Designing a dream yard is a major investment; financially, emotionally, and in the lifestyle it brings to your home. But not every homeowner wants (or needs) to complete everything at once. Phasing your landscape project can be an excellent strategy for staying within budget while still achieving the complete, cohesive final design you envision.
However… phasing only works when the planning is done right.
At Copper Ridge Landscaping and Design, we specialize in designing yards that can be built in stages without ever looking unfinished and without wasting money. Here’s how to plan your project in phases the right way.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is designing a dream yard far outside their comfort zone, hoping it will “work out in phases.” If you’re not willing (or able) to invest $200,000 into your yard, you shouldn’t be designing for a $200,000 yard.
Why? Because you’ll end up installing only part of a much bigger design, and the result will feel incomplete, mismatched, or frustrating. You don’t want half a yard that never looks like the vision you fell in love with.
Instead:
A good landscape designer will help guide you through this from the very beginning so no money gets wasted and no phase feels like a compromise.
Nothing drives up cost faster than having to redo work that wasn’t planned correctly the first time.
We see this often, especially when homeowners complete Phase 1 without a master plan for Phases 2 and 3.
One of our clients, the Orlandi family, had Phase 1 of their yard built by another company without designing the rest of the space first. Their pool was placed directly in the middle of the future walkway, blocking the flow of the yard and preventing any true design cohesion.
Now, they want their yard to match the quality and look of the work we do, and to do it right, they’re having to:
This happens all the time, especially with pool placement. A pool company installs the pool without considering patios, pergolas, walkways, future phases, or the overall aesthetic.
A pool isn’t just a pool, it’s part of the entire outdoor experience. And once a pool is set, it’s expensive to fix.
Create a master plan for the entire yard before breaking ground on Phase 1. That way, every decision—even early ones—supports your final vision.
Even if you’re phasing the project, the order of operations in landscaping doesn’t change. Understanding this helps avoid tearing up finished areas later.
Here’s the correct build sequence:
Patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, and structural elements must go in first.
If you’re planning to add a BBQ island later, then:
You can add the BBQ at the end, but you don’t want to tear up a brand-new patio to do it.
This includes both natural grass and artificial turf. These areas must be installed after the hardscaping to prevent damage from equipment and foot traffic.
Planting is what brings the space to life, but it should always be the final step. Heavy equipment used earlier can easily damage vegetation, so planting last protects your investment.
This is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of phasing.
If you know you’re going to add a pool, pergola, sports court, or any structure later, the design must ensure that:
We design all future access pathways from the very beginning so you never lose plants, turf, irrigation, or hardscape simply because equipment couldn’t get through.
A well-planned phased project ensures:
Phasing your project should be a smart financial strategy, not a design limitation.
When you:
✔ Set realistic budget expectations
✔ Create a complete master plan before starting
✔ Follow correct construction order
✔ And plan for future equipment access
…you get a yard that looks cohesive, beautiful, intentional, and finished; even when it’s completed over time.
If you’re considering phasing your project and want a design that supports your long-term vision, our team is here to help create a landscape that’s both stunning today and seamlessly ready for tomorrow.
We’re Now Copper Ridge Landscaping & Design! ELM Landscaping & Design is rebranding to Copper Ridge Landscaping & Design. Same trusted team and ownership. Same licensed, bonded, and insured company, proudly serving you for over 25 years. Thank you for growing with us!