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The Best Place to Start When Planning Your Landscape Design: Inventory and Analysis

Writer's picture: Rachelle NelsonRachelle Nelson

Are you ready to make your property shine? You’re going to need a plan. At Boise Landscaping Network, we sometimes recommend working with a landscape architect or designer. However, some clients would rather create their own design, and other clients want to be part of the creative process with their landscape designer. To support these preferences, today we’re offering insight into the thought process of a professional designer as they plan to transform a space. Whether you choose to tackle your project independently or partner with a designer, this guide will help set you on the right path.


Before you ever sketch a layout or select a plant, you’ll want to take inventory of your property and analyze your findings. Let’s walk through that process together. Next month, we will go into the actual design work.



Inventory: Take Note of What You Already Have.


Sun Exposure. Is the available space mostly on the North, South, East, or West side of your house? Are there any hot spots or particularly shady areas?


Drainage. Where are the downspouts? Do you have any pre-existing dry wells or drains?


Views. Which line of sight do you most enjoy looking at from your property? Are there any eyesores?


Flow. How do you typically walk through your property? Are you happy with the current flow, or would you like to change it? Consider gates, pathways, patios, and doors.


Wind patterns. Are there any open, gusty areas that you should consider?


Climate. In Idaho, we have hot summers and snowy winters. It’s a wide range of weather to accommodate.


Grading. Are there slopes or hills in your property? Would you like more elevation?


Space. Is your yard one big lawn? Or a series of smaller nooks and corners? The size and variety of space can determine the usage possibilities. 



Analysis: What Can Be Done?


Now that you know what you’re working with, it’s time to start dreaming.


Sun Exposure. If you have a lot of South or West facing property, you’ll want to look for plants that thrive in the sun. East and West yards tend to be shadier, so you can plant those cool-weather Hostas and begonias you’ve been eyeing.


Drainage. Pay special attention to low spots and ensure they have adequate drainage.


Views. This is where the height of your landscaping comes in. Often, homeowners might plant a tree without considering how it will eventually block the lovely view from an upstairs window. Conversely, you may want to hide some of the less sightly parts of your property with tall shrubs or landscaping elements.


Flow. Here’s one thing to consider. Where the pathways intersect, that is the perfect place to put patios, gazebos, or other gathering spaces.


Wind. The right landscaping can actually block and mitigate wind on your property.


Grading. Slopes affect how a space will be used. Flat areas are great for gatherings, while hills add a sense of depth. You can plan around your current grading, or plan to level and elevate different aspects of your landscape.


Space. Large spaces offer more opportunity, while small spaces can be limited and require creativity.


Now That You Have Your Analysis:


Some aspects of the inventory and analysis process may seem obvious, but it’s an important step to make sure you’re considering every aspect of your property before you get started on improvements. Be sure to take thorough notes of your inventory and analysis because it will help with the next step. In our next article, we’ll dive into the exciting part: the design.



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