Frequently asked questions.
Everything people ask before they start a yard with us. Don't see yours? Send us a question and we'll answer it.
The Lawn You Love for Less
Choosing what's right for you.
What's the difference between the DIY Program and a design package?
A design package gives you the plan. The DIY Program gives you the plan plus contractor pricing at our suppliers, a full line-item budget, a weekend-by-weekend build schedule, two expert reviews by email, step guides and your first year of Yard Care. Compare them side by side.
Do I need landscaping experience?
No. Your plan and schedule put every job in order, and the step guides show you how to do each one. If you can use a shovel and follow a list, you can do this.
What areas do you serve?
Anywhere in the U.S. We're based in Houston, and every plan is drawn from your survey, house plans and photos, so your yard can be anywhere. Plants and care are chosen for your own climate and growing zone.
Do you work on new construction?
Yes, and it's the best time to start. A bare lot means no old beds or sod to tear out, and we can draw your plan from your house plans and survey.
What do I need to send you?
Your survey or plat, house plans or a floor plan if you have them, photos of the yard and a short wish list. If you don't have a survey, we'll tell you what we need instead.
How long until I get my plan?
We'll give you a design timeline with your quote. It depends on the package and how many yards are in line ahead of yours.
Pricing, budgets and suppliers.
Are materials included in the price?
No. You buy materials directly from our partner suppliers at your pricing, so we never mark up your plants, stone or soil. Your budget tells you the total before you buy anything.
How much can I save compared to a landscaper?
On a typical $25,000 backyard quote, homeowners keep about $11,000 by doing the work themselves and buying at our pricing. Most of a landscaper's price is crews, trucks, overhead and markup. These are example numbers; real numbers from our showcase yard are coming soon.
How does supplier pricing work?
DIY Program customers get our pricing at the stone yards, soil and mulch yards, and nurseries we partner with, plus a direct contact at each one. Outside our partner areas, we find suppliers near you and build your budget around them. Your account shows who to call and what to say at the counter.
Can materials be delivered?
Many of our suppliers deliver stone, soil, mulch and plants to your driveway. Fees and minimums vary by supplier, and your budget includes delivery where it applies.
I bought a design. Can I upgrade to the DIY Program?
Yes. Upgrade within 60 days and the full design price counts toward the DIY Program.
How do I pay?
Online at checkout with a major credit or debit card. See our refund policy for cancellations.
Doing the work yourself.
How long does a DIY yard take to build?
A typical whole-house yard is about 11 weekends, in four phases: prep and trees, beds and drip, planting, then mulch, lights and lawn. You can go faster or slower; the schedule moves at your pace.
What tools do I need?
Mostly basic hand tools: a shovel, rake, wheelbarrow and tape measure. For bigger jobs like cutting sod or tilling, your schedule tells you what to rent and when, so you only rent for the weekend you need it.
What if I get stuck?
Ask the yard assistant any time, with a photo if it helps. For bigger decisions, use one of your two expert reviews: email photos and your question, and our designer writes back.
Can I hire out the hard parts?
Yes. We'll point you to trades we trust for grading, tree removal or lighting, and you do the rest.
Can I install my own irrigation?
In Texas, homeowners can generally install irrigation on their own property. Your city may require a permit and a backflow device. Your plan includes a drip layout sized to your beds.
Do I need to call before I dig?
Yes. Call 811 or submit a request online a few days before you dig. It's free, and they mark buried gas, power and water lines so you don't hit them.
What about drainage?
Every plan shows grade and drainage away from your foundation. Clay soil holds water, so this is one thing we never leave to guesswork.
Will my HOA approve it?
The DIY Program and Premium design include a sheet formatted for HOA submittal, with the plant schedule and notes most HOAs ask for.
The yard assistant and membership.
What is the yard assistant?
An AI assistant loaded with your plan, your plants and your schedule, built on our landscaping playbook. Ask it anything about your yard, any time, and send photos. It gives guidance, not guarantees, and tells you when something needs a professional.
What is Yard Care?
A $19 a month membership that keeps the yard assistant, monthly care reminders for your plants and your supplier pricing going after your build. Learn more.
Is Yard Care included?
The first year is included with the DIY Program. Design customers can add it anytime.
How many questions can I ask?
Up to 100 questions a month, with photos and short videos.
Can I cancel?
Yes, anytime. Your plan sheets are yours to keep.
Still have a question?
Send it with your yard details and we'll reply within 2 business days.