HO-143
Landscape Architecture
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT 
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERCIVE 
PURDUE UNIVERSITY 
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907
Landscape
Planning:
Its Importance to You
Mark Allsup, Extension landscape architect
With few exceptions, new homeowners are confronted with the task of either reworking an existing landscape or planning and installing an entirely new landscape for their home. The most common sequence of landscape development consists of a foundation planting across the front of the house, together with edge plantings to accentuate the property boundaries, and a collection of trees and shrubs throughout the remainder of the site. While this approach improves the appearance of the property, it frequently shortchanges the owners by not taking advantage of the design opportunities which could truly personalize the surroundings. By carefully Planning a landscape you achieve an attractive, functional environment which allows for maximum use of the property. This publication explains why you should plan a landscape on paper before actually putting the plan into action and suggests an efficient framework for landscape design.

Why landscape a home?
The best landscape for any home is one which reflects the interests and
personalities of the residents while simultaneously emphasizing the desirable characteristics of the site. Such a design improves the day-to-day surroundings while also increasing the resale value of the property. Properly landscaping your home results in a simple, uncluttered design that requires minimum care and is visually pleasing.

More for less
With proper planning, landscaping your home need not be expensive. In fact good design includes making maximum use of both space and dollars, hat is doing the most with the least. For example, the designer should make as many landscape additions as possible serve dual roles-for instance, shade and privacy; focal point and screening; and framing a view while creating rhythm within the composition. Using minimal amounts of materia your designs'also allows you to invest more money into each design element (trees shrubs, paying surfaces, etc.), which, in turn, results in an over all higher quality.
You may want to contract a professional landscape architect to get professional planning suggestions.  If so, see HO-145, "Landscape Architectural Services in Indiana,"  for the names of landscape architects willing to work in your area. The associated fees yield an excellent rate of return when spread out over the many years of use and enjoyment that result from such a design.