Living in St. Louis means you experience some of the hottest summers you can imagine. Between the soaring temperatures and the muggy, thick air, the heat can be relentless. Add two young children who have endless energy, a dog who demands attention at all hours, and a house that becomes uncomfortably warm, and you can understand the need for a personal retreat in your own backyard. For years, we made do with a patch of grass that served as nothing more than a place for our dog to roam and an occasional spot for grilling. But this summer, everything changed.
After deciding it was time to breathe life into our backyard, we embarked on a mission to create a space that was both functional and enjoyable. I wanted a place to relax and escape the sun’s intensity, my husband was determined to include a pool, and the kids just wanted room to play. We all needed an area where we could all cool down and relax without packing up to head out of town every weekend. After months of research and countless conversations with local landscaping companies, we finally found the team that understood our vision and was able to deliver something extraordinary. Here’s a look at what I learned during that process—and the lessons that can help anyone about to take on a similar project.
Initial Struggles: Navigating the Maze of Options
When we started our journey, I had no idea what to expect. I knew we wanted to overhaul our backyard, but I wasn’t exactly sure what direction to go in. Did we need to prioritize outdoor kitchen features, or was it better to invest in a stylish pergola with some comfortable seating? My husband had his mind set on a full pool installation, but I was concerned about the safety and maintenance, especially with young kids. Then, there was the challenge of finding a company that didn’t just want to push their standard designs but would instead listen to what we truly wanted.
We started our search by meeting with a handful of local landscaping companies. I quickly learned that most companies had pre-packaged designs that they tried to impose on us, and it became clear they weren’t fully listening to our specific needs. It wasn’t about understanding what we wanted in terms of functionality or aesthetic—it was more about selling us what they thought we needed. That felt frustrating, especially when I didn’t feel like I was being heard.
It wasn’t until we found the landscaping company that truly made an effort to understand our lifestyle that things began to come together. They didn’t just ask about the basics; they asked questions about how our family spends time together, how often we host guests, and what type of atmosphere we wanted to create. Instead of trying to fit us into a template, they worked with us to craft a vision that would work perfectly for our family.
What I Wish I Knew: The Top 10 Lessons from the Landscaping Process
I’ve learned a lot throughout this journey, especially when it comes to what to look for and what to avoid when hiring a landscaping company. If you’re thinking about redoing your backyard, here are 10 valuable lessons I wish I had known before diving into the process:
1. Understand the Full Scope of Costs
We had a budget in mind, but what I didn’t realize was that the initial design cost would only be a small fraction of the total expenses. Between site prep, grading, the materials for the pool, and the installation of everything, the costs quickly added up. I wish I had asked more specific questions about what was included in the initial estimate and whether there were any hidden costs I should have expected.
My advice is to get a detailed breakdown of every potential cost. This should include things like site preparation, additional features like drainage systems, and even permits if you’re doing something like a pool installation.
2. Maintenance Needs Will Impact Your Decision
As someone who has always struggled with maintaining plants and flowers, I wish I had asked more about the long-term upkeep of the garden. For instance, when you add a pool, you also take on the responsibility of pool care—something we hadn’t fully thought through at the beginning. Additionally, plants need maintenance, and some of the plants the landscapers recommended required more attention than I anticipated.
Take the time to really understand what maintenance will be required for the design you’re considering. Will you need to hire someone regularly, or can you take care of it yourself? Look for landscaping companies that can help you select plants that are both beautiful and manageable in the long run.
3. Work with a Company that Knows Your Local Climate
We live in St. Louis, where extreme temperatures, high humidity, and unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your yard. One lesson I learned the hard way was the importance of selecting plants and materials that can withstand the unique weather conditions of our area.
The landscaping company we eventually hired truly understood the local climate. They recommended plants that are drought-resistant, as well as native varieties that thrive in our weather patterns. Not only did this reduce the chances of plants dying off, but it also ensured that our backyard would remain lush even through the hottest months.
4. Shade Can Be a Game Changer
When we first began planning the backyard, I wasn’t sure just how critical shade would become in the design process. I knew I wanted to spend more time outside, but the St. Louis sun can be intense, and I quickly realized how important it was to have protection from the heat.
The landscaping company suggested a large pergola, and I initially thought it might be a nice touch, but I didn’t truly appreciate how much we’d use it until we were in the thick of summer. They also recommended shade trees that will grow quickly and provide cover, and they were right—it’s made a massive difference. I now recommend that you factor in shade right from the start, whether through trees, a pergola, or even retractable shades.
5. Water Conservation Is Not Just an Environmental Issue—It’s Practical
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during this process was the importance of water conservation, especially in a region prone to hot summers. The landscaping team we chose introduced us to smart irrigation systems, which are programmed to water the plants only when necessary based on local weather conditions. This was an investment that not only saves water but also saves us money on our utility bills.
Discuss water management options with your landscaper, and be sure they’re using sustainable techniques that minimize waste.
6. Low-Maintenance Materials Are Worth the Investment
I didn’t realize how important it would be to select the right materials that require less maintenance. When you’re investing in a backyard space, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of plants and pools, but materials like paving stones, turf, and furniture play an essential role in how much time and effort you’ll spend keeping everything in good shape.
We opted for permeable pavers, which allow water to drain properly and help with cooling, and synthetic turf that stays lush year-round without the need for mowing. These choices not only saved us maintenance time but also kept our backyard cooler and more comfortable in the heat.
7. Customization Is Key—Avoid Pre-Packaged Designs
I quickly realized that we weren’t looking for a standard, cookie-cutter backyard. We needed something that was tailored to our family’s needs. What I really appreciated about the landscaping company we hired was their willingness to create a custom design. They didn’t try to push us into a pre-designed package—they listened to our ideas and worked with us to build a backyard that was uniquely ours.
Ask your landscaping company for custom solutions that fit your specific needs and wants.
8. Stay Engaged in the Design Process
Even though we had a fantastic landscaping team, I learned that staying engaged in the design process was essential. I thought I could step back after the initial consultation and let the professionals do their thing, but along the way, there were decisions to be made—whether it was about specific materials, plant varieties, or furniture choices.
Stay actively involved in the process, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or make suggestions. This is your space, and you want to ensure it reflects your vision.
9. Think About the Future—Design for Growth
It’s easy to focus on how your backyard will look right now, but I learned that it’s essential to think about the future. Some of the trees and plants we installed will grow over time, and it’s important to design with future growth in mind. Will your plants become too large or invasive? Will your trees provide enough shade as they mature?
Having a landscaper who could help us design with the future in mind has been a great advantage, and now we’re excited to watch our garden evolve over the years.
10. Get Everything in Writing—Warranties and Guarantees Matter
Finally, when it comes to landscaping, don’t forget to ask about warranties and guarantees. These services often include protection for the plants and hardscaping features, and it’s crucial to know what’s covered if something goes wrong after installation.
The landscaping team we worked with offered warranties on the plants and materials used, which provided peace of mind knowing they stood behind their work. Be sure to get a clear understanding of what’s included and make sure any promises are in writing.
The Bright Side: Finding the Right Landscaping Company
Looking back on the entire process, I can say that while the research and initial meetings were frustrating, it was completely worth it. The headaches we encountered early on faded once we connected with the right landscaping company. They helped us create a space that not only met our needs but exceeded our expectations. Today, our backyard is an oasis—a place where we can relax, entertain, and enjoy family time away from the heat. It’s truly the backyard we always dreamed of.
