A master landscape plan is a landscape design created for an entire property. It’s an important piece of information to have before any construction begins and includes all existing site information (buildings, driveways, plants, etc.) along with all proposed design elements. This includes hardscaping, lighting layout and fixture selection, plant selection and layout, plant schedule, reference pictures, material selections, construction notes and takes drainage, erosion, and other site conditions into consideration to ensure all of the site’s challenges have been addressed. If the project requires a permitting review or HOA board review or has elements that need more detail, a master plan may also have structural and elevation drawings and 3-D renderings.
Not only does the homeowner benefit from having a master plan but so does the designer and any contractors (landscaping or otherwise) that may work on your project. Whether a project is installed in phases or all in one go, a master plan helps everyone involved carry out a cohesive design and vision for the full property.
How is a master landscape plan created?
Measurements of the existing site and getting a full property base plan in AutoCAD are the first steps to creating a fully fleshed out master plan. When we take measurements, we draw everything to scale. This includes size and location of all buildings, doors and windows, trees and shrubs, utilities, fencing, and existing hardscaping (patios, paths, driveways, etc.). We also take note of views that need to be preserved, existing grades, and tops and bottoms of slopes, drainage issues, erosion issues, and any other site challenges or advantages. We also use city and county information to get property lines, setbacks, critical areas (wetlands, native growth areas, etc.), septic system information, roadways, and site access. Everything is then drawn in AutoCAD and noted as to be removed or to remain.
After the baseplan is complete, the real fun begins. We hand sketch out concept designs which then get translated into CAD. The initial sketch and the CAD version of the concept designs often look slightly different from each other as we tweak elements of the design or add or take out parts that don’t fit or just don’t work together. We meet with our clients at this point in the process to present our concept designs. Concept plans are typically more high level and don’t include nearly as much details as a master plan. Our concept plans show placement and size of all proposed patios, paths, decks, structures (pergolas, arbors, sheds, etc.), fencing, planting areas, lawn, water features, and decorative elements along with reference pictures and pertinent property information. While our concept plans do show a lot of information, they usually won’t have all of the information necessary to be able to install a project completely.
After clients have had time to look at the concept designs on their own, they provide us with feedback on what elements they want included. Most clients pick and choose pieces from each concept design, and we take that feedback and combine them into one revised layout. Once the revised layout is approved, we start on the final plan.
The final plan is where we get into plant selection and the nitty gritty details. Plants are chosen and placed on the plan to work with the site conditions along with the client’s aesthetic preferences. After plants are placed on the plan, we can generate a plant schedule that has quantities of each plant, botanical and common plant names, and plant sizes. We then work on the lighting layout. We choose light fixtures and locations for path lights, spotlights (for trees, flagpoles, address signs, etc.), wall lights, step lights, bollard lights, underwater lights, and downlights as needed. A lighting schedule is provided on the plan so clients and contractors know how many of each type of light is on the plan, making for easy bidding and ordering. A material selection list is created that specifies brand, color, and size for each element in the final design. If structural, elevation, or 3-D details are needed these will be drawn at this time and put on the plan as well. We also include a list of general construction notes. Once the final plan is completed, we meet one more time with our clients to review all of this information. A master landscape plan can then be taken to contractors for bidding or back to your home if you plan to DIY all or a portion of it.
Master Landscape Plan by Kismet Design 
Planting Plan by Kismet Design
Who uses a master landscape plan?
Almost everyone who is going to work on the property will use the master landscape plan at some point. This includes the homeowners, designers, contractors, architects, and maintenance people. If everyone involved has access to a master landscape plan, it will help with the bidding process, coordinating phasing, installation expectations, product ordering, scheduling, resources, and the care and maintenance of the finished landscape.
Because so much attention and detail go into master plans, any size of property can benefit from one. With a small property, a master plan can help every space be planned out completely in order to maximize the use of all spaces. Larger properties benefit from a master plan so things don’t feel piecemealed together especially when installing in phases.
If you don’t have a master landscape plan for your property but you’ve been considering getting one, you can fill out our quick question or client questionnaire form here. We look forward to working with you!
