Sometimes, a yard needs more than just a “touch-up.”
It needs a complete reboot — starting from the ground up.
That’s exactly what the Crenshaw Landscapes team tackled this week for a Houston homeowner who had a landscape in distress.
“Hi! This is Sarah with Crenshaw Landscapes in Houston, Texas, and today we are at a client’s house that we’ve been at for the past couple of days, and we are working on removing excess soil buildup, removing old plants, and we’re prepping these new beds for a new landscaping and prepping for a new irrigation system.”
This isn’t your average refresh.
This job included correcting serious soil problems, clearing out decades-old plants, and retrofitting an irrigation system that no longer served the space.
The goal?
A yard that doesn’t just look good — it functions beautifully and gives new plants exactly what they need to thrive.
Why Soil Buildup Can Kill Your Landscape
Houston’s climate can be harsh especially when compacted or excess soil restricts airflow and root growth.
Excess soil doesn’t just sit there. It:
- Blocks water from reaching roots
- Encourages surface runoff instead of absorption
- Suffocates root systems
- Creates pockets where pests thrive
This is why Crenshaw started the project with soil removal and correction.
We returned the beds to a proper grade, removed hardened or clay-heavy soil, and introduced fresh, organic-rich layers to support plant health long term.
| Issue Before Correction | Corrective Action | After Results |
|---|---|---|
| Compacted roots | Removed excess buildup | Improved water and oxygen flow |
| Runoff and erosion | Regraded beds | Water retention and soil stability |
| Poor nutrient access | Added premium soil mix | Healthier plant root systems |
When to Say Goodbye to Old Plants
Many yards have legacy plants that were installed years ago and no longer make sense.
“removing old plants, and we’re prepping these new beds for a new landscaping”
Old plants might look okay from a distance, but underneath the surface they’re often:
- Outgrowing their space
- Struggling with disease or pest infestations
- Competing poorly for water
- Incompatible with new landscaping goals
Replacing these plants isn’t just about upgrading style — it’s about restoring balance and prepping for healthy growth.
Signs your plants may need replacing:
- Frequent wilting despite regular watering
- Brown edges or spotting on leaves
- Roots growing out of the ground or around other plants
- Irregular flowering or fruiting
- Plants leaning, collapsing, or splitting
Why Irrigation Retrofitting is a Game-Changer
An outdated irrigation system can be more harmful than helpful.
“We’re trying to retrofit that in and kind of do away with his old system because it is very old and it does not work very well anymore.”
Old systems often:
- Overwater or underwater specific zones
- Have cracked or clogged piping
- Leak silently underground
- Don’t match your current landscape layout
That’s why we don’t just repair — we retrofit. We integrate new irrigation designs that serve the actual needs of your current yard — not the one from 20 years ago.
| Feature | Old System | Retrofitted System |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Inconsistent and outdated | Smart-timed and zone-accurate |
| Coverage | Misaligned spray zones | Custom-fit for current beds |
| Water Waste | High | Significantly reduced |
How Crenshaw Preps New Beds for Long-Term Success
Great landscapes don’t begin with plants — they begin with preparation.
Here’s how Crenshaw gets beds ready for beauty and growth:
- Soil Removal: Clear out old, compacted, or poorly performing soil.
- Soil Amendment: Introduce nutrient-rich, aerated soil designed for Houston’s climate.
- Bed Shaping: Regrade for gentle water runoff, ensuring beds don’t collect water or wash away.
- Edge Definition: Install clear borders for visual structure and mulch containment.
- Plant Pairing: Select plants that match each other in sun, water, and space needs.
- Final Touches: Add mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
“With this new system, he’ll be able to water his plants perfectly, and these new plants will not only survive, but they will thrive in this new environment that we’re giving them.”
| Plant Combo | Shared Needs | Bed Use |
|---|---|---|
| Salvia + Mexican Bush Sage | Full sun, low water | Pollinator-friendly border beds |
| Dwarf Bottlebrush + Iris | Partial sun, moderate water | Foundation planting beds |
| Lantana + Dwarf Yaupon | Full sun, drought-tolerant | Low-maintenance front beds |
Why We Think This Is Important
At Crenshaw Landscapes, we believe great landscaping goes beyond curb appeal.
It’s about creating a yard that functions as beautifully as it looks — from proper drainage and healthy soil to efficient water delivery.
This project was about more than aesthetics.
It involved correcting years of soil buildup, replacing outdated systems, and transforming an underperforming yard into a healthy, functional outdoor space.
The result?
A landscape that’s as strong and vibrant as the home it surrounds.
And it all began with smart planning and the right foundation.
FAQs
What is irrigation retrofitting?
Irrigation retrofitting means replacing or upgrading old irrigation systems to better match your current landscaping needs and plant zones.
How do I know if I have soil buildup issues?
If your yard has areas where water pools, or plants frequently die or fail to thrive, it could be due to compacted or excess soil.
Can I keep some of my old plants?
Sometimes! We assess plant health and compatibility during our design process and may integrate healthy legacy plants into the new plan.
How long does a full landscape overhaul take?
Every job is different, but most full-service jobs (like this one) take 5–10 days across multiple phases.
Do you service areas outside Houston?
Yes! We proudly serve Houston and surrounding areas like Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress, Bellaire, and more.
