Plot Size: 50 x 100 feet (5,000 sq. ft or ~465 sq. m)
Project Goal: Transform bare compound into a green, elegant, low-maintenance landscape with grass, shrubs, trees, and walkways.
🔹 Project Objectives
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Add grass lawn on the inside compound.
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Plant green shrubs along the inside of the perimeter wall.
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Add decorative and functional trees like palms and cypress.
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Create simple pathways and planting zones.
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Improve aesthetic and environmental value of the property.
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Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant design.
🔹 PHASE 1: Site Assessment & Planning (Week 1)
1. Draw a Simple Plan
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Mark:
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Walkways
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House footprint
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Parking space
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Entry/exit gate
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Utility zones (e.g., water tanks, clothesline)
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Set aside 3 main landscaping zones:
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Front yard: showpiece (lawns, flowers, palms)
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Side paths: walkways, utility access
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Backyard: shade trees, kitchen garden (optional)
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🔹 PHASE 2: Ground Preparation (Week 2)
1. Clear the Site
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Remove debris, construction waste, large stones.
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Level the land with a rake and hoe or hire a landscaper with a soil tiller.
2. Soil Improvement
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Mix compost or manure in topsoil for areas to be planted.
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Add red soil if original soil is clay-heavy.
Estimated cost (labour + manure): KSh 10,000 – KSh 15,000
🔹 PHASE 3: Lawn Grass Planting (Week 3)
Recommended Grass Types (Kenya):
Grass Type | Features |
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Kikuyu Grass | Fast-growing, tough, affordable |
Paspalum (Coastal) | Drought-tolerant, fine texture |
Arabian/Soft Carpet Grass | Premium look, needs more water |
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Turf Rolls (instant lawn) – Fast but costly
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Plugs or sprigs – Slower, cheaper
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Seeds – Cheapest, slowest
Average coverage cost (labour + grass):
KSh 30–50 per sq. m = KSh 15,000–25,000 for 300–400 sq. m
Maintenance Needs:
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Watering daily first 3 weeks, then twice weekly
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Mow after 3–4 weeks
🔹 PHASE 4: Planting Shrubs & Flower Hedges (Week 3–4)
Ideal Shrubs for Perimeter Wall:
Shrub | Features |
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Duranta | Green or gold leaves, fast-growing, good for borders |
Ixora | Small, flowering, easy to trim |
Croton | Colorful leaves, ornamental |
Bougainvillea | Climbs on wall, colorful flowers |
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Dig 1x1 ft holes, fill with compost
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Water twice a week
Cost estimate:
100–150 shrubs x KSh 30–50 = KSh 3,000–7,500
Labour: KSh 2,000–3,000
🔹 PHASE 5: Planting Trees (Week 4–5)
Recommended Trees:
Tree Type | Use |
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Palm Trees (Royal Palm, Date Palm) | Decorative for driveway or front |
Cypress | For fence lines, shade, windbreak |
Fruit Trees (Optional) | Mango, avocado at backyard corners |
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Add compost, allow spacing of 6–8 ft
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Water weekly first 3 months
Cost Estimate:
Tree | Quantity | Cost per Seedling | Total |
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Palm Trees | 6–10 | KSh 150–300 | KSh 1,500–3,000 |
Cypress Trees | 20–30 | KSh 50–80 | KSh 1,500–2,500 |
🔹 PHASE 6: Pathways & Stone Features (Optional but Nice)
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Use stones, pavers or gravel for paths
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Simple design around house perimeter
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Compact and slope slightly for drainage
Cost:
DIY path – KSh 5,000–10,000
Pro install – KSh 15,000–30,000
🔹 Maintenance Plan
Task | Frequency |
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Watering | Daily for first 2 weeks, then weekly |
Weeding | Weekly |
Mowing grass | Every 2–3 weeks |
Trimming shrubs | Monthly |
Pest control (organic/spray) | As needed |
🔹 Total Estimated Budget
Item | Range (KSh) |
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Site clearing & soil | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Grass planting | 15,000 – 25,000 |
Shrubs & hedge | 5,000 – 10,000 |
Trees | 3,000 – 6,000 |
Labour | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Pathways (optional) | 5,000 – 30,000 |
🔹 Tips for Success
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Start landscaping after heavy construction work is finished.
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Use local, drought-tolerant plants to save on water.
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Involve a gardener or landscaping expert for 2–3 weeks at the start.
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Harvest rainwater for irrigation.
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Use mulch to conserve soil moisture around trees and shrubs.
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