Recommended Free Tools
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Free scan · exact hardware match
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Free scan · no reinstall
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Track backyard landscaping by comparing a dated baseline with a whole-yard plan, then completing work in dependency order: document the existing site, resolve grading and drainage, install permanent hardscape, plant for the actual soil and exposure, and review each finished phase before starting the next. This approach keeps a multi-season project coherent even when you build it in stages.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Why a progress system matters
A backyard can look busy while remaining unfinished. New beds may be planted before water drains correctly, a path may not align with a future patio, or plants may be chosen for appearance without considering shade, soil or mature size. Progress is not simply the number of features installed; it is the number of planned dependencies resolved without creating rework.
University extension guidance treats landscaping as a design process rather than a series of isolated purchases. Mississippi State University Extension’s home-landscape guidance starts with a plan, while University of Maryland Extension advises phasing the plan over time and checking whether each feature functions before moving on. Your tracking method should therefore answer three questions at every stage: What changed, does it work, and what must be true before the next stage begins?
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
1. Create a reliable baseline before touching the yard
Your baseline is the reference against which every later photograph, measurement and decision is judged. Record conditions on a dry day if possible, and label the date on every file and sheet.
Photograph repeatable viewpoints
- Stand at each property corner and take a wide photograph facing the center.
- Photograph the main door, existing patio or deck, shed, fence gates and any view you intend to preserve.
- Take closer images of drainage outlets, low spots, retaining walls, tree trunks, irrigation components and damaged surfaces.
- Keep the camera height and approximate position consistent. Mark viewpoint locations on your sketch so the same angles can be repeated after each phase.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources recommends before photographs and measurements as part of design preparation. The value is comparative: a later image can show whether a slope was actually corrected, whether a planting bed expanded into a circulation route, or whether a mature tree is casting shade where none existed at installation.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Draw a measured site map
Copy an existing property plan if one is available, or make a scaled sketch. Add a north arrow and a rough scale, then label the house, outbuildings, fences, gates, driveways, decks, patios, utility structures and existing paving. Mark anything that must remain, anything under consideration for removal, and access routes for materials and equipment.
Oklahoma State University Extension’s planning guidance calls for recording existing vegetation, sun, wind, moisture, soil texture and slope. Add those observations to the map rather than relying on memory. Note where the ground stays wet after rain, where water leaves a downspout, where runoff crosses a path, and where soil is compacted by vehicles or construction.
Record conditions by area
| Area | Record now | Why it affects later work |
|---|---|---|
| House edge | Roof runoff, downspouts, windows, doors, foundation access and shade | Determines drainage fixes, clearance and plant tolerance |
| Open lawn | Sun hours, slope, low spots, compaction and intended activities | Guides grading, turf decisions and gathering-space placement |
| Existing beds | Plant names if known, mature size, irrigation and soil condition | Prevents removing useful plants or crowding replacements |
| Boundaries | Fences, walls, neighboring trees, wind exposure and access gates | Sets privacy, maintenance access and construction limits |
| Utilities | Visible lines, meters, cleanouts, drains and service routes | Protects infrastructure and informs local locating or permit checks |
Keep the original map unchanged. Make working copies for proposed grading, drainage, hardscape and planting so you can compare the design with the actual site.
2. Define how the yard must work before choosing plants
Write a short use brief before selecting materials. List the activities the space must support, who uses it, how often maintenance can occur, and which views or existing features matter. Typical functions include outdoor meals, children’s play, quiet seating, pet circulation, food growing, screening or a clear route from the house to the gate.
UF/IFAS Extension’s design guidance places user needs, plant growth, maintenance and sustainability in the design sequence. Turn those principles into decisions: a dining area needs a stable, adequately sized surface; a play area needs clear sightlines and resilient ground; a low-maintenance border needs plants that tolerate the site rather than constant irrigation.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
Separate constraints from opportunities
- Constraints: persistent shade, shallow or compacted soil, steep grades, standing water, narrow access, existing roots, utility corridors and local rules.
- Opportunities: a naturally sunny wall, an existing mature tree, a useful view, a serviceable patio base, a downspout that can be redirected, or a broad area suitable for one multipurpose surface.
Rank goals as essential, important or optional. This ranking prevents an attractive but nonessential feature from consuming the budget or space needed to correct a drainage problem.
