Landscape Makeover for Small Urban Home

When this homeowner purchased her Northwest renovated home in North Tacoma, everything on the inside was to her liking, but the outside had much work to be done.  Her desire was to improve the street-side curb appeal and have a useable back yard space to relax and entertain.  There were also drainage issues to solve with rainwater entering the garage, and pooling in the back yard.

​Design Challenges Met: 

• This small urban landscape makeover was designed and constructed for the desired budget of under $60K. 
• The project was designed by Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect with BauerCombs & Associates, Inc., and constructed by Nature Perfect Landscaping.
• In order to move forward with the project, a street occupancy permit was obtained by the City of Tacoma to plant within the street planting strip right-of-way.
• To solve the rainwater from entering the garage, a new linear trench drain was installed and drainage swales were added. 
• To retain soil erosion and runoff, a beautiful new retaining wall and landscape rockery was artistically designed and installed.   ​

Before: Unattractive front yard landscape and boring back yard.
With compacted soils, deteriorating pathway, and unsatisfactory plants, the front yard landscape was unattractive and somewhat embarrassing to the new owner.  The back yard area was a perfect play space for her Boston Terrier pup, however, the area was boring and unusable for the homeowner.

After:  A beautiful, low-maintenance landscape with entertainment patio and garden area was created to enjoy and relax in after a long day at work.

Design Features Summary:  This small urban landscape makeover featured a flagstone patio with curved seating ready for changeable seat cushions for any occasion.  Underneath the center of the patio, there is a gas line stub-out for a future fire pit.  Also planned for the future is a pre-fab spiral staircase that connects the back yard with the covered terrace above.  The newly landscaped areas and LED lighting helped to soften edges with seasonal color and interest. The overall design seamlessly connects one experience into the next that created a cohesive plan for the entire property.  

​The homeowner and her Boston Terrier pup were delighted with the landscape makeover and have enjoyed their first summer in their new backyard!

Photo credit: Daybis on Flicker

Need help with your landscape project?
Give us a call at (425) 496-7772 or learn more about getting started at
 http://www.bauercombs.com/get-started.html

About BauerCombs & Associates, Inc.
An award-winning landscape architecture and project management firm, BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. creates fun and entertaining landscapes throughout the Northwest and Western United States.  With an emphasis on sensory design and eco-friendly practices, we provide creative problem-solving and innovative designs that embrace outdoor spaces and enjoyment.  Based out of North Bend, Washington, our work has been published in several magazines and continues to grow in reputation for creating healthy outdoor environments for people and communities.  Give us a call at (425) 496-7772, we will create an outdoor space you will be delighted with!

Author: Susan Combs Bauer.  Copyright © 2017 BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.