Austin Family Backyard Remodel

Austin Family Backyard Remodel

Austin Family Backyard Remodel

We recently completed a backyard makeover for an Austin family. This is a 25’ X 50’ soccer field for their children. It started as a 5 degree slope. The artificial turf is very low maintenance, and attractive year-round. We also installed the stone patio with stone planter and concrete deck, as well as the Trex deck with stairs down to the patio.

Beyond the soccer field, we added a sophisticated stone patio, complete with a stone planter that adds a natural touch to the design. Adjacent to the patio is a sleek concrete deck, offering a durable and stylish area for outdoor furniture or entertaining. To enhance the flow of the backyard, we constructed a Trex deck that gracefully connects to the patio via a set of stairs, making it easy to move between the different levels of the space. This remodel successfully blends functionality with aesthetics, creating a backyard that the Austin family can enjoy for years to come.

Backyard Makeover
Backyard Makeover

Check Customer Review

Explore customer reviews for Outdoor Designs TX and see how our Landscape Designer in Texas have consistently exceeded expectations. Our clients across Texas rave about our ability to blend creativity with functionality, turning ordinary spaces into stunning outdoor havens. Discover why homeowners trust us for innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship that enhance the beauty and value of their properties. Read their stories and see the difference our expertise can make in your own outdoor transformation.

Get in touch with Outdoor Designs TX for all your landscape design needs on Backyard Makeover. Whether you have questions, need a consultation, or are ready to start your outdoor transformation, our team is here to help. Contact us today and let’s bring your vision to life!

Landscape Retaining Walls

Landscape Retaining Walls

We specialize in designing and building landscape retaining walls that enhance both the functionality and beauty of outdoor spaces.

Landscape Retaining Walls Outdoor designs Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander & Pflugerville
Landscape Retaining Walls Outdoor designs Cedar Park Outdoor designs Cedar ParkFlood Control, Terracing, family land use

Flood Control Solution

The rain has arrived! It’s been a moist spring for many residents in the Hill Country, and numerous homeowners are confronting the genuine threat of home flooding. In regions prone to flooding, the installation of a retaining wall could mean the difference between a dry home and a submerged home. A well-built retaining wall not only prevents soil erosion but also safeguards against soil collapse. Here’s why a retaining wall should be on your radar for home improvement.

What Exactly is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall functions as a barrier that holds back soil. It’s commonly used to manage soil at varying elevations or to support terraced gardens and filled earth. Typically, Landscape retaining walls are crafted from materials such as concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timber, natural stone, or boulders. For homeowners seeking an alternative to fencing that also offers privacy and redirects water flow, a retaining wall is an appealing choice.

Shield Against Flooding

Beyond soil containment and erosion prevention, a retaining wall can serve as a deterrent against floodwaters by channeling them toward the street. This means a retaining wall can shield your property from flood-related damage, including floating debris. For those tired of deploying sandbags every flood season, a retaining wall offers a more permanent solution.

Added Perks

Consider the process of digging a hole: as you excavate, some soil inevitably collapses back into the hole from the sides. Similarly, on a larger scale, land behaves in a similar manner—the sides are prone to crumbling. In regions with hilly or rolling terrain, a retaining wall aids in maximizing land utilization while enhancing landscape aesthetics and structural integrity. Moreover, in areas with heavy rainfall, a retaining wall is essential for preventing mudslides and ensuring soil stability. Contact Wes of Outdoor Designs for a consultation regarding your landscape issues.

 

 

The rain has arrived! It’s been a moist spring for many residents in the Hill Country, and
numerous homeowners are confronting the genuine threat of home flooding. In regions prone to
flooding, the installation of a retaining wall could mean the difference between a dry home and a
submerged home. A well-built retaining wall not only prevents soil erosion but also safeguards
against soil collapse. Here’s why a retaining wall should be on your radar for home
improvement.

What Exactly is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall functions as a barrier that holds back soil. It’s commonly used to manage soil at
varying elevations or to support terraced gardens and filled earth. Typically, retaining walls are
crafted from materials such as concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timber, natural stone,
or boulders. For homeowners seeking an alternative to fencing that also offers privacy and
redirects water flow, a retaining wall is an appealing choice.
Shield Against Flooding
Beyond soil containment and erosion prevention, a retaining wall can serve as a deterrent
against floodwaters by channeling them toward the street. This means a retaining wall can
shield your property from flood-related damage, including floating debris. For those tired of
deploying sandbags every flood season, a retaining wall offers a more permanent solution. Added Perks Consider the process of digging a hole: as you excavate, some soil inevitably collapses back
into the hole from the sides. Similarly, on a larger scale, land behaves in a similar manner—the sides are prone to crumbling. In regions with hilly or rolling terrain, a retaining wall aids in maximizing land utilization while enhancing landscape aesthetics and structural integrity.
Moreover, in areas with heavy rainfall, a retaining wall is essential for preventing mudslides and ensuring soil stability. Contact Wes of Outdoor Designs for a consultation regarding your landscape issues.

