Landscape Design Services in Milwaukee

Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Maximize Space & Beauty

A small backyard doesn’t have to feel limiting. With the right design choices, it’s an opportunity to create a functional and beautiful outdoor retreat.

Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance oasis, a cozy entertainment space, or a lush green escape, landscaping strategically can maximize every inch of your yard.

By incorporating smart layouts, vertical gardens, space-saving furniture, and natural elements, you can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a stylish and practical extension of your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore six creative and budget-friendly landscaping ideas to help you make the most of your small backyard—without compromising beauty or functionality.

6 Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Sophia loved the idea of having an outdoor space to enjoy, but her backyard never quite felt like one. It was small, uneven, and lacked the cozy charm she imagined when she thought of an inviting retreat. She wanted a space that felt intentional—a spot to unwind, read a book, or gather with friends. But every time she looked at it, she felt stuck.

If you’ve ever felt the same way, don’t worry—you don’t need acres of land to create a beautiful outdoor escape. Here are six small backyard landscaping ideas that can transform even the tiniest spaces into a personal oasis.

1. Design a Smart Layout to Make the Most of Your Space

Alpine Landscaping Style

A small backyard can feel bigger and more functional with the right layout. Instead of treating your yard as one open space, divide it into zones for different activities—like dining, gardening, and lounging.

  • Use angled pathways or curved borders to create flow and make the space feel larger.
  • Incorporate built-in features like seating with storage or raised planters to maximize every inch.
  • Keep sightlines open by using low-profile furniture and strategic plant placement, helping the space feel open rather than crowded.

By designing purposefully and efficiently, even the smallest backyard can feel expansive and well-organized.

2. Incorporate Lush Greenery with Vertical & Container Gardening

When ground space is limited, go up! Vertical gardens and container gardening let you add lush greenery without sacrificing room for seating or entertainment.

  • Install trellises, wall planters, or hanging baskets to bring greenery to vertical surfaces.
  • Try a DIY pallet planter for an affordable, space-saving way to grow herbs, flowers, or succulents.
  • Use containers in varying heights to create dimension—grouping plants together makes a small space feel more intentional and designed.

With the right approach, you can enjoy a vibrant, plant-filled backyard without losing valuable space.

3. Replace Grass with a Low-Maintenance Oasis

Traditional lawns require upkeep, and in a small backyard, they often aren’t the best use of space. Instead, consider low-maintenance alternatives that look beautiful year-round.

  • Swap grass for gravel, pavers, or decking to reduce upkeep and create a polished look.
  • Try ground covers like creeping thyme or clover for a softer, natural alternative to turf.
  • Create a rock garden with drought-resistant plants for a modern, eco-friendly design that requires little watering.

Ditching grass doesn’t mean sacrificing style—these options provide a chic, practical solution for small backyards.

4. Create Multi-Functional Outdoor Living & Entertainment Spaces

Paver Seating Area

Your backyard should be more than just decorative—it should work for your lifestyle. Designing a versatile outdoor space ensures you get the most out of your yard.

  • Choose space-saving furniture: Folding chairs, stackable stools, or modular seating keep things flexible.
  • Incorporate built-in seating: Benches with hidden storage make a small space functional and clutter-free.
  • Add ambiance with lighting and fire features: String lights, lanterns, and a compact fire pit or tabletop fire bowl make even a small yard feel warm and inviting.

A thoughtfully designed entertainment space helps you enjoy your backyard—whether it’s for relaxing, hosting guests, or dining outdoors.

5. Incorporate Natural Elements with Hardscaping & Water Features

Balance structured elements like patios and pathways with natural touches to create a harmonious, visually appealing landscape.

  • Use stone pathways or gravel patios to define spaces while maintaining a natural feel.
  • Add a small water feature—a wall-mounted fountain, recirculating mini pond, or DIY bubbling pot brings soothing sounds without taking up space.
  • Blend hard and soft landscaping by pairing pavers with ornamental grasses, native plants, or decorative rocks.

Combining earthy textures and flowing water creates a serene, balanced outdoor space that feels structured and organic.

