
From Bare to Beautiful: Transforming an Elmhurst New Build with Custom Landscaping
When a newly constructed home in Elmhurst, IL, came without landscaping, the owners were left with a lot of potential and a blank canvas. The house was surrounded by nothing more than gravel walking paths along the sides and bare, uninviting ground. What should have been a cozy, personalized space felt more like a cold, unfinished model home.
The homeowners reached out to Ross & Jack’s Landscaping for help, aiming to transform their front and backyard into something that felt like home—a place filled with character and warmth, not just stone and gravel. With our landscaping services, we took their vision and turned it into a beautiful reality.

Crafting a Custom Landscape Installation Plan to Elevate Curb Appeal
New construction homes often come with the basics but very little in terms of personalization or curb appeal. The property had no defined plant beds, no character, and lacked the natural elements needed to create a welcoming exterior. The owners knew their house had the potential to feel like a true home—it just needed the right touch of design and custom landscape installation.
The challenge was clear: how to make this home stand out from the bland, cookie-cutter designs of typical new builds and give it a more personal, lived-in feel. After a consultation, we crafted a custom plan incorporating functional elements like walkways, retaining walls, and plant beds while enhancing the aesthetics and overall curb appeal.

Transforming Walkways with Natural Flagstone Pavers
The existing gravel walking paths around the house weren’t doing any justice to the property’s potential. We opted for natural flagstone pavers to replace the gravel, creating two elegant, inviting walkways—one on the east and one on the west side of the home. Flagstone's rich textures and natural hues instantly added character and charm to the yard.
As experienced walkway paver contractors, we know how important it is for a walkway to blend seamlessly with the home’s architecture and landscape. The result was a clean, durable, and aesthetically pleasing pathway that improved the property's look and functionality.

Retaining Wall Services: Creating Structure and Functionality
The site’s natural sloping terrain posed a unique challenge in creating level plant beds. To resolve this, we built retaining walls with natural stone that not only leveled out the space but also added a cohesive and timeless look to the design. The retaining walls matched the flagstone walkways, creating visual harmony across the yard.
With these custom walls in place, we were able to create beautiful, functional plant beds that were level and easy to maintain. It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful aesthetic—it was about adding value and functionality to the property through innovative design.

Enhancing Curb Appeal with Outcropping Stones and Carefully Curated Plant Beds
Adding to the overall aesthetic appeal, we incorporated outcropping stones into the planting beds, adding texture and a natural, established look to the landscape. These stones helped soften the transition between the hardscaping elements (such as the walkways and retaining walls) and the natural beauty of the plants, creating a more cohesive, organic feel.
The plant beds were designed with a thoughtful selection of plants that brought color, texture, and seasonal interest to the yard. Each plant was chosen to enhance the overall design, ensuring that the landscaping was beautiful and sustainable.

Addressing Driveway Design Flaws with Paver Installation
The driveway posed another challenge. The curve in the driveway led to some awkward parking situations where the homeowners were driving over grass, which detracted from the yard’s overall look. We decided to fill the curved portion with natural flagstone rock and slate gravel, which not only solved the functional issue but also enhanced the driveway’s visual appeal.
If you’re searching for “paver installers near me”, you can trust our expertise in designing and installing paver driveways that function well and enhance your home's beauty and value. Our team ensures that every detail is carefully considered to create a seamless transition between your driveway and other outdoor features.

Creating an Inviting Outdoor Living Area with Landscape Installation and Seat Walls
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was expanding the patio area. The initial layout didn’t make the best use of space, with uneven elevation affecting how the different areas of the yard flowed together. To fix this, we used a seat wall as a focal point, leveling the patio and creating a more inviting, functional outdoor space.
By incorporating these thoughtful changes, we were able to create an outdoor living area that flows seamlessly into the surrounding landscape—perfect for both casual outdoor living and entertaining.

The Final Result: A Transformed Property That Feels Like Home
The homeowners were thrilled with the final result. What was once a bare, unfinished yard is now a vibrant, cohesive outdoor space that flows beautifully from the driveway to the walkways, plant beds, and patio area. This is no longer just a new construction house—it’s a home with personality, warmth, and a welcoming outdoor living space.
The combination of landscaping services, retaining wall services, and custom paver installations not only added curb appeal but also improved the overall functionality of the outdoor spaces. The homeowners now enjoy a space that reflects their lifestyle and enhances the beauty of their new home.
If you’re looking for high-quality landscaping services in Elmhurst or surrounding areas, Ross & Jack’s Landscaping is here to help you create an outdoor space that fits your needs and aesthetic. Whether you need a complete transformation or just a few key upgrades, our expert team of paver installers and landscapers is ready to bring your vision to life.