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Landscaping Company
Chicago North Shore

Landscape Design - Landscaping & Hardscaping Service






What if you could walk your landscape before it is ever built?

A well-designed landscape is about more than appearance. It is about planning, function, and getting everything right from the start. Our landscape design service maps out your entire project, including grading, drainage, hardscape, and planting.

This is where most projects go wrong. Without a clear plan, you end up with poor layout, drainage issues, or work that needs to be redone. We eliminate that upfront.

With detailed 3D renderings and walkthroughs, you can see exactly how your project will look and perform before any work begins.

Start your landscape design plan today and get it done right the first time, backed by 45 years of experience and execution

Our Design Process

  1. Initial consultation to understand your property and goals
  2. Site evaluation to assess layout, grading, conditions, and key factors impacting the property
  3. Development of your full property plan and renderings
  4. Review and adjustments to finalize the design
  5. Optional full installation based on the approved plan

What’s Included in the Design

Design your entire property so everything is planned the right way from the start. Everything is engineered together as one integrated system.

Depending on the scope, your design may include:

  • 3D renderings and walkthroughs, see the finished project before it begins
  • Grading elevations and drainage systems designed to control water properly
  • Detailed outdoor living hardscape layouts with dimensions, elevations, and build specifications
  • Integrated plant selections based on light exposure, layout, and long-term growth
  • Lighting and irrigation layout with fixture placement and coverage across key areas of the property
  • City or Village permitting acceptance and closure correspondence 

Design Only or Full Installation

Design Only

We map out your project to establish how every element should be built and integrated, giving you a clear plan you can use however you want. Whether that means pricing it out, phasing it over time, or taking it in a different direction, you have the full picture.

Design + Installation

Most clients choose to have us handle both the design and installation so the project is built exactly the way it was engineered. Once the plan is finalized, we execute from start to final walkthrough. Because we design and build it, nothing gets lost in translation. The project is executed as intended, without guesswork along the way.


Please call 847.698.6868 or Contact Us to discuss Landscape Design.

Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.




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“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.

learn more about backyard privacy»

design Landscaping Featured Projects by Tommy Pollina Landscape

Niles Landscape Project with Stone Taurus Rain Garden and Native Plants

Niles backyard featuring a custom rain garden with Stone Taurus symbol, native pollinator plants, blueberries, hydrangeas, granite, and steel edging for sustainable landscaping.

Tommy Pollina Landscape Co., Inc. completed a stunning custom landscape in Niles featuring a Stone Taurus symbol at the center of a vibrant rain garden. The design combines beauty and function with native pollinator plants like Joe-Pye Weed, Swamp Milkweed, and Cardinal Flower, stormwater management via flow wells, a pink blush rock centerpiece, seasonal blueberries and hydrangeas, and durable steel edging and granite accents. This project is a living work of art that enhances the backyard while supporting local ecology and sustainable water use.

Learn more about this landscaping project»

Glencoe Backyard Drainage Solution with River Rock Swale, Flow Wells, and Functional Landscaping Preventing Flooding

Glencoe backyard featuring river rock swale and underground flow wells redirecting water and preventing yard flooding.At Tommy Pollina Landscape Co. Inc we're all about more than just curb appeal — we create functional landscaping solution that are designed to look beautifull and sove problems. This recent project is a perfect example: A backyard swale lined with medium-sized river rock boulders now redirects excess water that used to flow in from the neighbor’s yard. At the end of the swale, we installed flow wells that capture and contain the runoff underground, preventing flooding and standing water in the yard. Learn more about this landscaping project»

Landscape Design and Installation Project in Barrington

landscape-design-and-installation-priject-in-barringtonA clean, functional, and beautiful outdoor space—courtesy of Tommy Pollina Landscape Company!
This recent project features:
  • Fresh sod for a vibrant lawn,
  • Clean mulch beds and privacy plantings,
  • A stylish patio transitions from the home,
  • Strategic yard drainage installation to prevent pooling and protect the landscape year-round.
We blend form and function to keep your yard looking great—and working right.
Contact us today for expert landscaping design and drainage solutions!
Learn more about this landscaping project»

Ultimate Outdoor Living Space Project: Fireplace, Grill, Unilock Patio, Fence, Arborvitae

Glenview backyard design featuring custom outdoor fireplace, grill island, Unilock patio, privacy hedge, and wood fence.We’re fired up about this upcoming project in Glenview! Check out the rendering for one of our latest designs - this backyard is about to transform into the ultimate outdoor living space: Custom Outdoor Fireplace, Grill Island with Countertop, Green Egg Smoker & BBQ Setup, Unilock Patio, Arborvitae Privacy Hedge for that lush, green seclusion, Custom Wood Fence. Learn more about this landscaping project»

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Landscape Design


How do you design landscaping for long-term durability?

Start with proper grading, drainage planning, soil preparation, and structural base installation before adding surface finishes.

Should drainage be addressed before planting?

Yes. Correcting water issues before planting improves long-term plant and structural performance.

How far apart should arborvitae be planted for full screening?

Spacing depends on the mature width of the variety chosen and the desired density of the hedge.

Why do arborvitae die after heavy rain?

Arborvitae roots are sensitive to prolonged saturation. Poor drainage can cause root stress and decline.

What is the best arborvitae for privacy screening in Chicago?

The best variety depends on space, desired height, and site conditions. Proper spacing and soil preparation are critical for long-term performance.

Does soil compaction affect long-term tree root growth?

Yes. Compacted soil limits oxygen and root expansion, which can lead to decline or instability.