Landscape Design Plans are Creating Layers of Design

Welcome

Services

Design Styles

Design Ideas

Global

United States

Shopping

More Info

Creating Elegant Outdoor Living Areas
With Landscape Design Plans

Landscape design plans are the foundation to any attractive and functional outdoor design. These plans take into account every single detail of your yard, including the size, the shape, and the terrain, and have all the information needed to create the perfect landscape design according to your specifications.

There are a few different ways to develop landscape plans - landscape architects, garden designers and design-build professionals to create the plans that will work best for your tastes, as well as your home.

There are also several types of landscape design plans. The plans your outdoor area requires will depend on the various types of features you would like in your yard. Most landscape designs begin with a topography or plot plan, and most include a concept plan as well as a hardscape plan planting plan. Irrigation, drainage, and lighting design plans are also popular and often required.

Below you will find examples of landscape design plans from a small project we designed in Orange County, California. The scale of this modest project makes it ideal to illustrate some of the layers involved in a landscape plan set. You can also find free design examples online to help in creating your design.

Click here to contact us for your complementary referrals.

Landscape Plot Plan

Plot plans, or topography charts, are the basis of all other types of design plans. These plans must be drawn to scale and typically require the services of a land surveyor. Your plot plan should include at least the following elements:

• Property boundaries, as well as fences, walls, roadways, and other existing hardscape features.

• Water features within the landscape, including ponds, streams, and swimming pools.

• Structures on the property with details regarding electrical outlets, access to water, and features that could obstruct the outdoor design like air conditioning units and decks.

• Terrain features of your outdoor area, including slopes and grades, hills, and areas with poor drainage.

Plot plans can be used to develop other types of landscape design plans and can help you decide what changes or additions may be needed to create the ideal design. Trees, shrubs, and plants already growing in your yard can be noted, making it easy to determine which vegetation to keep and which to remove. These plans can also be used to place shade trees, walkways, and to designate specific living areas.

Site Plan

The site plan or sometimes referred to as concept plan consist of the preliminary illustrations that bring everything together within your landscape design. This plan typically are drawn in scale, offer full color or black and white, highly detailed layouts, and may include photographs and specifications of selected plant and hardscape materials. Your landscape site plan is an essential tool for generating and solidifying ideas. Generally, the plan is a CAD rendering but can also be hand drawn. And because it is drawn to scale it can be used to provide estimates for construction.

landscape design plans

Landscape site plans displaying the most spectacular outdoor spaces are usually created by a professional. With modern CAD technology, it is possible to get high end concept plans and complete landscape designs starting with our free consultation service.

Click here to view examples of color-rendered site plan views.

Elevation Views

The elevation plan gives a front-on view of various structures within the landscape design. These plans can assist in understanding what key landscape features would look like from a 2D perspective. Details associated with the items like garden walls, outdoor fireplaces, pool walls, patio structures and gazebos can be clearly viewed. Here are examples of elevation drawings taken from our landscape design plans.

landscape design plans

Click here to view examples of color-rendered elevation views.

Hardscape Plans

Your hardscape plans include the unnatural elements of your outdoor space. Fencing, decks, and outdoor buildings can all be included in these plans, as well as walkways, driveways, and even outdoor kitchens. Hardscape designs include both functional and decorative outdoor features. Retaining walls and patios are common examples. Materials such as brick, stone, concrete, and metal are typically used to construct these outdoor elements.

Your hardscape plans will reflect the overall theme of your landscape design and should be carefully drawn to scale. It is important to add these elements to your master landscape design plans before planning vegetation, water features, and other design options. Color and texture should be an integral part of your hardscape as well.

Landscape Planting Plans

Plants and vegetation are an essential part of an attractive landscape design. The planting plans give detailed information with the specific locations and requirements for all plant materials within your outdoor space, including flower beds, hedges, and trees.

Planting designs hold specific information for installation, like both scientific and common names for the plants within the plan as well as precise characteristics including size, shape, color, and quantity. This information is generally contained within a legend and the plant locations are usually noted with a matching symbol.

landscape design plans

There are a few things to consider before creating your planting plan:

• The type of vegetation you choose will depend on the amount of sunlight and shade, the soil and climate, and how much time you would like to put into your garden.

• Trees can add a vertical angle to your landscape design plans.

• Shrubbery can be used for privacy and fencing, while colorful flower beds are wonderful accents.

Click here to learn more about landscape planting plans.

There are many different elements involved in creating complete landscape design plans. Some are essential parts of any outdoor design, like a topography plan and planting design, while others are an added convenience that increases the beauty and value of your estate.

Because creating quality landscape plans are so crucial to the outcome of a successful project, we highly recommend hiring seasoned professionals. The Landscape Design Advisor can help by recommending the very best landscape architects, garden designers and design-build professionals in your local area.

Simply fill out our Contact Form below to receive our complementary referrals. We suggest preparing yourself by picking up a copy of our
7 Step Guide - 'How to Work with a Landscape Architect' and our bonus guide - 'Hiring a Landscape Contractor'.

Contact Form

Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.

First Name*
First Name*

Last Name*
Last Name*

E-mail Address*
E-mail Address*

Street Address*
Street Address*

City*
City*

State/Prov*
State/Prov*

Zip/Postal Code*
Zip/Postal Code*

Country*
Country*

Phone*
Phone*

Work phone

Mobile Phone

Do you need a landscape design?*
Do you need a landscape design?*

	Yes
	No

When will you be ready to start your installation?*
When will you be ready to start your installation?*

	Right now
	After design completion
	Sometime Later

If starting installation later, what date do you anticipate?

Will you be hiring a landscape contractor for your installation?*
Will you be hiring a landscape contractor for your installation?*

	Yes
	No

What type of project do you have?*
What type of project do you have?*

	Residential
	Commercial

What type of landscaping do you have?*
What type of landscaping do you have?*

	New Construction
	Renovation

To help us select the best members for your project, please indicate your landscape budget.*
To help us select the best members for your project, please indicate your landscape budget.*

Describe in detail exactly what you need to have done.*
Describe in detail exactly what you need to have done.*

Please check the box below before submitting this form.*
Please check the box below before submitting this form.*

I understand that consultations are not intended for gathering free advice. I am genuinely interested in talking with your recommended landscape professionals with the intension of using their services.

Please enter the word that you see below.