Do I need a full landscape design or just a few plants?

It depends on the problem. If you only want a bed refreshed, a simple plant plan may be enough. If you are adding paving, changing grades or fixing drainage, a full design saves money because the parts fit together and you avoid redoing work later. We can start small and expand as needed.

Can you design for a small rowhouse backyard?

Yes. Small yards benefit most from a plan. We look at light, privacy, access and storage, then keep the layout simple. Vertical plantings, a small paver seating area and containers can make a narrow yard feel finished without crowding it. The plan also shows where bins and utilities need to stay clear.

What plants do well in Philadelphia clay soil?

Many native and hardy perennials, shrubs and trees tolerate clay if planted well, with the root ball set at the right height and the soil loosened around it. We choose plants for each spot based on sun, shade and moisture. A nursery or extension office can confirm plant hardiness for our zone.

Can the work be done in phases?

Yes. Many homeowners build a yard over two or three seasons. A phased plan puts drainage and structure first, then paving, then plantings and lighting. Each phase is priced in the quote, so you can see what comes next and stop between stages if you need to.

Do I need a permit for landscaping work?

Simple planting usually does not. Retaining walls, larger paving projects, sheds and work near the public sidewalk or street trees may need approval in Philadelphia. Stormwater rules can also apply to bigger sites. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with the city before work starts, and ask us what applies to your plan.

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Newly planted garden with stone path beside a Philadelphia stone house

Landscape design in Philadelphia

Landscape design in Philadelphia, planned around your yard

A clear plan for plantings, paths, patios and drainage, so each step fits the next. Tell us how you use your space.

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Plans for small city lots and larger yards
Plants chosen for sun, shade and clay soil
Phased plans that fit a budget

What does landscape design in Philadelphia include?

A landscape design is a plan for the whole yard, not just a list of plants. It shows where the patio, paths, beds, lawn, fence line and drainage go, and how they work together. For landscape design Philadelphia homeowners often start with a plain question: how do we want to use this space?

A rowhouse backyard may need a spot to eat outside, a little shade and a route for the trash bins. A Main Line property may need terraces, screening from neighbors and a way to handle a slope. A good plan answers those needs first and picks materials second. A typical design covers:

A site sketch showing trees, fences, utilities and grade.
A layout for seating, paths, beds and lawn.
A plant list matched to sun, shade and soil.
Notes on lighting, irrigation and drainage.
A phased plan if you want to build in stages.

What soil and site problems affect Philadelphia yards?

Soil varies across the city, but many yards have heavy clay or compacted fill, especially in older neighborhoods where the ground was disturbed during construction. Water sits on clay after summer storms and shallow-rooted plants struggle. Small lots add their own limits, such as tight access, shared walls and shade from tall buildings and street trees.

We walk the yard, check where water goes and note how much sun each corner gets before anything is drawn. Compost, raised beds and plants that tolerate wet feet in spring and dry spells in August often solve more than expensive fixes. If you are unsure what is in your soil, a basic soil test through a county extension office or a garden lab is inexpensive and worth doing.

What changes the price of a landscape design project?

We do not give prices over the web, because two yards that look alike can be very different once you dig in. The main drivers are:

The size of the area and how much of it is being rebuilt.
Access. A rowhouse with no side gate means hauling by hand, which adds labor.
Materials, such as natural stone against concrete pavers, and the size of plants at install.
Grading, drainage and any retaining walls.
Whether the work is built in one go or in phases.
Permits or approvals if the work touches stormwater, a sidewalk or a wall.

A design usually comes before a build quote, so you can compare ideas on paper first. Every quote we give is in writing.

Planning a small rowhouse yard may take a few weeks of back and forth, including a site visit, a draft and revisions. Larger properties take longer. Build time depends on the scope. A planting refresh can be a few days, while a full overhaul with patios, walls and drainage can run for weeks.

Weather matters. Philadelphia has cold, wet winters, and ground work slows when soil is frozen or soaked. Spring and fall are the main planting seasons, and fall is often good for trees, shrubs and a new lawn from sod because roots grow while the air cools. We give a realistic schedule with the quote and tell you if rain or supplier delays change it. See the home page for how a typical job runs.

When should I call a landscape designer?

Call when you have bought a house and want a plan before you spend, or when a project keeps growing, such as a patio, then a fence, then a drainage fix, and you want it coordinated. Call when water pools near the foundation or a walkway, when plants keep dying in the same spot, or when you are getting ready to sell and want curb appeal that suits your street.

On the first visit, expect a walk through the yard, questions about how you use it, measurements and photos. Before you hire anyone, ask to see their license and proof of insurance. Pennsylvania runs a contractor registration program through the Attorney General's office, so ask for the registration number too.

Free written quotes
Local crews
Reliable scheduling
Tidy job sites

How it works

Step 1: Tell us about the yard

Size, goals and any photos.
Step 2: Site visit and quote

We walk the property and put the price in writing.
Step 3: We do the work

Scheduled crew, cleanup included.

Step 1 of 3

Questions about landscaping in Philadelphia

Do I need a full landscape design or just a few plants?: It depends on the problem. If you only want a bed refreshed, a simple plant plan may be enough. If you are adding paving, changing grades or fixing drainage, a full design saves money because the parts fit together and you avoid redoing work later. We can start small and expand as needed.
Can you design for a small rowhouse backyard?: Yes. Small yards benefit most from a plan. We look at light, privacy, access and storage, then keep the layout simple. Vertical plantings, a small paver seating area and containers can make a narrow yard feel finished without crowding it. The plan also shows where bins and utilities need to stay clear.
What plants do well in Philadelphia clay soil?: Many native and hardy perennials, shrubs and trees tolerate clay if planted well, with the root ball set at the right height and the soil loosened around it. We choose plants for each spot based on sun, shade and moisture. A nursery or extension office can confirm plant hardiness for our zone.
Can the work be done in phases?: Yes. Many homeowners build a yard over two or three seasons. A phased plan puts drainage and structure first, then paving, then plantings and lighting. Each phase is priced in the quote, so you can see what comes next and stop between stages if you need to.
Do I need a permit for landscaping work?: Simple planting usually does not. Retaining walls, larger paving projects, sheds and work near the public sidewalk or street trees may need approval in Philadelphia. Stormwater rules can also apply to bigger sites. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with the city before work starts, and ask us what applies to your plan.

Ready when you are. Call now or request a quote online.

Call for a free quote

Get my free landscaping quote