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Hardscape planning showing modern patio with outdoor kitchen, seating, fireplace, and integrated stone paver layout.

Thinking of a Patio? Why February Is Prime Time for Hardscape Planning


Modern backyard landscape design ideas featuring paver patio, built-in seating, fire feature, and mature greenery

3 Landscape Design Ideas to Lock In Before Spring Rush Starts


Heart-shaped flower bed planted during Valentine’s Day Garden Prep for vibrant spring blooms by May.

Valentine’s Day Garden Prep: Plants That Bloom Beautifully by May


Melting snow shows turf stress when homeowners fail to remove snow from your lawn during winter.

What Happens If You Don’t Remove Snow From Your Lawn?


Off-Season Landscaping before and after lawn showing winter preparation leading to healthy spring turf growth.

Planning Off-Season Landscaping Early for a Smoother Spring Build


Snowy backyard with standing water after snowmelt showing winter drainage problems affecting lawn and foundation stability.

Signs Your Lawn Has Winter Drainage Problems (And What to Do Now)


Outdoor kitchen buried in heavy snow, showing winter damage risks to grills, surfaces, and outdoor structures.

Winterizing Outdoor Kitchens in Wilmette & Park Ridge


Snow-covered patio furniture and paver seating wall showing early signs of winter hardscape maintenance needs

Hardscape Maintenance Tips for Icy Winters in Winnetka


Stone-lined French drain pathway surrounded by winter-hardy plants and evergreen landscaping in a residential North Shore yard.

Winter Drainage Solutions to Prevent Ice Build-Up Around Glencoe Homes


French drain vs. channel drain trench in Glenview lawn showing exposed pipe and round curb basin.

French Drain vs. Channel Drain: Which Works Best for Glenview Homes?


Modern patio hardscape installation with sleek stone pavers and a built-in rectangular fire pit centerpiece.

Transforming Small Backyards in Kenilworth with Hardscaping


Cold-weather plant installation showing evergreens and shrubs arranged in a professionally landscaped Glencoe front yard.

Evergreens and Shrubs in Glencoe with Cold-Weather Plant Installation


Outdoor kitchen in Glencoe featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and modern grill with outdoor dining setup.

Outdoor Kitchen Lighting and Heating Upgrades for Fall Entertaining


wilmette-hardscaping-brick-stone-and-landscaping-plantings-drainage-3.jpeg

Drainage Solutions to Protect Foundations in Winnetka Homes


A landscaped backyard showing how to combine hardscape and plantings with stone walls and vibrant flowers for balanced outdoor design.

Boost Curb Appeal in Wilmette: Combine Hardscape and Plantings Today


Worker installing a French drain system as part of fall drainage maintenance in a Glenview yard to prevent subsurface water pooling and protect the foundation.

Fall Drainage Maintenance Checklist for Glenview Homeowners


Retaining Wall Designs in Kenilworth showcasing a stone block wall with slope stabilization and garden landscaping.

Retaining Wall Designs to Manage Slopes in Kenilworth


Outdoor kitchen with Built-In Fire Features including a stone fireplace, patio seating, and dining area in Glencoe.

Designing Outdoor Kitchens with Built-In Fire Features in Glencoe


Row of the Best Arborvitae Varieties forming a dense, evergreen privacy hedge in a North Shore residential yard.

Best Arborvitae Varieties for Privacy in Winnetka & Wilmette


Professional drainage upgrades in Park Ridge home with installed piping to prevent flooding during heavy fall storms.

Drainage Upgrades to Prevent Fall Flooding in Park Ridge


Multi-Level Hardscape Designs with stone retaining walls, custom stairs, and lush greenery in a Glenview backyard.

Creating Multi-Level Hardscape Designs for Glenview Backyards


Before-and-after image of a flooded backyard transformed into a well-drained lawn with patio — landscaping and drainage by Tommy Pollina Landscaping.

