Good Landscape Design: Dos and Don’ts, According to Landscape Designers

A well-designed landscape does more than look nice. A good landscape design improves how you use your outdoor space, supports plant health, and adds long-term value to your property. While every yard is different, professional landscape designers tend to agree on a few core principles that lead to better results.

10 Landscaping Design Ideas

Below are practical landscape design ideas as well as dos and don'ts to help homeowners make more informed decisions before starting an outdoor home improvement project.

1. Do: Plan Ahead

Planning is the foundation of good home landscape design. Before creating a material or plant list, think about how you want to use the space.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want an outdoor dining area where you will entertain guests?
• Do you want a private oasis?
• Do you simply want to boost curb appeal without concern for function?
• How much foot traffic will the area get?
• What are your plans for water drainage?
• How much upkeep is expected? Will it go beyond weekly mowing into daily landscape plant maintenance?
• Do you mind replanting annuals, or do you want to reduce plantings with perennials?
• How much sun exposure does my yard get?
• Do I want the backyard, side yard, and front yard to flow together?

The answers to these questions will help you create a clear plan. And a clear plan helps prevent costly changes later while ensuring that all elements work together. Even a simple sketch or list of priorities can make a big difference at this stage.

2. Don't: Neglect Material Selection

When brainstorming landscaping ideas, don't neglect to consider the specific elements you will use in your hardscape structures, such as pergolas, walkways, and patios. Material selection is often about striking a balance between budget, appearance, function, and upkeep. For example, brick paver walkways can be affordable and easy to install, but they require lots of upkeep to prevent weed growth. Flagstone walkways, meanwhile, may cost more upfront but be much more durable and require less upkeep.

During the planning stage, be realistic about your budget and how much time you are willing to commit to maintenance.

3. Do: Use Native Plants

Native plants, as the name implies, are plants native to certain areas, evolved to thrive in that area's specific climate and soil type. They support pollinators and local wildlife while often requiring less water, pesticides, and ongoing care compared to other species. As such, they are a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

Missouri native plants that do well in many St. Louis-area garden designs include:

• Aromatic aster
• Buffalo grass
• Black-eyed Susan
• Box elder
• Flowering dogwood
• Ozark witch hazel

4. Don't: Forget Seasonality

A landscape should look good throughout the year, not just in one season. Many homeowners focus only on spring or summer color and forget about fall texture and winter structure. Mixing evergreen plants, ornamental grasses, perennials, and shrubs with varying bloom times helps keep the yard visually interesting year-round.

Bloom time shouldn't be the only consideration here; planting trees, shrubs, and flowers at the right time can also help them thrive. Do your research to better understand the best planting times when you select plants for your yard.

5. Do: Create a Focal Point

Every well-designed, beautiful landscape benefits from a clear focal point. A focal point draws the eye and gives the space a sense of purpose. A focal point can be anything: a fire pit, water feature, large tree, planting bed, or seating area. Pick something you like and can realistically maintain.

Once you establish your focal point, other elements can support it instead of competing for attention.

6. Don't: Overcrowd

Overcrowding is one of the most common landscape design mistakes that beginners make. Plants that are placed too close together may look fine at first, but they often outgrow the space quickly. The result is plants that choke each other out, leading to plant death.

Plants aren't the only design elements that can be overcrowded. Hardscape elements like walkways, pergolas, and more can also crowd together, making a space feel too busy. The result is an area that feels overwhelming—the exact opposite of a charming outdoor living space.

7. Do: Know Your Climate and Soil Type

Your local climate and soil conditions play a critical role in plant health.

Knowing your USDA Plant Hardiness Zones can help you better decide which plants will thrive in your area. St. Louis, Missouri, is in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a and 6b. Plants that do well in these zones include hardy perennials, shrubs, and trees like Hosta flowers, boxwood, and hydrangeas.

Soil type also impacts plant growth; a mismatch between soil type and plant species can mean plants fail to thrive without significant soil amendments. St. Louis typically, according to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, has "compacted silt topsoil or exposed clay subsoil." Plants that do well in this type of soil often have long, deep roots. Amending the soil with organic material and mulch or using raised beds allows for a greater selection of plants that may not do well in this type of soil otherwise, such as drought-tolerant species like lavender.

8. Don't: Forget About Permitting

Some landscape features require permits or approvals, especially retaining walls, drainage installation, and larger landscaping projects.

Not getting the right permissions can mean delays, fines, or having to remove the completed work. Always check local regulations before you begin construction.

9. Do: Have Fun!

The landscape design process should be enjoyable. So have fun with it! If something doesn't feel rewarding, don't feel obligated to power through it alone.

10. Don't: Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Landscape design involves many moving parts, from plant selection and grading to construction and long-term planning. Working with licensed professionals can save you time, money, and stress.

Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction helps homeowners turn ideas into well-designed outdoor spaces through expert planning, design, and construction. If you're in the St. Louis area and are unsure how to proceed with your next DIY project, contact us. We would love to help make your vision a reality.

Good Landscape Design FAQs

What are the biggest mistakes people make when planning a low-maintenance backyard landscape?

Common mistakes include choosing high-maintenance plants, overcrowding beds, and underestimating long-term upkeep. Many homeowners also forget to plan for proper drainage and access for maintenance. A low-maintenance landscape still requires thoughtful design and the right plant choices.

Is there a difference between a landscape architect, a contractor, and a designer?

Yes.

• A landscape architect is often formally educated and licensed; this person focuses on planning, design, grading, and handling complex site issues.
• A landscape designer may focus more on plant layouts and aesthetics than on technical concerns.
• A landscape contractor handles installation and construction in compliance with all laws and regulations.

Many full-service firms, including Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction, bring these roles together under one team.

How can I incorporate sustainable practices into my landscape design?

Sustainable landscape design can include using native plants, improving soil health, reducing lawn areas, managing stormwater, and choosing durable materials. Proper planning helps create landscapes that use fewer resources while supporting the local environment.

Do you have someone on the Poynter team who can draw up a landscape plan for me?

Yes. Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction has experienced Landscape Architects and designers who create custom landscape plans tailored to your property and goals. From start to finish, our team is here to support you. Contact Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction to schedule a consultation and start planning your outdoor space.