Four Principles of Landscape Design

Commercial landscape design is about much more than choosing some plants to highlight your business location.  Just like private landscapes, commercial outdoor spaces are a reflection of the business’s unique personality.  Adhering to time-honored landscape design principles helps commercial landscapers create the perfect look for any business.

What Are The Four Landscape Design Principles?

Most landscape artists agree that four major principles drive all landscape design choices.  Sticking to these rules makes it easier to tap into the beauty and individuality of any particular customer, and produces results that are attractive and functional.  Each of these principles is important, and all work together to create the right look for a building.  These four principles include:

• One of the most important things in any landscape design is balance.  The right combination of plants, hardscape, lighting, and other features can mean the success of a landscape plan, while too much of any one thing can signal failure.  For those who want to create a beautiful and inviting landscape, considering the balance of all features, not just plants, is critical.
• Lines and flow. Along with balance, it is also extremely important to consider the sight lines and flow of the landscape as a whole.  Using basic design principles means considering how the eye will travel from one element of the landscape to another and guiding this visual journey with appropriate choices in height, size, and scale of all features.  Additionally, the flow of a landscape is not only about visual elements; it also speaks to functionality.  With the right choices, visitors are treated to safe and enjoyable movement through the outdoor spaces as well as visual interest.
• The concept of repetition appears many times in design principles.  What is repeated is emphasized; therefore, the use of multiple plantings with a common theme, or repeated hardscape shapes or structures, can signal to visitors the emphasis on certain elements of the landscape.  This emphasis can be highlighted to bring attention to certain factors that the business wants to underline.  For example, the repeated use of drought-friendly plants can signal to the public that the business cares about environmental impact.
• Contrast and interest. The use of repetition is helpful, but contrast can also be used to emphasize elements of the landscape plan.  Contrast offers visual interest and helps the business highlight multiple themes in its landscape design.  For example, a landscape design that features certain plants at one time of the year with others taking center stage in a different season can offer year-round enjoyment for the public and keep the business looking great at all times.

If you are interested in learning more about how design elements play a crucial role in creating beautiful landscapes, give MSE Landscape a call.  Our design experts are here to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor area for your visitors and lend your business that extra punch that makes it stand out from the rest.  Call today to learn how our design professionals can help!