--- title: "Big Rock Landscaping — Swimming Pool Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/big-rock-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~2014083243 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2014083243.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Big Rock Landscaping" category: ["Swimming Pool Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/18e3e3b5060ed347_2172-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "522 S. 100 W. St, Provo, Utah 84601, United States" latitude: 40.2319 longitude: -111.6755 phone: "(866) 288-9501" website: http://bigrockinc.com rating: 4.4 review_count: 43 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 114 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # Big Rock Landscaping Original Houzz profile: [Big Rock Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/big-rock-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~2014083243) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Swimming Pool Builders - **Location:** Provo, UT - **Serves:** Provo, Orem, Spanish Fork, Pleasant Grove, Springville, Vineyard, Lindon, Mapleton, Lake Shore - **Houzz rating:** 4.4 out of 5 (43 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2017–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - High-end Big Rock Landscaping is a premier contractor offering design, installation, and maintenance services in residential and commercial settings throughout Utah. Since our beginnings in 1990, we have grown into a team that collaborates with designers, architects, and property owners in providing versatile outdoor living spaces. With one of the company’s principals serving as the chief supervisor on all assignments, every job, large or small, receives the attention it needs to move quickly and efficiently from start to finish. With a versatile and qualified team of experts, we have the experience and technical expertise to tackle even the most complex projects. Combining an artistic vision with expertise and knowledge of the climate and challenges of our region, we design and install some of the most notable landscapes in Utah and the Intermountain West. We are fully committed to providing an unparalleled level of service and professionalism as we craft beautiful, livable solutions in a natural outdoor environment. ### Services Provided - Swimming Pool Construction - Swimming Pool Design - Pool Deck Design & Construction - Pool Lighting Installation - Pool Remodeling - Custom Hot Tubs - Natural Swimming Pools - Pool Plastering - Pool Tiling - Pool Covers - Pond Construction ### Areas Served - Provo - Orem - Spanish Fork - Pleasant Grove - Springville - Vineyard - Lindon - Mapleton - Lake Shore ### Typical Job Cost $100000+ - ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Big Rock Landscaping | | Address | 522 S. 100 W. St, Provo, Utah 84601, United States | | Phone | (866) 288-9501 | | Website | http://bigrockinc.com | | Followers on Houzz | 114 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/bigrockinc - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/bigrockinc - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-rock-premium-landscape-and-design/about/ - Blog — www.bigrockinc.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Big Rock Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/big-rock-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~2014083243) - **Website:** http://bigrockinc.com - **Phone:** (866) 288-9501 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best in Orem, Best in Millcreek, Best in Utah Valley \| Better Business Bureau \| Certified Arborist \| Plant Wise Utah \| Certified Irrigation Contractor \| Certified Irrigation Designer \| Irrigation Association \| - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2017–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/interlocking-concrete-pavement-institute-pfvwus-pf~1829823913) - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/better-business-bureau-pfvwus-pf~1830530549) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 — 43 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 28.0 - Communication: 27.0 - Value: 28.0 ### Reviews **★ — alex\_lindell, Aug. 2024** > Just don't hire them. Nothing is worth going through the stress and pain of working with them. The 5-month project we started in May 2020 is still incomplete in August 2024. I hired a lawyer and went to arbitration in an attempt to get them to finish. No dice! They are great salespeople, but the experience they sold us was not what we got. **★ — Brooke Jensen, July 2024** > I hired Brandon from Big Rock after being wow'd at what amazing things there are out there to do with your yard. Although they did complete it after MANY large delays, almost everything failed quickly. The rain sensor for the sprinklers. The driplines around the rocks. Everything.broke. and to get a hold of this company to report it or speak about it is literally impossible as the name and number changes a lot! **★ — Sally Zamora, Jan. 2024** > I had a terrible experience with Big Rock. They initially quoted me a price for the project, but once they started the work, they