TL;DR: Complete landscape design Utah guide for Salt Lake City. Planning, hardscaping, irrigation, planting—water-wise outdoor spaces. Pro design-build available.
Utah’s high-desert climate, clay soil, and water restrictions demand thoughtful landscape design. This guide covers planning, construction, irrigation, and maintenance for yards in Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re building from scratch or updating an existing landscape, start here.
Simms Landscape has spent 30+ years designing and building outdoor spaces across Salt Lake County. We know Utah soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and local permit requirements. This resource combines our experience into one complete guide.
Why Landscape Design Matters in Utah
Utah landscapes face unique challenges: USDA Zones 6-7 with temperature swings from below zero to 100 °F+, clay soil that holds water or turns rock-hard, and drought conditions requiring water-wise design.
Poor planning leads to:
- Retaining walls that crack or shift in freeze-thaw cycles
- Irrigation systems that waste water or miss coverage
- Plants that struggle in Utah’s alkaline soil
- Drainage problems flooding basements or pooling in yards
- Permit violations for walls, grading, or irrigation tie-ins
Good landscape design addresses these upfront. You choose materials that handle temperature swings, plan drainage to manage clay-soil runoff, select drought-tolerant plants, and coordinate permits before construction starts. Result: outdoor spaces that look better, last longer, and cost less to maintain.
How to Use This Guide
This guide organizes landscape topics into four categories:
- Planning & Design Foundations – Start here to set direction and budget
- Hardscaping & Construction – Build structures (patios, walls, outdoor kitchens)
- Irrigation & Water Management – Keep plants healthy year-round
- Planting & Sustainability – Choose plants that thrive in Utah
Each article provides actionable steps, local specifics for Salt Lake City, and typical costs. Read the sections relevant to your project or work through all of them for a complete landscape transformation.
If you’re working with Simms, we’ll walk you through this process during design consultation. If you’re DIY, use this guide to plan scope, materials, and timeline before you break ground.
Planning & Design Foundations
The Complete Guide to Planning Your Spring Landscape Project
Budgeting, site analysis, material selection, contractor vetting, and permit coordination. Plan design work in winter (Jan–Feb) for April–May construction. Full transformations average $15 k–$75 k in Salt Lake City.
Top 7 Backyard Design Trends for Utah Homes in 2026
Utah homeowners prioritize outdoor living, water-wise landscaping, and native plantings. Popular: multi-level patios, outdoor kitchens, xeriscape fronts, and smart irrigation controllers.
Top 10 Landscape Trends to Watch in 2026
Climate-adapted design, pollinator gardens, edible landscaping, permeable hardscaping, and low-voltage lighting—choose what fits your property and budget.
Hardscaping & Construction
How to Choose the Right Patio Material (Pavers vs Concrete vs Stone)
Pavers ($15–25/sq ft) = flexibility; concrete ($8–15) = budget; stone ($20–40) = premium. Compare cost, lifespan, and maintenance for Utah’s freeze-thaw climate.
Retaining Walls: The Secret to Stability & Style in Utah Yards
Walls > 4 ft need engineering. Learn material options, drainage design, permit thresholds, and costs ($50–150/sq ft).
Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Pits & Living Spaces That Add Value
Design for utilities, safety, and ROI (50–80 % return). Typical range $8 k–$50 k in Salt Lake City.
How to Maintain Your Hardscape: Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty
Seasonal maintenance: spring cleaning, summer weeding, fall sealing, winter care—prevent frost heave and settling.
Irrigation & Water Management
Spring Sprinkler Startup Salt Lake City How-To Guide
Eight-step startup process for March–May. Professional service $80–150 prevents flooding and freeze damage.
Winterizing Your Irrigation System: Step-by-Step Guide
Blowout procedures, controller settings, and backflow protection. Schedule in October before first hard freeze.
Planting & Sustainability
Xeriscaping 101: Low-Water Landscape Ideas
Save 30–60 % water with native grasses, shrubs, and trees like serviceberry and oak. Ideal for Sandy and Draper neighborhoods.
Fall Planting Tips for Utah Homeowners
Plant in Sept–Oct for spring growth. Best species for clay soil and proper watering to avoid frost stress.
Working with Simms Landscape
Simms provides complete design-to-construction service for Salt Lake County properties. We handle design, permits, construction, irrigation, and planting.
What Sets Simms Apart:
- 30+ years of Utah-specific expertise (clay soil, freeze-thaw, permits)
- Licensed landscape contractors in Salt Lake County & surrounding cities
- Water-wise design focus for lower maintenance costs
- Clear scopes and timelines with detailed estimates
- Full-service approach — design, 3D rendering, permits, construction, support
Typical Project Timeline:
- Consultation – 1-2 hrs on-site ($500 credited toward design)
- Design Phase – 2-4 weeks for plans and cost estimates
- Permitting – 1-3 weeks if required
- Construction – 1-8 weeks depending on scope
- Post-Install – walkthrough and warranty
Pricing:
- Design consultation: $500 (credited if you proceed)
- Full plans: $1,500–7,500
- Design-build projects: $15 k–$75 k
- Simple patio or wall: $5 k–$25 k
Service Area: Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, West Jordan, Murray, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman, Riverton, and surrounding areas.
Call Simms Landscape at (801) 285-9343 or request an estimate. Serving Salt Lake County since 1994. Clear scopes. Clean jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscape design cost in Salt Lake City?
Consultations start at $500. Full plans $1.5 k–$7.5 k. Design-build $15 k–$75 k average. Clear scopes and local expertise from Simms Landscape.
Do I need a permit for landscape construction in Salt Lake City?
Yes for walls > 4 ft, irrigation tie-ins, and grading changes. Simms handles permit coordination as part of our service.
What’s the best time to start a landscape project in Utah?
Spring (Apr–May) and fall (Sep–Oct) for planting; hardscaping whenever ground isn’t frozen. Plan winter design for spring start.
How do I choose between pavers, concrete, and stone for my patio?
Pavers = flexible ($15–25/sq ft), concrete = budget ($8–15), stone = premium ($20–40). Simms recommends based on budget and style.
What is xeriscaping and is it right for Utah yards?
Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation to cut water use 30–60 %. Ideal for Utah’s high-desert climate.
How long does a landscape construction project take?
Design 2–4 weeks; small build 1–2 weeks; full yard 4–8 weeks. Simms provides timelines and updates throughout.