how the landscape installation process works (and why layout day matters so much)

when people reach out for landscape design and construction in naperville, aurora, plainfield, yorkville, batavia, geneva, glen ellyn, wheaton, downers grove, lisle, and the western suburbs of chicago, one of the first questions i get is: what actually happens during installation? i love that question—because the process is where everything really starts to come together.

right now, we’re working on a project in yorkville with a side yard that has a pretty good slope to it. if you live anywhere around naperville or wheaton, you’ve probably dealt with something similar. sloped yards can be tricky, but they also create an opportunity to do something really beautiful and functional. for this space, we walked through two main options with the homeowner: using eden outcropping stone (those big, natural, chunky slabs that feel like they’ve always been there) or building a dry-laid retaining wall that steps down the grade. both are great solutions, but they each bring a different look and feel, along with differences in drainage and structure.

we actually installed a similar feature on the front corner of their home, so this next phase in the backyard is all about creating continuity while responding to the slope in a thoughtful way. this is something i focus on a lot in my landscape design work throughout geneva, glen ellyn, and downers grove—making sure every part of the property feels connected, not pieced together.

one of my favorite parts of the landscape installation process happens right before we begin construction. instead of guessing or relying only on drawings, we physically map everything out on-site. we’ll paint the layout directly on the ground, outlining exactly where the retaining wall, planting beds, and transitions will go. this step is huge. it gives homeowners in places like batavia, lisle, and yorkville a chance to really see and feel the design in their space.

then we walk it together. we talk through it again, make small tweaks if needed, and make sure we’re completely aligned before any digging or building begins. it’s a collaborative moment that ensures the final landscape construction not only solves the grading challenges but also feels right visually and functionally.

and honestly, that’s the goal every time—creating outdoor spaces across the western suburbs of chicago that are not only structurally sound and built to last, but also feel natural, intentional, and beautiful. there’s something really special about working side by side with homeowners and watching a tricky slope turn into one of the best features of the yard.