Mapping Your Yard: Creating a Base Map for Landscape Planning

Starting with a simple drawing of your existing landscape—a base map—lays the groundwork for organized, affordable landscape improvements. Take time with this step; all subsequent designs (site analysis, conceptual, preliminary, final) build on the base map. Accuracy ensures a dependable tool for project success.

Preparing a Base Map

First, obtain a map showing exact property size and shape: a plat, deed map, builder’s plans, or topographical plan with contours. It must include fixed structures and hardscape (house, driveway, sidewalks, fences, walls) with measurements.

Plats show easements but aren’t available in all states. Check closing documents or the county assessor’s office (may involve a fee). Also request local ordinances on easements, height restrictions, and other regulations affecting landscaping.

Make several copies of the plat; store the original safely. Gather materials: 100-foot tape measure, sharp pencils, graph paper, tracing paper. Measure accurately and record on a copy of the plat.

Measuring Techniques

Use these techniques for an accurate base map:

• To locate the house, measure property lines, then measure from each house corner perpendicular to the nearest property lines.
• Locate other structures by recording distances between them and fixed points. For a tree, measure from two house corners to the tree; where the distances intersect marks the tree’s location.

• For solo measuring, drive a large nail through the tape’s end clip to secure it while pulling taut.
• To measure a curved bed, establish a straight reference line (string, stakes, hose, or another tape). From one end, measure perpendicular to the bed edge every 3 feet. Plot dots and connect for the curve.
• Measure slopes incrementally: extend a level board from the slope top, measure the drop at the downslope end. Mark slope location and grade on the base map.