Landscape design cannot be reduced to a series of rules. It may, however, be helpful for the homeowner to keep the following design concepts in mind as the design develops.

Group plants for emphasis

Group the same plants rather than alternating shrubs or using many individual plants spotted about the property to provide a sense of unity and order.

Plant trees for shade

Trees of appropriate mature size should be used so that they will be neither too large nor too small for the house. Deciduous trees can usually be planted closer to the home than evergreens.

Complement the structure

Do not separate the house from its site by a ring of plants or foundation planting.
Plants should compliment the lines of the structure, not set it apart from the site.