Yard Remodels: a Guide for How to Love the Results

For an interactive slider showing the before and after of the remodel above, keep scrolling. For a hands-on guide about how to get your yard remodeled to perfection, keep reading.

Your yard is the first thing people notice about your home, and the thing that lets you spend a lot more time outside. But it’s one of the easiest things to neglect. If it’s been a few years, you might want to spruce things up, and a total yard remodel is the best way to go. Replacing one area at a time is an option, but it can lead to a disjointed look, where an all-encompassing project will have a cohesive plan and theme. A full project consists of your front and backyard, but most people focus the bulk of their attention towards their entertainment space, which tends to be in the back. 

There are a few things you should know about yard remodeling before you take the plunge, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

Why You Might Want to Remodel Your Landscape

There are a number of reasons to remodel your landscape. Perhaps it’s for cosmetic purposes, or maybe, you’re just ready for a change and have decided the time is right. No matter which of these situations apply, Straight Line can help you create your dream backyard.

YEARS SINCE LAST REMODEL

While a backyard makeover will last you a long time if you maintain it properly, there will inevitably come a time when you look over your landscape and realize it’s either out-of-date or you’re in the mood for something new. Starting from scratch may not be necessary if you have a good foundation, but an overhaul will definitely bring your landscape back to life.

NEW TRENDS

Like fashion, landscaping trends come and go with the times, and typically, it’s not realistic to overhaul your yard every time a new one comes into play. However, if there’s one that just catches your eye and you envision your backyard gracing magazine covers, then you know this is the time to make a change.

BRAND NEW HOUSE

If you’ve just bought a new house, it stands to reason that you’d want to make it entirely yours and that means the landscape, too. In fact, many people budget for landscape remodeling as part of their endeavor.

FUNCTIONALITY ISSUES

The one thing about land is that it’s ever-changing. It can shift, sink or raise, which can introduce functionality issues. For some people, that might mean pipe replacements that require digging up a yard, which leaves a nasty pile of nothing but dirt in your backyard. For others, it could result in an unleveled area that requires significant work.

ADDING STRUCTURES AND FEATURES

It’s no joke that the Phoenix climate is hot with a side of blistering, especially come summertime. However, most of the year, Arizona has the perfect entertaining weather and that means adding structures and features to your backyard is never a bad thing.

A pool, for one, is a great way to cool off when temperatures skyrocket in the summer. It also provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining friends and family. Many times, a pergola or ramada goes hand-in-hand, giving you some place to relax poolside, but out of the sun.

YEARS SINCE LAST REMODEL

While a backyard makeover will last you a long time if you maintain it properly, there will inevitably come a time when you look over your landscape and realize it’s either out-of-date or you’re in the mood for something new. Starting from scratch may not be necessary if you have a good foundation, but an overhaul will definitely bring your landscape back to life.

NEW TRENDS

Like fashion, landscaping trends come and go with the times, and typically, it’s not realistic to overhaul your yard every time a new one comes into play. However, if there’s one that just catches your eye and you envision your backyard gracing magazine covers, then you know this is the time to make a change.

BRAND NEW HOUSE

If you’ve just bought a new house, it stands to reason that you’d want to make it entirely yours and that means the landscape, too. In fact, many people budget for landscape remodeling as part of their endeavor.

FUNCTIONALITY ISSUES

The one thing about land is that it’s ever-changing. It can shift, sink or raise, which can introduce functionality issues. For some people, that might mean pipe replacements that require digging up a yard, which leaves a nasty pile of nothing but dirt in your backyard. For others, it could result in an unleveled area that requires significant work.

ADDING STRUCTURES AND FEATURES

It’s no joke that the Phoenix climate is hot with a side of blistering, especially come summertime. However, most of the year, Arizona has the perfect entertaining weather and that means adding structures and features to your backyard is never a bad thing.

A pool, for one, is a great way to cool off when temperatures skyrocket in the summer. It also provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining friends and family. Many times, a pergola or ramada goes hand-in-hand, giving you some place to relax poolside, but out of the sun.

YEARS SINCE LAST REMODEL

While a backyard makeover will last you a long time if you maintain it properly, there will inevitably come a time when you look over your landscape and realize it’s either out-of-date or you’re in the mood for something new. Starting from scratch may not be necessary if you have a good foundation, but an overhaul will definitely bring your landscape back to life.

NEW TRENDS

Like fashion, landscaping trends come and go with the times, and typically, it’s not realistic to overhaul your yard every time a new one comes into play. However, if there’s one that just catches your eye and you envision your backyard gracing magazine covers, then you know this is the time to make a change.

BRAND NEW HOUSE

If you’ve just bought a new house, it stands to reason that you’d want to make it entirely yours and that means the landscape, too. In fact, many people budget for landscape remodeling as part of their endeavor.

FUNCTIONALITY ISSUES

The one thing about land is that it’s ever-changing. It can shift, sink or raise, which can introduce functionality issues. For some people, that might mean pipe replacements that require digging up a yard, which leaves a nasty pile of nothing but dirt in your backyard. For others, it could result in an unleveled area that requires significant work.

ADDING STRUCTURES AND FEATURES

It’s no joke that the Phoenix climate is hot with a side of blistering, especially come summertime. However, most of the year, Arizona has the perfect entertaining weather and that means adding structures and features to your backyard is never a bad thing.

