Tips to Understand & Read a Landscape Design Plan

Reading a landscape design plan can feel overwhelming at first, but with a bit of guidance, it opens up a world of inspiration and possibility for your outdoor space. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key elements you’ll find on a typical landscape plan, from understanding symbols and measurements to interpreting plant layouts and hardscape details. 

Whether you’re reviewing a design for the first time or just need a refresher, this overview will give you the confidence to bring the vision to life in your yard.

How to Read a Landscape Design Plan

A landscape design plan is an aerial view of your property showing the layout of your plants and any recommended hardscape elements. Here are some tips on how to read your landscape design plan. 

Scale:

• The scale represents the ratio of a measurement on the plan to the actual size in reality. Common scales for landscape design are 1:10, 1:20, or 1:50. For example, in a 1:20 scale, every 1 inch on the plan equals 20 feet in reality.
• The scale is mentioned on the bottom of the plan.
• The arrow next to the scale identifies North.

Plant Symbols:

• All plants throughout the plan are represented by the same symbol and color, making it easier to focus on placement and spacing.  
• Plants will be labeled in one spot with the quantity next to it in parentheses. The same plants may be featured in different areas of your plan, but will not be labeled everywhere so you can search for the common symbol to know where they are placed. 
• The symbols represent the mature size of the plant after 3 years of growth. Featuring the mature size will help you understand how far apart to place plant material to get the desired look once everything is full grown. 
• Trees will have a thin circle around it to show the canopy size of the tree. There will be a small + in the center to represent the trunk

Hardscape Elements:

• Paths, patios, decks, and other non-plant features are drawn with their exact placement in relation to the rest of the space.
• Tables, chairs, etc. will be showcased with small symbols and are to scale.

Property Boundaries and Structures:

• The plan includes property lines, house footprints, setbacks, and any existing features that must be worked around, such as trees or structures (sheds, septic tanks, etc.).

Additional Symbols: 

Other common symbols you will see on your plan include:

• A “T” on a plant, this stands for transplant, when you move a plant from one are to another.
• Lines opening, this represents gates and the way they should open,
• A solid line represents fencing.
• A singlet dot on a line represents a step.

 

Tips for Reading a Scaled Landscape Design Plan

Here are some general tips to get started with your plan. 

• Review on Your Computer/iPad
• Pull up your planting plan on a tablet / laptop or print - a phone screen is likely too small
• Understand the Scale:
• Make sure you know how to interpret the scale. Use a scale ruler or convert measurements based on the ratio provided. For example, if the plan is at 1:20, and you measure 2 inches on the plan, that corresponds to 40 feet in real life.
• Go into Your Yard 
• Go into your yard and use the North arrow to orient yourself; begin to identify key structures, walkways, fences, points of interest, etc.
• Pick different points in your yard and reference plan / plant images to help visualize and bring it all to life
• Consider the Flow:
• Pay attention to how the plan organizes pathways, seating areas, and focal points. Walk yourself through the space mentally and physically, considering how the layout will function in real life.
• Analyze the Planting Layout:
• Identify the plants, their spacing, and their relationship to each other. Remember the plan details mature sizes and how they will grow into the design over time.
• Review in Small Sections: 

• If you have a very detailed plan, it can be easier to review it in small sections. Reference the plant images in your plan to understand what everything will look like. 

A landscape design plan serves as a roadmap for transforming your yard into a cohesive and well-balanced outdoor space. With clear guidance on where hardscape and softscape elements will go, this plan allows you to envision the final design and make informed decisions. By understanding and following the layout, you can bring your landscape to life with confidence, knowing each feature is placed with care and purpose. Good luck!