Cenizo Design & Build

AREAS WE SERVE · EAST AUSTIN

Modern landscape design
in East Austin.

East Austin has some of the best yards in the city for the look we like to build: native planting, steel edging, decomposed granite paths and clean, simple hardscape.

Stepped pads in steel-edged gravel beds along a driveway

Small lots, big ideas

Many East Austin lots are narrow, and newer homes often take up most of them. In Govalle and the streets off MLK, a front yard might be a few hundred square feet and the back not much more. Even in roomier mid-century neighborhoods like Windsor Park, a new addition or ADU can leave a lot less yard than it used to. In a small space every choice shows. We keep the palette tight, make paths do double duty as edges, and give each plant room to look like itself.

The modern native look

Steel edging, decomposed granite or crushed gravel, a few strong plants repeated, and limestone or concrete steppers. It's a style that suits the newer modern homes here and also looks right next to an older bungalow. We like agave and sotol for structure, Lindheimer muhly and little bluestem for movement, and blackfoot daisy or damianita along gravel edges where the drainage is good.

Older lots, mature trees

East Austin's older streets come with big pecans, live oaks and hackberries, and the shade, roots and leaf drop that go with them. We plan around the root zone instead of trenching through it, use beds and gravel where grass gave up long ago, and choose shade plants like Turk's cap, inland sea oats and cedar sage. Soil changes block to block here, from dark clay to sandier ground closer to the river, so we look at each yard before we pick plants.

Mueller and design review

Mueller has its own design guidelines, and exterior changes, landscaping included, generally need association approval. If you live there, or in another neighborhood with deed restrictions, we'll work from the current guidelines your association provides.

Patios, lighting and evenings outside

On a small lot, a well-placed patio and a few warm lights can make the yard feel twice as big after dark. We often pair a compact paver or DG patio with a fire pit or a small pergola and low path lights.

Getting here

East Austin is a short drive from our base in Manor along US 290 or FM 969.

Common questions about landscaping in East Austin

Do you work on small East Austin lots?

Yes. Small yards are a good fit for the way we design, because every plant and every edge has to earn its place.

Can you work around my big trees?

Yes. We plan beds, gravel and paths around the root zone and choose plants that handle shade and competition from roots.

Services in East Austin

Other areas: landscape design in Manor, landscape design in Pflugerville, landscape design in Hutto, landscape design in Round Rock, landscape design in Elgin, landscape design in Georgetown, landscape design in Cedar Park, landscape design in Kyle. See all the areas we serve.

Planning a yard
in East Austin?

The first consultation is free. Tell us about your space and we'll set up your free consultation.

Call 512-828-9904Free consultation