3. Turn the design into phases with clear dependencies
Make one overall design, then divide it into phases that can stand on their own. A phase should have a defined start condition, a completion test and a record of decisions. The following order reflects extension recommendations about grading, drainage, permanent surfaces and planting.
| Phase | Work included | Do not advance until | Evidence to save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline and design | Photos, measurements, use brief, site inventory and concept plan | Major uses, constraints and priorities are documented | Dated photos, labeled map and approved phase list |
| Site preparation | Utility checks, removals, rough grading, soil assessment and drainage corrections | Water moves as intended and finished elevations are known | Updated grades, drainage observations and soil results |
| Infrastructure | Patios, paths, steps, walls, edging, irrigation sleeves and other permanent work | Surfaces are stable, accessible and aligned with the plan | Measurements, material notes and function check |
| Planting framework | Trees, beds, soil preparation, irrigation adjustments and screening | Plant locations match exposure, mature size and circulation | Plant list, bed dimensions and installation date |
| Refinement | Mulch, furnishings, accent plants, lighting and small corrections | Earlier phases operate without creating new problems | After photos, maintenance notes and open items |
Mississippi State University Extension recommends completing land leveling and grade changes first, correcting drainage before installation, and finishing permanent hard surfaces before other plantings. It also notes that trees may be planted early because they take time to mature, provided their locations do not conflict with construction and their site requirements are met.
4. Prepare the site: grade, drainage, soil and approvals
Resolve water movement before surfaces or beds
Observe the yard during and after rain. Trace where roof and paved-surface runoff travels, where it slows, and where it ponds. UGA Cooperative Extension’s site-analysis guidance emphasizes tracking sun and water movement. Mark these routes on your map and decide whether the plan will retain, redirect or safely convey the water.
Do not bury a drainage problem under a patio, wall or planting bed. Confirm that proposed finished elevations leave doors, steps, foundations and accessible routes functioning as intended. The correct remedy depends on the site; record the chosen outlet or infiltration area and observe it through a rainfall event before covering it.
Test soil before amending or planting
The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing nutrient content, pH, soil composition and organic matter, and points homeowners toward local Cooperative Extension or state-university services. Use the results to decide whether an amendment is needed and which plants are realistic.
| Assessment route | What is established | What to verify locally |
|---|---|---|
| Home soil kit | Can be used as a homeowner assessment option for relevant soil properties | Exact tests, interpretation method and whether results are sufficient for your project |
| Cooperative Extension or university service | EPA identifies local services as a source of soil testing and guidance | Available tests, sample instructions, interpretation and local recommendations |
No general cost, accuracy or turnaround comparison is established between these routes. Follow the sampling instructions for the service or kit you choose, and keep the report with your project log.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Check utilities, permits and access
Utility-locating procedures and permits vary by jurisdiction and were not specified in the extension guidance summarized here. Before digging or changing grades, contact the appropriate local locating service and permitting office. Record confirmation numbers, marked routes, setbacks and any restrictions on your map. Plan how workers, wheelbarrows and deliveries will enter without damaging areas that are already complete.
5. Build permanent features before most planting
Install the elements that determine circulation and finished elevations first: paths, steps, patios, retaining structures, edging, drainage structures and sleeves for future irrigation or lighting. Permanent work is difficult to move after roots and beds are established.
Use a phase completion check
- Walk every route from the house to each gate, seating area and service point.
- Check that doors, gates and steps open and function without conflict.
- Observe water during the first suitable rain or controlled hose test, without directing water onto neighboring property.
- Measure the installed dimensions against the plan and note deviations rather than silently redrawing the record.
- Photograph concealed pipes, sleeves and drainage components before backfilling.
Maryland Extension advises checking whether each feature works properly before moving to the next project. A surface that looks finished but sheds water toward a doorway is not a completed phase; list the correction as an open item and resolve it while access remains easy.
6. Plant for the conditions you documented
Plant selection follows the site inventory and the design, not the other way around. Match each plant’s light, moisture, soil and mature dimensions to the recorded location. Account for wind, slope, irrigation reach and the clearance needed around paths, windows, utilities and structures.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Place trees deliberately
Trees can be installed early when their final positions are known and construction will not damage them. Protect existing and newly planted root zones from compaction. Record the species or cultivar, planting date, intended mature size and the reason the location suits the site.
