His deep understanding and experience with scale, balance, repetition and order, are some of the key characteristics he puts into his landscape projects. One of his foremost goals with the designs he creates is to improve and enhance everyday living for a wide range of individuals in both the residential and commercial sectors. David works with a wide range of budgets and with a wide range of projects, from simple xeriscapes, to traditional landscaping and creating upscale intimate outdoor living environments. Below he discusses the best ways to landscape your home.

When people are planning to incorporate permanent structures (such as an outdoor kitchen or a fountain) into their outdoor space, what basic things should they consider before they begin?

Most people are afraid of the permanency of landscape items. The first consideration to keep in mind is if you do need to change these items later on, most can be demolished and you can start with a clean slate. This will help reduce the “anxiety” of installing such items. Planned right, you can make the items work both functionally and aesthetically, which reduces the chance that you will even want to change it later on.

Another consideration is scale. You need to make sure that what you are installing isn’t too large or too small for the area. Consider the space. Is it a small, narrow courtyard? If so, then a 40-inch in diameter fountain that caught your eye at the store will probably overwhelm the space.

Another consideration is function. For example, an outdoor barbeque area should be planned so the cook doesn’t have their back turned to guests. You want to make sure the counter space is large enough and in good proximity for conversation and serving purposes. Also, if there are any attractive views or landscape focal points, orient your space so they can be enjoyed.

What are the basics of planning a successful landscape?

There are a multitude of items to consider, and most homeowners would benefit from a good landscape designer. I will outline a few of the basics. The first is site analysis. If you are working with existing landscape, pinpoint what items you like and what you don’t like. This will help you identify where you want to make change. If it’s a new landscape, consider how you will use the space. You might want to ask yourself, are there privacy issues? Does the lot take advantage of a particular mountain view you want to keep? Whether it’s an existing landscape or new landscape, examine the pros and cons of the spaces. Second, break up your priorities or goals into two categories: function and aesthetics. You may need a play area for your kids or maybe you need a pathway to the side yard. On the other hand, you may like to see elevation changes in the landscape for added dimension or maybe you want a flower bed you can see from a kitchen window. Try to envision how the space will accommodate your everyday life.

What “order of operations” should you follow when planning a big landscape project? For example, should it go: budget, identifying a style and identifying whether to go with a complex or maintenance-free type of landscape, and then hiring a landscape designer? What is the most functional way to approach a landscaping project?

When I first meet potential clients, I tell them not to think about how much it will cost or how difficult it will be to make it all come together. I just want my clients to list all the things they want out of the space. Whether it be a swimming pool, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, lawn area, flower bed or large planters for vegetables—I want them to list it all. Evaluating what you really want out of your outdoor space is a great first step for any landscape project.

Next, consider how much time you are willing to spend maintaining the landscape. This will help you narrow the “want list” into a list that reflects what is not only desirable to you but also practical for your everyday life. Even the most beautifully created outdoor living space can be lost if not properly maintained.

Now think about your landscape style. If you don’t know what your style is, look inside your home, it can provide insight to what your style and personal preferences are. So for property owners, simply look at the interior of your surroundings. You will quickly be able to pinpoint what you like and prefer. Once you know that, you can carry those themes to your landscape design.

One of the very last things I ask for is budget. Perhaps money is no object, but for most it is certainly a consideration. Think about a total amount or “cap” for the project. What’s the most you are willing to invest in landscaping? As a landscape designer I work with a wide range of budgets. There is almost always a way to accomplish the landscape goals within a budget.

Currently, what are the biggest trends in landscape design, both locally and on a national level?

With so many upwardly mobile individuals and households with multiple incomes, there is a great desire to transform outdoor settings. With most people who work hard and have limited free time and are perhaps stressed with the rest of the working class, making the most use of “down time” with family and friends is being extended into the landscape with outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, water features, pools, spas and outdoor sitting areas.

What are five simple and inexpensive ways people can spruce-up their current landscape?

1. Give your landscape a manicure and clean up. Edging that grass which is creeping over the concrete, sweeping the encroaching landscape rock off walkways, pruning dead growth from shrubs and trees and shaping plants is a great way to “spruce-up” your landscape. Not only will these little touches make your landscape look better, it will encourage new growth and an added bonus is that it costs next to nothing to get it done. After awhile many people begin to enjoy maintaining their landscape, and if done routinely your space will always look its best.

2. Water and fertilize properly. This is so often neglected in the regime of landscape duties. A well balanced fertilizer will encourage growth, make your plants appear healthier and help them be more resilient against insects and disease. A good lawn fertilizer will create a lush look and fight off weeds. Most people don’t realize that a well cared for lawn that is fertilized, watered and mowed to the proper height will almost entirely eliminate the need for weed pulling.

3. Using potted plants and inserting colorful plants into the landscape are a sure way to add both color and interest into the landscape. There are many perennials and annuals that provide lots of impact but won’t put a major dent in your back account.

4. Most landscapes that have not been professionally planned lack two basic things. One is they have a variety of plants that can look great in the summer months, but once winter comes, these summer perennials go into dormancy, leaving an almost lifeless, bland landscape. The other often missed item is that homeowners forget to combine plants of various heights. Purchasing and installing a combination of evergreens of various heights will go a long way in your landscape project at a minimal cost by adding year round dimension and appeal.

5. For many existing and perhaps older landscapes, there are outdoor areas with tile, flagstone, brick or stained concrete. With a little money and some elbow grease, you can prime and apply a sealant to these hardscapes. What this does is help restore the original finish and will bring out the deeper colors of the landscape elements. The end result is richer colors and a like-new appearance. A knowledgeable hardware store can direct you to a primer and sealer that will give you a non-slip surface and one that will resist cracking and peeling.