doubled the cost without any valid explanation. Not only did they fail to complete the work, but they also caused additional issues that still need to be fixed. The entire experience was a nightmare, and I would strongly advise against hiring them for any construction projects. Their lack of professionalism and honesty is unacceptable. **★★ — J J, April 2023** > Hired BigRock to do landscaping plan/job for us. They have some talent there to be sure. The main problem is they are too busy and so everything is rushed. The contract is VERY favorable to them. Read it carefully (you have to pay in full before the project is completed which makes it very hard to get them to finish that last little bit). If you hire them, I would recommend modifying the contract and having firm dates in place with a large portion of the payment coming at the end. When motivated, they can do excellent work. **★ — Brad Jones, March 2023** > After hiring Big Rock in May 2021 to enhance our backyard, the lack of performance and unkept promises have left us beyond frustrated and seeking legal recourse. The straw that finally broke the camel's back was in December 2022 (over 18 months since signing the contract with them), we were told that the quarry that they were going to get the rocks to build the water feature and jumping platform into our pool no longer had the rocks and they were going to charge us $10,000 per rock to transport them from a quarry in Idaho. As outlined in their contract, we decided to scale back the project and settle up with Big Rock for the work had been started and eliminate any projects that had not been started on our job. They agreed that all unfinished work would be completed and that any warranty issues moving forward would be honored. On Jan 12, 2023 we met to resolve the outstanding issues. We mutually agreed on the work that had been started and the items that had not been started and that after an audit was done on completed items, a return of overpaid money would be returned. Ironically, at that meeting, we were told that rocks were now available at the original quarry. Materials were audited and they promised we would get an audited estimate the following day and a return of funds would be processed. Subsequent to our meeting, It was communicated to us that the figure we had discussed in our face to face meeting (in excess of $125,000) was acknowledge and would be returned us, however, we have still never received a refund of over paid funds. After weeks of continually being put off and claiming their accounting and legal teams were working on resolution and determining an amount that should be returned to us, we approached Brandon Hatch, owner of Big Rock, about resolution, his response was he was no longer involved in those types of matters, but only worked on sales and design. After months of non-response and no indication of returning over $125K of overpaid funds, we reached out to him by going directly to their offices and were told by him that his attorney was dealing with our issues and condescendingly brushed my wife away with a wave of his hand. It was obvious he has no intention of any resolution of our issues. > > Since then, many deficiencies have surfaced: pavers not installed on a climate acceptable base, no flue in the fireplace creating a lighting hazard and discoloring of exterior rocks, non-functioning water features, footprints in the plaster of the pool, just to name a few. > > Although Big Rock claims they will address these issues, it has been over 30 days since these issues have been raised and we have never seen any communication or anyone come to fix these issues. We have received quotes from other contractors indicating it will cost over $50,000 to address the above issues. > > Save yourself the pain, misery, heartache and frustration and never hire Big Rock to step on your property! **★ — Camille Jones, Jan. 2023** > We hired Big Rock to transform our backyard and quickly became frustrated. Our frustration was on 2 levels: 1 - The timing and lack of willingness to provide any timeline or end of project date 2 - Quality of Work. While the list is long, this is just a few small examples of what we have experienced. > > We signed the contract with Big Rock in May of 2021 (over 19 months ago) and it was represented to us that we would have a completed pool by the summer of 2022. The pool was completed in October of 2022, but as of today, there still is significant work to be done on our backyard. > When asked to provide milestone or updates these were examples of the responses we received: > "We don't do weekly updates." > "I understand you want a detailed timeline and like I personally have stated and so has Russ, its not possible" > > We hired Big Rock to build a pool. The day that the hole for the pool was to be dug (February 15, 2022), we realized that no-one had come to survey for existing utilities (blue stakes). When I asked our project manager about this, his response was "I know blue stakes is ordered as part of your permit. I will follow up to make sure they actually came out.” I noticed several days later after the hole was already dug that the