The work of a landscape architect includes most everything surrounding a home's exterior. A landscaping architect can even work with the home architect to choose the right spot for your house. From there the landscaper will develop preliminary concepts for your front or backyard design based on individual needs including the climate and activities that will take place, as well as layouts and planting plans. Landscape architects will also design any structures or outbuildings that will be added to the space. Any grading changes that will be added to the yard are also the responsibility of the architect. This includes any drainage modifications. An engineer can also be responsible for these tasks, but licensed landscapers are fully capable. Like building architects, they will produce preliminary concept drawings as well as detailed construction documents and planting plans. Three-dimensional renderings and illustrative plans are all supplementary.

A landscaping designer generally will have ecological, aesthetic and technical training, which helps them maximize the potential of your outdoor space. Keeping in mind both style and functionality, garden designers analyze your architecture and yard to produce a professional landscape design plan that may or may not include location and materials for walkways, patios, water features, fences, garden aspects and more. In addition, a landscaper will carefully assess your geographic region to choose plants, trees and flowers that will flourish naturally, as well as address concerns such as drainage, screening and soil conditions. Certain landscape designing services only help with the planning portion, while some may deliver the plans and then oversee a hired landscaping contractor. Others — typically following a design-build approach — take care of both the design and all aspects of the landscape architecture and construction.