5 Easy to Love Dallas Backyard Design Ideas

Answer These 4 Questions Before You Spend a Dime on Landscaping

We identified the 4 things most DFW homeowners need to consider before starting a landscape design project:

1. Lifestyle. Does your design vision match how you will functionally use your yard?

You could have a landscape architect design a sprawling garden full of Texas native plants and a huge live oak tree in the center. It'd look amazing. But if your kids want a pool and your spouse wants a grill, is that garden making anyone happy?

Dallas area homeowners use their backyards in a variety of ways — hosting parties, entertaining family members, and playing with their kids. Make sure your design lines up with how you actually use your outdoor space.

2. Budget. Can you do what you want at a price point you can manage?

Yes, that garden design with a water feature and landscape lighting would make you the envy of the neighborhood. But is the beauty worth the price tag? 

Consider the costs of your outdoor design past the initial “sticker shock” of your project management bill. How much will it cost to maintain your landscaping every year? Will there be irrigation costs or increased energy bills due to outdoor lighting?

3. Climate. Will your backyard design concept survive Dallas weather?

Dallas is experiencing hotter summers and colder winters than it has in a century. Make sure that the plants and materials you select stand up in harsh 100°F heat and a nasty hail storm. Impact-resistant outdoor furniture is a great idea — no more running out into a hailstorm to drag in your deck chairs.

4. HOA. Do you have a local HOA or residential governing body that wants a say in how you design your front yard or outdoor living space? You don’t want to spend $10,000 on an outdoor kitchen only to catch flak from your HOA board.

Check your local HOA restrictions and guidelines before you invest in landscape design or outdoor living options.

Want to do simple, stunning Texas landscape design on any budget? Check out the HOMR Cost Guide for 9 Low Maintenance Texas Landscaping Ideas at 3 different price points.

5 Hot Dallas Backyard Design Trends

HOMR had a conversation with Blue Fox Outdoor Living about popular outdoor living and landscaping design projects in Dallas and the surrounding area. We paired that knowledge with our internal service data from 1,000+ DFW landscape jobs to identify 5 of the hottest Dallas landscape design trends.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Dallas-Fort Worth residents spend a ton of time outdoors. Why not turn your backyard into an outdoor living space? 

We love Blue Fox Outdoor Living's upscale take on a covered patio in the photo above. High top table seating, a couch set, twin HD televisions and a digital speaker system — all covered by a gorgeous custom roof system and staged on attractive light wood flooring. 

Other outdoor living space designs that work well in DFW include a deck with pergola and outdoor kitchen, or a gazebo to host a barbecue grill station. Try seating around a smokeless fire pit for a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Looking for the best Dallas deck installers for an outdoor living space? Read our official HOMR Buying Guide to discover which Dallas Fort Worth deck and patio contractors topped our updated rankings.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are another popular backyard feature in Dallas-Fort Worth, especially for large families and growing families with young kids.

The primary difference between in-ground pools and above ground pools is cost. A new in-ground pool costs between $40,000-$70,000 to install depending on size and labor. An above ground pool costs

You'll pay far more for an in-ground pool, but the cost difference pays itself back over time. A well-built in-ground pool should last 50+ years on your property, while an above ground pool's lifespan is 8-15 years. If you have the money to spend, an in-ground pool is a better investment.

Interested in saving money on your pool with a strong preventative maintenance plan? Check out HOMR's Pool Repair Service Tips for Dallas homeowners.

Native Plants

Texas native plants are well-adapted to the extremes of our local climate, so they require less maintenance and irrigation.

Here are 8 plants that are native to Texas and are loved by Dallas landscapers:

1. Black-eyed Susan
2. Purple coneflower
3. Calico bush (great for attracting butterflies!)
4. Heartleaf rosemallow
5. Prickly pear cactus
6. Texas sage
7. Red yucca
8. Coral bean

Want to read more about native plant options? Read our updated list of low maintenance Texas landscaping ideas that work in any budget — from under $1,000 to over $5,000!

Water Features

We can't all live on a lake or pond like the folks in Little Elm and Rowlett. But adding a water feature to your backyard design adds a touch of luxury — and acts as a magnet for birds and other wildlife.

Dallas homeowners can choose a sustainable water feature to help protect the environment and save on their water bills. Ask your landscape designer about fountains and waterfalls with a reciprocal water uptake.

If you love to plant gardens and want to incorporate a water feature, ask your landscaping architect about a rain garden. Direct your downspouts towards the garden basin, and use natural rainwater as an irrigation source for your garden design.

{{cta-component="/"}}

‍

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a “10 dollar word” with a simple explanation. It involves using drought-tolerant plants to save on water bills and irrigation. 

Xeriscaping is an incredibly cost-effective, appealing option for Dallas Fort Worth homeowners — use naturally drought-resistant Texas native plants  to reduce the need for irrigation.

EcoWatch reports that xeriscaping saves up to 50% more water than traditional landscaping. If you love unique, dry-climate plants like cacti, Texas sage and red yucca, xeriscaping is a great trend for your Dallas yard.