- A well-thought-out site plan, as part of your construction drawings, should take landscaping into account.
- While many self-builds only include basic landscaping to meet planning requirements (e.g., native hedging and trees at site boundaries), creating a detailed plan for the future will be beneficial, even if the funds are not currently available.
Considerations for Your Design Brief
- The design brief should take into account your current and future lifestyle, including factors like leisure, children, pets, hobbies, and health and fitness.
- It should also explore your commitment to sustainability, green living, and self-sufficiency.
Early Hard Landscaping Opportunities
- Incorporate hard landscaping early in the project by utilizing the digger while it’s on-site for other tasks like foundation digging.
- Creating a base for hard landscaping typically involves laying a layer of hardcore, followed by chippings and sand, compacted with a whacker.
- Install drainage pipes and any rainwater harvesting solutions for the garden at this stage.
- Lay ducts for future external lighting, powered gates, or sewage treatment systems.
- Groundwork contractors will determine the levels, saving you time and effort for future projects like patios or driveways.
Early Tree Planting and Soft Landscaping
- Having a clear plan allows you to begin planting trees and other soft landscaping features early in the project.
- By doing this, your trees can be semi-mature by the time you move in, saving you the expense of purchasing mature trees from garden centers.
- Planting during the dormant season allows you to buy cheaper bare-root plants instead of more expensive root-balled or container-grown plants.
Protection and Timing of Landscaping Features
- Ensure that newly planted and existing trees and hedges are properly protected throughout the construction process.
- Although it's tempting to complete hard landscaping immediately, it’s often better to live on the site for a year before deciding where to place seating, decking, flower beds, vegetable patches, barbecues, or even the clothesline.