What to Include in a Landscape Plan

Not sure where to begin with your yard or garden? A landscape plan gives you a clear starting point.

Published December 09, 2025

A landscape plan shows how an outdoor space will look and function. It maps out plants, lawns, paths, walls, lighting, and other features for a home, community park, or commercial property.

If you are exploring ideas for your own project, here’s an overview of the most common elements and what to consider for each.

Grass and Lawns

Grasses can give you open space to walk and play on, or add height and texture through ornamental varieties.

Keep in mind that traditional lawns need regular mowing and plenty of water. They are not the best choice if you live in a dry climate or want a low-maintenance yard.

Plants and Flowers

Shrubs, succulents, vegetables, herbs, and flower beds add color, texture, and life to any outdoor space. They help support wildlife and bring seasonal interest.

If you include vegetables and herbs, you also get the bonus of fresh produce from your own garden.

Walkways and Paths

Paths add structure and make it easy to move around without stepping on plants. Popular materials include poured concrete, pavers, brick, gravel, flagstone, wood, and stepping stones.

Choose a style that fits both your home and your daily use.

Trees

Trees offer shade, privacy, and beauty. They can even lower cooling costs when placed near your home. Fruit trees can provide generous harvests.

When choosing trees, think about their mature size, how close they should sit to your house, and whether you want evergreen trees that stay green all year or deciduous trees that change with the seasons.

Outdoor Seating and Dining

If you want an outdoor dining or lounge area, sketch it into your plan. Make sure the patio space is large enough for the furniture you want. Built-in benches, outdoor kitchens, and similar features can also be included directly in the design.

Hardscape

Hardscape covers the solid, unchanging elements in a landscape. This can include fire pits, water features, gravel areas, driveways, swimming pools, or sports courts. These pieces help shape how you use the space day to day.

Patios, Decks, and Porches

These outdoor living areas are more popular than ever. Here’s the quick difference between them:

Patios sit at ground level and are often made of concrete or stone. They are usually low-maintenance and often don’t require permits.
Decks are raised structures, often made from wood or composite materials. They might need a permit and work well on uneven ground or when you want a better view.
Porches are covered outdoor areas attached to a house, often found at entry points.

Outdoor Buildings

Sheds, cottages, barns, ADUs, and pool houses can add storage, workspace, or extra living space to your property. If you need space for hobbies, guests, or equipment, consider how a small structure could fit into your overall plan.

Bringing Your Plan Together

Once you know what you want, gather inspiration photos and rough layouts. If you’re not a landscape expert, working with a designer can be a big help. They understand soil, climate, drainage, permits, and maintenance needs. They can turn your ideas into a clear site plan and connect you with contractors or nurseries.

With a good plan in place, you’re well on your way to creating an outdoor space that feels beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.

Create Landscapes with RoomSketcher

You can plan your outdoor spaces with confidence when you draw your site plan in RoomSketcher. It’s easy to get started, and you can work at your own pace.

Draw your site plan to scale on your computer or tablet

Add plants, paths, hardscapes, lighting, and outdoor features

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Walk through the space in Live 3D and spot issues early

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