Front yard landscape upgrades are one of the biggest curb-appeal improvements for U.S. homes. In this project we transformed the space using new plants, stone, and low-voltage lighting for a clean professional look. This real U.S. installation shows the full before-and-after.
Little Upgrade ➝ Big Difference
Sometimes it’s not the size of the project — it’s the choice of the upgrade. For a longtime client (nearly 30 years!), we returned to add thoughtful touches: some native and pollinator-friendly plantings, a decorative stone accent, and layered ambient lighting that brought the space to life — day and night.
🌿 In this video you’ll see:
Before & after of a modest planting bed refresh, with emphasis on texture and natural flow
How adding a few plants can shift color, balance, and depth
A decorative stone element that unifies the space with raw material character
A subtle but strategic lighting upgrade that creates nightscape interest ✨
Why even small upgrades — thoughtfully chosen — can dramatically raise curb appeal
Many of our work (especially drainage) happens hidden underground — so it’s fun to show something visible and beautiful. Projects like this let us show the expressive side of landscaping, where every detail is part of the visual story.
👉 If you’re new here — we’re Dawn & Tom. We handle all the work ourselves (with the help of our machines). Every project is personal, meticulous, and built to last.
✅ Like what you see? Explore our Landscape Installations playlist to see more transformations:
https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLZ14XOHujK5DaP1qtUmuRQlMHJfFaLjDd/videos
💬 Leave a comment if you enjoyed this “small but mighty” project — we read and reply to every one.
— Dawn & Tom
Tye Landscaping – Central NJ
“When you hire us, you get us.”
————————————————–
https://www.tyelandscaping.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TyeLandscaping
————————————————–
Music from Epidemic Sound:
epidemicsound.com/referral/f0bdip/
————————————————–
🧰 Tools & Materials We Use:
⚡ Utility & Excavation
We use AirSpade to safely excavate around underground utilities — it’s saved us from costly damages more than once.
👉 Save 15% with code TYE15: https://www.airspade.com/discount/TYE15
Leica DD130 Underground Utility and Cable Locator Package – https://amzn.to/4o5qtdE
📏 Laser & Layout
Our Laser – Topcon RL-H4C, no longer available. Newer version;
Topcon RL-H5A Self Leveling Horizontal Rotary Laser – https://amzn.to/4o3QeuR
Topcon LS-B10 Machine Mounted Laser Receiver – https://amzn.to/4pjhtT7
Tripod for Laser Level with Adjustable Legs – https://amzn.to/448ENL7
💧 Drainage Components
Polylok 12″ Round Catch Basin – https://amzn.to/43D9wjf
Polylok 20″ Round Catch Basin – https://amzn.to/43WupGv
Polylok 24″ Rhino Heavy Duty Catch Basin – https://amzn.to/49ZnCiT
StormDrain Pop-Up Emitter Lid Top only – elbow not included – https://amzn.to/483gVtu
Vodaland 16×16 Catch Basin with Sediment Basket & Ductile Iron Grate – https://amzn.to/4pjABAz
🔧 Cutting & Finishing
Cordless Electric Scissors – Heavy Duty Professional Rotary Shears – https://amzn.to/4r13C5L
Oatey Clear PVC All Weather Cement – https://amzn.to/3WXsr4J
Oatey Blue PVC Rain-R-Shine Cement – https://amzn.to/3JCUp2I
Diablo Demo Demon Carbide Tipped Reciprocating Saw Blades – https://amzn.to/4o3enBQ
Lenox 5-Pack 9-in 14-Tpi Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades – https://amzn.to/4r6AcTs
Lenox Bi-Metal Speed Slot Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 4-1/2″ – https://amzn.to/43B2Kux
Folding Framing/Utility A-Square/Folding Triangle – https://amzn.to/4p8Fpsm
Workpro 12 Inch Torpedo Level, Plumbing Level with Pitch – https://amzn.to/4oMgbjR
*Some of the links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.*
We only recommend tools and materials we actually use in our own projects.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:12 removing the old plants
03:27 topsoil & plants
07:14 landscape fabric and soaker hose
13:24 red stone mulch
15:57 hose timer and the plants
20:06 Lighting
29:25 delaware stone accent
31:19 walk throughs
#Landscaping
#LandscapeDesign
#CurbAppeal
#BeforeAndAfter
#OutdoorLighting
#DecorativeStone
#NativePlants
#SustainableLandscaping
#PollinatorFriendly
#LandscapeUpgrade
#TyeLandscaping
#CentralNJ
22 Comments
This was a small landscape upgrade — just a few new plants, decorative stone, and lighting — but it made a big difference! 🌿✨
Most of our drainage systems get buried underground where no one ever sees them, so it’s fun to create something pretty and visible for a change.
👉 What do you think — do you enjoy seeing these smaller, “pretty” projects mixed in with our big drainage installs? Let us know in the comments!
— Dawn & Tom
Tye Landscaping – Central NJ
“When you hire us, you get us.”
#LandscapeUpgrade #CurbAppeal #landscapelighting
Very creative, nice to see you turn your hands to something different – great job !
Very creative, nice to see you turn your hands to something different – great job !
Love that little Trench Master…..Perfect for sprinklers lines, electrical lines….I like the stones, seems like a more permanent, less maintenance covering than the mulch or chips….Like the effort made to make sure the lights are packed in the ground good and also plumb and level… Small job for you but major improvement for the homeowner….Looks awesome!….😃❤
Terrific looking finish! Have a great weekend!
looks good 😊love the setup of how use your equipment lol 😂 😊
The new Tom PoV cam is cool 👍
looks great
Love those lights!
You guys are the best!
What kind of fabric is that looks like water wont go through? The fabric I use doesn't stop weeds after two years.
Beautiful work.
Very nice indeed. Shows once again what you two can achieve. 👍
Hi! Thank you so much for yet another great video. The result turned out fantastic. My favorites are your drainage videos, and I really appreciate how you film, explain, and keep things drama-free—unlike many other channels. I enjoy watching these on Saturday mornings during breakfast when you post them. I hope there will be many more like this in the future, and preferably much longer videos than you usually make! Again, thank you so much and have a wonderful weekend! Best regards, Stig 🙂
Nice well done upgrade for their yard, you do so well keeping the work site clean while working. Thanks for sharing your quality workman ship and knowledge.
Wow that looks nice. Wish my house looked that good
You guys always do it right. Can you send me a link for the lights
Loved the video , that landscaping is going to look beautiful .
Beyond Awesome🎉🎉🎉❤five Star
Please please more vids Dawn . 😊
Looks great as always! I used to do this kind of landscaping around my house and my parents house! Makes for great curb appeal! Great job!
I noticed you did not mention the uses of fabric!!??. My neighbor's complain about weeds, Because of my health, my new gardener did not know its uses!!. Controls 90% of the weeds, lasts about 5 years before you need to replace it