There are many different ways to design a landscape. You can do-it-yourself by coming up with your own plans and layout. You would have to select plants and trees for your particular climate and maintenance level. Another way to would be to have a landscape company that does designing come up with a blueprint with the vegetation and accessories already selected, even to your specifications if you desire. At this point you would have a plan but you would have to implement this plan yourself. Another option would be to have a professional landscape company do everything from start to finish.

Landscape Architects and Designers

By going with a landscape architect or designer, you can have plenty of options choose from in your plan. You can get a design that best matches the style of your house. Since the front yard is more visible to the public, special attention in this area can add real value to your property. Since the backyard is more informal and is used more for living space, an optimal design can provide privacy and allow room for activities.

Landscape Design Companies

A professional landscape design company can take into account many factors of planning. Climate and weather are primary factors in plant selection. In the Northeast, with its cold winters and hot summers, designers can plan accordingly for cold, ice and snow in the winter and drought and heat in the summer. Evergreens can provide nice scenery during the winter months.

The factors of Sun and shade are also accounted for. In the North, when the sun rises in the East, it travels against the southern part of the sky to the West. Obstacles to the south can block sunlight to plants on the north side of these obstacles. Areas that get extra sun also tend to have drier soil and may need more water.

Other factors that are considered are water and air circulation and movement factors such as land, topography, drainage and water runoff. In addition there are soil, lighting and traffic as well as many others.

Landscape designers and architects can accommodate the ideas of their clients whether their goal is recreation, entertainment, privacy or increasing the beauty and value of their property. They also can provide a garden or to help establish a low cost budget and maintenance plan.

A well-designed landscape can make an average looking home be more aesthetic. According to real estate professionals, a properly designed landscape that is maintained can add up to 40 percent to a home's value.