Real projects · Real results
Case Studies from
Across the Front Range
Every yard has a story. Here are 11 real projects — each one started with a problem, a homeowner who needed help, and a solution built specifically for their property and budget.
01
Drought Tolerant Sod
New construction needed instant grass — without the water bill
The challenge
A new homeowner needed lawn coverage immediately but didn't want to install traditional Colorado bluegrass — known for heavy water demands. They wanted something that looked like a real lawn but performed like a native plant.
What we did
✓
Sourced and installed drought-tolerant sod varieties suited to Colorado's climate✓
Designed efficient irrigation zones to support establishment period✓
Provided a long-term watering schedule to transition to minimal irrigation✓
Graded and prepped soil for optimal drainage and root development
Drought Tolerant Sod
60%
Less water than bluegrass
Instant
Coverage from day one
Custom Hardscape
Custom
Brick column design
Steel
Fencing + walking man gate
02
Fencing & Security
Brick columns, steel fencing
and a custom walking man gate
The challenge
A homeowner wanted to limit access to their front yard and create a sense of privacy and security — without sacrificing curb appeal. They wanted something architectural and permanent, not just a standard fence.
What we did
✓
Designed and installed custom brick columns as anchor points✓
Fabricated and installed custom steel fencing panels between columns✓
Installed a custom walking man gate for pedestrian access✓
Coordinated with our vetted metal fabrication partner for precision steel work03
Drought Tolerant Front Yard
Grassy front yard, broken irrigation —
done spending money on grass
The challenge
A homeowner had a large grassy front yard, a failing irrigation system she didn't want to repair, and full-sun exposure killing the grass anyway. She wanted to stop throwing money at a losing battle and create something beautiful that took care of itself.
What we did
✓
Removed existing lawn and decommissioned failing irrigation system✓
Designed paths and walkways to add structure and accessibility✓
Selected drought-tolerant species thriving in full sun Colorado conditions✓
Installed minimal drip irrigation for plant establishment only
Full Sun Drought Tolerant
$0
Irrigation costs after establishment
Full sun
Species selected for CO exposure
Drainage & Grading
2–4%
Grade slope away from foundation
Protected
Foundation from water damage
04
Drainage & Foundation
Water settling along the foundation —
a problem that couldn't wait
The challenge
A homeowner had chronic drainage problems with water pooling directly along their home's foundation — a serious risk to structural integrity. The grade was insufficient and existing drainage infrastructure was failing.
What we did
✓
Assessed drainage situation and identified all problem areas along the foundation✓
Installed improved drain pipe system to redirect water away from the structure✓
Reduced and corrected grade along the foundation perimeter✓
Regraded surrounding slope to a proper 2–4% grade away from the foundation05
Corner Lot Transformation
Corner lot homeowner
done maintaining all that grass
The challenge
A homeowner on a corner lot was overwhelmed maintaining large areas of grass on multiple sides of the property. They wanted a complete transformation — functional hardscapes, artificial turf sections and native plants — without it looking patchy or disconnected.
What we did
✓
Designed and installed a new paver driveway and front walkway✓
Added a secondary paver walkway connecting to the front yard✓
Installed three distinct sections of artificial turf in key lawn areas✓
Filled remaining areas with local native plants for biodiversity and low maintenance
Corner Lot · Pavers + Turf
3
Sections of artificial turf
Zero
Ongoing grass maintenance
Retaining Wall · Multi-Neighbor
1 acre
Sloped yard stabilized
2
Neighbors coordinated
06
Retaining Wall · Multi-Neighbor
An acre of crumbling timber wall —
and a neighbor who needed to be involved
The challenge
A sloped yard with approximately an acre of crumbling timber retaining wall that was failing and affecting the neighboring property. The project required careful coordination with the adjacent neighbor and a solution that would serve both properties long-term.
What we did
✓
Facilitated coordination and agreement between both neighboring homeowners✓
Removed failing timber wall and excavated for proper new wall foundation✓
Rebuilt the retaining wall to current engineering standards for both properties✓
Installed fencing on top of the new wall to define the property boundary clearly07
Major Retaining Wall
A 60-foot retaining wall with
three neighbors depending on it
The challenge
A homeowner's backyard required a 60-foot retaining wall installation — with upper, lower and side neighbors all directly dependent on the structural integrity of the wall. This was a high-stakes, complex project with no room for error.
What we did
✓
Coordinated with all neighboring parties and communicated throughout✓
Engineered and designed a wall solution to handle the load and slope requirements✓
Installed 60 linear feet of structural retaining wall in the backyard✓
Ensured proper drainage behind the wall to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup“I appreciate the constant communication between the team and all parties involved. Their attention to detail and respect for our property are unmatched. I cannot recommend Colorado Native Landscapes enough.”
