What should be taken into account before starting a new landscape design project?

In landscape design, taking into account the utility locations is crucial for several reasons. Before starting a project, it's essential to ensure that any existing underground or above-ground utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications are properly identified and mapped out. This not only helps in planning the layout to avoid damage during the installation of new features but also ensures the safety of workers and the public. Additionally, knowing the locations of utilities can inform design decisions, such as where to place elements like trees, patios, or irrigation systems, preventing any future conflicts or costly relocations.

While personal preferences, budget constraints, and the history of soil conditions are important considerations in the landscape design process, they do not directly impact the feasibility and safety of the physical implementation of the design as much as utility locations do. Awareness of utility placements is foundational and must be addressed first to facilitate a successful project.