Back yard Makeover with DSLD

March 29, 2018

Back Yard Makeover: DSLD Land Management Creates Usable, Beautiful Space

<em>“All the children had before was dirt and mud- now they have a lawn to run on and boulders they can climb and sit on,” says Oris Nielson.</em> — *“All the children had before was dirt and mud- now they have a lawn to run on and boulders they can climb and sit on,” says Oris Nielson.*

Oris and John Nielson have lived in their Vestavia Hills home for 26 years. From day one, Oris says their backyard was a disaster. When the drought last year took out the large trees that gave the space its one redeeming quality, the Nielsons knew it was time for a makeover. “I looked at the backyard before, and would think ‘I don’t want to stay out here.’” The Nielsons also had the added incentive of wanting to create a place their six young grandchildren would want to visit and enjoy with them. “We had dog run fence before along with wasted space that was dirt and mud. Now we have an area to entertain in, an area for the grandchildren to play in, and an area for our two dogs to enjoy.”

The Nielsons always believed the slope of their yard would severely limit what they could do with the space. Their first few conversations with landscape companies suggested they were right. Then they met with David Sharp, owner of DSLD Land Management. “David’s ideas were wonderful. He had true vision for the backyard that we had not ever thought of,” says Oris.

<em>Lamps on the new stone retaining wall illuminate the wall and the patio area. Lights are also strategically placed between the trees to create the perfect spot for evening entertainment.</em> — *Lamps on the new stone retaining wall illuminate the wall and the patio area. Lights are also strategically placed between the trees to create the perfect spot for evening entertainment.*

Project Elements. DSLD constructed a natural stone retaining wall and flagstone cap. A drain was also installed behind the wall to relieve hydraulic pressure so the space will be one that can be enjoyed for years to come. So that family and friends can move with ease in the backyard space, natural flagstone stepping stones begin at the nearly 600 square foot stone patio to the backyard entrance gate. Behind the retaining wall, DSLD established a large botanical berm with easy to care for native botanicals, woody ornamentals and perennials which can be viewed and enjoyed from the patio and from inside the home. “I asked David for a little wow factor for me to see as I looked out and went out the back of the house,” remembers Oris. “He has gone well beyond that. A truly wonderful job!” †

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205-437-1012, www.dsldland.com