6. Keep Landscaping Simple & Low-Maintenance

Wild ColumbineThe best small backyards are easy to care for without constant upkeep. Choosing the right plants and materials can save time while keeping your space beautiful and inviting.

  • Opt for native or drought-resistant plants that thrive with minimal watering.
  • Use mulch or decorative gravel to reduce weeds and maintain soil moisture.
  • Limit high-maintenance features—instead, go for durable, long-lasting materials like composite decking or stone pavers.

By focusing on low-maintenance solutions, you can spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying your backyard.

Make the Most of Your Small Backyard Landscaping with American Landscape

A small backyard doesn’t mean sacrificing style or function—with the right design, it can become a relaxing retreat, an entertainment hub, or a lush green escape. By incorporating smart layouts, vertical gardens, multi-use features, and natural elements, you can maximize space and create an outdoor area that fits your needs.

At American Landscape, we specialize in transforming outdoor spaces of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance solutions, custom hardscaping, or a complete backyard redesign, our team can bring your vision to life.

Ready to upgrade your small backyard?

New Home Construction Landscaping Considerations

 

When purchasing or building a new home, landscaping is often an afterthought—until it suddenly needs to be done. Based on our experience, there are several key factors new construction homeowners should consider before building or buying a home.

1. Budgeting for Landscaping

Builders focus on selling and constructing homes, not landscaping. It’s common for new homeowners to be told they can install their entire landscape—lawn, plantings, and maybe even a concrete patio—for under $10,000. Online sources also provide misleading estimates, with one popular site listing landscaping costs between $1,249 and $6,821. These figures can cause sticker shock when homeowners consult a professional landscaper and discover the actual costs.

A good rule of thumb is to budget approximately 10% of your home’s cost for essential landscaping. Factors that can increase this amount include:

  • The size of your yard
    Contemporary Fire Pit
  • HOA requirements
  • Retaining walls
  • Upgrades like paver patios, lighting, firepits, or outdoor kitchens

2. Tree and Arborist Considerations

Builders will remove trees directly in the way of construction, but what about those surrounding your home? Consider whether any trees are unhealthy or pose a risk to your house. Tree removal or pruning is an additional cost that many homeowners don’t anticipate.

3. Grading and Soil Issues

In some cases, the grading left by the builder isn’t ideal, and the landscaper has to correct it. This may involve:

  • Replacing removed topsoil
  • Adjusting grading near the house to ensure proper drainage
  • Bringing in additional fill or topsoil

4. Downspouts and Drainage

Builders are not landscapers, and their placement of downspouts can sometimes create major drainage issues. We recently encountered a situation where a downspout emptied into a small, enclosed planting bed with no proper drainage route. By the time the homeowner realized the problem, the sidewalks were already installed, leaving no easy fix.

Had we been involved during construction, we could have trenched and buried the downspout, directing water to a proper drainage area. Coordinating with a landscaper early can help prevent these costly mistakes.

5. Exposed Basement Challenges

The current trend in home building is to include an exposed basement, often on a hillside. While this design provides a great view and additional living space, it also creates a significant drop in grade from the main level to the finished basement. On paper, this may not seem like a major issue, but in reality, the resulting slope is often steep.

In many cases, these slopes become difficult—or even unsafe—to mow and are prone to erosion during heavy rains. To address this, a landscaper will likely recommend retaining walls or natural outcropping to create a safe, manageable space. While solutions vary depending on the property, these structural additions can become a substantial, unexpected expense.

In the first set of photos, you can see a project where we worked closely with the home builder to plan the exact placement of the walls. We carefully measured and marked the wall locations, allowing the mason to finish the veneer precisely where needed. As a result, we were able to install the walls seamlessly, achieving a perfect, cohesive look

In the next set of pictures, we were brought onto the project after the home was completed. The builder had sided all the way down to the slopeline on the side of the house. During the original consultation, we recommended a retaining wall based on our assessment of the building plan, but the homeowner did not think it was necessary at the time.

