Custom Pool Landscaping Before & After Project in Kansas City, MO

What a difference a few columns can make! Pool landscaping can really improve the overall feel of your outdoor living space. Carey Gillam has a gorgeous home in the greater Kansas City area with a pristine backyard pool, but there was a large tree and some mismatched shrubbery at the top of the stairs leading to the pool area. This greenery was not visually appealing and created a closed-off atmosphere when you were enjoying the pool and summer sun. With the help of Second Nature’s custom design team, Carey decided to replace these trees and bushes, in order to create an open environment as soon as you walk toward the steps of the pool.

Before image of a custom pool landscaping project. Large shrubs and hardscaping blocking sun.
Before

The large tree and shrub at the top of the stairs did not align with the gorgeous poolside environment that already existed. They were heavy and dark, blocking light from entering a section of the pool area.

After consulting with Carey about the design elements she wanted to maintain, our team decided to fully remove the tree and bushes, and install two columns with a light feature on top. This completes the flow of the existing stone wall surrounding the pool and creates a more inviting space.

Progress picture of custom landscaping project next to a pool. Columns added and shrubs removed from before.
During

Front view of custom poolside landscaping project. New columns added where large shrubs were previously.
During

We decided to keep the two potted plants at the very top of the stairs but removed all the various vegetation, etc. laying down a bed of mulch instead.

Progress photos during landscaping project next to pool. Building columns near staircase.
During

Photo of two columns next to pool during a landscaping project.
During

Carey already had a beautiful stone wall in place, so our team decided to mirror the neutral colors found in the stone and stucco the columns, topping each with a slab of coordinating stone and a beautifully intricate lamp to complete the look. Using stucco can be more visually appealing if you are trying to match an existing stone hardscape. When you try to match a stone pattern perfectly to a current piece, it will stand out and can look like it was an afterthought. By utilizing the same color palette with new material, we were able to create a hardscape that fit perfectly with the current design, allowing the eye to continue moving around the wall without interruption.

Final photos in a custom poolside landscaping project. New columns installed with lighting.
After

Backyard pool with new landscaping project completed. New lighted columns installed next to staircase.
After

Finally, we decided to landscape the space around the columns with boxwood plants. These small shrubs are easy to maintain, make excellent topiary, and liven up the space without creating a visual distraction.

New columns installed as part of a hardscaping project.
After

Side view of new columns next to a backyard pool staircase.
After

If you are interested in poolside landscaping , hardscaping , or any other custom design work, contact the pros at Second Nature! We are excited to provide you with the perfect outdoor design to help your backyard become the oasis of your dreams. For more information about pool landscaping and all the other custom landscaping work we offer in the Kansas City area, call 816-844-7733.

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