Categories: Blog

Backyard Remodeling of Cumming, GA Lakeside Expansion

Lakeside properties are a dream for many potential buyers but they come with their own set of challenges. The compressed space means patio areas, drainage, and irrigation need to be well thought out. Unfortunately, most homebuilders lay sod and plant a few shrubs then move on without much consideration for the use of space. Correcting the drainage and lakeside slope were the main hurdles for this particular property while making it user-friendly with irrigation and lighting controlled easily by an app on the client’s phone was a high priority. To increase lake access for the client’s many needs we created a flagstone patio, fishing area, and stone stairs. Time has not been friendly to the original landscape design as the photos below show the exact condition before our crews arrived to redesign the backyard remodeling the space.

Pre-project backyard remodeling planning shots show several areas of erosion and difficult lake access.

A patchwork of brick, pavers, and pea gravel made the area uninviting as well as hard to use for entertaining. The family enjoys the neighborhood lake but the lack of safe access made it hard to utilize.

A closer look shows degraded paths with little vegetation.

The sideyard was collecting neighbors’ water and funneling it thru the backyard. Besides excessive mud, the flow of water made it impossible to grow sod.

With extreme slopes like this, a retaining wall is the best solution.

After

The completed backyard remodeling project offers both form and function for the owner. Safe lake access, retaining walls for slope remediation, and proper drainage to move surface water off the lawn.

The stone patio with a fire pit near the stone fishing area will be a great hangout come Autumn.

Ornamental plants spice up the fishing patio. Alabama stone paths add a unique color and texture to the space.

Flagstone steps provide easy access to the back lawn. More low-maintenance ornamental plants were installed in the surrounding area.

The first retaining wall close to the house is what allowed us to cut the slope, level the area, and lay sod. The area is now flat and usable for backyard activities. The second retaining wall near the lake cut the slope so a path of Alabama stone could be laid. The path connects the fishing pad to the kayak launch.

Before retaining walls none of those stone patio spaces would have been possible.

Boat launches don’t always have to be just slabs of concrete. Alabama stone leading into rustic stone steps makes launching a breeze.

In addition to proper side yard drainage, a cement walkway now connects the carport to the backyard. The old bushes were replaced with gardenia bushes that won’t obscure the walkway and produce pleasant-smelling flowers.

A system that redirects surface water doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Often these systems can be installed in a discrete fashion.

The lighting system can be adjusted with a simple app on your phone.

Your home is a sacred space so we don’t take it lightly when you hire us. From the first visit when Joe comes to evaluate and collect measurements to the final flagstone that Donald’s crew lays, our goal is to create the space you’ve always wanted. We’re not fly-by-night contractors that leave trash and damaged sod behind. A five-star review from each client is the only option in our minds. During your project, if we damage sod or disturb some mulch we fix it without question. Everyone at Whitwell Landscaping has your best interest in mind. Robin may be our “office” lady but she often makes in-person visits to clients to make sure they are satisfied and know we will come back to make adjustments if need be. Joe has been in this industry for twenty-five-plus years, but coming to visit a client and spread some paver sand with the crew isn’t below him. Issues always happen in big projects, whether it’s a sprinkler head that you don’t want it or the paver color you chose is out of stock, however, we always work to find solutions for you. At Whitwell Landscaping your happiness is our only priority.