Step 37 can be done anytime, but I recommend landscaping after roofing, siding, and everything on the inside is finished. Digging, ladders, trucks, staged materials, trash, debris and workers. are examples of things that will mess up the beautiful work in the yard if you squeeze this scope in too soon. However, there are exceptions. In 2014, we landscaped at the beginning of the Country Victorian project since we were filming the pilot episode of American Rehab Charleston. We had to repair and redo a lot of this work, but it was part of the adventure of renovating a house for a TV show and worth it. But as a practical rule of thumb, work in the yard is best at the end of the project.
All of my renovations have been unique and there doesn't seem to be a common landscaping thread other than that I try to make the most of whatever is already there — trees, bushes, walkways, and maybe even fencing. By the end of your project you should have a solid handle on what to keep and what should go.
Unless your property looks like a missile testing site (The Money Pit), you'll probably be able to receive your certificate of occupancy before the yard work is complete. And before you start to dig holes for plants, be sure to have local utility companies, plumbers, and electricians mark the ground for pipes and buried wires under the surface.
If you're working a flip, you might consider completing Step 37 with a minimalistic approach. This will be economical plus give your home buyers a chance to really make their own mark on the yard.
