A homeowner in Shakopee reached out to us last month with a backyard that wasn't getting used. The grass was patchy, the old patio was cracked, and there was no shade. They wanted something they'd actually want to spend time in.
We sat down with them, walked the yard, and put together a plan: tear out the old patio, build a proper pergola for shade, and replace the struggling grass areas with rock landscaping that looks clean and doesn't need mowing.
What We Did
The project took about a week and a half. Here's the breakdown:
- Demo: Pulled up the old concrete patio and hauled it out. Cleared the area down to bare soil.
- Pergola: Built a cedar pergola — 12x14 feet, stained to match the house trim. Sturdy enough for Minnesota winters.
- Rock beds: Laid landscape fabric, edging, and about 8 tons of river rock around the pergola and along the fence line. No more mowing those awkward strips.
- Plantings: Added a few low-maintenance perennials in the rock beds — hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses that do well in our zone.
The Result
The homeowner told us they've already had friends over twice since we finished. That's the kind of feedback that makes this work worth it.
If you've got a backyard that's not pulling its weight, we'd love to help you figure out what to do with it. Every property is different, and we don't do cookie-cutter designs. Reach out for a free estimate — no pressure, just ideas.