Planning a Landscaping Project? Here's When Design Pros Say You Should Get Started

We’ve all been there—spring arrives, and our yard is not as ready as we’d like for relaxing outdoors. Unlike reality shows, where gardens are built in a weekend, the best designs take time to plan and execute. From hardscaping to soil prep and planting, when creating a landscape, thoughtful timing is everything. Timing it right turns your project into a pleasure, and your yard into a thriving landscape you can’t wait to step into.

We asked designers for their recommendations on the best time of year to start a new landscaping project. Depending on what you have in mind, here's when to begin your planning process, install hardscaping, and get plants in the ground.

Start Early

Depending on the amount of work you need, experts say the time to start planning is six months to a year before you want your landscape to be ready, recommends Seattle-based garden designer Courtney Olander. Jan Johnsen, a landscape designer based in New York’s Westchester County, agrees. “The planning process always takes much longer than people realize. Start much earlier than you think you need to," is her advice.

“In terms of planning a design, a lot of it depends on how the economy is doing and what's happening with the designer and contractor schedules,” Olander points out. “Over the past several years, if a client reaches out in January or February with the hopes of having a landscape installed by spring, it's too late.”

The earlier you start, the better chance you have at a more thorough site assessment, smoother coordination with contractors, and more time to source plants and materials. Building in flexibility early makes the whole process easier.

Think in Stages

Even if you’re not sure you’re ready to begin planning your new patio yet, calling in a designer early gets the process started and offers valuable feedback and direction. As for the timing, Johnsen points out that it really helps designers to see your property in full growth—before leaves fall—to inform their designs. You don’t have to do the whole yard at once, either. Many garden coaches and designers will help you create staggered installation plans that can be done over several years.

For new construction, the house comes first, but having the landscape designer consult with the architect during planning stages makes a big difference and dramatically improves your yard’s usability, according to Johnsen. Once she was called in as the footings were about to be poured for a new house. She noticed the proposed driveway wouldn’t allow cars to turn around, and the architect pushed the house back 15 feet. “Every time the owner sees me, he thanks me for that,” she says.

Plan First, Build Second, Plant Third

Although you might think of buying your favorite roses and Japanese maples first, Johnsen advises. “Plants are the last thing. It’s a lot about sculpting the land.”

In general, hardscaping design and construction, including paving, walls, steps, sheds, and water features, come first, followed by utilities like plumbing and lighting, and then planting. That’s because proper grading and drainage lay the foundation for healthy soil and plants, and good design shapes a functional flow in your everyday enjoyment of the garden, from utility paths to outlets, hose spigots, and lighting. 

Once you’ve opened an area for a new patio, consider adding plumbing or electrical conduit to enable features like a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, or lighting later.

Choosing the Right Pros

If you only need help with plant selection and layout in an existing bed, a garden designer or garden coach may be your best choice. However, if your project involves hardscaping, you might want to consider enlisting a landscape architect or certified landscape designer.

“Landscape design is a lot more involved than people realize. It involves grading, drainage, irrigation, and lighting," says Johnsen. A pro helps you plan both the planting and the construction details, such as grading, walls, and pathways, so everything works together from the start.

Johnsen recommends using a designer in tandem with contractors. She has found that contractors often focus on the most efficient or cost-effective option, while designers look at long-term function and aesthetics. “Many times, people will simply rely on their masonry contractor to tell them how to lay out the front walkway,” Johnsen says, which is not a good way to approach the all-important front of your house.”

The Best Seasons for Every Step

So which season is best for starting a landscaping project? Here's what to know about each season's pros and cons.

Spring or summer: Hardscaping, especially construction involving plumbing, is best done in spring or summer to avoid heavy rains or frost. Contractors may charge premiums for the extra effort of lugging materials in the rainy season.

Fall: This is hands-down the best season to plant, both for plant health and to keep your water bill down. “Fall maximizes the benefits of the warm soil and months of rain ahead and reduces the need to irrigate," explains Olander. "I highly discourage planting in the summer. It involves too much water use, and you'll still probably lose some plants.”

Fall or early winter: “The best time to have a landscape installed,” Olander says, “is fall and winter. These are times when you're not out in your yard anyway, so you don't mind having it torn up.”

Winter: In mild regions, you can plant as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Olander concedes that, “The newly planted winter landscape is very unimpressive. But the fun part is the surprise when it all comes to life in the spring!”

Where to Find Ideas and Inspirations

Here are some tips for collecting the elements of your dream garden:

• Collect inspiration photos on Pinterest boards online, or make an old-school vision board from magazine images.
• Identify styles and features you like and catalog the ways you want to use your yard.
• Visit public and private gardens for ideas.
• Create a wish list of your favorites: a spot for coffee with a view, napping in the sun, a sauna, a cutting garden, or a firepit to enjoy with friends. 
• Compare designers’ websites and projects to find one that fits your overall vision.