survey markers were just now showing up in our yard. I called the 411 Utah and asked them when they had been called. They were called on 2/15 - the day the pool was dug - and the request didn't become legal until 2/17 several days later all the while the pool was still being dug. > > We also had Big Rock build us an outdoor fireplace. After having a fire in the fireplace 3 times, the interior firebrick started to fall out from the inside of the fireplace and cracks started to form on the outside grouted rocks (see pictures). > > Three months after having the pavers grouted, the paver tile grout has cracked and tiles are loose. (See pictures) > > A short time after water being in the pool, boot footprints became visible in the plaster and you can see exactly where the plaster workers stepped in the bottom of the pool. (See pictures) > > An electrical box (Brand Square D) was installed for the spa, pool, fireplace water features, and electrical outlet. In the breaker box, both commerical and residential breakers of different brands other than the electrical box were installed (Siemens, GE). The cover plate on the box does not securly cover the breakers and 2 of the 3 breakers have blown since installation. > > The list of challenges and frustrations is too numerous to list in this review. And after our experience, we cannot in good conscience recommend Big Rock to anyone and strongly recommend anyone considering Big Rock to reconsider. **Comment from Big Rock Landscaping:** > Hello Mrs. Jones, > > Again, as we’ve said during our ongoing efforts to wrap up your landscaping project, we deeply apologize for the frustration you’ve encountered with this project. As with many supply chain shortages that have impacted consumers in the last several years, we could not have anticipated the concrete shortage that would impact the Utah construction market last year. We admit that pinning down a timeline for you with those shortages and while allowing for curing times was difficult for everyone involved. > > While we did begin our partnership with you in May 2021, much of our time in those early months was spent mapping out your project with you, taking you on pool tours, and finalizing your materials selections. Unfortunately, as landscapers we are at the mercy of the weather, so your project construction started in February 2022, with the above-mentioned concrete shortages being the primary factor in delaying our project. > > We’ve felt your urgency throughout this project and your Project Manager, Ryan, has sent weekly updates to you, as we do with all of our projects. > > At this time this issue has been escalated to Russ, the Director of Project Management, and he’s currently working with you to resolve all of the items that you’ve detailed in your review and photos. It’s our ongoing goal to wrap up our agreement with you so that you can enjoy the pool, deck, and fireplace that our hardworking team has created for you. > > You are also welcome to reach out to me directly, > Brandon Hatch, Owner 866-288-9501 **★★★★★ — Stephanie Taufer, March 2021** > Wow!! What a great company! We were looking for a company that could not only put in a quality pool but one that could also make the landscaping look natural. We didn’t want just a backyard with a pool in it. We had multiple pool companies come and Big Rock was by far the only one that seemed to actually care about making the end result look amazing. Brandon was phenomenal. He had a vision for our backyard that we loved. He was completely up front about not only his ideas of what would look good and what wouldn’t but the cost. His communication is second to none. The project isn’t completed yet but we know it will be unbelievable and we have been super impressed with his crews work ethic and professionalism. They are worth every penny. Can’t wait to see the finished project. **Comment from Big Rock Landscaping:** > We love how your project turned out and that we were able to fit all of the ideas into one backyard! Thanks for the nice words, we hope you love your yard. **★★★★★ — Stephanie T, March 2021** > They have great communication, and are very prompt at getting back to us when we have a question. Love how friendly all of the staff is. **Comment from Big Rock Landscaping:** > Thanks for the comment Stephanie. We pride ourselves in always trying to premeditated questions clients may have to make the process smoother. **★★★★★ — HU-471574794, Feb. 2021** > We loved working with Big Rock. They listened to the style I was wanting and created the perfect design. They were very reliable and went above and beyond my expectations. **Comment from Big Rock Landscaping:** > Yay! We love to hear it. We always want the finished product to be bigger and better than the original vision. **★★★★★ — Thomas Nehren, Feb. 2021** > When we first started, I envisioned a large retaining wall that ran alongside and above the pool, covered with stacked rock and lighting. Brandon pushed back on that and said, "You don't want someone to come in and say, 'Wow! Nice wall.' You want them to say, "Wow! This yard is amazing.'" That resonated with me and has driven our entire approach. He