Planning Your Landscape Site

Make a Simple Line Drawing of the Area

The first step is to make a simple line drawing of the area you will be working with. Measure perimeter walls and include any existing features in your drawing. Once you have this, make photocopies so you can work with a section at a time or make alternate plans to choose from. Your drawing need not be to scale, you will use this to note important information and where/what you will be planting.

Examine the Area throughout the Day

Check the planting area at different times throughout the day...morning, afternoon and evening. See how the sun hits different areas. Note areas that are full sun, partial sun or mostly shady.

Know Your Planting Zone

In addition to knowing what areas of your yard are full sun, partial sun or shade, it is important to know exactly which planting zone you live in. This can be found at the USDA's website in the Find Your Plant Hardiness Zone section. Simply enter your zip code and voila, your zone is listed below your query. Las Vegas is generally between zone 8-9. There is a map that is displayed on the page but it doesn't change depending on your zone request by zip code so don't let this fool you. The graphic only changes if you choose to view a map by state.

Once you have the planting area dimensions and know the climate zone you live in, you can begin choosing which plants and trees to choose.

Weather & Average Temperatures

The plant hardiness zone is based on temperatures for your area. What are the highlest, lowest and average temperatures in a year? Take a moment to view average temperatures on our Weather & Average Temps page.

Get Your Soil Ready for Planting

Before you start digging and putting your plants and trees in the ground, take a moment to understand the basics about Las Vegas soil