Base Plan | Planning the Home Landscape - Earth-Kind® Edition

William C. Welch, Extension Landscape Horticulturist

Draw a base plan to scale. For most properties a scale of 1/8":1' is workable; for small properties or a particular area of a larger development 1/4":1' may be better. Graph paper with lines indicating a particular scale may also be helpful. Include all major features on your drawing such as existing walks, terraces, outbuildings, trees, shrubs, drives, property lines, easements, utilities, etc. After preparing the base plan, place tracing paper or tissue paper over the original plan to sketch possible ideas and solutions to your landscape needs and problems.

suggested symbols for base plan drawing

Steps for Drawing a Base Plan

step one: rough sketch of property lines
step two: check that building is parallel to property lines or draw reference lines
step three: measure each side of building
step four: select a scale and begin drawing plot plan
step five: begin drawing house lines
step six: locate other existing features on a rough sketc.
step seven: transfer from rough sketch to final plot plan

Always indicate compass directions in relation to the house by drawing an arrow (N->) pointing north. You may also want to show the direction of the rising sun. In winter, the sun rises a little south of east and sets a little south of west. In summer, the sun rises somewhat north of east and sets somewhat north of west.

seasonal sun angles which will affect the design of the landscape

A base plan can also include the location of storm sewers, drainage ditches, and other environmentally sensitive areas. Many base plans include topographical information to assist in developing strategies for controlling runoff. Locating native vegetation and habitat can also be useful in the planning process.