and his team have a vision of how to transform a space in a way that everything works together. Anybody can dig a hole, but it's having the big picture and orchestrating all of the tiny details along the way that really sets BigRock apart. **Comment from Big Rock Landscaping:** > Yes! Why install just a functional wall when you could have a decorative planter bed holding trees that serves the same purpose. Thanks for trusting the vision! **★★★★★ — leh blaze, Feb. 2021** > We have loved working with Big Rock Landscaping on our pool and backyard project. From day one Brandon has really helped us to visualize and maximize our outdoor potential. I appreciate his expertise and overall management of what is a huge project. The crews have all been skilled, respectful, and pleasant. When you are looking to invest this much time and money into a project, Big Rock should be your choice. I have zero hesitation in recommending Big Rock to all of our friends and neighbors. **Comment from Big Rock Landscaping:** > Big projects always require patience and a good relationship. You made our job easy. Thanks so much! **★★★★★ — Ann Bowen, Nov. 2019** > We have enjoyed working with Big Rock. We are not done yet but so far everything is looking great. They are very creative and the crews are very skilled and always pleasant. **Comment from Big Rock Landscaping:** > Thank you, Ann. We appreciate having the opportunity to work with you and to be a part of creating a beautiful landscape that you can enjoy with your family. ## Selected projects - [Charming Tudor Landscaping In Holladay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charming-tudor-landscaping-in-holladay-pj-vj~1667104) - Location: Holladay, UT - Photos: 58 - Description: This property boasts unparalleled beauty. Our team worked with the owners to enhance and spotlight the home's charm, adding traditional flower gardens, ponds, hardscaping, and outdoor lighting. We flexed the breadth of our design skills for this project, which makes this one of our most eye-catching projects. - [Modern, Family-Friendly Landscaping On Country Manor Lane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-family-friendly-landscaping-on-country-manor-lane-pj-vj~5510960) - Location: Alpine, UT - Photos: 33 - Description: Creating a modern landscape that incorporates a pool, double trampolines, firepit and still leaves plenty of space for entertaining and green space is no small feat, and this gorgeous project gave us the chance to do it all. Enjoy the custom stairs with outdoor lighting, the black planters with ornamental grasses, as well as the unique jumping platform for the pool. - [Stunning Classic Landscaping On Siesta Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stunning-classic-landscaping-on-siesta-drive-pj-vj~5347824) - Location: Cottonwood Heights, UT - Photos: 30 - Description: This timeless home needed a timeless touch in its landscaping. We designed this space with the intent to match the home's stunning beauty and provide areas for year-round outdoor entertaining, as well as family-friendly features like a pool, lots of open lawn, and a cozy outdoor fireplace. - [Charming Traditional Landscape In Mapleton](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charming-traditional-landscape-in-mapleton-pj-vj~5978977) - Location: Mapleton, UT - Photos: 18 - Description: This takes traditional ideas like a porch swing or front walkway and adds a twist- instead of fully connected concrete steps for the walkway, each slab is individually embedded into the ground like stairs. Instead of a classic porch swing, two wicker egg-shaped chairs are suspended from their own hooks on the front porch. We loved adding color, texture, and of course, personality to this stunning property. - [Outdoor Entertaining At Vintage Estates](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-entertaining-at-vintage-estates-pj-vj~1775804) - Location: Provo, UT - Photos: 14 - Description: Incorporating plenty of room for year-round outdoor entertaining, a pool complete with a jumping platform, and an in-ground trampoline, while making sure the classic aesthetic of this home wasn't lost was no small feat. But our team found a way to balance all the wants and needs of this family without sacrificing style or function. - [Glamorous Modern Home In Holladay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glamorous-modern-home-in-holladay-pj-vj~1982801) - Location: Holladay, UT - Photos: 7 - Description: We are firm believers that modern doesn't mean boring, and in fact, can translate as pretty glamourous and inviting. This home had lots of floor-to-ceiling windows, a pool, and plenty of room for outdoor entertainment. - [Unique Natural Landscape In Provo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/unique-natural-landscape-in-provo-pj-vj~1667166) - Location: Provo, UT - Photos: 20 - Description: This project is one of a kind, from the natural rock waterfall to the stepping stones through the pool to the charming pergola. We pulled out all the stops to make this landscape a perfect combination of entertainment areas and soothing natural features. - [Stunning