What You Should Consider As You Make a Landscaping Plan

Some DIYers neglect to make a landscaping plan and end up with landscaping they cannot maintain (such as a lawn that remains without being mowed). Proper planning would have saved them from some of the challenges that they eventually face. This article discusses some of the factors you should consider as you make your landscaping plan.

Soil Levels

Your landscaping plan should put into consideration the soil levels as compared to other features within your lot. For instance, consider whether the ground slopes away from your house, or it is flat. Such information will be crucial in helping you to come up with an appropriate drainage plan for your landscape so that you do not get a water problem when it rains.

The Location of Utilities

Landscape planning has to put into consideration where utilities are located on your property. For instance, you cannot excavate where there are underground gas lines. This is because you may hit a gas pipe and cause a major leak that can start a fire that guts your entire property. You should plan to plant flowers in that area so that you avoid the need to excavate in order to install a swimming pool in that location.

Upkeep Requirements

Think about the upkeep of all the landscaping that you would like to implement. For instance, it would be unwise to install a swimming pool if you will be unable to have it cleaned regularly or apply the appropriate chemicals that are necessary to keep it in a usable condition. Instead, you may be better off establishing a low-maintenance variety of grass that does not grow very fast.

Bylaws or Codes

You should also consider any applicable by-laws or codes as you plan your landscaping. This is because there may be regulations guiding how certain landscaping activities should be done and you may be fined if you contravene those by-laws. For instance, the municipal authorities may require you to get a permit before you construct a retaining wall on your property. Being aware of these requirements enables you to get the permit in time before work begins.

If you think carefully about all the factors above during the planning phase, you will be able to come up with a landscape design that will be appropriate for your specific circumstances. Do not hesitant to consult a landscape designer should you find the planning task to be beyond your capabilities. For more information, contact a business such as Great Southern Lawns & Gardens.