Who would take a trip without first making a plan? Nobody, right? Making a plan to do something is an optional thing to do but it is the prudent thing to do. If we want something to turn out in the best possible way, we try to plan it. If we plan important things like our retirement, weddings, holidays and our education then planning our outdoor living space should be no different. I want to teach you the Trifecta of planning the perfect landscape project. If followed, these tips will save you money, maximize the potential of your garden and exponentially increase your satisfaction in a well landscaped garden.

To build something as complex as an entire landscape requires a lot of forethought and technical knowhow. Important technical fields like carpentry, plumbing, masonry, horticulture and electrical can all play an important role in most landscape construction projects not to mention the design elements like style, balance and texture in the finished landscape. Where do I begin?! It can also be a very expensive investment for most people so it should only need to be done once per home or business. To help ensure it is done right the first time it pays to seek professional planning advice. Here are three important tips to consider when beginning your next landscape project.

Step #1- Consider Function

This first step is by far the most important step in the planning process. As best as possible, try to assess what your families perceived garden needs really are. Do you need a place to park the RV? Do your children want a place to play in the sun? Or have the children flown the nest and are you ready to reclaim the yard for yourself? Have you always wanted a pizza oven or a fire place? Would a swimming pool be something in your future? Is it time to look at replacing that thirsty lawn with something less maintenance? Is there a wind or a neighbors’ view which needs to be blocked? Has the garden been let go and turned into a hodge-podge? Even dream a little during this thought provoking process; you might be surprised at what you can come up with. Afterwards, focus on the most important or pressing items of your assessment and start from there.

Step #2- Consider Form

It is true, form does follow function. Once the most important items of your assessment have been determined, ask yourself how they can be brought about. Consider things like location and access. For example, if you want to install that outdoor kitchen you always wanted, think about prevailing wind direction so your guests won’t get smoked-out from the grill, and whether it’s close enough to the house kitchen for you when transporting the food. Creativity comes into play in a very big way during this step in the process, so let those creative juices flow if you can. Think of colors and a style you might be partial to. There are many great places to find pictures of inspiration both on line and in book form. Houzz and Pinterest are two great online sites to get inspiration. Ortho and Sunset magazine have made many books and articles over the years which share a wealth of knowledge. Otherwise the help of a landscape designer would be an enormous help here.

Step #3- Consider Cost

Finally, the cost. That dreaded cost. Why can’t some things just be free, right!? For the majority of us this is one thing that must be faced because it cannot be avoided. It is a good and necessary thing and here is why. Now that you have clearly defined what your needs are and roughly decided on where things will be and what they will look like, of course we want to know what the cost to build them are so we can find out their affordability. Once accurate construction costs have been determined with a reputable licensed landscape contractor, you will be able to tailor a plan of action for realizing your landscape dream. Some installation projects can be choreographed to install all at once while other projects may need to be completed in phases in order to achieve the planned result. Either way, by having a budget and considering the cost beforehand will help ensure your landscape project is affordable and stays within your budget.

The Trifecta is a triple win, win-win-win, be a winner by planning ahead. Keep in mind, these steps should be considered BEFORE any construction takes place so that when it finally does, it will have the best possible outcome; just as planned!