If you’ve ever stepped into a thoughtfully designed backyard with a cozy fire pit, elegant paver patio or a fully outfitted outdoor kitchen, you’ve felt the pull of outdoor living. More and more homeowners are realizing the value of outdoor spaces, not just for entertaining, but for relaxing, recharging and making everyday memories. So, when is the best time to start planning your outdoor space? And what should you know before you begin?
At Seiler’s Landscaping, we believe the best landscapes begin with a strong plan and great timing. Whether you’re dreaming of hosting summer parties, enjoying peaceful fall evenings by the fire or creating a backyard oasis that fits your family’s lifestyle, your success depends on when — and how — you start the process.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about planning your outdoor living space and building it with confidence.
What Is an Outdoor Living Space?
Before we dive into timing and planning, let’s answer the most foundational question: What is an outdoor living space?
An outdoor living space is an intentional, functional extension of your home that’s designed for daily enjoyment. It blends comfort, design and utility, often featuring elements like:
Outdoor kitchens and built-in grills.
Pergolas, pavilions or shade structures.
Fire pits or fireplaces.
Retaining walls and seating areas.
Pools, spas or water features.
These spaces are built for gathering, entertaining, dining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. And when planned correctly, they can enhance your property’s value, increase livable square footage and bring daily joy to your family.
The Dreaming and Design Phase: Your Vision, Our Expertise
Creating a great outdoor living space starts with dreaming. Whether your style leans cozy and classic or sleek and modern, the design process is where your vision begins to take shape.
At Seiler’s Landscaping, we believe this should be an exciting and collaborative experience. You bring the ideas; we bring decades of Cincinnati landscaping knowledge and award-winning creativity.
We’ll guide you through:
Design consultations to uncover your lifestyle needs and aesthetic preferences.
Site evaluations to assess drainage, grading, sunlight and space.
Material selection to choose pavers, stone, lighting and plantings that thrive in our region.
The best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. With the right contractor, the dreaming phase isn’t overwhelming—it’s energizing. We’ll help refine your ideas into something that looks stunning and fits your lifestyle, budget, and timeline.
Why Timing Matters: When to Plan vs. When to Build
You might be tempted to wait until early summer to start your outdoor project, but by then, it could already be late.
The Best Time to Plan Your Outdoor Living Space?
Late Fall Through Winter
This is the ideal window to work with a professional designer and contractor. Planning during the off-season means:
Contractor availability is better: Spring and summer schedules fill up fast. By planning in fall or winter, you get more flexible timelines and attention.
Permits and approvals won’t slow you down: We handle the red tape — zoning, drainage, HOA requirements — so you’re not stuck waiting.
You’ll beat the spring rush: By having your design finalized early, you’ll be first in line for installation when the weather warms up.
Material pricing may be more favorable: Prices and availability fluctuate seasonally. Early planning helps us lock in better options.
The Best Time to Build Your Outdoor Living Space?
Spring to Early Summer, or Early Fall
These seasons offer the best combination of weather, plant viability and construction conditions. Spring builds allow you to enjoy your space for the full season. Early fall builds avoid peak heat and are ideal for plant installations due to cooler temperatures and consistent rain.
But remember: Builds can only begin once planning is complete. That’s why the best projects start months in advance.
Factors That Go Into Building a Great Outdoor Space
A successful outdoor living space is more than just design. Here’s what Seiler’s Landscaping considers to make sure everything works perfectly today and in the years to come.
1. Site Conditions
Every property is different. We analyze:
Soil type and grading.
Drainage and water flow.
Sun/shade patterns.
Existing structures and utilities.
We design around these elements to avoid future problems and ensure durability.
2. Lifestyle Needs
Are you an entertainer? A gardener? A family with young kids? We tailor the space around how you want to use it. A quiet reading nook has different needs than an area meant for parties.
3. Design Style and Material Choices
Cincinnati homes range in architectural style. Your outdoor living area should complement your home’s aesthetic. We guide you through material and color selections to create harmony and longevity.
4. Code Compliance and Permits
Outdoor construction often requires permits and must comply with city or county regulations. Our team handles this for you, making sure everything is above-board and hassle-free.
5. Budget and Phasing
We understand that dream spaces can come with big visions. That’s why we can phase large projects into stages, giving you a clear path forward, even if you don’t do it all at once.
Why Work With a Landscaper
A true outdoor living space is not a casual project. Working with a professional like Seiler’s Landscaping saves time, stress and long-term headaches. Here’s why:
Code knowledge and compliance: We know Cincinnati regulations, from setback distances to drainage requirements. DIYers often miss these steps and can end up redoing or removing work.
Quality Materials and Craftsmanship: We source high-quality, long-lasting materials and install them properly the first time. You get warranties, reliability, and a beautiful finished product that lasts.
Project management: From design to demolition to delivery and cleanup, we handle everything. You don’t have to coordinate suppliers, schedule crews or troubleshoot issues.
Long-term value: Our designs are built for durability, usability and low maintenance. You’ll spend more time enjoying your yard and less time fixing it.
Insurance and licensing: We’re fully insured and licensed, giving you peace of mind. If something goes wrong (rare, but possible), you’re protected.
Benefits of Outdoor Living
A well-designed outdoor space offers incredible benefits. Some of them include:
Increased usable square footage without adding walls.
Natural spaces to gather with family and friends.
Increased property value and curb appeal.
Having a daily escape right outside your back door
Whether you’re sipping coffee on a quiet morning or hosting a graduation party, your outdoor space becomes the backdrop for life’s best moments.
Why Cincinnati Homeowners Choose Seiler’s Landscaping
When you work with Seiler’s, you’re partnering with a local company that’s been creating Cincinnati’s most beautiful outdoor spaces since 1977. We’ve helped over 15,000 homeowners love their landscaping, and we’re still growing, one dream yard at a time.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Award-winning designs from Homearama and the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show
Family-owned values with a commitment to long-term client relationships
Local plant expertise to ensure everything we install thrives
Full-service capabilities from concept through construction and maintenance
Transparent communication so you always know what to expect
We don’t just build patios and plant shrubs, we create backdrops for family dinners, neighborhood get-togethers and peaceful moments of solitude.
Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Space?
If you’re ready to create an outdoor living space that makes your home your happy place, we’re here to help.
Let’s design something incredible—together.
