A man kneels in a xeriscaped front yard while tending to Russian sage plants, with the text "Can I Landscape My Yard Myself?" overlaid in bold white letters.

Can I Landscape My Yard Myself? Here’s What You Need to Know

June 05, 2025•4 min read

A man in his 30s stands in a dry, patchy backyard with his hand on his chin, looking thoughtfully at the unlandscaped space surrounded by a wooden fence and trees.

If you've ever asked yourself,

"Can I landscape my yard myself?"

— the answer is a confident yes. With the right tools, guidance, and a bit of planning, many homeowners can take on parts of their landscape project. That said, professional planning can be the difference between a yard that works and a yard that wows.

At C&K Landscaping, we’ve seen both sides of the coin. We work with DIYers who want help with layout, irrigation planning, and plant selection, and we offer full-scale design and installation for homeowners who prefer to leave it to the pros.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what you can do yourself, where professional help can elevate your vision, and how to create a yard that’s not just pretty—but practical, sustainable, and built for Utah’s unique environment.

Yes, You Can DIY Your Yard (With the Right Strategy)

A man works on landscaping an unfinished backyard, crouched near labeled wooden markers reading "LAWN," "PLANTS," and "PATIO," with mulch, a partially completed patio, and planting beds in progress.

DIY landscaping is rewarding and often cost-effective. But before you break out the shovel, it’s important to create a plan. Here's what you can handle yourself:

✅ Planning and Research

Start by sketching your yard and dividing it into zones (e.g. front yard, side yard, patio, garden beds). Consider sun exposure, wind, existing plants, and how you want to use each area.

Tools like Plan-a-Garden from Better Homes & Gardens can help you visualize your space before you plant a single flower.

✅ Soil Prep and Grading

If you’re willing to put in physical effort, leveling and amending soil is within reach. Use compost or topsoil to improve poor soil, especially in Utah where native soil can be rocky or clay-heavy.

✅ Installing Mulch, Rock, and Edging

Once your zones are defined, you can install borders, pathways, mulch, and decorative gravel. These changes alone can elevate curb appeal and reduce water use dramatically.

✅ Planting Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers

Planting is a great hands-on project. Stick with Utah-friendly, drought-tolerant plants like penstemon, yarrow, or blue grama grass. Use Utah State University Extension’s plant database to find species that thrive in your zone.

When to Call in the Pros

A man kneels beside an unfinished retaining wall in a backyard, looking confused as he studies a set of construction instructions, with a pile of dirt and wooden fence in the background.

Even if you’re comfortable doing some work yourself, partnering with a professional landscaping company like C&K Landscaping can help you avoid expensive mistakes and save time.

Here are a few key areas where our team can help:

Landscape Design and Layout

A professional design gives your yard structure, flow, and function. We’ll create a custom layout that balances beauty with purpose, considering things like irrigation zones, plant groupings, and hardscape placement.

Explore our Landscape Design Services to see how we tailor each plan to Utah's climate and your lifestyle.

Irrigation Planning

Efficient water use is critical in a dry state like Utah. We design smart irrigation systems that deliver the right amount of water to the right plants—saving you money and reducing waste.

Hardscaping and Structural Work

If your dream yard includes retaining walls, patios, pergolas, or grading changes, this is best handled by professionals. We ensure it's done safely, correctly, and to code.

DIY vs. Pro: What’s the Right Balance?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide where to invest your time and where to ask for help:

Sustainability Starts with Smart Design

One of the best parts of working with a professional landscaping company is making your yard not just look good—but work smarter. At C&K Landscaping, we specialize in xeriscaping, water-wise plant selection, and designs that are built to thrive in Utah’s unique soil and weather conditions.

If your goal is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly yard, you’ll want a design that incorporates:

Drought-tolerant plant groupings
Efficient irrigation systems
Native plant selections
Minimal turf areas

Learn more about xeriscaping in Utah here.

Want to DIY It? Let’s Design It Together.

A man relaxes on a freshly mowed lawn in front of a finished retaining wall with vibrant flower beds, enjoying his beautifully landscaped backyard on a sunny day

We love helping homeowners bring their vision to life—whether you want to tackle the labor yourself or need full-scale installation. Our custom design consultations give you the roadmap to start confidently and avoid the trial-and-error guesswork that leads to wasted time and resources.

We’ll help you:

Develop a layout tailored to your yard’s shape and slope
Choose plant palettes that work for your climate and style
Plan for irrigation and lighting
Offer step-by-step guidance if you want to install in phases

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can. And We Can Help.

So, can you landscape your yard yourself? Absolutely. With the right plan and a little elbow grease, many homeowners create beautiful spaces on their own.

But for those moments when you need clarity, direction, or heavy lifting—we’re here to help. At C&K Landscaping, our mission is to empower homeowners to create landscapes they love—whether we’re designing it, building it, or supporting your DIY journey.

📞 Ready to start planning your dream yard?

C&K Landscaping

Back to Blog