When homeowners invest in a beautiful new construction home, they often discover that the landscaping doesn’t quite match the quality of the home itself. That was exactly the situation for this homeowner in Royal Oak, Michigan.
While the house featured clean architectural lines and modern finishes, the front yard consisted of minimal builder-grade landscaping with limited visual impact. The homeowner wanted a landscape design that would elevate the property’s curb appeal, add dimension to the front yard, and create a more polished, high-end appearance.
Grow Garden and Landscape Design was hired to design and install a custom retaining wall, improve drainage, and add landscape lighting to bring the entire front elevation to life.
Many newly built homes throughout Royal Oak, Birmingham, Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding Oakland County communities come with basic landscaping packages that lack depth, character, and functionality.
In this case, the front yard needed:
The goal was to create a landscape that felt intentional and proportional to the home’s overall investment.
To create additional dimension and enhance the front yard’s appearance, our team designed and installed a custom and modern retaining wall system that elevated the planting beds and established stronger visual lines across the property.
The project began with hand excavation approximately 12 inches below grade to establish a proper foundation. Base preparation is critical for long-term retaining wall performance, especially in Michigan, where freeze-thaw cycles can cause settling and movement if walls are not installed correctly.
For the modern retaining wall system, we selected Unilock Lineo™ Wall, a contemporary wall product known for its clean appearance and durability.
To complete the installation, we added Unilock PisaXL® coping caps, creating a refined architectural finish that pairs beautifully with modern and newly constructed homes.
The elevated planting areas immediately added depth, structure, and curb appeal while creating space for future landscape enhancements.
The existing landscape was completely redesigned with a professionally planned planting layout featuring carefully selected trees, shrubs, and ornamental plantings.
The new design creates year-round interest while enhancing privacy, curb appeal, and long-term landscape performance.
To enhance the home’s appearance after sunset, we installed low-voltage landscape lighting throughout the front landscape beds.
Strategically placed fixtures highlight the retaining wall, accent plantings, and architectural features of the home while improving visibility and safety during evening hours.
Landscape lighting is one of the most effective ways to extend curb appeal beyond daylight hours, creating a welcoming and upscale appearance both day and night.
What began as a basic builder-installed landscape was transformed into a more sophisticated and functional outdoor space.
The completed project delivered:
Best of all, the entire retaining wall, drainage, and landscape lighting installation was completed in just one day.
If you’re looking to upgrade a new construction home with retaining walls, landscape lighting, drainage solutions, or custom landscape design in Royal Oak or surrounding Oakland County communities, Grow Garden and Landscape Design can help bring your vision to life.
Thinking about upgrading your outdoor space?
Whether you're building a new home or improving an existing property, We specializes in custom landscape design, modern retaining walls, paver patios, drainage solutions, outdoor lighting, and complete landscape renovations throughout Metro Detroit. Contact Grow Garden and Landscape Design today to schedule your consultation and start transforming your outdoor space.
If you are looking to create a custom outdoor living space with features like a putting green, patio, privacy landscaping, or sod installation, Grow Garden & Landscape Design is here to help. Contact our team to discuss your project and start planning your outdoor transformation.
Many new construction homes have flat, builder-grade landscaping that lacks depth and visual interest. A retaining wall creates elevated planting beds, improves curb appeal, and helps define the landscape while supporting proper grading.
The timeline depends on the wall’s size and site conditions. Smaller residential retaining wall projects can often be completed within a day, while larger or more complex installations may require additional time.
Yes. Proper drainage is critical to the long-term performance of a retaining wall. Drainage systems help prevent water buildup behind the wall, reducing pressure and minimizing the risk of movement or failure over time.
Upgrading downspout drainage helps direct water away from your home’s foundation, landscaping, and hardscape features. This can reduce standing water, erosion, saturated lawns, and drainage-related damage.
Upgrading downspout drainage helps direct water away from your home’s foundation, landscaping, and hardscape features. This can reduce standing water, erosion, saturated lawns, and drainage-related damage.
Products like Unilock Lineo™ Wall are popular for modern homes because they provide clean lines, contemporary styling, durability, and long-lasting performance in Michigan’s climate.
A professionally installed retaining wall can improve curb appeal, create usable planting space, address grading issues, and contribute to overall property value by enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Retaining walls, landscape lighting, planting bed enhancements, drainage improvements, and professionally designed landscape layouts are among the most effective ways to improve curb appeal and create a finished appearance.
Common signs include standing water, soggy lawn areas, erosion, water pooling near the foundation, overflowing downspouts, and landscape beds that remain wet long after rainfall.
Yes. Grow Garden and Landscape Design provides retaining wall installation, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, landscape design, and outdoor renovations throughout Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Berkley, Troy, Huntington Woods, and surrounding Oakland County communities.
