Many backyards in Matthews start in a similar place. The lot has thin sod over compacted red clay, water sits in low spots after a storm, and there is no real space to sit, cook, or gather. If you are looking for a landscaping company in Matthews NC to change that, it helps to know how a project actually comes together before anyone breaks ground.
This guide walks through the way our team plans and builds a backyard project for Matthews homeowners, step by step, from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
Picturing something similar for your own yard? Call (704) 999-0976 and we will walk your Matthews property with you.
Key Takeaways
- Every project starts with a free on-site walkthrough and a written proposal with a firm price.
- Grading and drainage are planned before any patio, wall, or planting bed.
- Hardscape, plantings, and lighting are designed together as one plan.
- Our process typically runs about three to six weeks from site visit to completion, depending on permits, material lead times, and scope.
- One team handles every phase, from walkthrough to final cleanup.
Step 1: Walk the Property and Listen
Every Matthews project begins on site. We walk the yard with you, measure the area, and note grade changes, access points, and where water collects. We also ask how you want to use the space. A family that hosts weekend cookouts needs a different layout than someone who wants a quiet garden view from the back porch.
Many newer homes in Matthews were finished with a thin layer of topsoil over compacted clay. That is why we look closely at soil and drainage on this first visit, because those conditions shape almost every decision that follows.
Step 2: A Written Proposal Before Any Work
After the walkthrough, we put together a written proposal covering scope, materials, and timeline. You get a firm price before any work starts, so there are no surprises halfway through the build.
This is also where design choices come together. Our landscape design process looks at how the patio, walkways, planting beds, and lighting will connect, so each piece supports the others instead of being added later as an afterthought.
Step 3: Grading and Drainage Come First
Red clay drains slowly and compacts easily, so water tends to pool rather than soak in. Building a patio or planting bed on top of a drainage problem only hides it for a season or two. We solve the grade first and set the finish grade to carry water away from the house.
When a yard needs more than regrading, we plan drainage solutions such as drains or swales as part of the same project, so the water management and the hardscape work together.
Step 4: Hardscape, Plantings, and Finishing Touches
With the base and drainage set, the visible work begins. Depending on the plan, that can include a paver patio, seat walls, walkways, a fire feature, or a pergola. Base preparation matters as much as the surface, because a well-built base is what keeps pavers level on clay soil.
Plantings come next. We choose shrubs, perennials, and turf suited to Zone 8a heat and humidity, then finish beds with mulch so new plants can establish. Lighting, if included, is planned so it highlights paths and gathering areas without glare.
Step 5: Final Walkthrough and Cleanup
When the build is complete, we walk the finished project with you so every detail matches the plan. Debris is hauled away, and we go over how to care for new plantings and turf through their first season.
What Matthews Homeowners Should Plan For
A few things make a backyard project go more smoothly. First, decide how you want to use the space before choosing materials. Second, expect drainage to be part of the conversation, since clay soil is common across Matthews and the greater Charlotte area. Third, if you live in a community with an HOA, plan for approval time before work can begin. We help with HOA paperwork and any Union County permit the project requires.
Finally, think about long-term care from the start. A finished yard still needs seasonal attention, and planning for that early helps the investment hold up.
Planning a Similar Project With a Landscaping Company in Matthews, NC
If your yard has thin sod over compacted clay, you are not alone. Our guide to builder-grade yard makeovers in Matthews explains why those yards struggle and how we rebuild them. Once your new space is finished, our article on Matthews landscape maintenance covers how to keep it looking its best through every season.
Working with a local landscaper in Matthews means one team plans the grading, drainage, hardscape, and plantings together. We serve Matthews from our base in Waxhaw, and you can see examples of our work in our project gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a backyard project like this take?
Our process typically runs about three to six weeks from site visit to completion. The exact timeline depends on permit timing, material lead times, and the size of the project.
Do you work in different parts of Matthews?
Yes. We work across both established and newer parts of Matthews, and every scope is based on an on-site walkthrough of the specific property.
How do I start a project like this?
Call us at (704) 999-0976 or use our contact form to schedule a free estimate.
Will you combine drainage work with hardscape installation on the same project?
Yes. When water management is part of the job, we plan it alongside the hardscape so the finish grade carries water away from the house. Grading, drainage, and patio or walkway work come together as one plan, which helps the final result hold up over time.
Can you work with yards that have red clay and drainage issues?
Yes. Red clay and grade changes are common across Matthews and the greater Charlotte area. We start with an on-site walkthrough to see how water moves through the yard before planning any grading or hardscape, so the materials and layout fit the site.
Start Your Own Matthews Yard Project
Ready to plan your Matthews backyard? Contact JH Landscapes at 2307 Waxhaw-Marvin Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173, or call (704) 999-0976 to request a free estimate.
Let's Design Your Patio.
Tell us a little about the yard and how you want to use it. We will follow up within one business day.