As experienced landscapers, we can quickly identify potential problem areas, but for a first-time homebuyer, these issues may not be as obvious—especially when reviewing plans on paper. Unfortunately, after the driveway was installed, the homeowner realized the slope was too steep to mow. Since we were not involved earlier in the process, building walls and creating level terraces would have required filling over the siding, which was not an option.

To address the issue, we installed natural outcropping to help stabilize the slope. Spreading plants were added to prevent erosion, and steps were built to provide safe access to the backyard. While this was not originally part of the homeowner’s budget, it became a necessary addition. Over time, the plantings will help cover the exposed foundation beneath the siding, as soil cannot be placed against it.

6. HOA and Municipal Requirements

Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) often have strict landscaping regulations that can significantly impact costs. Some examples we’ve encountered include:

  • Requirements for large, mature trees (e.g., 4” caliper trees that can cost over $1,000 each)
  • Mandatory sod installation instead of seeding
  • Restrictions on materials, such as allowing only natural stone for hardscapes

Additionally, municipal regulations may require permits or impose zoning restrictions, especially in areas near wetlands or shoreland zones.

How to Avoid Landscaping Surprises

  1. Assess Your Lot
    Look closely at your property before committing. Is it sloped? Are there trees that need removal? Will all areas be safely mowable?
  2. Work with a Professional Landscaper Early
    Only a qualified landscaper can give you a realistic estimate of landscaping costs. Finding someone you trust and involving them early in the process will help with budgeting and may even save money in the long run.
  3. Facilitate Communication Between Your Builder and Landscaper
    Introducing your builder to your landscaper allows for better coordination, preventing costly fixes later. This collaboration ensures:
  • Proper drainage planning
  • Pre-installed PVC conduits for future lighting or irrigation
  • Well-planned grading to avoid future erosion issues
  1. Understand HOA and Municipal Regulations
    Review your HOA’s landscaping requirements and discuss them with your landscaper early. Also, check for municipal restrictions, permits, and easements that could impact your plans.

Why Choose American Landscape?

Navigating these landscaping challenges can be overwhelming, but American Landscape is here to help. Our design/build team guides you through every stage of the process, preventing costly surprises and ensuring a seamless, beautiful landscape for your new home.

Transforming Outdoor Spaces: Our Hardscape Design & Build Process

With 50 years of experience serving the greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County areas, our landscaping company specializes in creating stunning, functional outdoor spaces. Our hardscape design and build process ensures that your vision comes to life with precision, creativity, and craftsmanship.

Step 1: Free Consultation

Every great project starts with a conversation. We meet with you to discuss your goals, style preferences, and how you want to use your outdoor space. Whether it’s a patio, walkway, retaining wall, or full backyard transformation, we listen to your ideas and assess the site.

Step 2: Vision & Planning

Using your input, our designers develop ideas that blend aesthetics with functionality. We incorporate materials, textures, and layouts that complement your home and landscape.

Step 3: 3D Modeling & Design

To ensure you can fully visualize the final product, we can create a detailed 3D model of your project. This advanced tool allows you to see different design options, make adjustments, and feel confident before construction begins.

Step 4: Estimate & Build

Once the design is finalized, we provide a clear estimate and timeline. Our expert team then brings the vision to life, delivering high-quality craftsmanship that enhances your outdoor living space for years to come.

Ready to start your hardscape project? Let’s create something beautiful together!

Contact us at https://amerlandscape.com/contact/ or call 262-252-4260.

Landscape Trends for 2025

As 2025 dawns, the landscaping world is already buzzing with anticipation for spring. Here’s a look at some exciting trends that are taking root.

Outdoor living continues to flourish:

Outdoor KitchenThe demand for outdoor kitchens and living spaces remains strong. Manufacturers are making these features even more homeowner-friendly with easier installation and use.

Covered patios and pergolas, create versatile, year-round outdoor environments. These structures not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor areas but also provide practical benefits that cater to the evolving needs of homeowners.

