What’s Included in a Landscape Design?
Great Lakes Landscape Design February 12, 2026
Great Lakes Landscape Design February 12, 2026
Many homeowners erroneously think that landscape design mostly involves choosing a few plants they like. But once they begin imagining how they actually want to use their outdoor spaces (such as hosting gatherings, relaxing after work, managing drainage issues, or creating curb appeal), it quickly becomes clear that landscape design is much more involved.
In fact, landscape design blends creativity, functionality, and technical planning to shape an outdoor space that looks great and works well for everyday life. To help you navigate the process, we’ve broken down what’s actually involved in professional landscape design, so you know what to expect when you’re ready to transform your outdoor living space.
Every successful landscape design starts with a thorough understanding of the property itself. Before any sketches or plant selections are made, a professional designer evaluates your site to identify opportunities and challenges.
This includes analyzing soil conditions, sun exposure, slopes, drainage patterns, and existing vegetation. In Michigan, seasonal changes and soil types can have a major impact on plant health and long-term landscape performance, so these details matter. Designers also assess how water moves across your property, which helps prevent future issues like pooling water, erosion, or foundation damage.
During this phase, your lifestyle, preferences, and goals are also discussed. Whether you want a low-maintenance yard, space for entertaining, or a landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons, the site evaluation ensures the design aligns with both your property and your needs.
Once the site is fully understood, the next step is designing the layout of the space. A well-designed layout considers traffic flow, focal points, privacy, and transitions between different areas of the yard. For example, designers plan where patios, walkways, lawns, and planting beds should go to create balance and functionality. They also consider views from inside your home so your landscape looks just as good through the windows as it does outside.
Good spatial planning ensures your outdoor space feels cohesive rather than cluttered. It also makes the landscape easier to navigate, maintain, and enjoy throughout the year.
Plant selection is often the most exciting part of landscape design, but it’s also one of the most strategic. In Michigan, choosing the right plants means considering cold winters, fluctuating temperatures, and varying soil conditions.
A professional landscape design focuses on selecting trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers that thrive in the local climate. This ensures your landscape stays healthy, resilient, and visually appealing across seasons. Designers also consider bloom times, textures, colors, and mature plant sizes to create interest year-round.
Beyond aesthetics, plant selection also supports practical goals. Trees may be positioned to provide shade or wind protection, while shrubs and plantings can enhance privacy or define outdoor spaces.
Hardscaping is a key component of landscape design and plays a major role in how your outdoor space functions. These elements provide structure and usability while complementing the natural surroundings.
Common hardscape features include patios for entertaining, walkways that guide movement through the yard, retaining walls for managing slopes, steps that improve accessibility, and outdoor living elements, such as outdoor kitchens and fire pits, that act as the centerpiece of social gatherings. The design process ensures these features are properly sized, positioned, and constructed to suit your lifestyle and property layout.
Materials are also carefully chosen to match your home’s style and withstand Michigan’s weather conditions. Whether you prefer natural stone or concrete pavers, thoughtful hardscape design adds durability and visual interest while creating defined outdoor living areas.
Proper drainage and grading are often overlooked, but they are essential to a successful landscape design. After all, poor water management can lead to standing water, erosion, and damage to plants or structures.
A successful landscape design, therefore, accounts for how water flows across your property and includes solutions to redirect it safely away from your home. This may involve grading adjustments, swales, dry creek beds, or drainage systems integrated seamlessly into the design.
Addressing drainage early prevents costly repairs later and ensures your landscape performs well during heavy rain, snowmelt, and seasonal weather changes common in Michigan.
Landscape lighting adds both beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. Specifically, a well-designed lighting plan highlights architectural features, illuminates pathways, and extends the usability of your yard into the evening. This is why a professional landscape designer will take into account the strategic placement of lighting. This might involve subtle uplighting on trees, soft illumination along walkways, or accent lighting for patios and seating areas.
A great landscape should be enjoyable and not overwhelming to maintain. That’s why long-term maintenance planning is an important part of a professional landscape design.
Designers consider how plants will grow and change over time, ensuring spacing allows for maturity without overcrowding. They also plan for accessibility, making it easier to prune, mulch, and care for your landscape.
Maintenance planning also helps homeowners understand what upkeep will be required and allows the design to align with your comfort level, whether you prefer minimal maintenance or don’t mind more hands-on care.
Are you ready to transform your outdoor space or need help designing a landscape that fits your home, lifestyle, and Michigan’s climate? Our professional landscape design services take the guesswork out of planning and ensure every detail works together beautifully.
From the initial site evaluation to the final custom plan, our team is here to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started on a landscape design that enhances your property and gives you an outdoor space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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