It’s hard to know where to start with landscaping design. Selecting the right plants, trees, and shrubs will maximize your budget and extend the life of your garden — but how do you know what to choose? If you’re located near Lincoln, NE, call the experts at Landmark Landscapes for a consultation. Otherwise, consider these five elements that affect your landscape design.

Climate & Soil Type

The USDA Plant Hardiness Map is a great tool to discover which plants, trees, and shrubs will thrive in your climate. The drainage, richness, texture, and pH level of the soil in your yard determine what types of plants will thrive there and what kind of watering systems you’ll need to put in place.

Budget

Professional landscapers recommend spending about 10% of the value of your home on landscaping to preserve or increase the property’s worth. If your budget doesn’t allow for this amount, try working with a landscaping consultant to plan the most effective way to use your funds. This can prevent bad decisions that lead to further costs down the road.

Time Of Year

If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, it’s a great idea to start planning your landscaping design in the winter months. This will give you ample time to plan and save for the coming spring, when the ground temperatures warm and become receptive to new plants.

Size Of The Space

Whether you’re working with an acre or a 10-foot square patch, there are endless landscaping designs to take inspiration from. Rolling green lawns, stone fountains, garden beds, container plants, water features, and fire pits are all beautiful elements to consider.

Your Needs

Do you enjoy taking care of plants that need seasonal care? Are there pets on the property that might cause damage to delicate species? Will the space be used by children, for hosting parties, or growing herbs and vegetables for the household? Keep all of these factors in mind as you design your landscape.

Call Landmark Landscapes at (402) 314-7835 to begin planning the garden of your dreams. View samples of their work online or stop by the nursery to take a look at some of the options available.