How to Design a Landscape

Sketch the property with the house, existing trees, slopes, and where water drains. Note which areas get full sun, part shade, and full shade through the day — it decides what will thrive.

Look up your USDA hardiness zone by ZIP and choose plants rated for it, or they won’t survive winter. A tool with a real plant library shows mature size — crucial, since a cute shrub can become a 10-foot wall.

Patios, paths, beds, and retaining walls drive both the look and the budget. Draw them to scale if you’ll get contractor quotes. “Design on a photo of your yard” tools are great for picturing the look but rarely give real measurements.

AI and AR tools redesign a photo of your yard in seconds, which is perfect for ideas. Before buying materials, move your plan into a to-scale tool so quantities and spacing are right.