Parade Of Homes Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stunning-parade-of-homes-landscape-pj-vj~1838996) - Location: Highland, UT - Photos: 14 - Description: An outdoor dining space, a basketball court, an outdoor fireplace, and more are what make this home one of the most stunning projects. We loved crafting a design that complemented the aesthetic of the home while ensuring that the home was also inviting and family-friendly. - [Classic Landscape Beauty At The Cascade Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-landscape-beauty-at-the-cascade-project-pj-vj~1839098) - Location: Orem, UT - Photos: 11 - Description: This classic home with stunning shingles, a pool, stone stairs, and an outdoor dining space makes it a perfect home for any family. We added natural elements like the rock stairs and plenty of greenery to compliment the stunning exterior of this home. - [Traditional Landscape And A Splash Pad At Indian Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-landscape-and-a-splash-pad-at-indian-hills-pj-vj~1776040) - Location: Provo, UT - Photos: 14 - Description: One of the most family-friendly features we've added to any property is the splash pad near the pool in this property. Without taking away from the aesthetics of the home, we added landscaping features that are perfect for a family. - [Classic Landscaping For A Family In Farmington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-landscaping-for-a-family-in-farmington-pj-vj~6087906) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: Fountains into the pool, boulder rock walls and built-in seating around a gas fireplace: all this and more at the stunning property in northern Utah. - [Rock Water Slide For A Traditional Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rock-water-slide-for-a-traditional-home-pj-vj~5978778) - Location: Provo, UT - Photos: 18 - Description: Adding features like a water slide, a pergola, and a fire pit complete with custom seating make this home a perfect place to gather family and friends. - [Contemporary Outdoor Entertaining Berkshire Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-outdoor-entertaining-berkshire-drive-pj-vj~1747343) - Location: Orem, UT - Photos: 22 - Description: With multiple fire features, expansive lawns, and plenty of room for hosting the next block party, this modern home with a twist is in a league of its own. If you want a front porch with a fire pit, a custom horse shoe court, and the perfect blend of modern shrubs, flowers and trees, this Berkshire Drive home is the perfect inspiration for your landscaping plans. - [Recreation And Relaxation On Murray-Holladay Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/recreation-and-relaxation-on-murray-holladay-road-pj-vj~1964122) - Location: Holladay, UT - Photos: 14 - Description: This project showcases some of our best work, from the pond and river to the pool to the tennis court. While these bigger features are eye grabbing, we paid close attention to details as well, including choosing river rock and pavers that blend well together and lining the driveway with pavers to elevate the space. This home is stunning, and we loved creating a landscape that matches the beauty of the home. - [Stunning Views And A Custom Firepit In Provo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stunning-views-and-a-custom-firepit-in-provo-pj-vj~6087966) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: With a custom firepit, natural stone pathway to the backyard and a patio that showcases valley views, the landscaping on this home adds comfort and beauty to the home. - [Modern Backyard Retreat On East Bench](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-backyard-retreat-on-east-bench-pj-vj~5978998) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 7 - Description: This contemporary style home needed stylish, simple, contemporary landscaping. We added plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, as well as a unique entryway and a boulder retaining wall in the backyard. - [Contemporary Hardscape In Federal Heights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-hardscape-in-federal-heights-pj-vj~5978732) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 11 - Description: This xeriscaped, modern home ties the natural beauty of the mature trees and locally sourced boulders to create a welcoming space. - [Mountain Luxury Landscaping In Midway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-luxury-landscaping-in-midway-pj-vj~2652938) - Location: Midway, UT - Photos: 12 - Description: This expansive property is full of beauty, and we delighted to amplify the existing landscape with plenty of outdoor living space, greenery, playground, fire pit and even a fun splash pad. If you are looking for family fun and outdoor living, look no further than this project for inspiration. - [Mature Trees On Piute Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mature-trees-on-piute-drive-pj-vj~2765339) - Location: Provo, UT - Photos: 8 - Description: This home came with all the elements we love in a landscape project- mature trees, sloping hills, and plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. We took the best parts of the space like the mature trees and existing porch and added polishing touches like river rock ground cover, garden beds, and fresh plants. - [Luxurious Outdoor Recreation And Entertainment In Alpine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/luxurious-outdoor-recreation-and-entertainment-in-alpine-pj-vj~1842170) - Location: Alpine, UT - Photos: 18 - Description: Mulitple fire features, a splash pad, custom playground, and soccer field make this home the perfect space for a family to make memories for years to come. [See all 65 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/big-rock-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~2014083243) ## Ideabooks - [Hatch Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130092953/list/hatch-home) — 79 ideas - [Bigelow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123445801/list/bigelow) — 9 ideas - [Thomas Godfrey](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122236198/list/thomas-godfrey) — 22 ideas - [Harkness](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122192735/list/harkness) — 3 ideas - [Tyler Godfrey](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122192368/list/tyler-godfrey) — 28 ideas - [Outdoor Living Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90445297/list/outdoor-living-spaces) — 29 ideas - [Water Elements](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576607/list/water-elements) — 18 ideas - [Fire Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576617/list/fire-features) — 53 ideas - [Driveways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576706/list/driveways) — 16 ideas - [Patios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576714/list/patios) — 18 ideas - [Walkways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576723/list/walkways) — 27 ideas - [Hot Tubs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576831/list/hot-tubs) — 19 ideas - [Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576818/list/pools) — 21 ideas - [Splash Pads](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576858/list/splash-pads) — 17 ideas - [Outdoor Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576785/list/outdoor-lighting) — 14 ideas - [Annual Flowers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576515/list/annual-flowers) — 12 ideas - [Decks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576656/list/decks) — 12 ideas - [Paver Catalogue](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576692/list/paver-catalogue) — 119 ideas - [Planters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80576558/list/planters) — 20 ideas - [Outdoor Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74417167/list/outdoor-kitchens) — 14 ideas [See all 31 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bigrocklandscapinganddesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: Help with landscaping ideas, please!!** *(in Landscape Design)* We just had our house painted (hooray!!) and will be working on landscaping next. We live in Zone 5/6, northern Idaho. Current landscaping has not been cared for over the past ten+ years and hope to get some ideas here. We love evergreen trees and shrubs, grasses, with perennial flowers mixed in. A plus for deer resistant recommendations. Many thanks for your ideas!! A: The new paint looks great, and your home is beautiful. One of the first questions we ask a new client is, “How do you plan to use the space?” If you want a front porch, seating, and room for a fire pit, that’s an entirely different design than a formal landscape with large and manicured flower beds. Some base recommendations- build out your flower beds with a curved border. Add some visually attractive trees to balance the height of the home (weeping spruces and aspens are great in that area). Here are some ideas we’ve used in projects in Utah where we’ve built out the flower beds and balanced the front yard. **Q: Deck or Patio? What would you do?** *(in Porches & Decks)* Finally working on the exterior of our home. Roof and siding is already in the works. Need to plan a new deck or patio; maybe a combination of both. Anyone have some pictures or advice? A: It depends—how will you use the space? Even with the coverage from your trees, will that be enough shade on a warm summer day? Do you envision dinners outside or is it meant more to be a casual place to rest at the end of the day? Do you want to use up more yard space so you don’t have to water as much grass? And how much maintenance are you willing to do? Typically wood decks need more TLC and pavers need less, however, pavers won’t be at level with your back porch and if that’s a priority you’ll need at least some decking. Ultimately, hiring a landscape professional might be your best bet as there are likely dozens of other considerations for your specific yard that a pro can help you figure out. For some inspiration, here are some decks, patios, and porches our team has designed and installed. **Q: Revitalize front of the home** *(in Landscape Design)* My house is perched on a hill, and currently has shrubs in the front, and then