There are five elements which affect your landscape design namely: sun, shade, slope, soil type and drainage. If you’re unsure of how to start planning your landscape design, read through how these 5 element affect your landscape and start planning with these key elements in mind.
Sun
Determining the amount of sunlight your space gets will also determine the plants you can include in your landscape plan. If you have a full sun spot, you might opt to place some shade-giving trees and shrubs on strategic spots like walkways for a better and more comfortable ambiance.
Shade
For the shady spaces, choose brightly colored plants or shrubs to provide a good contrast against the shady atmosphere. Or you can transform this naturally shady spot into your outdoor living space. You can install a fire pit and seating area or a proper deck with an outdoor kitchen or dining area.
Slope
Slopes provide natural levels to your space. However, if it’s left alone, it can erode and crash on your plantings. To avoid soil erosion, make sure to have ground cover or plants with an elaborate root system which can hold the slope together and keep it in shape all-year long.
Soil Type
Do you have a more basic or acidic soil? Is it one hundred percent loam or a combination of clay and loam? Or is it sandy? Knowing your yard’s soil type will guide you in picking the right type of plants. If you want a certain plant which needs a different soil type, you may want to include plant plots or plant boxes to lessen the cost and avoid soil mixing.
Drainage
Some plants need a lot of water while some can thrive on very little. When the rainy days come, avoid turning your meticulously landscaped yard into a swamp with a proper drainage system which redirects your excess rainwater into a dedicated water reserve.
