing a beautiful, functional yard doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan and expert guidance, the process becomes not only manageable but exciting. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush garden retreat, a sleek patio for entertaining, or a backyard where the kids can play safely, these seven steps will help you prepare—so when you work with Degree Lawn & Landscape, your vision comes together seamlessly.
Step 1: Picture Your Ideal Outdoor Space
Before diving into landscape design ideas, it helps to think about how you’ll actually use your yard. A space designed for weekend cookouts will look different from one built for quiet mornings with a cup of coffee. Some homeowners want wide-open areas for kids and pets to run free, while others prefer private nooks framed by trees and greenery.
Functionality is just as important as looks. If you need more shade in the summer or a better way to block out street noise, those practical concerns should be part of the design from the beginning. Once you have a general vision, Degree Lawn & Landscape can help refine the details and bring it to life.
Step 2: Take a Good Look at Your Yard
Every yard has its own unique elements that affect landscape design plans. Before making changes, it’s important to take stock of what’s already there. The size of the space, natural slopes, and how much sunlight different areas receive all play a role in what will thrive.
A professional assessment can make a big difference. Some problem areas—like poor drainage or awkward grading—aren’t always obvious at first glance, but they can impact long-term success. The team at Degree knows how to work with your yard’s natural features to create a design that enhances, rather than fights against, the existing landscape.
Step 3: Set a Budget That Works for You
Landscaping is an investment that adds lasting value to your home, and setting a budget early helps make the most of your investment. On average, homeowners spend about 10% of their home’s value on landscape design and installation.
The most effective budgets balance long-term value with immediate impact. Prioritizing high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship leads to results that last, while smart plant selections and efficient irrigation keep maintenance manageable. The team at Degree Lawn & Landscape can help tailor a plan that fits your needs without cutting corners.
Step 4: Find a Style That Fits Your Home
A landscape should match the way you live, creating a natural flow between your home and outdoor space. Some homeowners gravitate toward clean lines and modern materials, while others prefer a softer, more organic feel with layered plantings and natural stone. An easy approach is to go through pictures to choose a design that complements both your personal style and your home’s architecture. Looking through landscape design companies’ portfolios, flipping through magazines, or even walking through well-designed neighborhoods can help clarify what resonates with you. Our blog discusses current design trends to inspire your creative vision.
Once you start recognizing patterns of what you’re drawn to, it becomes easier to refine your vision. A sleek patio with structured plantings may suit a contemporary home, while a cottage-style garden with winding pathways might be a better match for a traditional setting. Focusing on the overall feel of your outdoor space—rather than just individual features—can help the design come together in a way that feels natural and inviting.
Step 5: Pick the Right Plants, Features, and Materials
Every choice in a landscape design plan affects how the space looks, functions, and holds up over time. Some plants require constant care, while others thrive with little attention. Hardscaping materials like stone walkways, firepits, and built-in features can create a polished, modern look or something more natural and rustic. Finding the right balance makes all the difference in how a yard feels day to day.
Plants set the mood, whether you want a structured, polished look or something that feels soft and natural. Some homeowners love the ease of native plants that thrive with little maintenance, while others prefer flower beds that change with the seasons. Trees and shrubs can add privacy, create shade, or even help block out noise from the street.
Water-efficient options, such as drought-tolerant grasses and smart irrigation systems, can make landscaping more eco-friendly. Our recent blog is full of inspirational ideas for your yard’s plants.
Hardscaping plays just as big of a role. Patios and walkways define gathering spaces, while retaining walls can prevent erosion and add visual interest. The materials you choose—like stone, pavers, or decorative gravel—affect how the space looks and how much upkeep it needs over time. Here are some more tips on how to plan your yard’s hardscaping.
It helps to think about how everything fits together. A landscape should feel balanced, with plants, pathways, and features working as a whole instead of separate pieces. If it feels overwhelming, the team at Degree can help pull everything together so the final result looks natural and stays easy to maintain.
Step 6: Think Long-Term—Function and Maintenance Matter
Even the most polished landscape won’t stay that way without proper care. Designing with maintenance in mind keeps your outdoor space looking beautiful without turning it into a full-time job.
This means considering practical factors, like:
- How much upkeep different plants require.
- The durability of materials over time.
- Seasonal changes and how they affect your yard’s appearance.
For homeowners who prefer a low-maintenance approach, there are plenty of ways to simplify upkeep, from using native plants to incorporating automated irrigation. And if ongoing care feels like too much, professional landscaping services—like those offered by Degree—can handle the work for you.
Step 7: Work with a Pro to Make It Happen
A great landscape starts with a solid plan, but bringing it to life takes skill, experience, and the right team. Professional landscape design companies handle every detail that makes a space both beautiful and functional. At Degree, that means designing custom patios and walkways, installing retaining walls for better drainage, selecting plants suited to the environment, and creating seamless transitions between softscaping and hardscaping. Without the right expertise, even the best ideas can fall flat.
Instead of navigating the process alone, working with Degree Lawn & Landscape makes every step easier. Our team brings craftsmanship and attention to detail, turning ideas into a finished space that’s built to last.
Let Degree Lawn & Landscape Bring Your Vision to Life
Planning your dream landscape doesn’t have to be stressful. With a thoughtful approach and expert support, creating a beautiful, functional retreat in your yard is easier than you think.
Degree Lawn & Landscape is here to guide you through the process, from initial ideas to the final installation. If you’re ready to get started, schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a landscape that feels like home.