Install beds after grades and circulation are settled
Lay out bed edges with a hose or temporary markers, then walk the routes from several directions. Confirm that beds do not narrow a path, block a gate, trap water or prevent access to valves and cleanouts. Amend soil only according to test results and the needs of the chosen plants.
7. Maintain a progress log that survives several seasons
A simple log makes progress observable even when weather delays work. Create one entry per phase and area. Include:
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
- completion date and weather conditions;
- the plan version used;
- work completed and work intentionally deferred;
- materials, plant names and quantities;
- measurements that changed from the plan;
- problems found, the corrective action and who must act;
- the next phase’s prerequisites; and
- the date for the next review.
Use consistent photo filenames that contain the date, viewpoint and area. Keep baseline images separate from progress images so they are not overwritten. On the map, use a simple status key such as planned, in progress, complete and needs correction; define the key once and use it consistently.
Measure function, not just appearance
For a path, record whether all intended users can travel it without stepping into beds. For a drainage feature, record where water went after rain. For a planting bed, record survival, irrigation coverage and whether mature-size clearances remain plausible. These observations reveal defects that a wide photograph can hide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.8. Use review gates to decide whether to advance
At the end of each phase, compare the new photographs with the baseline and answer the following in writing:
- What was completed exactly as planned?
- What changed because site conditions differed from the drawing?
- Does the feature perform its intended function under normal use or weather?
- Did the work create a new constraint for a later phase?
- What must be repaired, monitored or approved before proceeding?
If a phase fails its function test, pause the next phase. Correcting a grade before planting is usually simpler than removing established plants or dismantling a finished surface. If the phase passes, update the map, archive the photos and release only the next dependent task rather than starting every attractive idea at once.
Common progress-tracking failures and fixes
Starting with plants because they are the visible change
Symptom: beds are full, but paths, drainage or future utilities are unresolved. Fix: return to the whole-yard plan, mark permanent work and protect access corridors before adding more plants.
Using an unmeasured sketch
Symptom: a patio, tree or bed is larger than expected and circulation no longer works. Fix: remeasure fixed features, add a scale and redraw working copies while preserving the original baseline.
Ignoring small water problems
Symptom: puddles, eroded mulch or damp soil appear after installation. Fix: observe the flow during rain, identify the upstream source and correct grading or conveyance before covering the area.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
Choosing plants before soil and exposure are known
Symptom: repeated replacement, weak growth or excessive watering. Fix: use a soil test, map sun and moisture differences, and select plants for the actual micro-site.
Declaring completion when construction ends
Symptom: a feature looks finished but has not been used or observed in weather. Fix: schedule a function review, record defects and close the phase only after corrections or a deliberate monitoring plan.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteA workable example of phased progress
Suppose a yard needs a dining area, a safer route to the side gate, screening from a neighboring view and a low-maintenance planting border. The baseline map reveals a downspout discharging toward the proposed dining area, compacted soil along the gate route and afternoon shade beside the fence.
- Design: place the dining area on a corrected grade, route the path along the measured access line, reserve the shaded fence strip for compatible plants and mark the downspout route.
- Preparation: verify utilities, correct the grade, address the downspout discharge and test soil in the future border.
- Infrastructure: install the path, dining surface and any drainage or irrigation sleeves; photograph concealed work and test circulation.
- Planting: install screening and border plants selected for the mapped light, moisture and soil conditions; protect access to utilities.
- Review: compare photographs, observe the first substantial rain, use the dining area and walk the gate route before adding decorative refinements.
The example demonstrates why a progress record is more than a diary: each phase removes a dependency that could otherwise force demolition or replanting.
What you can and cannot predict in advance
Extension guidance supports the order of decisions, but it does not provide a universal backyard timeline or cost. Weather, site access, permitting, soil conditions, plant availability and the amount of work done by the homeowner or contractors all change the schedule. Set dates for review gates rather than promising a fixed completion date, and treat any one-time material or labor estimate as project-specific.
For a defensible progress assessment, the strongest evidence is your dated baseline, measured map, soil and drainage records, phase checklist and post-completion observations. Together they show not only what was installed, but whether the yard is working as designed and whether the next investment is ready to begin.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