Get in touch with Outdoor Designs TX for all your landscape design needs on Backyard Makeover. Whether you have questions, need a consultation, or are ready to start your outdoor transformation, our team is here to help. Contact us today and let’s bring your vision to life!

Transforming Drainage Woes: The Magic of Land Grading

Transforming Drainage Woes

We specialize in transforming drainage woes into efficient and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Do you find yourself grappling with persistent drainage issues in your property, watching helplessly as rainwater pools in inconvenient places, causing erosion and damage? The solution might lie in a simple yet highly effective technique: land grading. Land grading, the process of reshaping the ground surface to achieve a desired slope, has proven to be a game-changer in addressing and preventing drainage problems.

One of the primary benefits of land grading is its ability to redirect water flow away from problematic areas. By adjusting the slope of the land, Outdoor Designs can guide rainwater towards designated drainage points, preventing the formation of puddles and minimizing soil erosion. This strategic reshaping not only safeguards your property but also ensures the longevity of structures and landscaping.

Land Grading:

Moreover, land grading offers a sustainable solution to drainage issues. Rather than relying on costly and temporary fixes like French drainage pipes or frequent manual interventions, grading establishes a long-term, low-maintenance solution. It works with the natural topography of the land, harnessing its innate ability to channel water efficiently. This approach not only conserves resources but also reduces the environmental impact of constant interventions.
Land grading is a versatile technique applicable to various scenarios, from residential yards to large commercial properties. It can be customized to address specific issues, such as standing water around foundations, uneven landscapes, or poorly drained lawns. The flexibility of land grading makes it a holistic and efficient solution for diverse drainage challenges.
In conclusion, the transformative power of land grading in resolving drainage issues cannot be overstated. By reshaping the land to guide water flow appropriately, this method not only mitigates existing problems but also prevents future ones, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for property owners. So, if you’re tired of battling with puddles and erosion, consider the magic of land grading to reclaim your property from the clutches of drainage woes. Call or email Outdoor Designs today!

Transforming Drainage Woes: The Magic of Land Grading
Transforming Drainage Woes: The Magic of Land Grading
Drainage-Issue-Repaired

Residential Wildfire Season Checklist

Residential Wildfire Season Checklist

Residential Wildfire Season Checklist

Texas A & M has created a very useful guide to residential wildfire threats. Please use this guide to address the real danger of wildfires to Texas Homes.

ready-set-go_tfs

Plant for Shade: 6 Best Trees to Plant for Shade in Texas Hill Country

6 Best Trees to Plant for Shade in Texas Hill Country

For the Texas Hill Country, where the climate can be hot and dry, selecting plants that thrive in shade and can handle the region’s conditions is essential.
Best Trees to Plant for Shade in Texas Hill Country​

Additionally, We are often asked: what best trees should be planted for shade here in the Hill Country? Moreover, The folks over at Pedernales Electric have created this chart to guide your choice of shade trees, and replacing cleared cedar.

texas-mountain-laurel-tree

Texas mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

However, These evergreen shrubs can grow 10-20 feet high. Furthermore, Consider using this flowering plant to create attractive shade around your HVAC unit and help increase its efficiency up to 10%.

Benefits

  1. Ornamental Beauty: Additionally, Texas Mountain Laurel is prized for its ornamental value. Moreover, The plant’s evergreen foliage, beautiful clusters of purple-blue flowers, and neat growth habit make it an attractive addition to landscapes and gardens.
  2. Fragrance: The grape-like fragrance of Texas Mountain Laurel flowers is one of its most beloved features. Moreover, The sweet scent is not only pleasant for humans but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  3. Wildlife Attraction: The fragrant flowers of Texas Mountain Laurel attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting this shrub, you can contribute to the health of local pollinator populations.
  4. Drought Tolerance: Texas Mountain Laurel is well adapted to arid and drought-prone environments. Moreover, It requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise and xeriscaped gardens.

quercus-laceyi

Lacey oak (Quercus laceyi)

Moreover, A small to mid-sized landscape tree with deep blue-green foliage, this oak wilt-resistant species provides great shade for south-facing windows with its low-spreading crown.

