Preparing Your Garden for a Major Landscaping Project

Are you thinking about giving your garden a major makeover and know it’s finally the right time?  And would you say yes to a simple checklist that helps you get everything ready before the landscapers arrive? Before any major landscaping project starts, a little preparation goes a long way. Getting clear on your ideas, checking your site, and doing a few simple tasks around the garden can save time, reduce stress, and help your project run smoothly. 

Let’s go through the key steps to prepare your garden for a major landscaping project in Australia, so you’re ready when the professionals turn up.

9 Simple steps to get your garden ready for a big landscaping project

Before a big garden makeover starts, a little preparation from you can make the whole job easier, faster, and less stressful.

1. Be clear about what you want from your garden

Think about how you want to use your garden in everyday life. Do you want space for kids or pets? A spot for BBQs and outdoor dinners? A quiet corner to sit with a coffee? Somewhere for veggies and herbs?

Write a simple list of:

• Must-haves (things you really need)
• Nice-to-haves (things you’d like if the budget allows)

It helps your landscaper design a garden that suits your lifestyle, not just one that looks good in photos.

2. Walk around and notice what the garden is like now

Take a slow walk around your yard and pay attention to:

• Where the sun hits and where it’s shady
• Areas that get strong wind
• Places where water sits after heavy rain
• Whether the soil feels hard, clay-like, sandy, or loose

It gives you and your landscaper a basic idea of the sun, shade, wind, and drainage on your site, which will affect the layout and plant choices.

3. Decide what to keep and what to remove

Not everything has to go. Look at your current garden and ask:

• Are there trees, shrubs, or plants you really love?
• Are there solid features (like a good deck, path, or fence) that still work well?
• Are there old or broken things you’re happy to get rid of?

Make a simple list of “keep” and “remove”. It helps the landscaper protect the important bits and plan what needs to be cleared.

4. Do a basic tidy-up

You don’t have to clean the garden perfectly, but a basic tidy helps a lot.

• Pick up toys, tools, old pots, and rubbish.
• Move loose items out of the way.
• If you want to, pull some obvious weeds from paths and open areas.

A cleaner garden makes it easier for the landscaper to see levels, access points, and the real condition of the ground.

5. Think about access for people and machines

Landscaping often needs machines, tools, and deliveries of soil, mulch, or stones. Ask yourself:

• How will people, wheelbarrows, or small machines get into the backyard?
• Is there a side gate or path that is too narrow?
• Is there space on the driveway or verge for a skip bin or materials?

If access is tricky, mention this early so the landscaper can plan around it.

6. Set a budget and choose your priorities

Before you meet the landscaper, think about:

• How much are you comfortable spending
• Which parts of the project matter most (for example, quality paving and decking vs. fancy plants)

Sometimes it makes sense to do the garden in stages, for example, build the main structures now and add more planting later. A clear budget and priority list help your landscaper suggest what to do first.

7. Check if any rules or approvals might apply

In some areas, big changes like pools, high retaining walls, or major level changes may require council approval or comply with local rules. If you live in a strata or new estate, there may be guidelines about front gardens or fences.

You don’t need to know every detail, but having a basic idea of any rules helps your landscaper design something that fits and avoids delays later.

8. Plan for pets, kids, and your belongings

Think about how the work will affect your daily life.

• Where will pets stay while gates are open or machinery is in use on site?
• Can you move fragile items, such as garden ornaments, pots, and furniture, to a safe spot?
• Are there plants you’d like to save and move later?

Let your landscaper know about any special items or plants you want to protect.

A little prep makes your garden makeover much easier

At Zones Landscaping Australia, we guide you through this preparation as part of our process. We talk through how you use your outdoor space, what you’d like to change, and your budget, then plan a garden makeover that fits your lifestyle and site. From first ideas through to final planting, our team manages the details so you can enjoy watching your new garden take shape. If you’re ready to plan a major landscaping project and want help from start to finish, get in touch with Zones AU. 

We’ll help you prepare properly and turn your garden into a space you love spending time in.