When Should I Start Planning Landscaping for My New Construction Home?

After months of planning your new home, the excitement is building. You have picked out every detail, from the flooring to the fixtures. But what about the outside? As you watch your dream home take shape, you might wonder when to start thinking about the yard.

At Midwest Landscape, we have been providing landscaping for new construction homes in Northwest Indiana since 2007. In our experience, it pays off to start thinking about your landscape early in the construction of your home.

Here’s why early landscape planning is so important in new home construction:

• Protects the soil and grading: Early planning allows for proper grading and drainage, preventing costly adjustments later.
• Integrates hardscaping efficiently: Driveways, patios, and walkways can be installed without risking damage to plants or the yard layout.
• Maximizes design flexibility: You can align your landscaping with the home’s architecture, outdoor living spaces, and any future expansions.
• Optimizes plant health: Trees, shrubs, and lawns can be positioned and planted for long-term growth and seasonal success.
• Saves time and stress later: Planning ahead helps coordinate with builders, avoid last-minute changes, and keep your project on schedule.

Planning your landscaping before your house even looks like a home can feel a little scary. You might wonder if you’re doing it too early, if it will interfere with construction, or if your ideas will actually fit your finished house. We’re here to show you that you have nothing to worry about.

Will Landscaping Interfere with Construction if I Start Too Early?

A common concern is that starting your landscape design too early will get in the way of the homebuilders. However, early planning does not mean planting grass while the drywall is going up. The initial phase focuses on foundational elements like grading, drainage solutions, and the overall layout.

By coordinating with your builder, a landscape designer can protect key areas during construction. Simple strategies, like using temporary fencing or clearly marking future planting zones, prevent accidental damage. This early collaboration means your site is prepared for landscaping as soon as the heavy construction is finished.

What Happens if I Wait to Do Landscaping Until After My New Home Is Finished?

Waiting until your home is complete to plan the landscaping can create several challenges. Construction equipment can cause severe soil compaction, making it difficult for plants to thrive. You may also face limited flexibility for grading adjustments, which are much harder to make once the home is built.

Postponing landscape planning often leads to higher costs. You might have to move or repair newly installed hardscaping to fix drainage issues or accommodate plantings. Features like large trees, patios, and underground drainage systems are more complicated and expensive to install after the fact.

How Do I Make Sure My Landscaping Fits the Style of My New House?

Your landscaping should feel like a natural extension of your home. A cohesive design integrates with the architectural style, color palette, and planned outdoor living areas. The best way to achieve this is by consulting a landscape designer during the early planning stages. They can help you blend hardscaping elements like patios and walkways with softscaping, such as trees and flower beds, to create a unified look that complements your new home’s character.

What Order Should I Do My New Home’s Landscaping Features In?

A logical sequence is critical for a successful new construction landscape project. Following the right order protects new features and sets your plants up for long-term health. The typical process is:

1. Grading and drainage: Shape the land and install systems to manage water flow.
2. Hardscaping: Build patios, walkways, retaining walls, and driveways.
3. Large trees and structural plantings: Place the largest elements first.
4. Lawns, shrubs, and flower beds: Install sod or seed and smaller plants.
5. Finishing touches: Add mulch, lighting, and seasonal plants.

By entrusting your project to a professional landscaper, you ensure that every step of the process is meticulously planned and executed with precision. From assessing your property’s unique needs to coordinating each stage of the installation, your landscaper will handle the details, saving you time and delivering a cohesive, stunning final result.

Make Your New House a Home

Starting your landscape planning early is one of the best decisions you can make for your new construction home. It allows you to create a functional and beautiful outdoor space without the stress of last-minute decisions. By consulting with a professional, you can get a landscape that you will love for years to come.

Midwest Landscape has years of experience coordinating with home contractors to make sure your new home’s outdoor space is ready for you to enjoy as soon as you move in. Contact us today to start planning.