— Amanda, Verified Houzz Review
60ft Retaining Wall
60 ft
Linear feet of retaining wall
3
Neighboring properties protected
Xeriscape · Raised Beds · Regrading
50%+
Water bill reduction in summer
Turf free
Front yard completely transformed
08
Xeriscape + Raised Beds + Regrading
Patchy turf on a drastic hill —
transformed into a pollinator paradise
The challenge
A homeowner had a challenging front and side yard with a drastic slope that required significant regrading. The existing turf was patchy, dry and barely surviving Colorado's hot summers despite constant watering. She wanted something beautiful, low maintenance and pollinator friendly.
What we did
✓
Completed major regrading of the front and side yard to address the drastic slope✓
Removed all existing turf and replaced with a xeriscaped native plant garden✓
Installed raised garden beds on the south-facing side yard✓
Selected pollinator-friendly native plants to support birds, bees and butterflies✓
Returned multiple times for perennial bulb planting, cleanup and drip irrigation support“I can honestly say I walk out front into a beautiful CO native plant garden all year round. Not only did we cut the monthly water bill in half but I get so many compliments on the yard.”
— Anna Bise, Verified Google Review
09
Historic Bungalow · Xeriscape · French Drains
A 1906 Denver bungalow —
outdated planters, poor drainage, zero curb appeal
The challenge
A homeowner with a turn-of-the-century 1906 Denver bungalow had outdated mulch, old planter boxes that didn't match the home's aesthetic, poor grading causing water to pool near the foundation, and wanted a xeric landscape that felt authentic to the neighborhood's character.
What we did
✓
Removed all old mulch, soil and outdated planter boxes✓
Properly graded the property to allow correct water runoff away from the house✓
Installed French drains to move water away from the foundation✓
Added a highly efficient drip irrigation system for the new xeric landscape✓
Planted grasses, flowers, bushes, a dry creek rock bed and fresh mulch✓
Handpicked large granite boulders from a quarry west of Denver to frame the property“My favorite part are the large granite boulders Janice handpicked from a quarry west of Denver. They line the front of the property and give the house a unique look that is still 100% appropriate for the neighborhood.”
— Adam Irwin, Verified Houzz Review
Historic Denver Bungalow
1906
Historic Denver bungalow
French
Drains + proper grading installed
Builder Lot · Terraced Landscape
16 ft
Pergola covering circular patio
½ ton
Boulders bordering terraced space
10
Builder Lot · Terraced Backyard
Builder gravel backyard —
transformed into a terraced retreat
The challenge
A homeowner moved into a new home with "landscaping" by the builder — 95% gravel with a tiny 10-foot patch of lawn. The entire backyard was flat, boring and completely unusable as an outdoor living space.
What we did
✓
Designed a complete backyard makeover with terraced levels and structure✓
Installed a 16-foot pergola covering a large circular patio as the main gathering space✓
Built wide sandstone steps leading up to the terraced space✓
Bordered the terraced area with massive half-ton boulders for structure and drama✓
Created a large oval-shaped lawn in the terraced space for play and relaxation✓
Took homeowner to personally select boulders from the source“Janice created a beautiful landscape design that my wife and I fell in love with at first sight. She worked closely with us and even took me along to pick out the boulders from the source. Colorado Native did a superior job and did it quickly and completely.”
— Greg King, Verified Google Review
11
Paver Patio · Irrigation · Drainage
New paver patio around
existing plants and structures
The challenge
A homeowner wanted a new paver patio along with irrigation and drainage improvements — but the project required working carefully around existing established plants and structures. Multiple unexpected challenges came up during the build that needed creative problem-solving on the fly.
What we did
✓
Designed a paver patio that worked around existing plants and landscape features✓
Improved irrigation system efficiency throughout the property✓
Addressed drainage improvements identified during the design phase✓
Provided daily updates and photos throughout the entire project✓
Co-solved challenges with the homeowner as they arose — always calmly and professionally“Her communication and problem-solving skills were truly 10/10. She was responsive, clear about timelines, and kept us informed every step of the way. The final result exceeded our expectations. Janice is an absolute gem!”
— Theresa Hovingh, Verified Google Review
Paver Patio · Irrigation · Drainage
10/10
Communication rating from client
Daily
Project updates sent to homeowner
Your project is next
Every one of these projects
started with a free conversation.
started with a free conversation.
No matter how complex your situation — drainage issues, neighbor coordination, crumbling walls, or just a yard you've been putting off — we've seen it before and we know how to solve it. Let's talk.