How Our Landscape Design Process Works

If you’re wondering how a professional landscaping project goes from idea to reality, you’re in the right place. One of the biggest questions homeowners ask me is: “What exactly happens during the landscape design process?”

Today, I’m going to walk you through every step, from that first phone call to your final walkthrough. Whether you’ve got a blank canvas of a yard or you’re ready to reinvent your current space, our job at Lawn Thumbs is to make sure the entire process is smooth, clear, and exciting.

We specialize in landscape installation in Utah, so we know how to design beautiful outdoor spaces that thrive in our unique climate. Let’s break it all down.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Site Analysis

It all starts with a conversation. When you first reach out, we’ll schedule a consultation to get to know you and your space.

What to Expect:

• We meet at your property to walk the yard together.
  
  
• You share your ideas, goals, style preferences, and budget.
  
  
• We listen carefully and ask questions about how you use your outdoor space.
  
  
• We take photos, measurements, and notes on sun exposure, soil type, drainage, and existing features.
  
  

One client in Sandy, UT wanted a patio for summer dinners, a small water feature, and low-maintenance plantings. They had kids, so we also needed a safe play area. That kind of info helps us tailor everything right from the start.

Why It Matters: This step ensures we’re building a plan that suits your space, lifestyle, and long-term needs.

Step 2: Creating a Landscape Design Plan

Once we’ve gathered all the info, we get to work on a custom design. This is where your vision starts to come to life.

What’s Included:

• A scaled drawing of your new landscape
  
  
• Zones for hardscaping, planting, lighting, and irrigation
  
  
• Notes on plant choices and materials
  
  
• 3D renderings (when applicable) for a realistic preview
  
  

We send you the draft design for feedback and adjustments. Sometimes, we go through one round of edits, and sometimes, two or three. This is a collaboration, and your input is vital.

Key Elements in Our Plans:

• Functionality: Walkways, patios, and outdoor spaces placed for how you live
  
  
• Aesthetics: Color schemes, textures, and focal points
  
  
• Sustainability: We always aim for water-wise landscaping that fits Utah’s dry climate
  
  

Step 3: Choosing Materials and Plants

This is one of the most exciting parts for many clients. Once the design is approved, we help you pick the specific materials and plants.

Materials We Help You Choose:

• Pavers or flagstone for patios and paths
  
  
• Gravel or mulch for low-maintenance areas
  
  
• Retaining wall blocks or natural stone
  
  
• Lighting fixtures for safety and ambiance
  
  
• Fencing, pergolas, or other structures
  
  

Plant Selection Focus:

Because we’re based in Utah, we always promote water-wise choices. That means:

• Drought-tolerant perennials like Penstemon or Yarrow
  
  
• Native grasses such as Blue Grama or Little Bluestem
  
  
• Shrubs like Apache Plume and Utah Serviceberry
  
  
• Trees that can handle heat and cold, like Honeylocust or Bur Oak
  
  

A client in Draper chose a mix of lavender, ornamental grasses, and sandstone for their backyard oasis. It looked stunning and used 60% less water than their old lawn.

We’ll also help with color themes, seasonal blooms, and plant heights for a balanced, beautiful yard.

Step 4: Setting Project Timeline Expectations

Before any work begins, we sit down and walk through the timeline. We want you to know what’s happening and when.

What’s Included:

• Start and end dates
  
  
• Expected delivery of materials
  
  
• Key project milestones (grading, irrigation, planting, etc.)
  
  
• Any weather-related or inspection-based contingencies
  
  

General Timeline Example:

• Week 1: Demo, site prep, grading
  
  
• Week 2: Hardscaping (patio, walls, pathways)
  
  
• Week 3: Irrigation install and lighting
  
  
• Week 4: Planting and final details
  
  

Of course, every project is different. Small front yard updates might take just a week. Full backyard makeovers can take a month or more.

Tip: We keep you updated every step of the way. Communication is a big part of how we earn our clients’ trust.

Step 5: What to Expect During Installation

Once the design and selections are finalized, we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

You’ll See Us Doing Things Like:

• Removing old landscaping, sod, or debris
  
  
• Regrading and prepping soil
  
  
• Installing irrigation systems and lighting lines
  
  
• Laying pavers, building walls, or pouring concrete
  
  
• Planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers
  
  
• Applying mulch, gravel, or decorative rock
  
  

What You Can Expect:

• We keep a tidy, safe job site
  
  
• We work regular, reliable hours
  
  
• You’ll always know who’s on-site and what they’re doing
  
  

During one install in West Jordan, we uncovered a surprise sprinkler line that wasn’t on any blueprints. Our team quickly adapted the plan and kept the project on schedule, no stress for the homeowner.

Step 6: Client Involvement, Communication, and Approvals

You’re not just along for the ride, you’re a partner in the process. Here’s how we keep you involved:

Communication Channels:

• Weekly check-ins by phone or email
  
  
• On-site walkthroughs at major phases
  
  
• Quick responses to questions or concerns
  
  

Approval Stages:

• Final sign-off on materials before ordering
  
  
• Midpoint review of hardscape layout
  
  
• Final plant placement approval before we start planting
  
  

We want you to love the final product. So we give you the chance to make tweaks as we go. Sometimes what looks perfect on paper feels different in real life, and that’s okay.

Step 7: Final Walkthrough and Ongoing Maintenance Support

The big reveal! Once everything is in place, we do a detailed walkthrough with you to make sure everything is just right.

Final Walkthrough Includes:

• Checking all plants are healthy and well-placed
  
  
• Testing irrigation and lighting systems
  
  
• Answering any last questions
  
  
• Making minor adjustments as needed
  
  

We’ll also share care instructions, including:

• When and how to water
  
  
• Tips for fertilizing or pruning
  
  
• Seasonal updates or additions
  
  

Ongoing Support:

We offer optional maintenance packages to keep your new landscape thriving. That includes:

• Seasonal cleanups
  
  
• Irrigation tune-ups
  
  
• Plant health monitoring
  
  

If you’d rather handle the upkeep yourself, no problem; we’ll leave you with a custom care plan so you know exactly what to do.

Why Work With Lawn Thumbs?

We’re not just another landscaping company. We focus on:

• Clear, honest communication
  
  
• Water-wise, Utah-friendly designs
  
  
• Skilled teams with years of experience
  
  
• A smooth, transparent landscape design process
  
  

Whether it’s a modern minimalist yard, a cozy cottage garden, or a low-maintenance family-friendly setup, we treat every project like it’s our own home.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve been dreaming of a better yard, we’re ready to help make it happen.

Schedule a consultation with Lawn Thumbs today. We’ll take you through our professional landscaping services, walk your property, and give you a clear plan to turn your vision into reality.

Let’s create something amazing, together.