Transforming a Houston Yard with Smart Design and Lasting Impact

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes read

At Crenshaw Landscapes, no two jobs are exactly the same — because no two clients, homes, or outdoor spaces are the same.

This week in Houston, our team wrapped up a residential front yard renovation that showcased the best of what we do: intentional design, personalized plant curation, and functional hardscaping to restore beauty and purpose to a home’s curb appeal.

“Hi! This is Sarah with Crenshaw Landscapes in Houston, Texas. We just finished a client’s new front residential landscape, which included plant removal, haul off and debris disposal, transplanting plants, bed preparation, bed edging where needed, concrete step pads with black star gravel over the weed barrier, mulch, and planting as per the curated plan personalized for them.”

This wasn’t just a cleanup it was a carefully coordinated renovation designed to refresh, refine, and future-proof this homeowner’s outdoor space.

Before shot of front yard with old plants and faded bed edges
Before shot of front yard with old plants and faded bed edges

Clear the Space, Make Room for the Plan

Before new life can take root, you’ve got to make space for it.

The first step in this renovation was a thorough removal of old, unhealthy, or misplaced plants, followed by debris haul-off and cleanup.

This gives the Crenshaw crew a blank canvas to work from and allows the new plan to be implemented smoothly.

Key activities included:

  • Old Plant Removal
  • Debris Disposal
  • Transplanting Healthy Plants to new, more appropriate areas
  • Initial Bed Shaping for clean, defined planting zones

This phase is all about setting the stage for a transformation that’s not just beautiful it’s long-lasting.

Why Clearing the Space Is Essential

Task Purpose Result
Remove old plants Eliminate crowding and poor placement Cleaner, more open bed designs
Haul-off debris Prevent mess and prepare clean slate Safe, easy-to-work areas
Transplant existing Save what’s healthy and valuable Thoughtful reuse of good plants

Build the Foundation for Long-Term Success

Once the space is cleared, the crew begins shaping the beds and establishing the functional structure of the landscape.

“bed preparation, bed edging where needed, concrete step pads with black star gravel over the weed barrier…”

This step provides visual appeal but also serves functional purposes, like better water flow, low-maintenance design, and walkable paths for easy yard access.

Elements installed at this stage:

  1. New Bed Edging: Adds definition and keeps soil and mulch in place
  2. Concrete Step Pads: Durable, clean hardscape that supports walking access
  3. Black Star Gravel over Weed Barrier: Modern design + drainage + weed control

Smart Landscape Elements Installed

Feature Function Why It Matters
Bed edging Defines and separates planting areas Reduces mess and improves symmetry
Concrete step pads Adds structure and usability Functional movement through space
Black Star gravel + barrier Stylish surface + weed prevention Clean look with low maintenance

Planting and Mulching to Finish the Design

“planting as per the curated plan personalized for them”

Crenshaw doesn’t plant randomly, everything is selected to fit the space, lighting, soil, and homeowner’s desired aesthetic.

It’s a curated plant plan, meaning the layout and selections are intentionally made for this specific client.

After planting, the crew finishes off the beds with fresh mulch, which helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and pull the entire look together.

Final touches include:

  • Hand-selected flowers, shrubs, and greenery
  • Strategic placement based on growth patterns and sunlight
  • Fresh mulch laid over the beds for a polished finish
  • Final cleanup of walkways, driveways, and curb lines

Elements of a Well-Executed Planting Phase

Step Purpose Benefit
Curated plant layout Match sun/shade and size needs Long-term plant health
Fresh mulch Protect roots, retain moisture Helps plants thrive, looks clean
Final cleanup Remove leftover debris and edge beds Picture-perfect finish
Bright pink and white vincas blooming in a fresh landscape
Bright pink and white vincas blooming in a fresh landscape

Why We Think This Is Important

Landscaping isn’t just about planting pretty things.

It’s about executing a plan with purpose.

This project was about removing what no longer served the space, repurposing what could still thrive, and rebuilding with care — all while following a design tailored to this specific home.

That’s what separates a good job from a great one.

We don’t just show up with shovels.

We show up with vision, structure, and expertise and it shows in every bed, border, and bloom.

So whether you’re starting from scratch or need a smart update to your front yard, Crenshaw Landscapes brings the planning and precision to make it look beautiful and stay healthy for years to come.

FAQs

What is a “curated” plant plan?

A curated plant plan means we select plants specifically for your yard’s layout, sun exposure, soil type, and your personal preferences. No guesswork.

What kind of gravel did you use?

We installed Black Star gravel over weed barrier — a modern, durable, low-maintenance material that offers drainage and clean design.

Why include concrete step pads?

Concrete pads offer structure and accessibility. They’re placed to create a natural walking path and reduce wear in your landscape.

Can you reuse my existing plants?

Yes! If plants are healthy and have the right size/sun/water requirements, we can transplant them to better spots within your new design.

How long does a job like this take?

A front yard renovation of this size usually takes 3–5 days, depending on bed size, plant availability, and weather conditions.

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