The landscape plan below, from the 1870 book, Suburban Home Grounds, points out a simple consideration that’s often overlooked in planning or landscaping modern homes. The dotted lines projecting from the house are sight lines. By drawing them, the designer can determine which views are allowed and which are blocked by the placement of windows or by the position of trees. By drawing similar lines aimed at distant views on your plot plan or survey, you’ll be able to take best advantage of them. Don’t forget that the process also works in reverse. Draw sight lines from your windows to anything you’d prefer not to see, and you’ll find the perfect spot for a hedge, a tree or a screen wall.