How to Combine New & Existing Elements in a Landscape Redesign

If you’re thinking about renovating your outdoor spaces, you might be wondering what’s going to happen to your existing landscape. While some homeowners are totally ready to start fresh with a blank slate, others might be reluctant to let go of certain plants that have sentimental value or meaning.

Or maybe you have some plants on your property that are still in great shape, and you’re wondering if they really have to go. You might be looking to be as budget-friendly as possible and want to reuse plant material when it makes sense.

Jump to Section

• Can You Mix New & Existing Plants in a Landscape Design?
• Do I Need to Tear Out Existing Plants for New Landscaping?
• Will Landscapers Design Around Existing Plants?
• Will Landscapers Insist on Ripping Out Existing Plants for New Designs?
• Can I Reuse Existing Hardscape Materials in My Landscape Design?
• Choosing Professional Landscape Design in Northern VA

In this article, we’ll discuss ways to combine new and existing elements in a landscape redesign.

We asked Amanda McNiff, our Landscape Designer, to discuss mixing existing and new plants in landscape design, including key considerations.

Can You Mix New & Existing Plants in a Landscape Design?

Yes, you can mix new and existing plants in a landscape design, but there are some caveats to keep in mind, says Amanda.

“One important thing to keep in mind is when plants are installed really close together,” she says. “For instance, say you have a row of Azaleas, and you want to keep one or two of them. The areas where the plants were touching one another are likely dead or at least woody. Once the surrounding plants are removed, the salvaged plants might look a little rough until they start to grow out.”

Amanda says you also have to consider how it might look to mix mature plants with brand-new ones. There can be aesthetic issues with scale until those new plants mature and fill in.

As long as homeowners understand what they’re getting, it’s often not an issue. Mixing existing and new plants in a landscape design is entirely achievable.

Do I Need to Tear Out Existing Plants for New Landscaping?

You do not necessarily need to tear out all your existing plants to get a new landscape design. As we discussed above, it’s often quite possible to mix existing and new plants.

Sometimes, we can also transplant (relocate) existing plants when completing a new landscape design, says Amanda.

Of course, if your main goal in reusing plant material is budget, you should consider a cost/benefit analysis of what you have.

If you are talking about a larger shrub or even an ornamental tree, moving it probably doesn't make sense.

“The cost/benefit analysis of the labor and risk involved in digging something out and moving it might not make sense,” Amanda explains. “You will not have a warranty on the plant material that was moved, versus if you have something new installed, you will have a warranty on that. Sometimes there is more risk and less cost effectiveness than just choosing something new.”

Amanda also says to consider how old the plants you want to save are. If they’ve only got a short amount of time left anyway, it may not make sense to save them. People sometimes forget that plants do have a shelf life and don’t live forever.

“If shrubs are overgrown or in rough shape, it’s probably going to make more sense and be more cost-effective in the long run to replace them than try to fix them,” Amanda adds.

It’s essential to consider the overall value of maximizing curb appeal with the best plants.

Will Landscapers Design Around Existing Plants?

Yes, landscapers will design around existing plants if that’s important to you. We understand that certain plants might have sentimental value.

“If a plant is healthy and was installed in the right spot and is performing well, there is often no reason why we can’t work around it or even transplant it to a new location,” Amanda says.

Generally speaking, perennials are among the easier plants to save or relocate, as they often do so easily. Your landscape designer should consider plant arrangement and which new plants might work well with existing plants that you want to save.

But Amanda says that larger plants, like evergreens, don’t always make sense to save. These are more likely to be overgrown and not to look “fresh” in the new landscape design.

It’s also not always cost-effective to try to save plant material, as discussed above. If something is going to die in a few years and you’ll need a landscaper to come back out and replace it, taking care of that all at once might make a lot more sense.

Keeping location in mind is essential as well, adds Amanda. If a plant was installed in a poor area, like too close to the home’s foundation, then it does make sense to replace or move it.

Will Landscapers Insist on Ripping Out Existing Plants for New Designs?

No, you don't need to rip out existing plants to install a new design. Many landscapers are happy to work with existing plant material when creating a new landscape design.

At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we understand that homeowners have different reasons for wanting to save plant material, and we’re always willing to discuss whether it’s possible and whether it makes sense.

But you can also count on us to be honest and transparent when it’s probably not the best choice for your design. There are times when it could cost you more hassle, headaches, and money to save plant material than it’s worth.

Can I Reuse Existing Hardscape Materials in My Landscape Design?

Yes, it is often possible to reuse existing building materials, like pavers. Whether it’s to be budget-conscious or because the homeowner really loves them, there are times when reusing existing hardscaping materials makes sense, says Amanda.

Of course, every situation is unique.

“If we have a client who really loves their pavers but they want a larger patio, it’s possible that those older pavers might not exist anymore,” Amanda says. “So, we might look at other ways we can use them, such as for a walkway or reusing them for a border. These are decisions we can discuss on a case-by-case basis.”

In some cases, starting fresh makes the most sense. If pavers aren’t in good shape, for instance, it’s not going to be a wise long-term decision to recycle them.

Ultimately, Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape is always looking for the best custom solution for each project and its unique circumstances.

Choosing Professional Landscape Design in Northern VA

At the end of the day, you must determine whether mixing existing and new plants in landscape design makes sense for your project or whether starting fresh with completely brand-new plants is the way to go.

Every situation is unique, and you must choose a design that works best for you. Making your home look special—and genuinely different from all of the other homes on the block—comes down to finding the unique solution that will work best for your property.

Success with this endeavor boils down to choosing wisely among landscaping companies. You want to make sure you’re working with a landscape designer who can put together a design that helps you get the most out of your space.

If saving or relocating specific plant material is essential to you, that’s a key factor to discuss. When you find a landscape designer who is willing to listen to your ideas and also make suggestions of their own, you’ve found the ultimate partnership.

At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we’d love to work with you on creating a dream landscape design that you can be proud of. Whether you’re looking for a simple plant installation project or something larger, we will pay attention to all the details that matter when creating the complete space you desire.

Are you ready for a landscape design that wows at your Arlington, VA home? If so, request your consultation, get your customized plan, and relax as you get the royal treatment.