creating woodland landscapes in the western suburbs

there’s something so grounding about walking into a backyard filled with mature trees. in naperville, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, and lisle, so many homes already have this natural canopy that feels like a gift from the land itself. when i design in these wooded spaces, i don’t want to erase what’s there—I want to layer into it. woodland plantings, outcropping stone, and big, character-filled boulders help transform a yard into something that feels wild and cozy all at once, almost like stumbling across a secret forest retreat right outside your door.

i love planting in the dappled shade of these trees because it’s such an invitation to slow down. ferns, hostas, woodland perennials, and native shrubs thrive in the soft light, creating texture, color, and life in spaces that often feel forgotten. when the understory comes alive, it changes the entire atmosphere of a backyard. suddenly you’re not just looking out at trees—you’re stepping into a living landscape that supports pollinators, invites birds, and grounds you in nature’s rhythm.

the addition of outcropping stone and boulders makes the space feel even more rooted. stone has this timeless strength—it looks like it’s always been there. whether tucked into the edge of a planting bed or creating natural seating in the middle of the garden, boulders bring balance and contrast to all that soft greenery. they give the design a sense of permanence, like your backyard has been slowly forming over centuries rather than installed in one season.

for me, it’s more than just landscape design and construction in the western suburbs of chicago—it’s about honoring the land, working with it instead of against it, and creating outdoor spaces that feel deeply personal. when a yard feels like an extension of the forest, you can step outside and breathe deeper, unwind easier, and feel more connected to the earth. that’s the kind of design i love bringing to homes in naperville, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, lisle, and beyond.