Big Rock Landscaping Blog

With the harsh winters and scorching summers in Utah, you must choose the right bushes for your landscape, or the intense weather and terrain could kill your plants. That’s why we’ve compiled our favorite bushes for landscaping in Utah to help you narrow your choices.

Looking to create a long-lasting landscape that can thrive in Utah’s unique weather conditions? Big Rock Landscaping can point you to the best landscaping plants for Utah, why they work in our climate, and how to create the landscape of your dreams!

Wondering which trees are the best trees for Utah yards? Click to find Big Rock Landscaping’s easy guide through Utah’s major growing zones which offer dozens of great options for the best trees for Utah landscaping!

If you have a big yard but aren’t sure what to do with it, take a look at these large yard landscape design ideas and tips. They’ll help you get moving in the right direction as you create your dream landscape.

Are you sure your yard is ready for spring runoff in Utah? If you are like most residents, you probably know that flooding can be a problem after an especially wet winter, but you don’t know how to prepare for a flood. Check out our five red flags to see how your yard will do in a flood.

One of our favorite projects, the Larsen project, showcases some of Big Rock Landscaping’s best landscape design and installation. So if you are ready for some very satisfying before and after photos, check out this Big Rock Landscaping Project.

If you live in Utah, you’re aware of the drought. But you likely have questions about the drought, and we have answers. Find out everything you need to know about Utah’s drought and how you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant yard even in dry months.

Do you appreciate the majesty and versatility of landscaping with big rocks? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article will delve into all the things you need to know about designing a landscape around big rocks and boulders. You might think big rocks are just for retaining walls, but we’ll show you that they have a multitude of uses that add natural elegance and beauty to any landscaping project.

Everyone loves a before and after, and as professional landscape designers, we do too. But our team at Big Rock Landscaping knows that every project requires months of preparation, planning, and installation to go from the before to the after. That’s why we wanted to highlight the Hammond project, one of the best examples of Big Rock’s landscaping projects.

Fall is definitely in the air, and with the advent of cooler seasons upon us, you might be thinking more about ways to spruce up your outdoor entertaining space. A great way to make this space comfortable and inviting is to add an outdoor fireplace. You may feel like tackling this project yourself, or you might be considering hiring a professional. Either way, we have some great outdoor fireplace ideas to share that will get you pointed in the right direction.

Everything in your yard is just about perfect. You’ve designed everything down to the very last detail, and carefully trimmed and mowed so that your lawn landscape could grace the front page of any landscaping magazine. Now’s the time for the final detail–hardscape lighting. The finishing touch on just about any landscape project. We know how to light landscapes, and we’re keen to share our hardscape lighting ideas to spark your creativity. Don’t be fooled into thinking that hardscape lighting is inconsequential–it's actually one of the few factors that will truly set your yard apart.

Taking this modern, sloped front yard from a pile of dirt to a luxury landscape is no small feat, but this Big Rock Landscaping project wasn’t a challenge for our team. Using our expertise and carefully crafted process, we created a stunning landscape that matches the beauty of the home.

You might feel like tackling a project yourself, but if you’ve been thinking about employing landscaping services, there are a few things you should keep in mind. We’ll share everything you need to know about hiring a landscaping company–from price to experience–we’ll cover all the bases to help you make an informed decision.

If you've ever been frustrated by the amount of time and money it takes to keep your lawn looking great, this is the post for you. We're sharing our top lawn maintenance ideas along with our favorite lawn maintenance tips.

There are many different types of bushes and plants that you can choose from, so how do you know which bushes are right for the front of your house and your property overall? We break down the top options for homeowners who are looking to add some curb appeal and greenery to their front yard with the best shrubs.

If you think your trees and shrubs don’t need to be watered during the winter, you are in for a surprise! The plants in your yard definitely go dormant during the winter months, but not enough that they don’t need a drink during the dry spells of winter. Read on to find out the steps you can take to keep your trees and shrubs healthy throughout the winter.

Your outdoor living space can be one of the most used rooms of your home. From choosing the right furniture to adding the right plants and fire features, we can help! Keep reading for tips and advice on how to make your yard into a haven of relaxation and enjoyment all year long.

