How to Plan Your Landscape Project: Four Smart Steps to Get It Right
Grilling dinner on a warm July night. Gathering friends for a spontaneous pool party. Slowing down as the campfire crackles away. Once you start imagining those outdoor moments, it’s hard not to get excited—and even harder to be patient. Many homeowners wait until the weather warms up to start planning their landscape project. But the best projects start early—and it’s always worth the effort.
We’ve had the privilege of helping countless homeowners across the Greater Hamilton and surrounding area bring their backyard retreats to life. And we completely understand the excitement to get things moving once the snow melts and the days get longer. The problem is, by then most reputable contractors are already booked—not to mention that’s when timelines get the tightest. We want to help you start your planning well so you can fully enjoy both the process and the finished space.
There’s a lot that goes into creating an exceptional outdoor space—design, permits, material selection, scheduling… to name a few. Each step takes time, sometimes longer than you might expect. Starting early gives you the breathing room to think through details, make thoughtful decisions (there are more than people realize!), and avoid last-minute stress—so you can kick back in your new space when you’re hoping to.
Let’s break it all down. Here are four key planning steps to help you get started the right way and make sure your next landscape project runs smoothly from start to finish.
1. Start Early—Earlier Than You Think
Many homeowners simply wait too long to start planning their project, only to be disappointed when they realize what’s really involved—especially for major landscape builds. Like other home renovations, these projects can take months of design work, revisions, and decision-making before the first shovel hits the ground. Starting early helps you get ahead of the pack and sets your project up for success from day one.
A good rule of thumb is to plan two seasons ahead for large outdoor projects. For example, if you’re dreaming of a new patio, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and hot tub (sounds pretty good!), and you’d love to kick off the summer with a Victoria Day BBQ, start planning by early fall.
It may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: the bigger the scope, the more lead time you’ll need. Maybe your vision is even more ambitious—say, a complete backyard transformation with multiple features such as a pool and pavilion structure—consider reaching out to potential contractors a year or two in advance. Share your ideas and ask, “When’s the best time to reconnect and get started?” This not only gets you on their radar but also gives you a clear sense of timing for when to begin.
2. Understand the Process (and the Time It Takes)
One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is how much goes into a landscape project before construction begins. Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect—and why planning early pays off.
Design and approvals: Creating a well-thought-out design involves concept development, revisions, and final approvals. Each round takes time on both the contractor and client’s end to ensure the layout, materials, and features all work well together. Even when everything goes smoothly, this part of the process can take several weeks—or longer for complex projects.
Decision-making: For many people, choosing materials, colours, lighting, plantings, and finishes is part of the fun—but it’s also time-consuming. Starting early gives you time to weigh your options instead of rushing decisions later on.
Permits and permit-related delays: Some projects require permits or site-specific considerations like grading or drainage plans. These steps can add time but are essential to getting the job done right the first time—and may be required from the municipality in order to obtain your permit.
Scheduling and crew availability: By the time spring arrives, most reputable contractors have most of their season booked. Planning ahead helps you lock in your preferred builder and avoid unnecessary delays.
Being realistic about timelines—and patient through the process—helps everything go more smoothly and ensures you’re able to enjoy the experience, as you should!
3. Take Advantage of Winter Planning
Here’s one of the best-kept secrets in landscape project planning: winter is a great time to plan. Contractors are typically less busy with on-site work, which means communication and design collaboration can flow more smoothly. You’ll also have more breathing room to explore ideas, compare options, and make decisions without the pressure of a tight construction schedule.
Don’t underestimate this advantage. Some homeowners are comfortable making decisions quickly, others prefer more time to think things through. Neither approach is wrong, but knowing your preference—and planning accordingly—will make for a much better experience.
4. Be Upfront About Your Budget and Goals
Transparency helps everyone, and the best projects always start with clear alignment between homeowner and contractor.
We always recommend coming into the process with a realistic budget and a sense of what you hope to achieve. Sharing your budget early helps your contractor assess fit and feasibility, and gives you clear next steps. Be open about how you want to use your space and when you’re hoping to enjoy it. Are you the hosting type who loves big gatherings? Do you want something more private and tranquil? Kid-friendly and durable?
When you know your goals and communicate them early, it’s easier to partner with a contractor whose values and priorities match your own.
How to Get Started
Looking for somewhere to begin? These small steps you can take today will set you up for a smoother, more enjoyable project later on:
Reach out early—even if you’re still dreaming. Contact a few reputable contractors now to discuss your ideas and ask when the best time would be to start your design process.
Gather inspiration. Start collecting photos, sketches, or notes of spaces you love. Knowing what appeals to you will make design conversations easier and more productive.
Think through your priorities and budget. Consider how you’ll use your space, what features matter most, and what you’re comfortable investing.
Book a winter design consultation. Now is the perfect season to plan—you’ll have time to refine ideas, explore options, and be ready to build once the ground thaws.
Ready to Start Planning?
Three Seasons is here to help you turn your ideas into a thoughtful plan—practical, beautiful, and ready to enjoy when you are. Our team will guide you through every step of the process with clear communication and detailed planning.
Let’s map out your vision this winter—so you can enjoy it by next summer.