See What Our Happy Clients Are Saying About Us
“We had the pleasure of working with Dawn Barr from Rooted Outdoor Living LLC for the landscape design of our home, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the results! Dawn's expertise and creativity truly transformed our outdoor space into a stunning and functional area that perfectly complements our home.
From our initial consultation, it was clear that Dawn is passionate about her craft. She took the time to understand our vision and needs, offering insightful suggestions that enhanced our ideas. Her attention to detail and professional approach were evident throughout the project.
The design she created was not only beautiful but also practical, making the most of our space and providing us with a variety of functional outdoor living areas. Dawn's ability to blend aesthetics with functionality is truly impressive.
Communication with Dawn was seamless; she was always responsive, and her knowledge of plants and landscape design was invaluable. The project was completed on time and within budget, and the end result far exceeded our expectations.
We highly recommend Dawn Barr and Rooted Outdoor Living LLC to anyone looking to elevate their outdoor living spaces.”
—Sergey S., Wheaton IL
“Hi Dawn, Thank you for the email. It was a pleasure too and I must admit, it really exceeded my expectations. The before and after photos taken now are just amazing and the neighbors have really complimented me on the work done. From the initial meeting to the landscape plan, to the plant and brick selection to the completion. Once you see the place with the new shutters up, you'll know exactly what I mean by how it all ties in. The gentlemen: all are professional, experts and focus driven. I can already see watering will be time intensive at first, especially with this upcoming heatwave next week. It's manageable, and we'll keep you posted on the plantings if we notice something isn't right. We'll look forward to Phase 2 next year!”
—Paul L., Oswego IL
“Dawn is phenomenal and runs a great business! She completed our full landscape design and was so attentive to our requests. Her company installed a first and second round of very large trees across our entire back property line. The costs were comparable to other companies we reached out to, but her nursery products were top notch. Dawn's architectural landscape expertise, planning, and care/recommendations for our plantings post-installation were second to none. The landscapers did an outstanding job and we are so happy with the quality of work. We will definitely be back with Rooted for completion of additional phases of our landscape plan.”
—Lisa C., Oswego IL
“We had a fantastic experience working with Dawn and the team at Rooted Outdoor Living. We started with a small project in the fall and then decided to use Dawn again for a much larger project this spring. After 20+ years our yard needed a serious refresh! Dawn was always prompt for any appointments we had and communicated throughout the entire process. Dawn is so knowledgeable and always thoughtful about her recommendations. The installation was fast but not at all rushed. Dawn and the team took great care to make sure that everything was placed evenly and in a way that looked cohesive and appealing (both for now and once fully grown). She also made sure to give us variety so we would have blooms to enjoy in the spring and the summer. I am so excited to see our new yard grow!”
—Abbie R., Plainfield IL
“I can't say enough about Dawn and Rooted Outdoor Living. She was great to work with and worked within our budget. Dawn and her crew were punctual and very professional. The best thing is her designs are beautiful. If you want to see her finished product come by Venue 5126 in Oswego and take a look for yourself.”
—David D., Owner — Venue 5126, Oswego IL
https://venue5126.com/
“I was struggling to find a landscaper that would call me back, listen to me, and take my little gardening request seriously. Then I found Dawn, and she was absolutely perfect - listened to my needs, provided me with a bunch of options, brought out an efficient crew to do the work, and made my little flower beds in the front and back yard look perfect. She will treat you like a friend and will bring enthusiasm and joy to your landscaping project!”
—Eva S., Aurora IL
“This is our second experience working with Dawn Barr and Rooted Outdoor Living. The service and attention to detail during our first experience encouraged us to continue using Rooted Outdoor Living for our landscape needs. Although the job was smaller this time around, the attention to detail was exactly the same. The quality of the shrubs used are beautiful and full. We couldn't be happier!”
—Elizabeth D., LaGrange Park, IL
“I had a great experience working with Dawn and her company, Rooted Outdoor Living, for the landscaping of the front and side of my house. Without giving her much to go on, she came up with a beautiful design that fit with the level of maintenance I was willing to do and my budget. As a new homeowner, I also appreciated her sharing her knowledge with me. There were a few existing plants and bushes in my yard that she identified for me and gave me some tips for maintaining. She also gave me a recommendation for a gardening hose that has made watering my new plants much easier:) I highly recommend and will use for any future projects.
Update 2024:
I went on to engage Rooted Outdoor Living for a large portion of my backyard in 2023 and continue to pleased with everything that was done. Dawn also continues to be a resource for questions especially with the Cicadas this past summer.”
—Mollie S., Downers Grove IL
“Dawn was such a pleasure to work with! She is very knowledgeable about both plants and design. It was SO refreshing to work with someone who is more concerned about her customer's satisfaction than the bottom line. Such a treasure!”
—Marybeth O., Lisle IL
“What a great experience. Dawn is a complete professional, hands-on with her team during the whole installation. In addition to her knowledge of plants, her rendering of my project is a work of art! From initial consultation, to review of the landscape drawing, to final plant and tree selections, her communication skills and feedback are exceptional.