If you're looking to add some natural beauty and charm to your yard, why not try mountain-style landscaping? You don't need a lot of space to get started–even a small porch or garden area can be turned into a tranquil oasis. And if you already have a lawn, don't worry, there are plenty of ways to incorporate natural mountain landscaping into your grassy areas. So, get inspired, and start creating your own little piece of paradise utilizing these mountain home landscape ideas!

Many people find that planting shrubs around the pool is a landscaping trick that delivers well on both form and function. Shrubs around the pool can be aesthetically pleasing, but they can also be used as a natural fence to ward off prying eyes. Not sure what shrubs to plant around your pool area? Not to worry. We’ve got all the information you need to help you choose the right shrubs for your pool.

Landscaping is a great way to improve the appearance of your home and yard, but landscaping costs can also be expensive. Learn more about landscaping costs and get a quote from us today! We will help you get your yard looking beautiful and save you money on landscaping costs.

Did you know that landscape lighting can add a little extra curb appeal or create an inviting atmosphere for gatherings with friends and family? We are passionate about all things landscaping and are here to share some of our favorite landscaping lighting ideas!

Thinking about designing and installing a landscape fountain? Whether you are looking forward to digging into a DIY project, or want to hire a professional, jump into this post to get your creative juices flowing. We have some great inspirational ideas that will rock your neighborhood block!

Parking strips are usually designed as an afterthought, or really, not designed at all. Bring that area of your yard to life with these drought resistant parking strip ideas that look good, and are low maintenance too.

If you are a homeowner in Utah, you’ve probably worried about how to lessen your water usage while keeping your lawn and other greenery happy. It can feel like you have to either completely drench your lawn or rip out your lawn and xeriscape everything. But the team at Big Rock Landscaping believes there is an option that is somewhere in between, helping you keep your lawn and use your water efficiently. Check out our watering guide for Utah homeowners and keep your lawn green!

If you’re panicking about how to keep your plants alive during the drought this year, read on for these expert tips on watering plants during a drought, how to care for your trees when you’re trying to save water, and how to make sure your backyard landscaping is perfectly suited to your region, this season and always!

There is really no one better qualified than Big Rock Landscaping when it comes to backyard lighting ideas and installation. If you’re looking for inspiration, and an inviting yard that will welcome you outside all year long, night or day, look no further than Big Rock Landscaping. We specialize in the small details–like backyard lighting–that can truly complete your landscape.

With summer just around the corner, many of us are dreaming about spending a lazy afternoon or evening out on the patio. Even though patio lighting is one of the best things you can do for your patio ambiance, most homeowners neglect this very important landscaping element. Don’t settle for mediocrity–elevate your patio to the next level with our inspiring patio lighting ideas.

Ever look out into your backyard and envision a covered, cozy space to gather with friends and family? If so, chances are that you’ve thought about installing a pergola in your backyard space. Now the question becomes: do you tackle this yourself, or hire a professional? This article reveals pergola installation tips and common mistakes. If hiring a professional is what you need, Big Rock Landscaping has got your covered.

It’s small details like landscaping borders that make the difference between take-your-breathe-away landscaping and mediocre landscaping. If you are looking for ideas and tips on how to choose the right landscape border, you are in the right place!

Pruning is an important part of taking care of a fruit tree, and if it's done at the wrong time or the wrong way, it can actually do more harm than good. Wondering when is the best time to prune fruit trees? This article will help you get your fruit tree pruning schedule done right.

Plant your spring garden with bees in mind! Providing food and a habitat for these marvelous pollinators is a fantastic way to give back to the environment.

Mulching your yard is a critical step in a full, stunning garden during the spring and summer months. Not only does mulching moderate the temperature of the soil, but it traps water and prevents weeds from overtaking the area. But when do you add mulch to your garden and flower beds? There’s definitely a right answer, and we’ll cover everything you need to know to help your garden succeed!

We are honored to have recently received both the Houzz Design Award and the Houzz Service Award. While these awards are given by Houzz to showcase unique designs and unparalleled customer service, what we are most excited about is that these awards show that our goals of client satisfaction are being met. Our client’s satisfaction is the greatest award of all!

