We get it.
When you think about building a backyard court, landscaping probably isn’t the first thing on your mind.
You’re dreaming about:
- Epic family pickleball tournaments
- Late-night basketball under the lights
- Friends gathered around with snacks and drinks
But here’s the truth nobody talks about:
The space around your court is just as important as the court itself.
If you skip this step, you could end up with standing water, mud pits, or a court that feels slapped onto your property instead of built into it.
We’ve seen it happen—and we’re here to help you avoid it.
It’s Not Just About Looking Pretty (Though That Helps)
Landscaping does more than make your backyard look like a high-end resort.
It protects your investment and makes your court easier to use, safer to access, and longer lasting.
Drainage Keeps You in the Game
Let’s clear something up—you don’t have to worry about drainage on the court itself.
We design every court with the right slope to shed water and keep your playing surface dry and ready to use, rain or shine.
But what happens around the court is where landscaping comes in.
When we finish, the court’s ready to roll—but if the surrounding area has bare dirt or uneven grading, rain can still turn your yard into a mud pit.
Landscaping helps protect your yard, keeps your access points clean, and makes sure you’re not tracking mud onto your new court after every storm.
Got slope?
Sometimes a retaining wall is the best way to stabilize the ground and protect your court’s foundation.
We build concrete retaining walls when they’re needed to support the court itself.
But if you want something with aesthetic flair—like limestone blocks, stone seating walls, or decorative features—we’ll connect you with one of our trusted masonry partners to finish the look.
Expect to invest around $8,000 to $10,000 for a 3-foot limestone wall with seating—perfect for courts built into hillsides or uneven yards.
3. Access Paths Make It Feel Right
One thing homeowners often forget?
How you’re going to get to your court.
Sure, you can walk across the grass, but over time you’ll wear a trench right through your yard.
That’s why we recommend adding stone pathways, pavers, or stepping stones to make the journey feel intentional—not like a shortcut through the mud.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping That Works in Central Texas
You don’t have to go full country club.
Xeriscaping—using low-water, low-maintenance native plants—works perfectly around courts and patios.
Some of our favorite plants for the Austin area include:
Gulf Muhly for soft, feathery texture
Red Yucca for height and color (just keep it away from high-traffic areas)
Black-Eyed Susan for bright seasonal blooms
Purple Heart for easy groundcover
Texas Sage for hardy, year-round greenery
Desert Willow or Texas Redbud for shade without the mess
Add mulch or gravel beds around these plants, and you’ve got a clean, sharp, water-wise landscape that frames your court without creating more work for you.
What We Do (and What We Don’t)
We build courts.
We don’t build landscapes but we do appreciate landscapers.
But we’ve worked alongside great landscapers and designers to bring backyard visions to life.
If you have a team, great—we’ll coordinate with them.
If you need a recommendation, we know people who can take care of you.
What to Think Through Before We Start
- Do you need drainage improvements?
- Would a retaining wall protect your space?
- How will people walk to your court?
- Do you want plants that thrive with little water and care?
- Are there HOA or city rules you need to check before digging?
We’re happy to talk through these with you on your site visit.
It’s the Finishing Touch That Makes It All Work
A court without landscaping is like a Ferrari parked in a gravel driveway.
Sure, it works—but it’s not what you pictured when you started dreaming about this space.
Landscaping protects your investment, frames your court, and makes the experience feel complete.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream space, we’d love to help.
No pressure. No chasing. Just honest answers and a team that’s here for you—every step of the way.
