As with starting any project, a landscape design project requires plenty of thought and planning.

You can save money, time and frustration by properly plotting out your landscaping design. You should know what plants are hardy enough to plant in your region - that way you won't be stuck buying new plants next year when this year's have died. It's always best to get started on the right foot.

If you're considering undertaking a landscaping project, you should think about hiring a landscape design professional. The fees involved will be money well-spent since you'll benefit from the expertise of a professional. You may be surprised, if you're a newcomer to landscaping, by just how much preparation occurs before any soil is turned at all.

In your initial meeting with your landscaper, you will make clear the scope of the project and the ideas for what might be done in terms of architecture and plants. When starting a landscape design, be sure to take your property map into account, including important features such as gas, water and sewage lines. Give the lot plan to your landscape designer. This will be essential in preventing catastrophes. This will also help determine property boundaries and preclude any embarrassing revisions and ownership debates further down the road. Based on the initial discussion, your landscape designer will figure a budget for your landscape project.