Home » Landscaping Design

Landscaping Designed Around Your Home​

Excel Landscaping designs and installs custom landscapes across Greater St. Louis, creating front yards, backyard landscaping, mulch beds, rock beds, planting layouts, and drainage-aware outdoor spaces built around your home’s layout, soil, slope, sun exposure, and long-term maintenance goals.

Built for St. Louis homes, soil & outdoor living
“The whole yard finally looks finished, and it feels like it belongs with the house”

★★★★★

St. Louis Homeowner
Custom Landscaping

Your Yard Should Feel Like It Belongs With Your Home

Homeowners want more than fresh mulch and new plants. They want a landscape that’s easier to maintain, drains properly, and complements the way they use their property. That starts by understanding the yard before choosing plants, bed layouts, materials, or installation methods. The comparison below highlights the difference between a standard landscape installation and Excel Landscaping’s property-first approach.

Residential 3D Landscaping Design
FROM SITE ASSESSMENT TO 3D DESIGN

Property-Specific Landscape Design

Instead of selecting plants and materials first, Excel Landscaping starts by designing the entire outdoor space around your property and your goals. Every landscape plan considers your home’s architecture, drainage, sun exposure, existing trees, traffic flow, and how you want to use the space. Before installation begins, you’ll see exactly how everything comes together, making it easier to refine the design and move forward with confidence.

Local Landscaping Projects

Our Recent Landscaping Work Across Greater St. Louis

Explore landscaping projects where we improved curb appeal, reshaped beds, reduced maintenance, solved drainage challenges, and created more usable outdoor spaces for St. Louis-area homeowners.

1 Day Build

St. Louis, MO​

Walkway Installation + Landscape Design

This St. Louis front yard was redesigned with a new curved walkway, defined landscape beds, decorative stone, and new plantings
2 Day Build

St. Louis, MO

Front Yard Landscaping + Retaining Wall

These St. Louis homeowners wanted to improve several parts of their front yard as one coordinated landscape project. Excel Landscaping
2 Day Build

West County, MO

Landscape Design + Installation

This West County front yard had become outdated and lacked the definition the homeowners wanted around the home and entrance.

Why Standard Landscaping Fails Here

Standard Landscaping vs. Engineered Landscape Design

Each property requires a different approach based on how water enters, moves across, and leaves the landscape. Below are the most common drainage solutions we use to protect homes, foundations, patios, and outdoor living spaces.

Standard Landscaping Company

STANDARD

One Design Fits Every Yard

Creates landscape designs using proven layouts that can be adapted across many properties without extensive planning around drainage, slope, or site conditions.

Excel Landscaping

STANDARD

Engineered Landscape Design

Every landscape is designed around your property’s drainage, grading, soil, sun exposure, and intended use. Pre-emergent and commercial-grade weed barrier are incorporated where appropriate to reduce future maintenance.

Homeowners usually do not need more yard work. They need a landscape plan that prevents the same problems from coming back. That starts with understanding the property before installing mulch, rock, plants, edging, or drainage improvements.

Landscaping for St. Louis property types

Custom Landscaping for Every Property Type

A landscape that works for one home may not work for another. The best plan depends on architecture, lot size, grade, existing features, and how the homeowner wants to use the space.

Evening Elegance
Historic Homes

Designs that respect older architecture, mature trees, tighter lots, and drainage near foundations.

Grade-Smart Design
Sloped Yards

Plans that address grade changes, erosion, retaining walls, and usable outdoor space.

Curb Appeal Ready
Suburban Front Yards

Curb appeal, bed shaping, foundation planting, mulch, rock, and low-maintenance layouts.

Our landscape design process

What to Expect When Designing Your Landscape

Every landscape starts with a site visit, then a custom design built around your property. Once the plan is approved, we handle the installation from start to finish

1

Property Assessment

We evaluate your property, discuss your goals, and identify grading, drainage, sunlight, and existing landscape conditions.

2

Landscape Designing

We create a custom planting plan with material selections and optional 2D or 3D renderings so you can see the project before it’s built.

3

Design Review

Together we refine the design, finalize materials, and prepare every detail before installation begins.

4

Professional Installation

Our team installs the project according to plan and finishes with a walkthrough to ensure everything is completed as expected.

Our Engineered Approach

Two Weed Prevention Systems.
Zero Shortcuts

We separate mulch beds and rock beds because they require fundamentally different engineering. Here’s exactly what we install, and why it works.

🌱

Mulch Bed System

Organic mulch beds require a chemical prevention approach. Landscape fabric under mulch is counterproductive, as the mulch decomposes, it creates a fertile growing medium on top of the fabric, making weeds worse over time.

🪨

Gravel & Rock Bed System

Decorative gravel and rock installations require a physical barrier system. Unlike mulch, rock does not decompose, making commercial-grade geotextile fabric the correct long-term solution for non-organic beds.

Our landscaping services

Complete Landscaping Services Across St. Louis

Every landscape project starts with a free site assessment to understand your goals, style, and how you want to use your outdoor space. From there, Excel Landscaping recommends the right combination of services to create a landscape that looks great, functions well, and is built to last.

Clay Soil Management

Landscaping Design

We create a landscape that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget, giving every planting bed, walkway, and outdoor space a clear purpose before installation begins.

Drainage First

Mulch Installation

We finish landscape beds with premium mulch that complements the design, helps retain moisture, and keeps the landscape looking clean with less maintenance.

