Sound landscape design is composed of many different elements, as this article from Colorado State shows:

Elements of Sound Landscape Design

The principles of landscape design include the elements of unity, scale, balance, simplicity, variety, emphasis, and sequence as they apply to line, form, texture, and color.  These elements are interconnected.

Landscape design is a process of developing practical and pleasing outdoor living space.

Unity attracts and holds attention. It organizes view into orderly groups with emphasis.

Form is determined by the line, direction, and arrangement of branches and twigs. The resulting mass influences the scale. For unity, repeat the topography form in plant forms.

Horizontal and spreading forms emphasis the lateral extent and breath of space.  They are comfortable because it corresponds with the natural direction of eye movement.

Rounded forms are most common in plant materials.  They allow for easy eye movement and create a pleasant undulation that leads itself to plant groupings.

Vase-shaped trees define a comfortable “people space” beneath the canopy.

Lines are a powerful design element that define rooms and connect people to the landscape. For a professional touch, use sweeping bold lines and curves rather than small zigzags and small wavy curves.

Landscape Design:  Location, Location, Location!

Incorporating line,  unity and form are just some of the elements that a good landscape designer will employ.  There is also the use of color and how much upkeep is necessary.  Planting a jacaranda or a cottonwood tree near a pool looks lovely, for example, until you get tired of constantly cleaning out your pool and filter.

Also, mixing plants that need different watering levels is another thing.  A desert environment doesn’t need as much water as a tropical flower/plant bed.  Roses look lovely, but if you plant them too close together, you can end up with an out of control thicket.  Landscape design is also about the right type of plants to put in the ground.

A good landscape design company will know to avoid invasive plants like Bermuda grass.

As you see, it’s not just about digging a hole, and putting a plant or some seeds in the ground.  You have to do a bit of homework, or contact a landscape design professional.

Green ServPro Home and Garden is a Prescott landscape design company.

Green ServPro Home and Garden
637 Thunderbird Dr.
Prescott, AZ. 86303
(928) 356-8167
http://www.greenservpro.com