Creating Stunning Outdoor Spaces: Expert Planting & Hardscape Designs and Installations Tailored for You
When you choose Rooted Outdoor Living, you’re not just hiring a landscape company—you’re teaming up with me, Dawn, and my crew of hardworking, plant-loving, stone-stacking, outdoor-obsessed experts. As a woman-owned business with over 18 years of experience in landscape design, hardscape installation, custom ponds, and vegetable gardens, I pour my passion into transforming ordinary yards into personalized outdoor sanctuaries. Whether it’s a lush native garden buzzing with pollinators, a beautifully crafted natural stone patio perfect for morning coffee, or a tranquil water feature that brings a meditative quality to your space, I believe your landscape should reflect you.
I’m all about sustainable landscaping, functional outdoor spaces, and expert craftsmanship—and making the process as smooth and fun as possible. From the first consultation to the final installation, I guide you through each step—because creating a custom outdoor living space shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dreaming of low-maintenance plantings, elegant stonework, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, firepits, or a peaceful garden retreat, I’m here to bring it to life with creativity and care. Let’s turn your backyard into a place you’ll never want to leave!
I’m Dawn, the owner of Rooted Outdoor Living, and creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces is more than just my career—it’s my passion. With 18 years of experience in landscape design and installation, I’ve built a company that reflects my deep love for nature, craftsmanship, and the simple joys of outdoor living. Based in the western suburbs of Chicago, Rooted Outdoor Living specializes in designing and building landscapes that feel natural, inviting, and completely tailored to how you want to live outside.
I believe that a well-designed outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home—whether that means a cozy firepit where your family gathers on crisp fall nights, a lush garden buzzing with pollinators, or a stone patio perfect for quiet morning coffee and meditation (which happens to be my favorite way to start the day). I love using high-quality, locally sourced materials—like natural stone, clay brick, and locally grown plants to create landscapes that thrive in the Midwest climate and blend seamlessly with their surroundings. We design and build everything from vibrant plantings to outdoor kitchens, outcropping stone features, driveways, ponds, retaining walls, vegetable gardens, and more.
As a small, hands-on firm, we take pride in working closely with homeowners through every step of the process. I’m personally involved in every project, making sure each space is thoughtfully designed and built with care. I personally design every project. All designs are unique and tailored to you—your landscape should reflect you, your home, your lifestyle, and the way you love to spend time outdoors. I am also your contact person on site. I will be there with our fabulous crew—marking out beds and patios, placing plant material, and communicating with you about the project.
Sustainability and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we do. I live on a five-acre farm, so I understand the importance of working with the land rather than against it. I believe in using natural materials, smart design, and eco-friendly practices to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time.
At the end of the day, my goal is to design landscapes where you can create memories—whether that’s hosting summer dinners on your patio, watching your kids chase fireflies, or simply soaking in the beauty of your own backyard. If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into something truly special, let’s make it happen!
Let’s Work Together
Choosing us for your landscape design and build project means partnering with a team that genuinely cares about bringing your vision to life. We take the time to understand your needs and desires, crafting outdoor spaces that feel calm, inviting, beautiful, and truly yours. With a deep passion for nature and an unwavering commitment to quality, our team pours our hearts into every project, ensuring the end result is not just beautiful but a perfect reflection of you, your family, and your home.