Ask the Experts
How Southern Botanical Transformed a Neglected Yard into a Functional Family Landscape
When a Dallas family purchased their new home, they dreamed of an outdoor space that would match their lifestyle. They envisioned a beautiful front yard with great curb appeal and a backyard where their young children could play safely.
The landscape they inherited told a different story: patchy turf, drainage problems, an unsafe raised trampoline, and a pool area that felt disconnected and difficult to use. That’s when they called Southern Botanical’s Design-Build team.
In this case study, you’ll see how our team turned one small project into a full-property transformation, proving why Southern Botanical is the best choice for landscape design and build in Dallas.
The Client’s Vision
The project started simply enough. The homeowners first asked us to refresh a small planting bed to improve curb appeal. Once they saw the impact of our work, they quickly asked us to design and build a cohesive new landscape for the entire property.
Their goals:
- Enhance curb appeal to match their new home
- Resolve drainage issues causing water to collect around the house
- Create a safe, open backyard for their children to run and play
- Solve existing hardscape problems—like a raised trampoline and a pool area that felt awkward and incomplete
- Ensure the landscape was both functional and beautiful
The Existing Challenges
Before our work began, the property had several serious issues:
- Drainage problems were causing flooding near the home’s foundation
- The turf was thin, patchy, and unhealthy
- The raised trampoline posed a major safety hazard
- Thick concrete steppers dominated the pool area, but couldn’t be removed without expensive demolition
- The outdated irrigation system was inadequate for supporting a healthy landscape
This was a classic case where a comprehensive design-build approach was the right solution.
Our Design-Build Approach
With a full master plan in place, we addressed each challenge with both creativity and precision. Here’s how we transformed the space:
Front Yard: Curb Appeal with Substance
- We revived and reshaped mature boxwoods to anchor the planting beds
- New plantings and strategic grading addressed drainage and elevated the home’s first impression
- The refreshed landscape now enhances the home’s architecture and draws the eye from the street
Backyard: A Safe, Family-Friendly Space
- Full regrading ensured proper drainage and a level play space
- We installed new turf throughout the backyard, creating a soft, safe surface for children
- To integrate the trampoline, we built a clean masonry retaining wall and raised the surrounding lawn, creating a seamless look and eliminating the safety concern
Pool Area: From Awkward to Inviting
- Thick concrete pool steppers couldn’t be removed, so we expertly installed synthetic turf between them, transforming the space into a cohesive, visually appealing area
- Careful grading around the pool prevents future drainage problems and maintains the client’s desired clean aesthetic
Smart Irrigation for Lasting Results
- The old irrigation system couldn’t support the new landscape
- We designed and installed targeted upgrades, adding new zones and taller heads for consistent, efficient coverage across all turf and planting areas
Privacy and Low Maintenance
- To reduce maintenance headaches, we replaced problematic crape myrtles (which dropped debris into the pool) with carefully selected privacy trees that enhance screening without constant upkeep
The Power of Southern Botanical’s Design-Build Process
By handling the entire project—from landscape design to construction and installation—our Dallas Design-Build team ensured every detail worked together seamlessly.
The result is a unified outdoor space where form meets function:
- Curb appeal that complements the home’s architecture
- A backyard retreat designed for play and relaxation
- A pool area that’s now as beautiful as it is usable
- Smart irrigation and grading for long-term success
Throughout the project, we maintained open, transparent communication with the client, educating them on key decisions and ensuring they understood the long-term value of each choice.
Why Southern Botanical?
This project is a perfect example of what sets Southern Botanical’s landscape design services in Dallas apart:
- Expert landscape design tailored to your goals
- Precise grading and drainage solutions
- Creative hardscape integration
- Full project management and quality control
- Proactive client education and partnership
When you work with Southern Botanical, you get more than a landscape—you get a trusted partner dedicated to making your outdoor spaces beautiful, functional, and lasting.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
If you’re dreaming of a new outdoor space—or need help solving difficult landscape challenges—our Design Build team is ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Dallas landscape design experts.
As an award-winning landscape design and build firm in Dallas, Southern Botanical has earned a reputation for excellence through decades of thoughtful design, precise execution, and exceptional client service. Recognized as one of the top landscape companies in Texas and North America, our services continue to set the standard for residential and commercial outdoor spaces across North Texas.
