Question
I am building a new home and would like to begin planning my landscape.  I would really like to do some creative landscaping that really enhances the beauty of the home as well as provide "outdoor living space" in the back yard.  I really don't know where or how to begin the design.  I have a very large lot, the sky is the limit for what I have room to do.

Also... I have my own septic tank.... Is there danger of roots getting into the septic lines/system if I plant trees nearby?

Thank you,

Rex


Answer
Boy, Rex, this sounds like a simple question, but its like asking, 揌ow do I build a house??How big?  How many rooms? one-story or two?, etc.  

Are you a 揹o it yourself?kind of person, or a 搇ets get some help on this?person?  As far as help, there are some great resources everywhere, from professional designers, to books at Home Depot, the internet, to the local Barnes & Noble and a really great resource: the public library.

If you want a quick primer on 揹oing it yourself??here you go.

It's a multi-step process ?not complicated, but long before you decide on a particular tree or shrub, decide on where you want the landscape plan to take you - More on this below.  It's a pretty well established 6-point process:

Steps In Design
1.   Develop a plot plan.
2.   Conduct a site analysis.
3.   Assess family needs and desires.
4.   Locate activity areas.
5.   Design activity areas.
6.   Plant selection and placement.

The first thing I would do is draw up a plot plan.  There was probably one submitted with your architectural plans and building permit.  Be sure to locate existing trees and shrubs you want to keep.

From there, I would evaluate where the sun shines, where the existing shade trees are, where your septic tank and field are, what part of the house you want to be important or 搒how off?to the public, which you want to hide from view or enjoy in private. Plot all the things that make this parcel unique.  Is it a corner lot?  How far back from traffic?  How far away is the neighbor?  Can I see stuff I don't like?  Can I see stuff that I do like?

Third, what is it that you want to do in your landscape?  The so-called 搊ut-door living space??what kind of living did you have in mind? I've installed everything from out-door kitchens, wheel-chair gardens, trampolines, lakes, to outdoor auto-museums for car collectors.  If the sky truly 搃s the limit? its time to sit down and think of all the fun things you and/or your family enjoy ?swimming, biking, eating, reading, sleeping, etc.  Just like a house, it is good to know what you want to do in your slice of heaven before you can build a space to do it in.  Self-knowledge and 搕hinking it through?will help you enjoy this special place more, and not end up with areas that don't fit with the rest of the house.

Now, figure out where each outdoor activity will take place.  For example: eating is usually done at a table, and food is usually brought out to that space, or cooked near-by.  Most folks like to eat in the shade, depending on the climate you live in.  So, place an eating area near the food preparation area, and allow for an area to sit and enjoy eating it卍eck? Maybe.  Patio?  Maybe.  Covered with shade?  Maybe. It all depends on where you want to do the activity, and what you what to enjoy while doing it.  

Think of how each activity can compliment the other ?pool area and eating, sitting and reading, looking out over the landscape and kiddy play areas, shady activities (reading, sitting, sleeping) and sunny ones (gardening, walking, playing), etc. Sites and views I want to see near areas I want to use frequently, etc.

Think of what doesn't go together ?driveways and patios, barbeques and propane tanks (the big ones, not the ones under the grill), woodshops and pools (dust, electrical hazards, nails), Stuff I don't want to see/hear/smell near areas I want to use frequently, etc.

Design:  lots of books on this.  Lots of different ideas.  Notice that it is #5.  That's because if you don't have the right place for the activity, the best-designed space will not work.  Kind of like a great kitchen space, in the middle of a bedroom.  Doesn't fit.

Finally, the plants.  There is a lot of emphasis on these, but really, they are just like any other building material.  There are regional favorites and some to avoid, but generally they are there to compliment the activities and enjoyment, not become the primary focus (unless you have decided they should be!).  I see them as more of a 揻rame?for the picture that is your backyard landscape.

In regards to the septic tank ?Yes, there are trees that enjoy finding your septic lines卆void planting trees on top of them (step #4).  Some trees are better than others, but that isn't a concern until step #6).  There are many activities that you can do over septic fields and tanks (step #5) like play fields and grassy areas, kids play areas, strolling paths, animal areas (dog-runs, goat pens & chicken coops, etc.)  Save room for future expansion, as septic fields only last about 30-50 years, depending on the soil and what you pour down the drain.

Hope this helps.  IF you need more info, shoot me another question.  I'm here to help.  Include your area of the country, if you care to, so I can direct you to any resources in your area)