A deck or patio addition is immediately functional for barbecues, furnishings, and leisure as soon as it is complete; however, that doesn’t mean you’re finished. Outdoor living on low-level decks and patios should integrate you into the beauty of the gardens and landscape.

Landscaping around your deck doesn’t need to be a huge process!  You don’t need to do a lot of research before you take on this extensive project, but here’s a quick overview of the process to get you started.

We suggest planning prior to arranging and planting, and consulting with a landscaping designer if necessary. Before you even get out your paper and pencil, Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you study the sun and wind patterns so you don’t accidentally kill that beautiful bush by planting it in the shade. They also suggest that you live with your space for a while before you create a draft of your plan. That way you can figure out traffic flow and solve unexpected problems, like how your kids tend to run exactly where you wanted to plant your tulips.

After you’ve taken time to study your space, take time to make a plan. When adding a new deck to an existing landscape, it is convenient to overlay and use the deck plans to see what modifications need to be made to the landscaping. Use the time prior to the start of installment to get the site areas ready for the final prepping, then finish your landscaping after deck installment.

Remember to consider practicality as well as beauty. For example, you wouldn’t want to plant a tree right next to your house, as it can cause damage to the structure over time. And you wouldn’t want to place a hanging flower pot in a place where you would constantly hit your head on it. What about privacy? Do you need to plan for a climbing vine to lend a little intimacy to your outdoor room?

After you’ve created your plans, it’s time to get your resources together. Visit your local supply store to look around and learn about any plants and other materials you might need. Once your deck is fully installed, you’ll know exactly how to finish landscaping, and your project will be done in no time!