Effortless entertaining with stain-resistant landscape pavers:

We’re loving Techo-Bloc’s Klean Bloc pavers and slabs. These come pre-treated with a protective barrier that repels stains and spills, making them perfect for patios and entertaining areas. Check them out here: https://www.techo-bloc.com/technologies

Enjoy the ambiance of your firepit without the smoke:

For those who love the crackle of a real fire but hate the smoke, smokeless firepit inserts are a game-changer. These clever inserts feature a double wall that burns off smoke particles, allowing you to enjoy a clear, cozy fire.

Adaptable plants for a changing climate:

Wild ColumbineWith our ever-changing environment, there’s a growing focus on plants that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Selecting plants that tolerate both wet and dry periods is becoming crucial for long-term success.

Choosing the right plant for the right place and planning for extreme weather events will ensure a flourishing landscape for years to come.

Sustainable solutions for stormwater management:

Mequon Naturalized Stormwater ManagementManaging stormwater runoff is a growing concern for both homeowners and municipalities. A one-inch rain event on a typical 2,000-square-foot driveway can generate over 1,000 gallons of runoff! Landscapers and city planners are increasingly incorporating solutions like rain gardens, detention ponds, and dry riverbeds to address this challenge. Many municipalities are enacting new stormwater management regulations, so be sure to stay informed.

Revitalize your outdoor space with a facelift:

Many homeowners are giving their existing landscapes a refresh. Simply updating old plantings, adding a new walkway, or creating an outdoor living area can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal and value.

Invest in the health of your landscape:

Just like our own health, our plants benefit from regular care. Proper fertilization and preventative treatments can extend the life of your trees and shrubs, saving you money on replacements in the long run.

We’re excited to announce our new plant health care program launching this year, designed to keep your landscape thriving. Stay tuned for more details! Remember, prevention is key!

The Art of Designing Patios with Paver Patterns

Designing a patio is more than just laying stones; it’s about crafting an inviting outdoor space that enhances your home and reflects your style. Landscape designers often use creative patterns of pavers to achieve both aesthetic and functional goals. Let’s explore how these patterns elevate patio design and why they’re chosen.

Defining Functional Areas

Maintaining Hardscapes

In multi-use patios, paver patterns help subtly define different spaces without physical barriers. For instance, a dining area might feature a herringbone or basketweave pattern, while a lounging area could use a more relaxed random stone layout.

This visual separation keeps the patio cohesive yet functional.

Creating Borders and Pathways

Precast brick paver walkway from Techo-Bloc

Borders made with contrasting pavers or patterns add structure and polish to a patio. They can frame the entire space or delineate specific sections, such as walkways leading to the garden or pool. This technique also enhances navigation and guides the eye through the design.

Boosting Aesthetics with Paver Patterns

Patterns like circular designs, fans, or custom mosaics become focal points, adding character and visual interest. For modern homes, sleek linear layouts with smooth finishes can create a contemporary vibe, while rustic homes might benefit from irregular patterns with textured pavers.

Enhancing Durability and Functionality

Patio Patterns - herringbone

Some patterns, such as interlocking herringbone or running bond, are chosen for their strength and resistance to shifting. These are ideal for high-traffic areas, ensuring the patio stays intact for years to come.

Incorporating Color and Texture in Paver Patterns

Mixing different paver shades and finishes enhances depth and contrast. Designers might use lighter tones for open spaces to make them feel larger, while darker shades define intimate areas. Textured pavers add grip, perfect for areas near water features.

Reflecting Personal Style

Ultimately, paver patterns allow homeowners to infuse their unique style into their outdoor living space. Whether you prefer geometric precision or organic flows, the right pattern can turn a simple patio into a masterpiece.

A well-designed patio is more than functional; it’s an extension of your home’s personality. With thoughtful use of paver patterns, landscape designers transform patios into artful spaces that invite relaxation and connection.

Patio Patterns Created by American Landscape

American Landscape has award-winning designers ready to work with you to create the perfect patio. We leverage sources like Tech-Bloc, Belgard, and more to provide a wide range of options to choose from as you select the patio patterns to complement your home and specific patio needs. Contact us today to get started!

