After years of helping Fort Worth families transform their outdoor spaces, I've learned that great landscape design isn't just about making things look pretty—it's about creating a functional space that works with our unique Texas climate and soil conditions. Whether you're dealing with clay soil in Wedgewood or trying to create privacy in Tanglewood, the right approach can turn any yard into your personal outdoor retreat.

I recently came across an excellent video from the team at Lowe's Home Improvement that covers the fundamentals of landscape design, and I wanted to share some of those insights along with what I've learned from working on landscaping projects throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, and Crowley properties. Let me walk you through nine professional tips that'll help you design a landscape you'll love for years to come.

1. Start with a Solid Plan (But Keep Texas in Mind)

Every successful landscape project begins with a good plan, but here in Fort Worth, we've got some specific challenges to consider. When I'm sketching out a yard design, I always start by marking the existing features—those big oak trees that provide crucial summer shade, any drainage issues from our heavy spring rains, and areas that turn into mud pits during our wet seasons.

Here's what I always tell my clients: grab some tracing paper and make multiple copies of your basic yard sketch. This way, you can experiment with different layouts without starting over each time. But unlike some other parts of the country, we need to think about things like:

• Intense afternoon sun from the west

• How heavy rains will drain (or not drain) through our clay soil

• Wind patterns during spring storms

2. Define Your Goals for the Space

I always ask my clients the same questions: Do you want a space for entertaining during those perfect Texas spring evenings? Are you looking for a safe play area where kids can run around? Or maybe you need a quiet spot to escape from the hustle and bustle?

In my experience working with over 100 local families, the most successful landscape projects happen when we're clear about priorities from the start. Make that wish list, then work from big to small—place your major features like patios or pergolas first, then fill in around them.

3. Match Your Home's Style (And Fort Worth's Character)

Your landscape should feel like a natural extension of your home. I've worked on everything from historic homes in Overton Park to modern builds in newer developments, and the key is always creating that cohesive look.

Traditional Fort Worth homes often work well with a variety of landscape styles, while modern designs look great with clean lines and simple plantings like ornamental grasses. The trick is drawing inspiration from your home's architecture and letting that guide your plant and material choices.

4. Choose Plants That Actually Work in Texas

This is where local expertise really makes a difference. I can't tell you how many times I've seen homeowners try to recreate landscapes they saw on Pinterest, only to watch their plants struggle in our Texas heat and clay soil.

Here's what I've learned works best for our area:

• Native and adapted plants: Things like Texas Red Oak, Esperanza, and Mexican Buckeye that can handle our climate extremes

• Proper placement: Tall plants in back, shorter in front, but always considering mature size

• Smart color choices: Pick a few harmonizing colors rather than creating a rainbow in small spaces

• Grouping in odd numbers: It's a design trick that creates more natural-looking plantings

And here's a tip from years of experience: keep larger plants at least three feet away from your foundation. Our clay soil expands and contracts so much that you don't want root systems causing foundation issues down the road.

5. Address Privacy and Terrain Challenges

Privacy is a big concern for most of my clients, especially in established neighborhoods where houses sit close together. Planting hedges creates a natural fence that looks great and provides year-round screening. Just make sure to check local codes before installing any fencing—Fort Worth has specific requirements in different neighborhoods.

For sloped yards, which we see a lot of in certain parts of Fort Worth, small retaining walls can create usable space and add visual interest. We've done quite a bit of retaining wall work, and it's amazing how much it can transform a challenging slope into functional outdoor living space.

6. Create Pathways That Make Sense

Paths do more than just get you from point A to point B—they guide visitors through your landscape and create visual flow. The material you choose sets the tone for your entire design:

• Concrete or pavers: Great for formal looks and high-traffic areas

• Crushed gravel: More casual and works well with our local stone options

• Stepping stones: Perfect for creating that natural, organic feel

When we install stepping stones, I always space them for a comfortable walking stride and include wider landing areas where people can pause and enjoy the view.

7. Consider Water Features (But Keep Maintenance in Mind)

Water features can be absolutely beautiful, but in Texas, you've got to think about maintenance and water usage. A small pond can be a stunning focal point, and fountains add that relaxing sound that helps mask traffic noise from nearby streets.

For smaller spaces or lower maintenance needs, consider tabletop fountains or decorative water elements. Just remember that in our hot summers, you'll need to top off water features regularly.

8. Don't Forget About Lighting

Landscape lighting extends your enjoyment of the yard well into those warm Texas evenings. I always recommend a combination of:

• Uplights or spotlights to showcase beautiful trees

• Floodlights to brighten flower beds and entertaining areas

• Path lights for safety along walkways

Good lighting not only adds ambiance but also provides security and safety for nighttime use. Plus, it lets you enjoy your landscape investment even after the sun goes down.

9. Be Realistic About Maintenance

This might be the most important tip I can share. As you finalize your landscape plan, think honestly about how much time and effort you want to put into maintenance. There's no point in designing a high-maintenance garden if you'd rather spend weekends relaxing than weeding.

Choose plants and materials that fit your lifestyle. Native Texas plants typically require less water and care once established, which is why I often recommend them to busy families. The goal is to create a space you'll love, not one that becomes a burden.

Ready to Transform Your Fort Worth Property?

Designing your dream landscape doesn't have to feel overwhelming when you have the right guidance and local expertise. At New Day Landscaping, we've helped more than 100 local families create outdoor spaces they truly love, and we bring that hands-on experience to every project. We know which plants thrive in Fort Worth's clay soil, how to handle drainage challenges, and what design elements work best with our Texas climate. 

With our 95% customer retention rate and 25 five-star reviews, we're committed to comprehensive care that keeps your landscape beautiful season after season. If you're ready to turn your landscape vision into reality, give us a call at (817) 760-0479. We serve homeowners throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, Crowley, and surrounding areas, and we'd love to discuss how we can help create the outdoor space you've been dreaming about.