Top Landscape Design Problems We Can Help Solve

What yard problems can good landscape design fix? We talked to our talented design team and asked them about what problems they have solved in recent designs. Here are some of the ways Bower & Branch can help transform your outdoor space into something truly special.

Outdoor Entertaining

Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual get-together, Bower & Branch knows how to design a yard for entertaining. We’ve helped clients host everything from an outdoor Easter brunch in California to an intimate backyard wedding in Virginia. With features like outdoor kitchens, seating areas, pergolas, and fire pits, we ensure your outdoor space can host memorable events year-round.

Pro Tip: Consider integrating flexible seating arrangements or multifunctional areas to accommodate different event sizes.

Highlight a Fantastic View

A good landscape design can enhance your home’s best features. One of our Colorado clients had a stunning view of the mountains that they didn’t want to block. Our team created a low-profile design with native plants and open spaces, perfectly framing the mountains while keeping the focus on the natural surroundings.

Pro Tip: Opt for layered plantings to give the landscape depth without obstructing sightlines to key views like mountains, lakes, or cityscapes.

Increasing Property Value

Curb appeal plays a major role in selling a home, and we’ve helped clients prepare their properties for sale with strategic landscape updates. A family in San Carlos, for example, wanted to boost their curb appeal before putting their home on the market. By updating plantings, refreshing hardscape elements, and enhancing the entryway, they were able to sell their home within the first week.

Pro Tip: A well-maintained front yard with a clear pathway, fresh mulch, and seasonal color can make a strong first impression on potential buyers.

Create Privacy in Your Yard

Privacy is a common concern for homeowners, and a thoughtful landscape design can help. Whether you're looking for more seclusion from neighbors or simply want to define your space, Bower & Branch offers several solutions. We can advise you on the perfect fence style that complements your landscape—whether it's a sleek, modern design or something more traditional.

For those who prefer a more natural barrier, we often recommend living privacy walls, such as a row of arborvitaes, evergreen hedges, or ornamental grasses. These options not only provide the privacy you need but also enhance the aesthetic of your yard with lush greenery.

Pro Tip: Consider mixing plant heights and textures to create an attractive privacy screen that looks beautiful year-round, while ensuring the materials used complement your overall landscape design.

Building a New Home? Don’t Forget the Landscape!

When building a custom home, it’s easy to get caught up in interior design, but your exterior is equally important. Bower & Branch worked with a couple on Long Island to bring out the best in their beach-style build. By incorporating coastal plants, drought-tolerant species, and thoughtful outdoor spaces, we were able to give their new home the curb appeal it deserved.

Pro Tip: Think about how your outdoor spaces can complement the architecture of your home. For example, coastal or desert homes benefit from plantings that reflect the natural environment.

Landscape Drainage Solutions

Yards with poor drainage can be frustrating, especially if you’re dealing with soggy areas or standing water. We worked with a New York customer who described their yard as “bog-like,” transforming it into a dry, usable space with the addition of French drains, rain gardens, and water-permeable pavers. These solutions not only resolved the drainage issue but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Pro Tip: Incorporate drought-tolerant plants or a rain garden to absorb excess water and provide a lush, low-maintenance look.

Maximize Your Curb Appeal

Bower & Branch recently partnered with two families in Chicago whose townhomes shared a front yard. The goal was to design a cohesive yet unique look for both homes. By mixing symmetry with individual touches, we were able to create a unified but personalized design that enhanced both properties’ curb appeal.

Pro Tip: Use a mix of evergreen plants and seasonal flowers to ensure your curb appeal lasts throughout the year.

Solve Your Side Yard Problems

Many homeowners overlook their side yards, yet this space can be a valuable extension of your outdoor living area. Whether it's a narrow side yard or one that's wasted, Bower & Branch can turn it into a functional or aesthetic feature. We’ve designed side yards that serve as intimate garden paths, dog runs, or even secluded patios.

Pro Tip: Add vertical elements like trellises or narrow planters to maximize space in narrow side yards.

Renting Your Home? Boost Its Appeal

If you rent out your home, investing in landscape design can make it more attractive to potential renters or Airbnb guests. Bower & Branch has helped multiple homeowners update their rental properties with bocce courts, basketball hoops, fire pits, and other amenities to create a welcoming and fun outdoor environment. A few strategic updates can go a long way toward increasing rental income.

Pro Tip: Consider low-maintenance landscaping options for rental properties, such as native plants, gravel pathways, or artificial turf, to reduce upkeep for tenants.

Tackling Backyard Issues

Whether it’s a small patio that needs better functionality, a kid-trampled flower bed, or a space that feels outdated, Bower & Branch can offer fresh ideas. One of our clients had a backyard that was overrun by kids' toys and play areas. We introduced creative solutions like defined zones for playing and lounging, with durable, low-maintenance plantings that could withstand daily use.

Pro Tip: Use durable materials like pavers or decomposed granite in high-traffic areas to avoid plant damage and soil compaction.