Landscape Design for Beginners, from Fort Worth Landscaping Professionals

As someone who's been working in the Fort Worth landscaping industry for years, I can tell you that creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're new to the area or looking to transform your current property, thoughtful landscape design can significantly boost your home's value while giving your family a space you'll actually want to spend time in.

I recently came across a fantastic video from Emily Sart at the University of Illinois Extension Office that really captures the fundamentals of landscape design. While Emily's advice comes from the Midwest, many of her principles apply perfectly here in North Texas – though we definitely have our own unique challenges to consider with our climate and soil conditions.

Start With Your Family's Needs, Not Pinterest Dreams

After working with over 100 local families here in Fort Worth, I've learned that the best landscapes start with honest conversations about how you actually live. Before we talk about trendy plants or expensive hardscaping, I always ask my clients the same questions Emily mentions in her video:

• How does your family use outdoor space?

• Do you have kids who need room to kick a soccer ball around?

• Are you the type who loves hosting backyard barbecues?

• Do you want a peaceful retreat after long work days?

Here in the Fort Worth area, I see a lot of families who want their kids to have space to play, especially with our mild winters allowing for year-round outdoor activities. But I also work with plenty of empty nesters in neighborhoods like Overton Park and Tanglewood who are looking for low-maintenance beauty and entertaining spaces.

The key is being honest about your lifestyle. Don't design for the family you think you should be – design for the family you actually are.

Include Everyone (Yes, Even Your Pets)

One thing I love about Emily's approach is how she emphasizes involving the whole family in planning. I've had some of my best design ideas come from kids who point out things adults miss, like "Dad, where am I supposed to put my bike?" or "Can we have a spot for the dog to dig that won't make Mom mad?"

Speaking of pets – they're family too. In my experience, dogs are going to find their favorite spots in your yard whether you plan for them or not. We might as well work with their natural behaviors instead of fighting against them. I often recommend creating designated areas where pets can do their thing without damaging your prized flower beds.

Budgeting Reality Check for North Texas

Let's talk money. Emily's right that there's no "correct" budget for landscaping, but here in the Fort Worth market, I typically see homeowners invest anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on their goals and property size. The key is being realistic about what you can afford upfront versus what you can phase in over time.

Some of my most successful projects have been multi-year endeavors. We might start with getting the irrigation sorted out (crucial in our Texas heat), then move to hardscaping, and finally tackle the plant installation. This approach not only spreads out costs but gives you time to live with each phase and make adjustments.

DIY can definitely help stretch your budget, but be honest about your skills and available time. I've seen too many weekend warriors get in over their heads with drainage issues or plant selection. Sometimes hiring professionals for the technical stuff and handling the finishing touches yourself is the sweet spot.

Design Principles That Work in Texas Heat

Mass Planting for Impact and Survival

Emily's advice about mass planting is spot-on, and it's especially important here in North Texas. When you group plants together, they actually help protect each other from our intense summer sun and occasional harsh winter freezes. Plus, it's much easier to maintain a cohesive look when you're working with groupings of three, five, or seven plants rather than scattering singles throughout the bed.

I often use this approach with native Texas plants like lantana, salvia, and ornamental grasses. Not only do they look better in groups, but they're more likely to thrive in our climate when they have companions.

Stick to Plants That Want to Live Here

While Emily talks about limiting your plant palette for design reasons, I'd add that in Texas, limiting your palette to plants that actually thrive here is crucial for success. I've seen too many homeowners fall in love with plants that look great in magazines but just can't handle our 100-degree summers or surprise late freezes.

Some of my go-to recommendations for Fort Worth landscapes include native Texas sage, black-eyed Susan, and various ornamental grasses. These plants not only survive our climate but actually look better as they mature.

The Rule of Odds (And Texas Spacing)

Emily's rule of odds definitely applies here, but I'd add that in Texas, we need to think about spacing differently than cooler climates. Plants here tend to spread more aggressively due to our longer growing season, so what starts as a nice grouping of three can quickly become an overcrowded mess if you don't plan for mature size.

I always tell clients to plant for the five-year mark, not the first-year look. It takes patience, but your landscape will be much healthier and more attractive in the long run.

Dealing with Fort Worth's Unique Challenges

While Emily's advice is solid, we have some specific considerations here in North Texas that beginners should know about:

Clay Soil: Most of the Fort Worth area sits on clay soil, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It holds nutrients well but can become rock-hard in summer and soggy in winter. Proper drainage and soil amendment are crucial.

Extreme Weather: We can go from 20 degrees to 80 degrees in the same week during winter, and summer temperatures regularly hit triple digits. Choose plants that can handle these swings.

Water Restrictions: Many areas around Fort Worth have watering restrictions during summer months. Design with drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation in mind.

Pet-Friendly Landscaping in Texas

Emily's advice about using barriers for pet protection is solid, but here in Texas, we also need to think about plants that might be toxic to pets and how our hot weather affects outdoor animals. I always recommend creating shaded areas where pets can cool off and avoiding plants like oleander or sago palm that can be dangerous if ingested.

For dogs that love to dig, consider designating a specific area with looser soil where they can indulge this behavior without destroying your flower beds.

Why Professional Help Makes Sense

As someone who's been doing this for years with a 95% customer retention rate, I can tell you that while DIY enthusiasm is great, there's real value in working with local professionals who understand North Texas conditions. We know which plants thrive in our specific neighborhoods, how to deal with our clay soil, and what drainage solutions actually work long-term.

At New Day Landscaping, we've worked with families throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, and Crowley, helping them create outdoor spaces that work with our climate rather than against it. We take a comprehensive approach, paying attention not just to what looks good initially, but what will still be thriving and beautiful five years down the road.

Ready to Create Your Perfect Outdoor Space?

Designing a landscape that works for your family and thrives in North Texas doesn't have to be overwhelming when you have the right guidance. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful retreat, a space for entertaining, or a yard where your kids can safely play, the key is starting with a solid plan that considers both your lifestyle and our unique climate challenges.

At New Day Landscaping, we've helped over 100 local families turn their landscape dreams into reality, and we've earned 25 five-star reviews by focusing on comprehensive care that goes beyond just making things look good initially. We know which plants will still be thriving in your Fort Worth garden five years from now, how to work with our challenging clay soil, and what design principles create the most impact for your investment.

If you're ready to move beyond Pinterest inspiration and create an outdoor space that truly works for your family, we'd love to help you develop a plan that fits your budget and timeline. Call us at (817) 760-0479 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Let's turn your backyard into the outdoor living space you've always wanted – one that's beautiful, functional, and built to last in the Texas climate.