When you are planning a landscape design, there are a lot of things you must consider in order to achieve the outcome you want. While having an attractive landscape is important, you also want a design that is practical and meets the needs of you and your family. Planning with a purpose will help you strike a healthy balance between aesthetic and practical landscaping elements.

Is your budget realistic?

Every good landscape plan begins with a realistic budget and the resolve to work within your means. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is not uncommon for people to end up spending more than they can afford. They may have good intentions when they begin but often get carried away when adding extra features, plants, etc., that can add a substantial amount of money to a landscaping bill.

How will you use your landscape most?

This is probably the most important question to answer before you begin planning. Do you love entertaining, throwing parties, and hanging out with friends? Are you an introvert who craves peace and quiet and wants to create a relaxing backyard oasis? 

Building your landscape around how you will use your space the most will help you choose a focal point for your landscape, such as a great outdoor kitchen or a peaceful sanctuary with lots of privacy.

What are you not willing to compromise on?

Unless you have unlimited funds, there will be things you have to compromise on when you build a landscape. Pick your passion and be prepared to give up a few things that are not as important so you can add those features you are not willing to give up.

How much time can you spend on maintenance?

If you have a limited amount of time for maintaining your landscape, adding hardscaping features can save you time, as they are mostly maintenance-free. Plants, shrubbery, grass, and trees need regular attention where patios, paved walkways, and stone walls do not.

You can have the most beautiful landscape on the block, but if it does not work for you and your family, it will be nothing more than an attractive yard to look at. A landscape that requires a lot of maintenance can also end up being a burden if you lack the necessary time to care for it. The best landscape design is one that looks nice, has practical features you can use in your everyday life, and is not burdensome to maintain.