Yard planning, simply explained
Plan a yard that is easier to use and easier to keep
Research-based guides, calculators and a checklist for homeowners planning layout, plants, lawn care and patios.
- 9 guides
- 5 topics
- 5 tools
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A weekend to planFree to planHow to Plan a Yard Layout: Zones, Paths, Drainage
A weekend to planVariesHow to Make a Small Yard More Usable: Layout Ideas
A weekend of planningVariesHow to Choose Plants for Your Yard: Sun, Soil, Zone
A weekend to plantVariesBest Plants for Privacy Along a Fence, Low Upkeep
A few weekends, then ongoingVariesLow-Maintenance Yard: How to Cut Yard Work for Good
A weekend to several weeksVariesBest Hardscaping Projects for a Yard and Their Costs
A weekend for most fixesVariesHow to Make Your Patio or Backyard Feel Inviting
A weekend per upgradeVariesEasy Backyard Upgrades for More Comfort (No Redesign)
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Browse every guide by topic.
Yard Planning · VariesHow to Make a Small Yard More Usable: Layout Ideas
Outdoor Living · VariesEasy Backyard Upgrades for More Comfort (No Redesign)
Planting Basics · VariesBest Plants for Privacy Along a Fence, Low Upkeep
Lawn & Maintenance · Under $50Why Your Yard Looks Messy After Mowing (and Fixes)
Planting Basics · VariesHow to Choose Plants for Your Yard: Sun, Soil, Zone
Lawn & Maintenance · VariesLow-Maintenance Yard: How to Cut Yard Work for Good
Outdoor Living · VariesHow to Make Your Patio or Backyard Feel Inviting
Yard Planning · Free to planHow to Plan a Yard Layout: Zones, Paths, Drainage
Hardscaping · VariesBest Hardscaping Projects for a Yard and Their Costs
Tools you can use today
No sign-up. They work on the page.
Yard Plan Checklist (Printable, Step by Step)A printable yard planning checklist that moves from how you use the space to site notes, zones, plants, materials and a phased budget before you buy anything.Mulch, Soil and Gravel Calculator (Cubic Yards)Find how many cubic yards of mulch, topsoil or gravel a bed, path or raised bed needs from its size and depth, with bag counts and a settling allowance.Patio and Paver Calculator (Pavers, Base Stone and Sand)Estimate how many pavers, cubic yards of base stone and bedding sand a patio or path needs from its size, paver size, joints and an allowance for cuts.Lawn Seed and Fertilizer Calculator (From Label Rates)Work out how much grass seed and fertilizer a lawn needs from its area and the rates printed on the product labels, with bag counts and coverage per bag.Landscape materials buying guide: mulch, gravel and pavingCompare mulch, gravel, pavers, poured concrete and edging by type, with typical price ranges, depths, upkeep and what to measure before you order.
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