How to Design My Backyard Landscape: Tips for Designing Backyard Landscape You're Proud of

Want to learn how to design a backyard landscape? You've come to the right place. Michaelangelo's is the #1 choice forlandscape design in Alpharetta, GA - and we are going to help you design & install a landscape that you're proud of.

Your backyard is supposed to be a sanctuary - a place you can escape to unwind from a stressful day. Or, maybe you want a backyard you can entertain friends and family in. There are so many different ways you can go about designing a backyard landscape - but when done right, it accomplishes all your goals at once!

Now - while you came here hoping to learn how to design a backyard landscape, this is actually a process that's best left to the professionals. We're still going to provide you with key tips for designing backyard landscapes, but here's why we recommend outsourcing this task...

Should I Learn How to Design My Backyard Landscape or Leave it to the Professionals?

We know you want to learn how to design a backyard landscape yourself. Maybe you have a unique vision in mind already - and you're eager to bring it to life. Or, maybe you just want to save some money by cutting out the middleman.

However, there is a lot more that goes into landscape design than you may realize. It's not as simple as buying a fountain and planting a few shrubs. In our beginner's guide to landscape design, you'll learn what all this process entails. But, below, we'll highlight the pros and cons of going the DIY approach to designing a backyard landscape vs letting the professionals do it for you:

Doing it Yourself

Pros:

- You're in control of the design process & budget

- Gives you a deeper appreciation for the finished product

- Unique, personal touches that make it special to you

Cons:

- Takes more time and effort than anticipated

- Without proper guidance, the end result can look rushed or unfinished

- Could be costly if done incorrectly - meaning extra trips to the store!

Using Professional Services

Pros:

- Professionals have years of experience designing backyard landscapes and know what works best. This ensures your project looks good from start to finish!

- They handle all necessary permits, paperwork & inspections - saving you time and hassle.

- A professional knows how to take into consideration the size of your yard, climate & other factors when designing your landscape.

Cons:

- More expensive upfront - though you can save money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and having to redo work!

- You're not as involved in the design process so it's harder to get creative.

The Verdict: Designing Backyard Landscape Yourself is Not Recommended

You'll have to weigh the pros and cons of each option above to determine if learning how to design your own backyard landscape is really worth it or not. But for most people, the advantages of having a professional help you navigate this process far outweigh the associated cost. So, you should hire a landscape designer.

Think about it like this - you're paying for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're getting a stunning, functional backyard that will enhance your life for years to come. And, it will raise your property value. So - with that said, we recommend reaching out to a landscape designer near you. For now, we'll unpack the topic you came here with: how to design a backyard landscape.

How to Design My Backyard Landscape: Tips for Designing Backyard Landscape You're Proud to Show Off

Now that we've gone over the pros and cons of DIY vs professional help, let's dive into how you can design a backyard landscape yourself. Even if you decide to hire someone, this knowledge will come in handy when communicating what kind of look you'd like for your backyard!

When it comes to designing your backyard landscape, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind. Below, we'll outline the steps you need to take to create a backyard you'll love for years to come!

1. Decide what kind of look you want.

Before you even start thinking about what plants to put in your backyard, you need to decide what kind of look you're going for.

Do you want a lush garden with a lot of greenery? Or, maybe a more minimalist look with just a few carefully-selected plants? These days, drought-resistant landscaping is becoming increasingly popular - so you may want to go that route. It's less work to maintain and more affordable.

Similarly, consider the hardscaping elements you want. Your backyard isn't just about aesthetics, you need to factor in function as well. you want a backyard you can entertain guests in or kick back and relax in - and features like fountains, gazebos, benches, and more will help you maximize your time spent outdoors.

Take some time to browse online and magazines for inspiration, and make a mood board of the different styles that appeal to you. If you want additional inspiration, take a look at some of the backyards we've designed in our years of experience. Our results are stunning!

2. Assess your yard's size and condition.

Next, you need to assess your yard's size and condition. This will help determine what kinds of plants and features you can include in your backyard landscape. If you have a small yard, don't try to fit in a swimming pool - focus on installing a nice patio or deck area instead. And, if your yard is shady, don't try to grow roses - they need plenty of sunlight!

Assessing your yard's size and the condition is also important as it will help you narrow down a budget. By knowing what all needs to be removed from the backyard to make space for the new landscape, you can start to price out labor. You can also get a better understanding of what the cost of your new landscape will be.

3. Plan out your landscaping features.

Now that you have an idea of the kind of look you want and what's feasible for your yard, it's time to start planning out the different hardscaping features. This includes everything from ponds and fountains to decks and patios. Don't forget about things like lighting and seating - both are essential for enjoying your backyard space!

Of course, the other half of the equation is the plants used throughout your landscape. This is where having a professional in your area can prove invaluable. They'll be able to recommend plants that are known for thriving in your specific region - setting you up for success. The last thing you want to do is spend money and time designing/installing fresh landscaping only for it to die off the first winter.

All of this is to say that when it comes to designing a backyard landscape, you need to weigh not just what you think looks best - but what is practical. Once you've validated your idea, you can start to piece it together...

4. Shop around for plants and materials.

Once you have a general idea of what you want, it's time to start shopping around for plants and materials. This is where having a good idea of your budget comes in handy - you don't want to max out your credit card before the project is even finished!

On that note, be sure to buy quality materials that will last - after all, this is something you'll be enjoying for years to come. If you skimp on quality plants or hardscaping features for the sake of remaining within your budget, you'll pay for it in the long run.

5. Install your landscaping features.

Now comes the fun part - installing your new landscaping features! Depending on the degree of landscaping you're doing, this step may be more intensive from the next person.

For example - installing a custom water feature is much intensive than planting new shrubs. Or, if you're going with a drought resistant approach you may need to have existing turf removed - which will require a professional. Certain equipment may need to be rented depending on the landscape design in question - like an excavator.

If you're doing it yourself, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do your research. Again - we recommend you hire a professional if you're not confident in your DIY skills. And, be patient - this process can take time but it's well worth it when it's all done!

6. Maintaining your new landscape.

Once your landscape is installed and thriving, you need to give it routine care to keep it looking its best. This is something you can learn about in our article on thebest yard and landscape maintenance tips.

Performing tasks like pruning, irrigating, fertilizing, and other to-do items on your landscape maintenance checklist will not only allow you to show off the most gorgeous yard possible. But it also helps keep your plants alive and happy, ensuring you get the most out of your initial investment in backyard landscaping.

Ready to Get Started With Designing a Backyard Landscape?

Don't forget that Michaelangelo's is always here to help if you need professional assistance!

We are the #1Alpharetta landscaping company in the area. We've helped homeowners like yourself create a space that enhances your life through thoughtful, practical design tactics. And we are excited to have the opportunity to help you do the same.

Moreover, we can help you with full service landscaping, too - keeping your initial investment looking stunning for years to come. We do both residential landscaping maintenance andcommercial landscape maintenance - so no matter what you need help with, you can count on us.

Reach out today and turn your dream backyard into a reality - we're here to help you get started with designing backyard landscapes!

Final Thoughts on How to Design a Backyard Landscape

There you have it - six easy steps for designing a backyard landscape you'll be proud to show off! We hope this article has been helpful in getting you started on your backyard design project. Now that you know how to design a backyard landscape, it's time to put what you've learned into practice. So - reach out today or start with step one: figuring out your vision.