Before You Redesign Your Yard: A Landscaper's Planning Checklist

Farmington Hills, Mich. – September 08, 2026 -- Homeowners planning a landscape overhaul should map out drainage, soil conditions, and daily foot traffic before breaking ground, according to insights from landscaping expert Tim Wasmer of Wasmer Brothers Landscaping, featured in a new HelloNation article.

Everyday movement should shape the design first.

The article advises homeowners to track walking paths between doors, driveways, gardens, and seating areas before adding new features, so the finished yard supports how the property is actually used rather than working against it.

Future needs matter as much as current ones.

Wasmer's insights point to planning ahead for changes like added seating, more privacy, expanded lawn space, or easier access, since outdoor priorities can shift well after the initial redesign is complete.

Sunlight and soil determine what will actually grow.

Observing which areas get sun versus shade helps homeowners place plants and patios correctly, while checking whether soil holds too much water or dries out quickly can prevent planting problems down the line.

Drainage should be assessed before patios or beds go in.

The article warns that water can pool in low spots or flow toward a house during heavy rain, and fixing drainage issues early is far simpler than correcting them once other features are already installed.

Grading directs where rainwater ends up.

Even minor slopes influence water movement, and proper grading can steer rainwater away from foundations, patios, and planting beds rather than toward them.

Plant size at maturity should guide placement now.

A shrub that looks small at planting can later block a window, crowd a walkway, or demand constant trimming, so the article stresses factoring in sunlight, water needs, space, and eventual size from the start.

Realistic upkeep should inform the lawn-to-hardscape balance.

Mowing, watering, trimming, and seasonal cleanup all add ongoing work, and planning around what homeowners can actually manage helps avoid an outdoor space that becomes a burden.

Hardscapes need to connect with drainage and existing greenery.

Patios and walkways affect how water moves across a property, so their placement should account for grading, while material choices should hold up to moisture, foot traffic, and temperature swings.

Mature trees and shrubs also warrant care during a redesign: their roots can be affected by construction, and changes to soil levels or water flow can disrupt established root systems that provide shade and privacy.