Planting plans are generally required at the Technical Design Stage (RIBA stage 4) for resolving conditions or can be submitted with the landscape layout at the full planning application stage. Planting plans are important documents for tendering and are a key element of the contract, particularly at the Construction Stage (RIBA stage 5).

A planting plan is a technical drawing often produced in black and white to a fixed scale indicating the location, species, type and quantities of proposed soft landscaping including specimen trees, shrub beds, hedges, scrub or woodland, wildflower meadows, and grassed areas within the site boundary. The planting plan details plant species, quantities, sizes, densities, and plant specifications with the use of plant labels, an outline specification, and plant schedules.

The purpose of this drawing is to ensure that the landscape scheme has a positive impact on the site, immediate setting, and wider landscape, whilst also ensuring that the planting will be maintained successfully for the future.