DRUID HILLS LANDSCAPING, RETAINING WALL, TURF INSTALLATION & MORE
Resolving Runoff, Creating Space: A Purposeful Backyard Redesign for Lasting Use
Southern Outdoor Design transformed a young Druid Hills family’s formerly-unusable backyard into a kid-safe and and entertainment-friendly environment.
The Client
This project was for a young family with two small children who loved being outdoors but didn’t have a safe or functional yard to enjoy.
Their backyard was full of potential but plagued by drainage problems and uneven ground.
They wanted a long-term solution — something clean, safe, and attractive that would allow their kids to run, play, and enjoy being outside without the usual mud and mess.
The Situation
The existing yard presented multiple challenges.
Poor grading caused water to pool in low areas after every rainfall, leading to erosion, bare patches, and soggy soil that made it impossible for grass to take hold.
The layout felt tight and awkward, and the aging fence didn’t provide the level of privacy or containment the family needed. While the space had square footage, it wasn’t truly usable — and certainly didn’t reflect the lifestyle the family wanted.
The Dream
The family’s vision was simple: a clean, secure, and low-maintenance backyard that would hold up to kids and weather. They dreamed of:
A safe, soft surface for year-round outdoor play.
A visually unified space that looked great from every angle.
A flat, open lawn area for games and casual entertaining.
A private backyard feel, where their family could relax without feeling exposed. They wanted a space they could use every day — not just occasionally, and not just when the weather cooperated.
How Southern Outdoor Design Delivered This Druid Hills Backyard Renovation
We guided this project from concept to completion, handling every detail from the initial design phase through to the final install. The foundation of this transformation was built on a thoughtful, strategic design that addressed both the aesthetic goals and the technical challenges.
Key Solutions Provided:
Retaining Wall
Building a custom curved retaining wall using cultured stone, which allowed us to level the grade and carve out a clean, terraced look
Regrade
Executing a complete regrade to resolve standing water and improve the flow of the space
Turf Installation
Installing premium synthetic turf, giving the family a durable, all-weather lawn that’s perfect for kids and pets
Privacy Fence
Replacing the old fence with a tailored privacy fence, enhancing both visual appeal and functionality
Fresh Plantings
Adding fresh plantings around the edges to bring texture and color to the space
Every detail was designed to work together — improving how the space looks, feels, and performs.
The Results: Mission Accomplished
Difficult and underutilized to open and inviting!
This backyard has gone from being difficult and underutilized to becoming the centerpiece of the family’s outdoor life. The once-problematic layout is now open and inviting. The turf provides a clean, soft surface that stays usable in all seasons, and the cultured stone wall creates a clear sense of structure and style.
The homeowners were thrilled not just with the way it turned out, but with the entire process — from the clarity of the design to the quality of the build. They raved about how much more functional the yard is, and how well everything flows together now.
By handling the full design-to-delivery process, we ensured that every piece of the project was executed with intention. The success of the installation is a direct result of the strong design foundation we laid from the start — proving again that thoughtful planning is what brings outdoor spaces to life.
Before
After
Southern Outdoor Design handled the entire project from start to finish. It was SO REFRESHING not having to deal with multiple contractors.
Jessica H. | Roswell, GA
