Arborvitae Planting, Garden Bed & Drainage Extension in Chicago

This Chicago, IL landscape improvement project combined new arborvitae planting, garden bed preparation, seasonal perennial installation, mulch application, and a drainage system extension. The work was designed to continue the existing landscape screening along the neighbor’s fence while preparing the garden bed for future plantings and improving water movement beneath an existing swale toward the backyard fence line.

Project Goals

• Continue the existing row of arborvitae along the neighbor’s side fence.
• Prepare and redefine the existing garden bed for new plantings.
• Improve soil quality by incorporating topsoil and mushroom compost.
• Install a selection of flowering and pollinator-friendly perennials.
• Leave appropriate space for two future Paw Paw trees to be sourced by the client.
• Extend the existing drainage system beneath the swale.
• Provide a controlled drainage discharge near the back fence line.
• Restore and arrange mulch while maintaining the existing swale and proper water flow.

Arborvitae Installation & Landscape Screening

The landscape portion of the project began with continuing the existing row of arborvitae along the neighbor’s side fence. Three matching arborvitae were added to extend the established planting line and maintain consistency with the existing landscape.

The additional arborvitae provide continued evergreen structure along the fence while helping create a cohesive transition between the existing plantings and the newly prepared garden bed.

Garden Bed Redefinition & Soil Preparation

The existing garden bed was redefined and prepared for new plantings. To improve the planting environment, approximately 0.5 yards of topsoil and 0.5 yards of mushroom compost were incorporated into the existing soil.

The soil amendments were thoroughly mixed to create a more suitable growing environment for the new plants. The garden bed was also arranged to accommodate two Paw Paw trees, which will be sourced and installed by the client at a later time.

New Perennial Plantings

A selection of perennial plants was installed throughout the prepared garden bed, including:

Ozark Primrose
Allium
Calamint

These plantings introduce a combination of flowers, foliage, texture, and seasonal interest to the garden bed while complementing the newly extended arborvitae row.

The planting layout was also planned with the future Paw Paw trees in mind, allowing the garden to continue developing as additional plants are added.

Mulch Installation & Landscape Finishing

Following the planting and soil preparation, mulch was applied to the newly planted and disturbed areas. The mulch provides a finished appearance around the new vegetation while helping define the garden bed from the surrounding landscape.

Existing mulch was also arranged as needed around the drainage work to maintain a consistent appearance and preserve the existing swale.

Drainage System Extension

The drainage portion of the project focused on extending the property’s existing drainage system. A 4-inch PVC cross/T-connector was used to connect the new drainage extension to the existing system.

From the connection point, approximately 15 linear feet of perforated 4-inch PVC was installed beneath the existing swale and routed toward the backyard fence line. This configuration allows water to move through the drainage system while utilizing the existing swale area.

Drainage Discharge & Swale Restoration

The drainage extension was completed with a 4-inch PVC T-fitting, grate, and gravel at the end of the run. This provides a defined discharge point and surface access for the drainage system.

Following installation, the surrounding mulch was restored and arranged as needed to maintain the existing swale and support proper water flow. Care was taken to integrate the drainage work into the existing landscape rather than disrupting the established appearance of the area.

Why Landscape & Drainage Improvements Matter

Combining landscape planting with drainage improvements allows multiple aspects of a property to be addressed as part of one coordinated project. Healthy soil, properly spaced plantings, and defined garden beds provide a strong foundation for long-term landscape development, while an appropriately connected drainage system helps manage water movement through the property.

Maintaining the existing swale while extending the underground drainage system also helps preserve the property’s established grading and landscape design while improving the way water is conveyed through the area.

Project Highlights

• Three matching arborvitae added along the neighbor’s side fence.
• Existing garden bed redefined and prepared for new plantings.
• Approximately 0.5 yards of topsoil incorporated into the garden bed.
• Approximately 0.5 yards of mushroom compost mixed into the existing soil.
• Garden bed prepared to accommodate two future Paw Paw trees.
• Ozark Primrose, Allium, and Calamint planted throughout the garden bed.
• Newly planted and disturbed areas finished with mulch.
• Existing drainage system extended using a 4-inch PVC cross/T-connector.
• Approximately 15 linear feet of perforated 4-inch PVC installed beneath the existing swale.
• Drainage extension directed toward the backyard fence line.
• 4-inch PVC T-fitting, grate, and gravel installed at the end of the drainage run.
• Mulch restored and arranged around the drainage work.
• Existing swale maintained to support proper water flow.

As you browse through the photos, you can see how the landscape and drainage improvements were integrated throughout the property. The extended arborvitae row continues the existing screening along the fence, while the redefined garden bed provides a prepared area for the new perennial plantings and future Paw Paw trees.

The completed project gives this Chicago, IL property a more established and organized landscape while also extending the existing drainage system beneath the swale. By combining new plantings, improved soil, mulch, and drainage infrastructure, the work provides both aesthetic improvements and practical landscape functionality.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.