Framing the Perfect Welcome with Modern, Retaining Wall Landscaping Design | Ross & Jack’s Landscaping

Curb appeal is more than just a buzzword—it's the feeling your home creates at first glance. For this front yard transformation in Villa Park, Ross & Jack's Landscaping was brought in to turn a dated, disjointed landscape into a polished, welcoming entry that finally does justice to the home's charm.

Through modern retaining wall landscaping, vibrant plant beds, and thoughtful design, the result is a layered, structured, and beautifully balanced front yard that makes a lasting first impression.

Starting Fresh: Demolition of Old Retaining Walls and Plantings

Before the transformation, the front yard lacked visual cohesion and appeal. The plant beds were defined by vertical bricks held together by wire—a dated, deteriorating solution that offered little in the way of structure or aesthetics. The shrubs were planted off-center, the layout felt bare, and the overall design left the yard feeling unfinished.

Ross & Jack's began by removing the aging borders, overgrown greenery, and lifeless layout. This demolition phase was critical in clearing the visual clutter and creating the clean slate needed for a high-end redesign. It also allowed for proper grading to support the new retaining wall installation and improved drainage.

Modern Structure: Multi-Tiered Retaining Wall Installation for Slope Management

As an experienced retaining wall company, Ross & Jack’s understood that structure and flow were essential to making this sloped front yard both functional and beautiful. A brand-new, two-tier natural stone retaining wall installation was built to add height and depth to the landscape, while addressing the elevation changes that had previously gone unmanaged.

The natural stone walls were selected to complement the home’s exterior, with tones and textures that tied into the property’s existing materials. The use of clean lines and gentle curvature gave the entire yard a modern, cohesive look—while the dual tiers allowed for layered plantings that feel intentional, balanced, and full of character.

Installing Shrubs, Trees, and Plant Beds for Color and Texture

To add warmth, interest, and seasonal color, Ross & Jack’s incorporated a carefully curated selection of plantings. The new design included fresh mulch beds and a beautiful mix of shrubs, flowering plants, and ornamental trees—including elegant Japanese maples.

The team prioritized installing shrubs and plants with varying textures and heights to create a sense of visual rhythm across the front yard. Each plant was chosen not only for its aesthetic value, but also for its adaptability to the space, ensuring long-term health and low maintenance.

This approach to planting enhances the beauty of the new retaining walls, softening the stone and drawing the eye upward across the tiers. It also helps the landscape evolve naturally throughout the seasons, offering year-round interest.

Defining the Edges: Extending the Landscape to the Property Line

One of the most transformative decisions in this project was to extend the front yard landscaping beyond the immediate perimeter of the house. By continuing the design all the way to the fence border, Ross & Jack’s created a fuller, more intentional look.

The result is a front yard that feels thoughtfully framed, not confined—a space that invites guests in with purpose and style. The modern retaining walls and clean plant bed borders reinforce this approach, anchoring the landscape and giving it weight and direction.

Polished Finishes for a Warm, Homey Feel

While the hardscape and plant selections were crucial to this project’s success, it was the overall finish that truly elevated the final result. Everything from the way the mulch was raked to the stone placement and edge detailing was handled with the care and craftsmanship Ross & Jack’s is known for.

The result? A small yard with big curb appeal. The home’s exterior is now beautifully framed by layers of stone and greenery, welcoming visitors with a refined but inviting look.

This project is a prime example of how expert retaining wall landscaping can completely redefine a space—especially when paired with thoughtful planting and premium design.

Whether you’re dealing with a tired front yard or looking to improve slope management and aesthetics, Ross & Jack's is the retaining wall company you can trust. From custom retaining wall installation to strategic plant installation services, we bring unmatched quality and creativity to every landscape we touch.

Explore moreVilla Park landscaping projects and see how we’re redefining outdoor living, one front yard at a time.