FAQ
Questions homeowners ask before they hire us
Straight answers on fees, design, drainage, permits and warranties. Don't see yours? Call (832) 304-7007.
Working with us
Fees, process and warranties most often.
What does a landscape designer in Houston do?
A landscape designer plans the whole outdoor space before anything is built: grading and drainage, patios and walkways, structures like pergolas, planting and lighting. At Texas Urban Elements you get CAD drawings and 3D renderings, and the same team builds the design.
Do you charge to come out?
The discovery call is free. The on-site consultation has a $150 work scope fee, and that fee is credited to your project if you move forward.
How much does landscape design cost in Houston?
It depends on the size of the property and the scope: a single patio costs far less than a full backyard with drainage, structures and planting. Our price-range tool gives you a realistic ballpark in a few minutes, and the itemized proposal after your consultation gives you the exact number.
Do you handle the whole project or use subcontractors?
One team handles every trade. Drainage, pavers, concrete and pergolas are designed and built by the same people, so nothing gets lost between crews.
What if I'm not happy with the finished work?
We do a walkthrough 72 hours after completion. If something isn't right, we make it right. Drainage work carries our Drainage Performance Guarantee and hardscape carries a structural warranty.
Do I need a permit for my outdoor project?
Many structural and drainage projects in the Houston area need permits, and cities like Bellaire and West University Place have their own permit offices. We handle the local requirements as part of the project.
What areas do you serve?
Houston and the surrounding metro, including Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Pearland, Missouri City, Richmond and Tomball.
Design
Landscape design most often.
How much does landscape design cost in Houston?
Design is priced as a package before any drawing starts, so you know the design cost up front. The installed cost depends on scope: a single patio and planting bed costs far less than a full backyard with drainage, a pergola and an outdoor kitchen. Use our price-range tool for a ballpark, and the itemized proposal after your consultation gives the exact number.
What do I get with a landscape design?
Dimensioned CAD drawings of the layout, a drainage and grade plan, material selections and a planting plan. 3D renderings are available so you can see the finished yard before it's built.
How long does the design take?
It depends on the size of the property and how many revisions you want. You get the schedule at the consultation, before you commit to anything.
Why does drainage come before design?
Houston's clay soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, and storms can drop several inches of rain in an hour. A patio or bed built over a drainage problem cracks, sinks or washes out. Planning the water first is how the rest of the design lasts.
Which plants work best in Houston landscapes?
Native and adapted Gulf Coast plants handle the heat, humidity and wet winters with less water and care. Your planting plan matches each plant to the sun, shade and drainage in that part of the yard.
Get the water right. Then build what you want on top of it.
Tell us what you want to change. A Home Scout walks your property before any proposal is written.