Replacing an Outdated Front Yard Landscape
When this Ladue homeowner contacted Excel Landscaping, the front yard no longer reflected the quality of the home. The existing landscape had become dated, the planting beds lacked definition, and the sloped area beside the front walkway made the entrance feel unfinished.
The homeowner wanted a complete landscape refresh that would improve curb appeal while creating a cleaner, lower-maintenance front yard.
With the goals established, we developed a landscape design that complemented the home’s architecture and worked with the property’s existing grade.
Designing a Landscape Around the Home
The new landscape was designed to create a more cohesive entrance using materials that complemented the home’s brick exterior and existing architecture. Iowa Rainbow decorative stone was selected for its natural color variation, while Fond du Lac natural stone edging created clean bed lines that framed the new plantings.
To address the grade beside the front walkway, the design also incorporated a small retaining wall, helping organize the landscape while creating a smoother transition between elevations.
Once the layout and materials were finalized, installation could begin.
Landscape Installation
The project began by removing the existing landscape and preparing the planting beds for the new installation. Once the site was ready, each element of the design was installed in sequence to create a finished landscape that looked intentional from every angle.
The installation included:
- Removing the existing landscape materials
- Installing Fond du Lac natural stone edging
- Placing Iowa Rainbow decorative stone throughout the planting beds
- Installing new shrubs and ornamental landscape plantings
- Building a small retaining wall beside the front walkway to manage the slope
Completing every phase together allowed the finished landscape to function as one cohesive design rather than a collection of individual improvements.
A Retaining Wall That Fits the Landscape
Rather than leaving the grade beside the walkway untouched, a small retaining wall was built to create structure within the landscape. The wall helps separate elevations, defines the planting beds, and creates a cleaner transition from the driveway to the front entrance.
Instead of drawing attention to itself, the retaining wall blends naturally into the landscape while improving both the appearance and function of the front yard.
The Finished Front Yard Transformation
The entire landscape transformation was completed in just two working days.
The finished project gave the home a cleaner, more welcoming appearance with natural stone edging, decorative landscape stone, carefully selected plantings, and a retaining wall that ties the entire entrance together. Beyond improving curb appeal, the new landscape provides clearer bed definition, lower maintenance, and a front yard that better complements the home’s architecture.