Grow a Garden That Gives Back to Wisconsin Pollinators

Every spring, we look forward to seeing our gardens come to life after a harsh winter – and while we can take every step to prepare our gardens, we need the support of some important key players to ensure our gardens thrive: our Wisconsin pollinators!

Pollinators are a critical part of our ecosystem and contribute to the overall health of our environment. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, degradation of natural resources, and the introduction of invasive species, our local pollinators need help.

The good news? There are many ways to help our Wisconsin pollinators thrive! Here’s what you need to know to get started.

The Plight of Wisconsin Pollinators

How to Create a Monarch Waystation

In Wisconsin, we have more than 400 species of native pollinators, including:

  • Bee Species
  • Beetles
  • Butterflies
  • Flower Flies
  • Hummingbirds
  • Moths
  • Wasps

They play a vital role in helping us maintain our local gardens, and our local ecosystem relies on them for survival as well.

Understanding Pollinators and Their Role

Pollinators are essential to both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems, with over 85% of the world’s flowering plants and more than two-thirds of global crop species relying on them for reproduction.

Our Wisconsin pollinators transfer pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts of the same or another flower, helping plants reproduce. This increases biodiversity and promotes the regeneration of plants and trees, helping to ensure that our local ecosystems remain healthy and vibrant.

They also help improve crop yields and quality, making them a valuable resource for farmers and gardeners.

Challenges Facing Local Pollinator Populations

Wisconsin’s pollinators are facing some tough times. They need our help to overcome the obstacles that put their survival at risk, some of the most detrimental of which include:

  • Habitat Loss: Our buzzing friends are losing their homes. Development and farming practices are taking away the wild spaces pollinators need for food and shelter.
  • Pesticides: While aiming to keep crops safe from pests, these chemicals can also harm the pollinators we rely on. Even small amounts can harm their ability to find food and reproduce.
  • Climate Change Impacts: Changing climates mess with the timing of flower blooming and pollinator activity, making it hard for them to do their job. Plus, extreme weather can wipe out the plants they depend on.

With the challenges facing Wisconsin pollinators, conservation efforts have never been more important. Creating pollinator-friendly environments, reducing pesticide use, and supporting ecological research are critical steps in safeguarding pollinator populations. Conservation helps pollinators and secures the future of our agricultural productivity and environmental health.

How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a rewarding way to contribute to the well-being of Wisconsin’s pollinator populations. By understanding the needs of these vital creatures and making thoughtful choices about plant selection and garden design, you can create a sanctuary that looks beautiful and provides crucial support for pollinators.

Here’s how to start planning and preparing your garden to become a haven for these essential species.

Plan Your Garden for Pollinators

By thoughtfully planning your garden, you can create a welcoming environment for pollinators that will help to ensure their survival and the health of your local ecosystem. Here are three important steps to get you started:

  • Choose the Right Location: Select a spot in your yard that receives ample sunlight since most pollinator-friendly plants thrive in sunny conditions. Ensure the area is protected from strong winds that can hinder pollinators, and consider its visibility so that visitors can enjoy the beauty of the visiting pollinators. Having evergreens and dense shrubs nearby for pollinators to hide from predators; it makes a big difference in increasing the diversity of species you can attract.
  • Design Your Garden Layout: When designing your garden, aim for a variety of plant types to attract various pollinators. Group similar flowers together to create a “target” for pollinators to find easily. Include plants of varying heights to add layers and make the space more appealing.
  • Prepare the Soil: Healthy soil is the foundation of any thriving garden. Test your soil to determine its type and nutrient content, then amend it accordingly with organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage. Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm pollinators.

Select the Right Plants

Coneflower - Native Plant

Selecting the right plants is a key step in creating a pollinator-friendly garden. Native plants are typically the best choice, as they have evolved alongside local pollinators and are well-suited to meet their needs. Here are some native plants that are known to benefit Wisconsin pollinators:

  • Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for monarch butterflies as it’s the only plant on which they will lay their eggs.
  • Liatris: The native Liatris ligulistylis is a monarch magnet and one of their favorite food sources.
  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
  • Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Known for its fragrant leaves and flowers, it’s popular with hummingbirds and bees.
  • Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): A tall plant that’s a favorite of butterflies and bees.
  • New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): Provides late-season nectar for bees and butterflies.
  • Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Supports a wide range of pollinators and blooms in late summer and fall.

