Why Wide-Open Land Is an Opportunity, Not a Problem

When people look at a piece of wide open land, their first thought is often, "There's no privacy here." They picture an exposed property with little to no cover. But what if instead of seeing a problem, you saw an opportunity?

That’s exactly how I approach open land—it's a blank slate. A chance to shape the property exactly how I want, whether it's for privacy, aesthetics, or functionality.

Starting with a Vision

When I first looked at my own property, it was completely open. No natural barriers, no screening—just land. Instead of seeing that as a downside, I saw a chance to design the landscape. The first step was figuring out where major elements would go:

• The home site – Where would the house have the best views and privacy?
• Trails and access – How would we move through the land easily?
• Natural screening – How could trees and vegetation create privacy and wind protection over time?

Once I had a plan, it was time to bring it to life.

Using Trees to Shape the Land

One of the best ways to transform an open property is through strategic planting. Many counties in Wisconsin offer tree and seed programs, allowing landowners to purchase young trees in bulk at discounted rates. I’ve taken advantage of these programs for the past two years, planting everything from red pines to oaks.

For a mix of fast results and long-term growth, I also bought:

• Mature trees from Home Depot and Menards (like fruit trees, oak, and willow)
• County program seedlings (smaller, but much cheaper in bulk)

This approach allowed me to create a mix of taller, established trees and younger trees that will fill in over time.

Laying Out the Property

With the trees planted, I started shaping the property further:

• Planning the driveway and trails so they naturally fit into the landscape
• Mowing sections in the fall to prepare for seeding
• Planting prairie seed to add diversity and reduce erosion

Now, as the trees grow, the property is taking shape exactly how I imagined. Instead of working around existing structures or forests, I’m building the landscape from scratch.

The Long-Term Benefits of Designing Open Land

At first, it may seem like an open property offers nothing—but in reality, it offers total control over how you develop it. Over time, my land will naturally become more private, functional, and visually appealing.

If you’re looking at an open lot and feel unsure about its potential, consider this: You’re not buying a finished property—you’re buying the chance to create one.

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