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What Is Landscape Design?

By July 7, 2014March 22nd, 2022Landscape Design
What Is Landscape Design?

The most basic definition of landscape design is arranging various features in a specified area to create an aesthetic appearance. The visual elements are important; homeowners desire a landscape that has beauty, and curb appeal but a landscape design will often have practical elements as well. The elements of landscaping can be classified as hardscapes or softscapes depending on the variety any types of features used. In some instances, landscapers and architects work together to develop a suitable design. Landscaping services in Monmouth County bring together a uniquely crafted combination of plants and other components to create a unified landscaping scene which is visually appealing.

Plants In Landscape Design

Professionals who provide landscaping services must deal with the climatic changes of the region, particularly when dealing with live plants. There are a variety of physical and environmental circumstances which affect plants such as different types of soil, weather changes or conditions, and regional insect or disease problems. A landscaper has to think about how to use a variety of plants which can provide seasonal beauty even in the bareness that can be present in the winter months. Springtime allows homeowners to be delighted with the fragrance and beauty of flowers and greenery offers rare color during the cold days of winter. Through their knowledge of horticulture, a landscaper can successfully design the perfect combination of plants and other materials to create a plan for each home or business owner. Professional landscapers are adept at creating plans which are pleasing to the senses and those that functionally, aesthetically and visually improve the appearance of a landscape.

Principles Of Landscape Design

There are a variety of sources and features which come together to create a beautifully landscaped area. The landscaper has to be part artist and part architect to bring the elements and principles of landscape design into a unified setting. The basic elements of landscaping are similar to those used in artwork: line, form, color, scale and texture. But these are all interconnected with elements such as unity, balance, variety, simplicity, and emphasis. Landscape design involves the process of bringing all of these elements together using a variety of hardscape and soft scape features to develop a practical and pleasing outdoor space.

Practical Issues In Landscape Design

There are many practical issues that the landscaper must deal with when combining the various elements. They must consider things like the climate, topography, water drainage, irrigation, and even building codes. Depending on the needs of the property owner, there may be a variety of preferences such as lighting, furnishings, specific plants such as garden varieties, and even security issues that have to be handled in the process. For those who desire water scapes like small brooks or fountains, there has to be a water source. The landscaper has many different practical issues to handle including taking care of the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the area being developed.

Various Landscaping Styles

In many cases, a home or business owner has a design style in mind before they call for professional landscaping services in NJ. Other times, there may not be a desired style, but the exterior design or location of the home or business may help the landscaper develop an appropriate landscaping theme. The exterior style of the home can have a lot to do with whether an owner desires a landscape design style such as colonial, French, Southwest, Cape Cod or Spanish. Some prefer to go with a traditional design or a modern one. The overall style will also help landscapers and their clients determine whether or not to include features like hardscapes or water scapes. Together clients and landscapers can decide if they want to include patios, swimming pools, walkways, exterior lighting, fences, walls or outdoor living spaces such as kitchens. As one can tell, there is a lot more that goes into designing a landscape other than simply selecting a few plants, although that is also a major part of designing a landscape. The exterior portions of the house can also contribute to gathering ideas for pulling together line, color, form, scale and texture into a pleasing landscape for a client’s home or business.