We’re Featured on Redfin! Backyard Privacy Tips from Tommy Pollina Landscaping


Luxurious backyard with outdoor kitchen lighting and heating, featuring a fire pit, built-in grill, and cozy seating under pergola.

Outdoor Kitchen Add-Ons Worth the Investment in Glencoe


Standing water in Winnetka backyard shows landscape drainage failure needing urgent landscape drainage system repair.

Landscape Drainage Solutions That Actually Work in Winnetka


Stone patio with steps and retaining walls designed for late-summer hardscape installation in Park Ridge home.

Planning a Late Summer Hardscape Installation in Park Ridge


Modern backyard in Glencoe with stone paver patio, native flowers, outdoor seating, and covered grill station.

5 Landscape Design Trends for Glencoe Homeowners in 2025


Brick and stone hardscape materials with steps and wall in Wilmette backyard.

Functional & Beautiful Retaining Walls for Winnetka Homes


Outdoor kitchen in Glencoe featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and modern grill with outdoor dining setup.

Outdoor Kitchens in Park Ridge: A Must-Have for Summer


Landscape drainage solutions with underground pipe installation to redirect yard water away from patio and garden.

Yard Drainage Problems in Glenview: What to Watch for This Spring


Brick and stone hardscape materials with steps and wall in Wilmette backyard.

Choosing the Right Hardscape Material for Wilmette Backyards


Arborvitae installation along wood privacy fence in Kenilworth IL backyard.

The Best Time for Arborvitae Installation in Kenilworth & Glencoe


Front yard landscape installation with trimmed boxwood shrubs, colorful flowers, fresh mulch, and stone walkway

Landscape Installation Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal in Lake Forest


Freshly mowed residential lawn with trimmed edges after spring lawn maintenance service in Wilmette, Illinois

Spring Lawn Maintenance Tips for Wilmette & Kenilworth Homeowners


Lush backyard landscape design featuring privacy trees, colorful plants, and a peaceful outdoor retreat.

No Privacy in Your Yard? Landscape Designs That Add Beauty & Seclusion


Cleaning up the backyard in spring with flowers and green grass

Year-Round Yard Care: Cleanup, Snow Removal & Tree Care Services


Luxury outdoor kitchen with modern grill, bar seating, and pergola lighting for entertaining and dining outdoors.

Boost Your Home Value with an Outdoor Kitchen: 100% Return on Investment!


A befoe and after image of a green lawn and a unheathy lawn

Overwatering or Drying? Smart Irrigation System Installations


Professional hardscape installation with workers laying paver stones on compacted gravel base in residential outdoor area.

Hardscaping Solutions for Stronger & Durable Outdoor Spaces


A large aeration machine perforating a grassy lawn to improve lawn care and enhance soil health.

Tired of a Patchy Lawn? Let’s Go Over Some Valuable Tips


Front yard flooded with rain

Yard Flooding Issues? A Complete Guide


Landscape drainage solutions with a yard catch basin preventing flooding and protecting lawn near flower beds.

Controlling Sump Pump Discharge


mulch, landscaping

Mulch is Frequently Used in Landscape Design



“Featured On Redfin    See Tommy Pollina's Expert Outdoor Structure Advice for built-in privacy and seclusion featured on Redfin.com   

Why Backyard Privacy Matters in Today’s World


Today’s backyards aren’t just lawns—they’re extensions of your lifestyle. Whether you’re grilling with family, relaxing in a hot tub, or working from a patio office, outdoor privacy is key. But in suburban neighborhoods, you’re often just feet away from the next property line. That’s why we were proud to share expert advice on backyard privacy in a recent Redfin feature. As a top-rated landscaping company near me, Tommy Pollina Landscaping specializes in transforming exposed yards into peaceful, private retreats.From fencing limits to neighbor sightlines, backyard privacy can be tricky. Here’s how we tackle the most common issues with custom landscaping solutions.

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