Articles
Design ideas, plant guides, and seasonal landscape advice for Tacoma and the South Sound.
Landscape Design
7 Best Trees for Tacoma Landscapes (Designer’s Selection Guide)
Seven best trees for Tacoma landscapes including Western red cedar, Japanese maple, Pacific dogwood, and vine maple from FNL owner…
May 14, 2026
Landscape Design
Outdoor Living Space Design: Transform Your Tacoma Backyard
Outdoor living space design guide for Tacoma backyards covering zones, hardscape materials, plants, and the FNL design process fro…
May 8, 2026
Landscape Design
Shade Garden Design in the Pacific Northwest: Plants & Strategies
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Shade doesn’t have to mean dull. After 19 years of designing Pacific …
April 21, 2026
Landscape Design
Year-Round Landscape Interest: Designing for Pacific Northwest Seasons
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma A landscape that looks exceptional in every season comes down to one …
April 14, 2026
Landscape Design
Evergreen Landscape Design: Creating Year-Round Structure
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Evergreen landscape design gives your yard a strong, living structure…
April 7, 2026
Landscape Design
Designing for Tacoma’s Rain: Smart Drainage Solutions for Landscapes
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Tacoma gets hammered with rain every winter, and your yard pays the p…
March 24, 2026
Landscape Design
Managing Slopes in Pacific Northwest Landscapes: Design & Erosion Control
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Managing slopes in Pacific Northwest landscapes can be genuinely chal…
March 17, 2026
Landscape Design
Best Native Plants for Tacoma Landscapes (Designer’s Guide)
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma The best native plants for Tacoma landscapes include Red Flowering Cu…
March 10, 2026
Landscape Design
Phased Landscape Design: How to Budget Your Dream Yard Over Time
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Phased landscape design lets you create your dream outdoor space by b…
February 17, 2026
Landscape Design
DIY vs. Professional Landscape Design: Is Hiring a Pro Worth It?
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Professional landscape design typically costs $1,900 to $7,200, but i…
February 9, 2026
Landscape Design
Pacific Northwest Landscape Design: Complete Guide for Homeowners
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Pacific Northwest landscape design succeeds when you work with our ra…
February 3, 2026
Landscape Design
What to Expect: Timeline for Landscape Design Projects in Tacoma
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma A typical landscape design timeline in Tacoma runs 8 to 16 weeks from…
January 20, 2026
Landscape Design
How to Prepare for Your First Landscape Design Consultation
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma A successful landscape design consultation starts before you ever sha…
January 13, 2026
Landscape Design
7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscape Designer in Tacoma
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Hiring a landscape designer in Tacoma comes down to asking the right …
January 6, 2026
Landscape Design
Complete Guide to Landscape Design Process in 2026
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma After watching hundreds of Tacoma homeowners waste thousands on poorl…
December 15, 2025
Landscape Design
How Much Does Landscape Design Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
By Chris Sheer, Co-owner, Father Nature Landscapes of Tacoma Landscape design cost in Washington typically ranges from $1,900 to $…
December 8, 2025
Landscape Design
Using a Landscape Designer vs. Landscape Architect in 2026
I’ve lost count of how many times homeowners have called me, genuinely confused about whether they need a landscape designer vs. l…
December 1, 2025
Outdoor Construction
Everything You Need to Know About a Covered Pergola
A covered pergola is a simple solution for enjoying your outdoor living space despite Washington’s persistent rain and UV rays. It…
November 18, 2025
Outdoor Construction
Design Secrets for an Outdoor Kitchen
To create a permanent, quality outdoor cooking space usable year-round, you must use durable materials. You also need to protect t…
November 11, 2025
Landscape Design
Complete Guide to Designing Custom Decks in Tacoma
By Chris Scheer, Co-Owner, Father Nature Landscapes After two decades designing and building custom outdoor spaces across Tacoma a…
November 4, 2025
Landscape Design
5 Must-Have Water Features That Attract Local Wildlife
Adding a water feature to your garden is a creative way to attract local wildlife. The sound of moving water from a small fountain…
October 17, 2025
Yard Care
4 Fast Growing Privacy Hedge Plants for Your Yard
The most important thing for a natural privacy screen is picking the right evergreen shrubs or evergreen trees that can thrive in …
October 10, 2025
Landscape Design
Practical Family Backyard Design Guide for Every Home
A family-friendly backyard is more than just a space; it’s an outdoor living room where family memories are made. You can improve …
October 3, 2025
Landscape Design
How to Achieve Big Water Savings with Smart Drip Systems
The variable weather of Washington makes water management a real concern for gardeners. Newer smart drip systems can help reduce w…
September 23, 2025
Landscape Design
8 Small Front Yard Design Ideas to Try in 2025
With just a few small front yard design ideas, you can create create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Smart garden design…
September 16, 2025
Landscape Design
5 Best Shade Structures for Sunny Patios
For homeowners in Washington, a sunny patio is a fantastic amenity, but without proper outdoor shade structures, it can become too…
September 9, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
5 Powerful Solutions for Removing Oil Stains From Pavers
For homeowners, maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, particularly paving stone driveways and patios, is a source of pride. Howeve…
August 25, 2025
Landscape Design
9 Powerful Sustainable Irrigation Methods for Your Yard
Achieving vibrant gardens and productive crop yields depends on efficient and sustainable irrigation methods. Here in Washington S…
August 18, 2025
Expert Local Retaining Wall Repair in Tacoma, WA
A retaining wall does more than merely halt soil erosion; it provides structural support and improves the visual appeal of any hom…
August 11, 2025
Landscape Design
Drought-Friendly Fertilization Hacks For 2025 Summer
Summer in Washington brings dry conditions, presenting a significant challenge for garden vitality. Effective lawn care and the fl…
July 21, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
8 Native Ferns for Incredible Pacific Northwest Garden Design
Gardens across the Pacific Northwest offer unique opportunities for beauty and sustainability. Adding native plants, particularly …
July 14, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
11 Drought-Resistant Native Plants for PNW Gardens
Gardening in the Pacific Northwest comes with unique challenges, especially with prolonged summer dry periods. Cultivating a truly…
July 7, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
8 Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners in Tacoma
Creating a truly green and healthy lawn in Washington State requires more than just guesswork; it demands a practical, informed ap…
June 18, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
The Joy of Pruning Japanese Maple Trees
Japanese Maples are truly beautiful trees, known for their lacy foliage and elegant form. Achieving their full natural beauty and …
June 11, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
How to Amend Clay Soil Without Tilling
Many gardeners face the biggest challenge of working with heavy clay soil and how to amend clay soil without tilling. This isn’t j…
June 4, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
Everything You Need to Know About Organic Mulch in 2025
Organic mulch is a cornerstone of thriving garden plants and healthy soil. This natural mulch, derived from organic material like …
May 14, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
Easy Spring Lawn Care Steps for a Green Yard
Spring in Washington State signals the perfect opportunity to revive your lawn after the winter months. As the soil temperature wa…
May 14, 2025
Landscape Maintenance
A Complete Guide on DIY Rainwater Collection Systems
Washington’s abundant rainfall offers a fantastic opportunity for gardeners to become more self-sufficient. Imagine capturing thos…
May 14, 2025