Project Overview

When these Northern Michigan homeowners first contacted TruNorth Landscaping, they were looking for help transforming their mostly wild, uneven property into a functional and beautiful outdoor space for their family to enjoy. Located on a scenic hillside, the home offered natural charm, but very little in the way of usable, landscaped areas.

Aside from a small flower bed in front of the house, the property was dominated by natural vegetation, including wild raspberry bushes that had crept halfway around the home. The back of the property featured a steep hill leading down to a play area where their grandchildren loved to spend time, an area that was difficult and even unsafe to reach.

An existing pergola sat at the bottom of the slope, resting on a gravel pad with no access to electricity. The homeowners envisioned a welcoming space where they could relax, entertain, and safely access the different areas of their property without worrying about steep slopes or unruly plants.

That’s where TruNorth came in, to reimagine the property from the ground up, creating multiple usable spaces while preserving the natural character of the site.

Project Challenges

This project presented several technical and logistical challenges that required careful planning and precise execution.

The first was the steep grade at the back of the property. In order to create safe, accessible outdoor areas, the TruNorth team needed to eradicate the existing vegetation and establish a workable grade using boulder walls and steps. The slope also meant the team had to manage multiple elevation changes, ensuring each level connected seamlessly and felt intentional rather than forced.

Another significant challenge was the existing pergola. The homeowners wanted to keep it as part of the new design, but it needed to be relocated and upgraded to sit on a solid, finished surface with electrical access. Without assembly instructions, the TruNorth team had to disassemble and reassemble the structure carefully, preserving its integrity and appearance while integrating it into the new landscape layout.

The front corner of the house also presented complications. The grade had previously buried part of the foundation, allowing water to collect near the structure. The team needed to waterproof the area and construct a new retaining wall that not only solved the drainage issue but also incorporated an elevated planting bed for curb appeal.

Finally, with three different patio and walkway elevations to coordinate, precision was key. The design required two full sets of steps that lined up perfectly across the various levels, creating safe transitions that also looked natural within the landscape design.

Amid all this, the team worked thoughtfully to transplant existing perennials and shrubs from the front garden, incorporating them into the new plan to preserve the homeowners’ favorite plants and add a sense of continuity between old and new.

Unique Solutions and Interventions

To bring this vision to life, TruNorth approached the project in carefully planned phases, combining technical expertise with creative design.

1. Regrading and Retaining
The team began by clearing out the overgrown vegetation, including the invasive raspberry thickets, to open up the space. Heavy equipment and expert grading work helped shape the steep hill into a series of terraced levels supported by boulder retaining walls. These walls not only stabilized the slope but also added natural beauty, using locally sourced stone that blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

2. Creating Multiple Usable Spaces
With the grade stabilized, the TruNorth team designed and built distinct outdoor zones, each with a purpose. Walkways and steps connected the upper and lower levels, allowing the family to move comfortably throughout the property. The lower level became a relaxing patio and play space, while the upper terraces provided lush garden areas and seating nooks, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings. The two matching stair systems were engineered to align precisely between the three elevation levels. This required meticulous measurement and coordination to ensure safe step heights and consistent proportions, so each transition felt effortless.

3. Pergola Transformation
The existing pergola, once sitting on bare gravel, was carefully disassembled and rebuilt on a finished hardscape patio designed to support its weight and complement the surrounding space. TruNorth’s team also added electrical service to the area, expanding its use for evening gatherings and lighting. What was once an overlooked corner of the property became a central outdoor destination, ideal for entertaining and relaxation.

4. Front Elevation and Waterproofing
At the front of the home, the team addressed the buried foundation issue by regrading the area, waterproofing the exposed wall, and constructing a new retaining wall with an elevated planting bed. The raised bed not only provided proper drainage but also introduced colorful plantings that enhanced the home’s curb appeal.

5. Planting and Finishing Touches
Throughout the project, TruNorth’s designers emphasized plant selections that balanced beauty, texture, and longevity. In addition to incorporating transplanted perennials and shrubs from the existing landscape, new plantings were chosen for seasonal color and low-maintenance care, aligning with the homeowners’ desire for a space that was easy to enjoy.

Project Results

The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. What began as a steep, wild property became a multi-level outdoor retreat that perfectly suits the homeowners’ lifestyle and aesthetic.

The clients were thrilled with every aspect of the finished project, from the craftsmanship of the boulder walls and patios to the thoughtful integration of their existing plants. They continue to stay in touch with the TruNorth team today, a testament to the strong relationships the company values long after the last stone is set.

The homeowners even shared their enthusiasm in a glowing Google review:

“Except for a flower bed in front of the house, when we moved here nearly two years ago we had absolutely no landscaping or hardscape. TruNorth was truly starting from a blank slate and transformed our outdoor ‘space’ into an outdoor oasis. We are truly stunned every time we look at it. We were sad on the last day when we had to say goodbye to the team. They were an absolute joy to work with and took great pride in their work. Kyle and Josh offered suggestions for design modifications that made all the difference in the final look and feel of the space. Everyone was absolutely wonderful to work with. We highly recommend TruNorth to anyone.”

Their words capture exactly what TruNorth strives for, exceptional results, lasting beauty, and genuine relationships built on trust and care.

Today, the property stands as a truly stunning outdoor oasis where the family can host, relax, and watch their grandchildren play safely, all on a landscape that finally lives up to its incredible Northern Michigan surroundings.

Want to transform your unruly space into a show-stopping backyard? Get started today by filling out our contact form.