Benefits

  1. Drought Tolerance: Lacey Oak is well adapted to arid and semi-arid regions. Additionally, It has a high level of drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for water-efficient landscaping and xeriscaping.
  2. Wildlife Habitat: The acorns produced by Lacey Oak provide an important food source for wildlife such as squirrels, deer, and various bird species. Moreover, The tree’s branches and foliage can also offer shelter and nesting sites for birds.
  3. Erosion Control: Additionally, The extensive root system of Lacey Oak helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion on slopes and hilly terrain.
  4. Air Quality Improvement: Like other trees, Lacey Oak contributes to improved air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Moreover, Trees also help filter pollutants from the air, promoting a healthier environment

Post oak (Quercus stellata)

Post oak (Quercus stellata)

Another oak wilt-resistant species that can grow in poor rocky soil, this stately tree will produce great shade for your home. Moreover, It can reach heights as tall as 50 feet.

Benefits

  1. Wildlife Habitat: The acorns produced by Post Oak serve as a crucial food source for various wildlife, including deer, squirrels, turkeys, and other bird species. The tree’s branches and foliage can also provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.
  2. Erosion Control: Additionally, The extensive root system of Post Oak helps stabilize soil, making it effective in reducing erosion on slopes and in areas with challenging soil conditions.
  3. Carbon Sequestration: Like other trees, Post Oak contributes to carbon sequestration, helping mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  4. Air Quality Improvement: Trees, including Post Oak, play a role in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Moreover, They help filter out particulate matter and other contaminants from the air.

Burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

This large growing, oak wilt-resistant species can provide enough shade for your entire home. Its attractive bark and unique acorns make it a great specimen tree for your yard.

Benefits

  1. Native Landscaping: As a native species, Burr Oak is well-suited for use in native landscaping and ecological restoration projects. Furthermore, Planting native species helps maintain the health and balance of local ecosystems.
  2. Educational Value: Burr Oak can be used in educational settings to teach about native plants, wildlife, and ecological relationships.
  3. Medicinal and Cultural Uses: Indigenous peoples have historically used various parts of the Burr Oak tree for medicinal and cultural purposes. For example, parts of the tree were used in traditional medicine and basket weaving.
  4. Biodiversity Support: By planting Burr Oak and other native species, you contribute to creating habitats that support local insects, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Pecan-plant

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)

Hardy pecans can handle the heat and grow best in full sunlight up to heights of 65 feet. Plant this tree in areas where nuts will not disturb walkways and gutters.

Benefits

  1. Nut Production: Pecan trees produce nutritious and flavorful nuts that are enjoyed by people and wildlife alike. Pecans are a popular ingredient in cooking and baking and are rich in healthy fats, protein, and nutrients.
  2. Economic Value: Pecan cultivation has significant economic importance. Pecan nuts are commercially harvested, contributing to the agricultural industry and providing income for farmers.
  3. Wildlife Habitat: Pecan trees provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and insects. The nuts are an important food source for these animals, contributing to local ecosystems.
  4. Shade and Cooling: The large, spreading canopy of Pecan trees provides ample shade, making them valuable for shading homes, streets, and outdoor spaces. This shade helps reduce cooling costs in hot climates.

Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii)

Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii)

The largest growing tree on this list, is a fast-growing red oak species. Plant it now to help reduce up to 90% of the sunlight hitting your walls, windows, and roof during the summer months.

Benefits

  1. Aesthetic Value: Shumard Oak is an attractive tree with distinctive lobed leaves and a tall, stately form. Its presence enhances the visual appeal of landscapes, parks, and natural areas.
  2. Horticultural and Ecological Interest: Shumard Oak is appreciated by horticulturists, naturalists, and ecologists for its role in supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
  3. Timber and Woodworking: Shumard Oak wood is valued for its strength, durability, and attractive grain pattern. It has been used historically for timber in construction, furniture-making, and woodworking.
  4. Carbon Sequestration: Like other trees, Shumard Oak contributes to carbon sequestration by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate climate change.

Get in touch with Outdoor Designs TX for all your landscape design needs. Whether you have questions, need a consultation, or are ready to start your outdoor transformation, our team is here to help. Contact us today and let’s bring your vision to life!