It is desirable to have a definite plan on paper for the location of the leading features of the place. These features are the residence, the out buildings, the walks and drives, the service areas, the border planting, flower garden, and vegetable-garden. It should not be expected that the map plan can be followed in every detail, but it will serve as a general guide. To begin, you will need to draw a base plan to scale. For most properties a scale of 1/8"=1' is workable; for small properties or a particular area of a larger development 1/4"=1' may be better. Graph paper with lines indicating a particular scale may also be helpful. You should include all the major features of your property on your drawing such as existing walks, terraces, outbuildings, trees, shrubs, drives, property lines, easements, utilities, etc. After you have prepared the base plan you can place tracing paper or tissue paper over the original plan to sketch possible ideas and solutions to your landscape needs and problems.

Step One: Measure each property line and record the measurements on a rough sketch. If a plot plan of the lot is available, use dimensions shown on it.

Step Two: To make sure the house is parallel with the propery or if the property lines are not parallel, site a line (reference line) along one side of teh house to locate reference points "A" and "B".

Step Three: Accuratley locate one corner of the house by measuring the distance from the back edge of the curb or edge of the street and nearest property line. From this corner of the house, measure each side of the house.

Step Four: Begin constructing a carefully drawn plot plan by selecting a scale to work with (1/8"= 1' or 1/4"=1') or by using graph paper. Begin by drawing the curb line as a double line or street edge as a single line. Construct property lines in the same manner as they were measured. Indicate compass directions.

Step Five: First of all, note the city easement line, which is legally city property. The city may remove any planting or construction within this area for street widening, sewer work, etc. The exact location of this line will vary according to city ordinance. Next, locate one corner of the house using the two dimensions measured from the street and side property lines. From this point, extend a line representing the front of the house the same number of feet measured. Do the same for the remaining sides of the house util you return to the original corner.

Step Six: Locate other existing features on a rough sketch by using the same method used for locating the corner of the house. By measuring from known reference points, such as the street, property line or house in two directions, the following permanent features can be located:

A. Windows, doors and chimneys, including the height off the ground.

B. All above and below ground utilities.
C. Utility meters, electrical outlets and water spigots.
D. Natural or prominent features such as retaining walls, ravines and rock outcroppings.
E. Existing trees and shrubs.
F. Neighbor's buildings and landscape features near the property line.
G. Roof overhang on house.

All of these features should be measured and drawn on the rough sketch before drawing on the final plan.

Step Seven: Transfer the information plotted on the rough sketch to the final plot plan. The plot plan is now ready to be used as the base for a home landscape design.

Always indicate compass directions in relation to the house by drawing an arrow (N->) pointing north. You may also want to show the direction of the rising sun. In winter, the sun rises a little south of east and sets a little south of west. In summer, the sun rises somewhat north of east and sets somewhat north of west.

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