Some landscaping companies show up to plant a few flowers and call it a day.
Crenshaw Landscapes isn’t one of those companies.
We approach each yard like a living system and make sure it works below the surface before we start making it beautiful above.
This week, our team is back at the same home in Houston where we recently completed a custom irrigation installation. Now we’re moving to the next phase: fixing drainage issues and prepping beds for planting.
“Hi! This is Sarah with Crenshaw Landscapes in Houston, Texas. And it’s another beautiful sunny day. We are at the same client’s house as we were last week, and the irrigation work is completely done. So now we’re working on fixing up the drainage for their front yard. After that’s done we’re going to move on to their beds, putting in new premium soil and planting some beautiful plants that’ll work cohesively together.”
This project is a perfect example of our philosophy: start smart, build strong, and design intentionally.
Why Irrigation and Drainage Come Before Design
When most people think of landscaping, they think of color, shape, and seasonal flowers.
But before you plant a single bloom, your yard has to be functionally ready to support life — which means proper water distribution and drainage control.
The risks of skipping this step include:
- Overwatering certain areas while underwatering others
- Pooling water around foundations, leading to rot or erosion
- Plant death from inconsistent or excessive moisture
- Wasted money replacing flowers that shouldn’t have died
By fixing these underlying issues first, we make sure every dollar you invest in landscaping goes toward something that lasts.
| Phase | Focus Area | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 – Irrigation | Underground watering systems | Consistent plant hydration |
| Phase 2 – Drainage | Water flow and runoff control | Prevent standing water & damage |
| Phase 3 – Planting | Design, layout, and bed structure | Visual impact and plant health |
Fixing the Front Yard Drainage
Houston soil is tricky heavy clay, poor absorption, and seasonal flooding are common issues here.
That’s why this week’s client needed more than just a pretty flower bed they needed a functional front yard drainage solution.
Our team is installing underground piping and redirecting water flow to keep it away from the foundation and out of the plant beds.
This ensures:
- Water runs off naturally instead of pooling
- Roots don’t drown from poor drainage
- Foundation damage risk is minimized
- Beds stay neat and dry after rain
And when all of this is in place, we move on to the fun part — building beautiful garden beds.
The Power of Premium Soil and Smart Plant Pairing
Once drainage is handled, it’s time to bring your beds to life.
But we don’t just dig a hole and drop in a plant.
We begin by rebuilding the soil itself — using premium, nutrient-rich soil blends that are locally sourced and optimized for Houston’s climate.
Then we select plant varieties that will work together in harmony — not just visually, but biologically.
“Putting in new premium soil and planting some beautiful plants that’ll work cohesively together.”
Here’s how we make sure your beds don’t just look good
- We test your native soil
- We layer new, breathable soil with compost
- We arrange plants by water needs, sunlight exposure, and growth rate
- We add mulch to lock in moisture and reduce weeds
| Plant Type | Sunlight Need | Water Need |
|---|---|---|
| Native Texas Salvia | Full Sun | Low to Moderate |
| Dwarf Yaupon Holly | Partial to Full Sun | Low |
| Lantana | Full Sun | Drought-Tolerant |
This mix creates a bed that’s self-supporting, visually balanced, and low-maintenance — just what busy Houston homeowners love.
The Advantage of Phased Landscaping
Doing everything at once might sound efficient, but in landscaping, phasing your project can actually lead to better, longer-lasting results.
Here’s why:
- It allows time for soil and water systems to settle
- It spreads out costs and decisions, reducing overwhelm
- It ensures each step is done right, not rushed
- It provides measurable progress you can see at each phase
| Focus Area | Short-Term Benefit | Long-Term Value |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage Fix | No more puddles or erosion | Strong foundation protection |
| Premium Soil | Immediate nutrient boost | Ongoing plant growth support |
| Cohesive Plants | Instant curb appeal | Lower maintenance and better health |
Why We Think This Is Important
At Crenshaw Landscapes, we believe every yard deserves more than just a surface-level fix.
Too many homes in Houston are planted fast, without proper prep and within months, the flowers fade, the soil cracks, and the owners are frustrated.
We do things differently.
We build healthy landscapes from the infrastructure up starting with irrigation, drainage, and soil then layering in design that makes your home shine.
Because when everything below the surface is working right, what’s above it looks even better.
If your yard needs a transformation that’s done the right way — let’s talk.
FAQs
How do I know if my yard has drainage problems?
Signs include puddling after rain, dying plants despite watering, or erosion near walkways. We’ll inspect your property to find the cause.
Do you install soil and plants at the same time?
Not always. We often fix irrigation and drainage first so that new soil and plants have the best conditions to grow in.
What type of plants do you recommend?
We use a mix of native, drought-tolerant, and visually balanced plants that perform well in Houston’s heat and soil.
Can I do this project in stages?
Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it! Our phased approach allows you to make smart decisions at every step without overwhelming your budget.
Do you only work in Houston?
Houston is our home base, but we proudly serve the surrounding areas — including Katy, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Heights, and Pearland.
