Landscaping is a process that involves research, collection of ideas, and planning. It is essential to creating a successful outdoor area that serves the purpose for which it was designed. To ensure a successful landscape installation, there are five steps that must be taken. The most important step is site analysis, which involves analyzing terrain and general conditions. This includes soil analysis, sun exposure, amount of shade, wind exposure, drainage, flooding, salt spray, actual space size, and maintenance. After the plan is created, the construction process can begin. This includes any gardening projects before planting any plants. Landscaping may include a porch, sidewalk, driveway, parking areas, decks, fences, patios, and gazebo.
The conceptual phase of the design process allows the landscape professional to experiment with the placement of plant elements, activity areas, hardscapes, and other features that the homeowner wanted in their outdoor living space. The third step in the design process addresses the functionality of the space and what it will require in order for the area to be suitable for any purpose or use that the design needs to meet.
Functional design is an important part of the process because it gives the landscape designer the opportunity to determine where to place different places of activity and how much space each area will need. This includes the installation of the lawn. The process begins with an inventory of the site and an analysis of the soil, drainage, climatic conditions, and existing vegetation. An architect or landscape designer must also understand the limitations, assets, and attributes of available space for the potential landscape area.