It’s also important to consider the timing of plant blooming to ensure a continuous food supply. Pollinators need to access nectar and pollen throughout their active seasons:

  • Early bloomers: Include plants like pussy willow (Salix discolor), forsythia (Forsythia sp.) and Cornelian Cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) to provide food sources as early as possible in the season.
  • Mid-season bloomers: Liatris, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and bee balm (Monarda didyma) will keep your garden buzzing during summer.
  • Late bloomers: Asters and goldenrod (Solidago spp.) will sustain pollinators into the fall.
  • Our native grasses such as Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scopularia) and Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) provide season-long interest, food for pollinators AND the birds love to snack on their seeds over winter.
  • There are many other native trees and shrubs that are also important for pollinators. Maples, birches, oaks, chokeberry, hemlock and white pine are all important hosts for our friends.

By incorporating a variety of native plants that bloom at different times, you can create a garden that’s not only vibrant and beautiful but also a vital resource for Wisconsin pollinators year-round.

Best Practices for a Thriving Habitat

Creating a sanctuary for pollinators goes beyond planting the right flowers. It involves adopting a gardening approach that ensures these beneficial creatures’ safety and health. By making conscious choices in how we care for our gardens, we can create a space that’s not only a haven for pollinators but also a place where they can thrive.

Safe Gardening Practices

Before we reach for the trowel, it’s important to consider the broader impact of our gardening practices. Here are some ways to create a garden that’s a safe haven for pollinators:

  • Organic Gardening Tips: Embrace your garden’s natural balance. Using organic methods helps maintain a healthy ecosystem, which benefits pollinators and plants.
  • Alternatives to Harmful Chemicals: Chemical pesticides can unintentionally harm pollinators. Fortunately, many natural alternatives can help keep your garden pest-free without placing pollinators at risk.
  • Providing Shelters and Water Sources: Like any other living creature, pollinators need places to rest and resources to survive. Creating shelters and water sources in your garden can make a huge difference in their ability to thrive.

Ongoing Garden Maintenance

Maintaining a pollinator-friendly garden is an ongoing commitment. It’s about nurturing the garden throughout the seasons and ensuring that it remains a conducive environment for pollinators:

  • Seasonal Care Tips: A well-timed gardening regimen can help ensure that your garden provides a continuous supply of resources for pollinators throughout the year.
  • Encouraging Natural Predators: A healthy garden ecosystem includes predators that naturally manage pest populations. Encouraging these natural allies can help you maintain the balance without resorting to harmful chemicals.

By prioritizing safe gardening practices and ongoing maintenance, you’ll be doing your part to protect pollinators and support the local ecosystem. These small, thoughtful actions can make all the difference in creating a thriving habitat for our vital pollinator friends.

Create the Perfect Wisconsin Pollinator Garden with American Landscape

If you’re thinking about giving your garden a makeover to help out the local pollinators, having a professional landscaping team by your side can really pay off. They’ve got the know-how to create a space that’s a buzzing hub for bees and butterflies and a charming spot for you to relax and take in the beauty.

With American Landscape, you get that personal touch. They’ll work with you to figure out exactly what your piece of the great outdoors needs to become a pollinator paradise. They’ve got a track record of setting up gardens across Wisconsin that not only meet the needs of the local wildlife but are also a delight for the eyes.

Choosing American Landscape means you’re not just planting any old garden. You’re crafting a bespoke retreat for pollinators that’ll make your yard the talk of the town.

Need help creating a Wisconsin pollinator’s paradise? Contact American Landscape today

Want to stay in the loop?
Sign up for our newsletter.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

American Landscape - 50 Years of Outstanding Landscaping Service to the Greater Milwaukee Area

(262)252-4260
info@amerlandscape.com

N60 W16073 Kohler Ln,
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051