Creating a Professional Backyard Landscape

You can achieve a stunning landscape by creating a focal point and planning carefully. Landscape architect Maureen Smith shares simple steps on how to create a professional backyard landscape.

By Sherry Rauh
Filed under: Backyard

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Choose a Focal Point

The first step is to choose a focal point for your backyard. It could be a pool, gazebo or flowering tree — any element that is large and attractive enough to anchor the rest of the landscape. If you are building a patio, pergola or other hardscape feature, the construction should be finished before you begin landscaping.