Why Landscaping Should Be Part of Your New Build Plan from Day One
Building a new home is an exciting journey, filled with important decisions about design, layout, and functionality. However, one aspect that often gets pushed to the back of the priority list is landscaping. Many homeowners focus so much on the house itself that they leave the outdoor spaces as an afterthought - only to realise too late that proper planning could have saved them time, money, and stress.
At Groundcover Landscaping we specialise in landscape construction rather than design. In the same way, you contract an architect to design your house and a builder to build it; we specialise in ensuring the landscaping is constructed and maintained to high standards.
Paying for a landscape design is a great investment and gives our clients a perfect place to start. It also makes our quoting process a lot faster. If you don’t have a designer already, we can recommend designers that we work closely with.
Here’s why landscaping should be a key part of your newbuild planning from the very beginning.
1. A well planned landscape complements your home
Your home and garden should work together harmoniously. By planning your landscaping early, you can ensure that outdoor spaces enhance your home’s architecture, making the entire property feel cohesive and inviting. From driveway placement to outdoor entertaining areas, early planning allows for seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living.
2. Better use of space and functionality
Thinking about your landscaping early ensures that every part of your outdoor space is functional and practical. Whether it’s creating a private retreat, planning for kids and pets, or designing an entertainer’s paradise, early planning allows you to allocate space effectively and avoid wasted areas that don’t suit your lifestyle, or worse, unsightly necessities such as water tanks and air conditioning units near your main entertaining area.
3. Save on costs and avoid future hassles
When landscaping is left until the last minute, it often leads to rushed decisions and higher costs. Retaining walls, drainage systems, and even access for excavation work can be much more expensive if they have to be added after the house is complete. By considering these elements during the build, you can incorporate necessary earthworks, irrigation, and soil preparation at a fraction of the cost compared to retro-fitting them later.
4. Avoiding drainage and soil problems
New build sites often go through extensive earthworks, leaving behind compacted or poor-quality soil. If landscaping is left as an afterthought, you may struggle with drainage issues, erosion, and unhealthy plants due to inadequate soil conditions. Planning ahead allows you to address these issues early - whether by improving soil quality, installing proper drainage systems, or ensuring garden beds have the right depth and composition for healthy plant growth.
5. Future-proofing with planting and growth
Landscaping isn’t just about instant impact - it’s about planning for the long-term. By selecting the right plants early on, you can ensure that trees and shrubs have time to establish, providing shade, privacy, and wind protection as they mature. This foresight helps create a garden that looks better with time rather than feeling like an afterthought.
6. Increases property value and street appeal
First impressions count. A beautifully designed landscape significantly enhances your home’s street appeal and resale value. Homes with well-thought-out landscaping often sell faster and at a higher price because they offer a complete package - not just a house, but an entire lifestyle.
Don’t leave landscaping to the last minute!
Incorporating landscaping into your new build from the start ensures that your outdoor spaces are as functional, beautiful, and cost-effective as possible. If you’re starting your building journey, talk to a professional landscaper early to make sure your garden complements your home and suits your needs from day one.
Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your landscaping vision to life right from the beginning of your build, and for inspiration, download our exclusive Showcase of Landscape Design – Expert ideas to lay the groundwork of your dream project.