Buried Downspout

Rock & Gravel Beds

We incorporate decorative rock where it best fits the property, creating attractive, lower-maintenance landscape areas built with proper preparation.

Lot Grade and Slope

Planting & Bed Design

We select trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials that work together to create year-round color, texture, and a landscape that fits your home.

Crew Finishes Right

Edging & Bed Definition

We define every planting bed with clean edges that separate lawn from landscape, improve curb appeal, and complete the finished design.

Drainage-Aware Landscaping

We incorporate grading and drainage where needed to help protect planting beds, reduce erosion, and keep your landscape performing over time.

BACKED BY 80+ 5-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS

Hear From Our Customers

Homeowners throughout St. Louis and surrounding West County communities trust Excel Landscaping for patios, retaining walls, drainage solutions, and custom outdoor living spaces

Posted on Google Google
Christian profile picture
Christian
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We couldn't be more thrilled with our new fire pit! Joe and his crew took an unused corner of our Frontenac, MO backyard and turned it into a cozy place to unwind and spend time with family and friends. Their careful craftsmanship is obvious in every detail. If you're thinking about adding a fire pit or taking on any landscaping project, I highly recommend them.
Posted on Google Google
mark landram profile picture
mark landram
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I wanted to give a shout out to Joe from Excel Landscaping for the excellent hardscape job his company did for us. Joe is very personable and want to make sure that you are pleased with the final product before ever asking for any payment. His crew was professional, extremely hard working and very easy to work with as the project progressed.
Posted on Google Google
Chad Heidtman profile picture
Chad Heidtman
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a drainage issue around the back side of my house along with an above ground drainage pipe that was needing to be buried under existing concrete. Joe came to check out the situation and provided thorough recommendations. His customer first and charismatic attitude, coupled with his deep knowledge of landscaping is what led me to selecting him for the job. He and his team did an outstanding job completing the work, succeeding my expectations. I will continue to rely on Joe for future landscaping jobs and would highly recommend him to others. Thanks!
Posted on Google Google
Mika Patel profile picture
Mika Patel
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Worked with Joe and his team - start to finish excellent work! Joe listened to all my concerns, followed through with everything and his team was amazing! Every aspect, small or big, was addressed and Joe checked in at all times! Exceeded all our expectations and the yard looks amazing!!
Posted on Google Google
Michael Simon profile picture
Michael Simon
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Built a beautiful stone retaining wall at my home in Glendale. Very professional and would highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Mike Welch profile picture
Mike Welch
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excel did a great job. Crew was fast, courteous, and the end result looks great
Posted on Google Google
Sherry Lea profile picture
Sherry Lea
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My recent experience with Excel Landscaping was a tremendously positive encounter. Joe was so easy to work with, he listened and understood my concerns after having past dealings with a dishonest contractor. The communication was on point and he was quick to respond to text or calls. He clearly explained what steps were to be taken, he offered suggestions, and quoted very fair reasonable prices. His crew, we're extremely quick and efficient, and did an exceptional job cleaning up after the work was completed. I highly recommend Excel Landscaping and will be using them for any future projects I my have and will be referring them to friends and family. Thank you Joe for your quality work and professionalism.
Posted on Google Google
Jessie Hough profile picture
Jessie Hough
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We’re very happy with how our project turned out. The crew removed some old garden beds and installed a small retaining wall. The work was done well and Joe was friendly and easy to work with!
Posted on Google Google
Barbara Cutlip profile picture
Barbara Cutlip
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Joe and crew showed up as promised and were so friendly and respectful of the property. Every detail was fully explained and end result on my new pretty retaining wall was perfect. They went the extra mile to grade and restore the yard after the equipment to deliver the blocks and sand and gravel tore up the grass a bit. I would highly recommend this company for any hardscape or landscape project's
Posted on Google Google
Colten Perdue profile picture
Colten Perdue
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excel landscaping is awesome they did a fantastic job on our paver patio in ladue. They were super clean and organized.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Serving Homeowners Across St. Louis

Excel Landscaping serves homeowners throughout St. Louis and surrounding communities with paver patios, retaining walls, drainage solutions, landscape installation, and other outdoor improvements.

Find Your Community

Choose your area below to explore local services, completed projects, and examples of work near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best solution depends on where the water is collecting and what is causing it. Standing water, basement leaks, window well flooding, and garage runoff can all require different systems, which is why Excel Landscaping begins with an on-site drainage evaluation before recommending French drains, catch basins, dry wells, channel drains, downspout redirection, or another solution.

Yes. Excel Landscaping provides landscaping design in St. Louis and surrounding communities, including front yard landscaping, backyard landscaping, mulch beds, rock beds, planting design, and drainage-aware landscape planning.

When appropriate, mulch beds can include pre-emergent weed control to help reduce weed germination and minimize future maintenance.

Yes. Rock and gravel beds can be installed with commercial-grade weed barrier fabric to help reduce weeds and separate stone from soil.

Based on our experience, professionally designed landscape projects that include new planting beds, shrubs, edging, mulch or rock, and landscape lighting typically range from $8,000–$20,000. Larger outdoor transformations that combine landscaping with drainage, retaining walls, patios, or other hardscape features often range from $20,000–$75,000+. Every proposal is customized after a free site assessment and landscape design consultation

Yes. Excel Landscaping designs backyard landscaping around how the space will be used, including patios, privacy, planting beds, drainage, retaining walls, and outdoor living features.

THE FIRST STEP IS SIMPLE

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?​

Tell us about your property and we’ll take it from there. Every project starts with a site visit, no commitment required.