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Top Outdoor Features to Include in Your Landscape Makeover

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April 17, 2023

A landscape makeover is one of the best investments you can make in your home—but where do you start? The options are endless, from outdoor kitchens and patios to lighting and plant beds. The key to success is choosing outdoor features that reflect your lifestyle while increasing both function and curb appeal.

At Salas Outdoors, we help DFW homeowners create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and usable. In this guide, we’ll share the top outdoor features to include in your landscape makeover, along with expert tips to help you make the most of your investment.

1. A Patio That Feels Like an Outdoor Living Room

The patio is the foundation of many backyard landscapes—and for good reason. A well-designed patio provides the perfect place to lounge, dine, and entertain outdoors.

Benefits:

  • Defines your outdoor space
  • Offers a durable, low-maintenance surface
  • Adds long-term value to your property

At Salas Outdoors, we design custom patios using high-quality materials like concrete, pavers, or natural stone, ensuring they blend beautifully with your home and landscape.

2. A Pergola or Shade Structure for Comfort

Texas sun can be intense, which is why pergolas, arbors, and shade structures are popular additions to any outdoor space.

Benefits:

  • Creates a comfortable shaded area for sitting or dining
  • Adds architectural interest
  • Can be used to hang lights, fans, or greenery

A pergola can instantly elevate your backyard from “basic” to “magazine-worthy,” while offering functional protection from the elements.

3. Outdoor Lighting for Style and Safety

Don’t let your yard fade into darkness after sunset. Outdoor lighting adds atmosphere, highlights features, and improves safety for evening entertaining.

Types of outdoor lighting:

  • Pathway and walkway lighting
  • Accent lighting for trees or walls
  • Under-pergola or patio lighting
  • Step and stair lights

We install professional lighting systems that enhance your space while keeping everything discreet and low-voltage.

4. Retaining Walls for Structure and Elevation

If your yard has slopes or elevation changes, a retaining wall is both a functional and aesthetic feature. These walls hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create new planting levels or usable space.

Benefits:

  • Prevents flooding or drainage issues
  • Adds dimension to your landscape
  • Can double as seating or garden borders

Our retaining walls are built to last—and to blend with the overall look of your yard.

5. Raised Garden Beds or Flower Beds

A landscape makeover wouldn’t be complete without some greenery. Flower beds, raised gardens, or ornamental plant groupings add vibrant color and natural softness to your yard.

What we recommend:

  • Native plants that thrive in DFW’s climate
  • Seasonal color for year-round interest
  • Mulch and border edging to reduce maintenance

We design planting plans that work with your watering habits, sun exposure, and long-term goals.

6. Fire Pits or Outdoor Fireplaces

Nothing creates a cozy backyard vibe quite like a fire feature. Whether it's a modern gas fire pit or a rustic stone fireplace, it’s a focal point that brings people together.

Benefits:

  • Great for entertaining
  • Extends outdoor use into colder months
  • Adds ambiance and charm

Fire pits are one of the most popular outdoor features for homeowners—and one of the most enjoyable.

7. Walkways and Garden Paths

Functional and charming, walkways guide visitors through your space and connect outdoor “zones” like patios, play areas, and gardens.

Popular materials:

  • Flagstone
  • Pavers
  • Crushed granite
  • Stamped concrete

These paths add flow and polish to your landscape while keeping foot traffic off the lawn.

8. Lawn or Turf Areas for Play and Relaxation

Whether you prefer lush grass or low-maintenance artificial turf, a defined lawn area is great for kids, pets, or barefoot lounging.

Options we install:

  • Sod installation for natural grass
  • Artificial turf for all-season durability

We'll help you choose the right option based on sun exposure, watering needs, and usage.

9. Water Features for Peace and Movement

Looking to create a relaxing atmosphere? Water features like fountains or small ponds can provide the soothing sound of flowing water and attract birds and butterflies to your garden.

Benefits:

  • Reduces noise pollution
  • Enhances tranquility
  • Acts as a conversation piece

Even small-scale fountains can have a big visual impact.

10. Smart Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Behind every healthy landscape is a solid water management plan. Without it, plants can suffer, and hardscapes can shift or crack.

Features we install:

  • Automatic sprinkler systems
  • French drains
  • Grading and slope correction

We make sure your yard stays functional and beautiful—even after heavy Texas rain.

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Ready to plan your landscape makeover? Book a free consultation and let’s bring your dream yard to life.