Wow! That’s a lot of yard!

It's a large lot, and hopefully you have a deed map to work with. If not, I would recommend you get a 100-foot tapemeasure and measure the boundaries. Either way, draw the perimeter on graph paper (also known as quadrille paper), the largest you can find is probably 11x17, rarely 22x17, though 8.5x11 is the most available size. Tape several pages together to get a size that allows the greatest detail. Here is an ARTICLE on doing this and here is ANOTHER.

As noted in the articles, locate as accurately as possible the driveway, the house and any outbuildings that may be impacted. If you only want to work on an area away from the house you only need to detail features within its bounds. Those will be primarily trees and drainages. Tree types are usually designated with central circles for trunks and irregularly edged circles for the canopy. Drainage is indicated by an arrow in the direction of flow.

Check with your local government and utilities about easements. You shouldn't plant a hedge or build a fence within an easement, because the plants or fence could be destroyed by utility work. Mark easement lines as accurately as possible on your plan.

Now you need to consider what you want from your property. It may help to make lists for both you, your spouse, and any children. For instance, do you want to grow vegetables, grow flowers, have a show garden, have a quiet area to relax, read or enjoy wildlife? Do you need a place for kids and pets to run?

The fastest way to zone off an area is with a fence. The cost can vary by the amount of space enclosed and materials used. I do not think one has to have the same type of fence on all sides of a property. Put a solid fence where you don't want people to be able to see in. Use an open fence where you want neighbors to enjoy a space you have created.

When someone has a large lot like you do, I don't think it is necessary to mow the entire thing. You could sow wildflower seeds along the road or on either side of your driveway. You just can't mow until the flowers have all gone to seed, usually the beginning of July in the southern states. Easiest to sow seed where grass is sparse, then leave the area alone.

Modern Rustic Sagaponack · More Info

One last thought, you have a lot of trees around you house. Even woodland plants do better with some sun. Think about removing a tree where they grow too thickly, or removing the bottom branches from a tree to let more light in.

@mindshift, Thank you so much for this great advice. I have tackled huge areas in the back of my house and I ook how much work it is! I am having some tree limbs removed this coming week and I am looking at fencing options as well. will check with the city about easements too!