Landscape Tips: DIY Landscapes

YouTube is great for learning the basics, but it can’t account for the unique DNA of your yard. Every site has its own challenges and microclimates. Before you pick up a shovel, follow these five best practices for a successful DIY landscape.

1. Know Your Site (The One-Year Rule)

The most important step is patience. Spend a full year experiencing your property through every season. You need to know how that west-facing patio feels in July and where stormwater pools during a spring thaw. Observing your site for 12 months ensures your design solves real-world problems.

2. Create a Master Plan

A cohesive landscape doesn’t happen by accident, especially if you’re installing in phases. A master plan ensures every addition feels unified. Plus, it allows you to quantify materials accurately, preventing the "oops" moment when a specific stone or plant variety is discontinued halfway through your project.

3. Design for Future Infrastructure

Dream big, even if you’re starting small. If you want a greenhouse or water feature down the road, map it out now. Installing conduit for electrical and irrigation lines early saves you from tearing up your hard work later. Always weigh your "big dreams" against the long-term maintenance they require.

4. Capture Year-Round Interest

Great landscapes aren't just for summer. Design for the "bones" of the garden—using boulders, soil berms, and sculptures to provide visual interest during the winter months. A mix of deciduous trees and evergreen structures keeps your yard eye-catching 365 days a year.

5. Prioritize Conservation

A beautiful yard shouldn’t be a resource drain. Reduce your footprint (and your bills) by:

• Improving soil water retention.

• Replacing traditional turf with lawn alternatives.

• Selecting low-water, native plants.

• Minimizing the need for gas-powered maintenance.

A site plan is a great place to start keeping notes regarding the conditions and properties of the landscape.