a short steep hill to the road; the walkway cuts to the side and goes to long driveway. im trying to think of good ideas and how to visualize possible ideas; ranging from a large, possibly wraparound porch ( or just a portico); maybe a more elegant stone staircase to the driveway; or possibly with a retaining wall a small roundabout driveway and flatten the top (but seems too steep and maybe not possible); im also open to ideas, just seems like a current waste of front yard with the steepness. A: Tackling this project in phases is probably your best bet until you can meet with a landscape pro to help you come up with a permanent plan. Phase one is (like others have said) is to trim back the existing overgrowth. That will give you a better idea of scale and help the space feel more intentional without tons of effort or money. Sloped yards can present tricky design problems, and we’ve seen our fair share in Utah. Here are some examples of sloped yards from our projects: While these images may not match your landscape’s design aesthetic, the basic concepts of adding retaining walls, trees, stairs and pathways might be helpful starting points for future plans with a landscape company. **Q: Need help with Front yard Design Please!!** *(in Landscape Design)* All suggestions welcome....I'm trying to figure out a low maintenance way to design my front yard. Want to build a wood box Infront of the large white wall to store my trashcans behind...how will that look? Who even does that? What suggestions do you have? Thank you? A: Some landscape design firms don’t like a sloped front yard, but we love them! Sloped yards are a great opportunity to play with hardscape, entryways, and retaining walls. If you are in a dryer climate, adding retaining walls, pathways, and garden beds to your front yard makes it easier to avoid grass. Or, if you want to keep your lawn, you should look into leveling the front yard with a retaining wall at the front of the yard near the street. It sounds like you are at the beginning stages of planning this project, now is a great time to look around at houses with a similar shape, color, and lot slope and see how the homeowners worked with their space. As for the garbage cans, maybe look into hiding them on the right side of the house, or in the garage if space allows. We’ve also compiled some of ourbest tips for planning your front yard, which might be helpful if you aren’t planning on hiring a landscaping company. Good luck, can’t wait to see how it turns out! **Q: Need to pick exterior lights. Please help!** *(in Porches & Decks)* So we are finally getting around to redoing the outside of the house. Stucco changes have been made and excited for the simplicity of it. Paint will be white and dove grey fascia and soffit. Pics show first coat of stucco mud after taking off step up bumpouts. Lighting... only 1 ceiling hookup available in the the 16' high foyer with a 8x8 footprint and a 94" tall front door. Two over the garge door lights to be replaced as well. The interior is a modern take on the Southwest with mindful grey walls, saltillo tile and punches of color. We do have backlit house numbers coming to be mounted on the corner of the house where the big blocks use to be. It will be approx 8" x 25". I have shared a few inside photos to show the feel of my home. A large pendant style? Should we stick to the globe ones to tie in with the inside? My husband is concered about seeing both lights at the same time through the half circle window. Full AZ sun so no wood on the fixture or glass unless completed enclosed. Too high to really clean well. My style A: This may not be exactly what you are looking for, but with details in the bump-outs and the unique landscape (your cacti and succulents are incredible!) you might want to opt for more understated light fixtures, like those pictured below: But if those lights aren’t really what you are looking for, post some inspiration pics- either of light fixtures themselves or whole exteriors that you like, then we can chime in with feedback. Good luck! **Q: Outdoor lighting - modern rustic house** *(in Lighting)* Hello, We are replacing the outdoor lighting in our "modern rustic" mountain house. I am considering using two of these lantern style lights to flank the front door: https://www.build.com/miseno-ml62654/s1707987?uid=4030848 I'd also use a smaller version on the side patio. We also need to replace two lights on the rear deck and two lights flanking the double garage door. I was considering goosneck barn lights for those areas. Do those "talk to" the lantern style lights, or am I better off just sticking to the lanterns all the way around the house? A: You can definitely keep the style the same or very similar as shown outside this house: Or you could do something like this: Or, if you wanted to mix and match that is an option as well, using a light fixture like this: If you are still feeling unsure, you can check out our blog post about outdoor lighting, orthis one about inspiring ideas to help you figure out your personal style and narrow down your outdoor lighting options. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*