“Taking to the waters” is no longer something we have to trek miles and miles to do. We can indulge in the splendors of our private pools just feet away from our back doors. Swimming pools are no doubt worth the design efforts and time you put into them to be able to relish in […]

It’s no great mystery that the much-sought-after perfect ambiance for any setting, public or private, is what shines through the little phosphorescent baubles we call light bulbs and the fixtures that secure them into their carefully designated places. That’s why it’s such a thrill—the ultimate cherry on top—to choose the perfect lighting to complete any […]

The Holm’s home is one of a kind. Set on a hill with incredible views and a rugged mountain backdrop, it’s a landscaper’s playground. The end result of this project is nothing short of a dream come true for the clients who wanted plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, a family friendly yard, a hot […]

Ever thought of adding a deck to your house? Ever thought of adding that deck yourself but then realized, hey…I don’t know how to add a deck to my house myself? So you started an online search for deck design ideas and some DIY-confidence-boosting articles and the decking gods landed you here? Well, what a […]

Everyone loves a before and after of a landscape project, the instant gratification of seeing a disheveled, outdated space becoming an oasis in just one swipe of your finger is not only visually appealing but also gives you that sweet hit of dopamine. But the team at Big Rock Landscaping knows there’s so much between […]

Creating a luxurious landscape design can be a work of art. Each element added into a landscape can either bring beauty and awe or frustration and challenges. A properly placed stone can add natural whimsy or, if improperly placed, an eyesore that isn’t easily moved. Big Rock Landscaping knows how important a well-executed landscape design […]

Until you’ve experienced a water feature in your yard, you really don’t know what you are missing. It isn’t just the aesthetic of water moving, but the gentle sounds of a waterfall or the mellow feeling when you watch a koi in the pond that takes your yard from average to heavenly.  The beauty of […]

If your landscape is looking for a refresh, or you’re just starting to create your dream home, consider adding the landscaping trend of xeriscape design. Xeriscaping has won the interest of many homeowners who are looking to conserve water, save some money and make a valuable impact on the environment. Xeriscaping 101 In Utah In […]

Thinking about starting a backyard landscaping project? Maybe you’re interested in a new stone pathway to the garden or perhaps you’ve got your sights set on a total backyard renovation. Maybe you’re interested in some professional landscaping services. Whichever the case, you’ve got to know where to start. We’ve researched the top questions about backyard […]

Spring has sprung, and you’re ready to start that garden! First step is to find your favorite overalls and sun hat. Then it’s time to buy some seeds. We’re big advocates for buying local seeds for your garden, and here’s why.

Investing your time, money, energy, and—yes—emotions into your landscaping means that when something gets damaged or dies off, it can feel like a little (or big) piece of your heart has broken along with it. And is there anything worse than realizing that the same beautiful blanket of white that has covered your lawn with […]

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, we’re all excited about spending more time outdoors. But is your yard ready for its debut? Did it even survive the winter? Big Rock Landscaping is walking you through how to prepare your yard for spring and beyond with this easy to follow spring yard checklist.

Ready to enjoy your yard again? Our spring landscaping to do list includes 8 ways to jump back in to taking care of your yard after a long winter and to ensure that you’ll be ready for a beautiful summer.

Roses are the perfect landscaping addition for your front or backyard. Roses offer a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes so you can customize them to fit in your perfect landscape design. We share our staffs 5 favorite rose choices for landscaping!

Unless you’re a bonafide Yeti, you’re bound to need to get rid of some snow sometime. This also probably means that you’re going to want to know the best way to do it. So we’re getting into the top questions asked about snow removal, our best snow removal tips, and some truly awesome pyrotechnics that […]

Have you ever seen a luxury home only to be utterly disappointed by the landscaping? Or maybe saw a home during construction that seemed underwhelming, but once the home and landscaping were finished together, the only word that came to mind was luxury? How about happening upon an average home that’s landscaping was the total […]

Hardscaping is not a new concept, but the term is becoming more and more industry-standard because of how many people are opting to implement residential hardscape ideas in their own homes. But why are they? What is it about hardscaping that makes it so appealing? Do you wonder what hardscaping really entails? Have you seen […]

You may have never considered the idea that your own outdoor space could be worthy of, let alone considered for, an award of excellence. But what if it was? What would your dream backyard or garden or front walkway look like? What are the landscape design ideas that make you swoon and wish it was […]