1. Plan ahead: Before starting any landscaping project, make sure to plan out the layout and design that you want. This will help you stay on track and avoid any costly mistakes.

2. Consider your climate: Take into account your local climate to ensure that you choose plants and trees that will thrive in your area.

3. Choose the right plants: Select plants and trees that are well-suited to your space and will complement your overall design.

4. Create a focal point: Incorporate a focal point such as a waterfall, statue, or flower bed to draw attention and provide visual interest.

5. Use the right materials: Choose materials for hardscaping such as stone, wood, or brick that match your overall design and will hold up well over time.

6. Think about lighting: Use lighting to highlight key areas of your outdoor space and create atmosphere.

7. Add seating: Make sure to include seating areas in your design to encourage outdoor leisure and relaxation.

8. Maintain regularly: Keep up with regular maintenance tasks such as watering, pruning, and weeding to ensure your landscaping looks its best year-round.