Develop Your Landscaping Plan

It’s cold outside, and most of our landscapes are quiet and at rest at this time of year. But like many,, you probably always have landscaping plans in your head. Winter is the perfect time to do some dreaming and planning and put those thoughts on paper. It’s also a great time to start making plans with your landscaping company. Well-thought  landscaping plans can help achieve successful results and save money.

How Can I Put Together a Landscaping Plan?

1. 1. Start with a list.
      Write down the features you currently have in your outdoor space and landscape. Then write down the additional things you want; anything from a patio to a pool, a storage shed or a playground, or simply adding some plants.
   2. Map it out.
      Think about the layout of your property and where different features might go. Sketch out a rough plan, leaving room for suggestions from your landscaping company.  The University of Missouri offers some great suggestions for making a plan, including separating public areas like the front of your house from private areas for family activities and service areas like trash cans and storage sheds. Think about where things should go in relation to your house; asking how each area would effectively function. Then draw your landscape as is and overlay the features you’d like to see. It’s an exciting process.
      • Here are just a few features to consider as you sketch your map:
        • Plantings
        • Walkways
        • Patios and entertainment spaces
        • Privacy features and shade trees
        • Vegetable and flower gardens
        • Sheds and outbuildings
        • Pools, pergolas and pavilions
        • Fire pits and grilling areas
        • Outdoor lighting

         

   3. Think long-term.
      When you talk with your landscaping professionals, share your long-term goals and ideas even if you can’t make them happen right away. This helps us develop your property in a more holistic way. For example, if you think you might want outdoor lighting down the road, it’s best to go ahead and add conduits for electrical lines  now. Saving you from tearing up hardscapes or plantings later just to install the lighting. Once your landscaper has the big picture, they can help you break things down into bite-sized chunks and move forward step by step, as your budget allows.
   4. Find The Right Partner.
      As you consider your long-term landscaping goals, be sure to find a partner who is ready to work with you to make your ideas become a reality. You want a company that will listen to your goals, desires and concepts while at the same time bringing their extensive professional experience into play. It’s important to find a partner who can look at the big picture but also make things happen in the short-term by helping you prioritize and work out a schedule.
   5. Think About a Budget and Payment Plan. 
      At Epling, we encourage clients to think big, but we also understand the role that budgeting plays when designing a landscape. We work with clients whose budgets vary, from wanting to get it all done at once and fast track multiple projects to those who need to take things one step at a time, phasing the project. Our experienced staff will help you find the approach that works best for you.

Create Your Landscape Plan with Epling

At Epling, helping clients plan and achieve their goals for their outdoor space is one of our favorite parts of the job. From beating back the jungle and getting on a routine lawn care schedule to decorative plantings for a perfect entryway to attractive, family-friendly patios and play areas, our team can help you take your landscape from a dream to a reality on the schedule that works best for you.