A pool, for one, is a great way to cool off when temperatures skyrocket in the summer. It also provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining friends and family. Many times, a pergola or ramada goes hand-in-hand, giving you some place to relax poolside, but out of the sun.

If you love to cook and your backyard accommodates it, an outdoor kitchen is an amazing structure to add. You can even throw in a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to create ambiance and warmth once the sun sets.

ADD VALUE

Like most renovations, a backyard remodel only adds value to your home. This is especially true when you add features such as a pool, outdoor kitchen or fountain. Whether or not you’re looking to sell your home anytime soon, there’s always value in landscape remodeling.

What You Should Consider When Remodeling Your Yard

It’s never a good idea to leap without looking. Research is essential and can ensure you avoid any blunders that could cost more in the long run. Also, always enlist the help of a qualified landscaping team. Experts fully evaluate the land prior to beginning any work, identifying potential problem areas that you might be unaware of. 

Once you’ve nailed down the landscaping team you want to use, here are some other considerations to keep in mind. 

• Scale of maintenance — not everyone has the time to keep up with demanding plants and landscape needs, so consider the amount of time you’re willing to dedicate to maintenance and then base the design around that. Make sure you discuss this with your landscapers, so they can rule out any plants or features that would go against the time you’re willing to put in. 
• Materials — if you’re adding a structure in, what type of materials do you want to see? This depends on two factors: the overall look (theme) you’re trying to achieve and current trends. Arizona’s arid climate is not welcoming for certain types of materials such as some woods which are prone to cracking under the high temperatures. However, the materials that are available and do stand up to the elements are versatile and with the proper guidance, you can create any type of look you want. 
• Theme — Are you going for the on-trend minimalist look or do you want a lush landscape? An aeroscape or tropical paradise? The theme will help your landscape design experts pick out the right combination of plants and materials to create your desired look. 

Landscape Remodeling Ideas

If you know you want a landscape remodel, but you’re not sure what you want, let us give you some ideas to brainstorm with. 

OVERHAUL YOUR BACKYARD WITH A POOL

You can’t go wrong with a pool. Not only is it a great entertainment factor and it keeps you cool after work or on the weekends, it helps increase your property value too. Adding a pool will definitely be a remodel you won’t soon forget.

ADD AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Outdoor kitchens can be as minimalist or as grandiose as you envision, as long as you have the space. Want a pizza oven? Brick is a great material that stands up to the Phoenix, Arizona weather. Need countertop space and an outdoor stove so you don’t miss all the fun of a gathering — there are plenty of materials you can use to create the perfect entertainment space. Make sure you create a living or dining space nearby so friends and family can sit and talk to you while you create culinary masterpieces.

ADD PUTTING GREENS

Always itching to hit the local golf course? Now, you can practice your skills in your own backyard. Our experts know the perfect grass to use to create a look that flows in your backyard without disrupting its cohesiveness.

BALANCE THE YARD WITH A CUSTOM RAMADA

At the end of a long day of work, or when you finally get a moment to breathe on the weekends, it’s important to get outside and enjoy the lovely Phoenix environment. A ramada or a pergola adds character to the yard, but it also gives you a great place to rest out of the sun.

WATER FEATURES

In addition to a pool, there are other water features you can add, such as fountains. They add an exotic look to a yard, but they also create a space that’s worthy of showcasing with gorgeous plants and a comfortable seating area.

Summary of the Best Remodeling for Yards

The fact is, everyone’s tastes differ. Some are happy with a minimal approach. This might include leveling out the land, planting some grass for a lush lawn with a few plants and trees surrounding the space. On the other end of the spectrum, perhaps you have a desert barren dirt backyard that you are tired of. You envision a thick lawn with plenty of flowers and cacti to bring the space to life in all its tropical glory.

Our Detailed Process

Because your backyard remodel is more of an undertaking than just laying down soil and grass seed and calling it a day, we have a specific process designed to ensure that the end result is exactly what you wanted — maybe even more so! We even have some before and afters so you can get a firsthand look at our successful project completions.

• The first thing we do is get acquainted with you, our client. What do you see when you look at your backyard. Our project inquiry form is the first place to start. We want to hear what you think would complete your dream backyard.
• Let’s meet. Here, we’ll discuss the project in detail at your home. Our experts will get the lay of the land, so to speak, and start formulating a plan. 
• Back in the office, our designers will take all of the details from the meeting and craft a hand drawing that shows you the work involved.
• We present the design to you. Now, we’ll engage in some back and forth, deciding what you like and don’t like, and double check that it all fits in your budget. 
• The project planning begins. This involves creating the construction drawings that include every last detail from the materials for your features and the type of soil for your grass and plants.
• Construction — aka the real fun — starts. We employ a full team, so that you don’t need to be onsite overlooking the details. Trust us to get the job done and we promise not to disappoint. We’ll keep you fully informed with a timeline and any unexpected changes — good or bad! You’ll never wonder what’s going on with your backyard remodel.
• Once the project is complete, we’ll go over the details on how to maintain your current yard and the warranty.
• This one is all for you — enjoy your new landscape and start planning that party to show it off!

To get started on your backyard remodel, contact Straight Line Landscape and let us show you exactly what we can create with your vision and our expertise.