Dawn and her hardworking crew transformed my yard with beautiful design and quality plants, totally exceeding my expectations! Look forward to the next step of the project with Rooted Outdoor Living... stonework!”
—Linda S., Batavia IL
“Cannot recommend highly enough. Dawn is a wonderful designer who listens carefully and makes sure you get exactly what makes you happy. We are beyond happy. Her crew is professional, careful, pleasant and efficient. I'd recommend her for any service she offers!”
—Katie I., West Chicago IL
“I had my whole yard overhauled this fall by Rooted Outdoor Living. They were professional, helpful, easy to communicate with and I cannot wait for spring to see how everything looks. Right now, all the new plants, grasses and bushes are beautiful fall colors. They enriched my soil for me and the mulch they use is beautiful and doesn't seem to blow away, even with the windy week we have had. Overall, I definitely recommend them, quality plants and really good pricing!!! Exceeded my expectations!!”
—Jan B., Yorkville IL
“We worked with Rooted Outdoor on multiple projects this year. Both projects went extremely well. Dawn was so helpful designing the vision my wife had for a new pathway on side of our house. They cared about both projects, were professional, did beautiful work, and there was excellent communication throughout the whole process. Would highly recommend Rooted Outdoor for any landscaping project.”
—Mike H., Clarendon Hills IL
“I found Rooted Outdoor Living doing a Yelp search for landscape design.
I sent a connection request, and Dawn called me back very quickly.
She came out and looked at our job, measured the area.
She listened to what we wanted, and came back in a week or so with a plan for our area.
She gave us options for the types of plants to use.
The day the work was scheduled, she and her team came out right at the time they said they would.
They were very professional, and had the area they were working cleared very quickly.
We are very pleased with the quality of the work done and the design that Dawn put together.
We will be using her and her crew again, as we continue landscaping upgrades around our house.
Thanks, Dawn and team.”
—Tony VH., Aurora IL
“Dawn and her team exemplify professionalism and dedication. They undertook a significant landscaping project at our school, transforming an overgrown area into a beautifully redesigned space. Following our initial consultation, Dawn provided us with renderings that perfectly captured our vision and priorities. Throughout the process, they were friendly, patient, and meticulous. I highly recommend Rooted Outdoor Living for their exceptional work and commitment!”
—Tiffany K., Plainfield IL
“What a joy to work with Dawn and her crew! She listens carefully, suggests suitable plants and executes flawlessly. She designed an attractive large stone path on a slope, re-directed our sump pump drainage and planted shrubs and ground cover. All is thriving a year later and looks great. She even dropped by early summer to make sure everything is going well. I can assure any potential clients that she will be a conscientious, creative, and reliable landscaper. (Doesn't hurt that she has a great sense of humor.)”
—Robbie M., Lisle IL
“Dawn with Rooted Outdoor living was great to work with. Together we made a few adjustments to her plan to meet our specific needs and my yard looks amazing. Dawn has checked in with us periodically to see how the plants are growing and replaced one plant that didn't make it. Highly recommend.”
—Jan C., Carol Stream IL
“Dawn and the team were extremely friendly, knowledgeable and professional! They completely redesigned the landscaping at Walker's Grove Elementary School and our school has never looked better! From start to finish, it was a very pleasant experience! I definitely recommend Rooted Outdoor Living!”
—Beth N., Plainfield IL
“Dawn and her crew at Rooted Outdoor Living totally transformed our unkempt, weedy and unattractive backyard into one that is beautifully landscaped. I love looking out the kitchen window now! Dawn always responded quickly when I reached out to her, and she drew up a plan for which plants would grow well in the confines of the available space and would complement each other. My husband and I are extremely happy with how lovely it turned out. Dawn's crew was great as well - very polite, diligent and hard-working. It was amazing how quickly they were able to dig up all the weeds and old shrubs and put in the new plants. I would highly recommend Rooted Outdoor Living - we've gotten many compliments and plan on hiring Dawn to landscape other areas of our yard!”
—Lynn M., Naperville IL
“Dawn and her crew really went above and beyond to give us a wonderful backyard with lots of trees, bushes, flowers, moving our playset. It is really a dream to come back here everyday.”
—Jill L., Hinsdale IL
“My husband and I moved into a home that really needed landscaping. I contacted Dawn at Rooted Outdoor Living, and we are so glad we did! Dawn is very personable and professional. She listened to what we liked and didn't like and created a great landscaping plan for us (full-sized I might add). She and her staff were always available for questions. Our yard looks fabulous now and we even have people walking by who tell us how lovely everything looks! We highly recommend Dawn and her company.
—Sara B., Naperville IL
“Dawn and her team transformed our neutral space into a sanctuary for us to share and enjoy. Thank you!”
—Gail J., St. Charles IL
“Dawn, I just had to drop a note to you and let you know I'm loving my front yard landscaping. Everything is coming up beautifully and I get many compliments from neighbors and friends. Thank you and your crew for a job well done.”
—Katherine M., Winfield IL
“We hired Rooted Outdoor Living to do a complete makeover of our front yard. We chose them as they had demonstrated very fine work on smaller and larger jobs. Dawn made sure all our questions were answered during planning and execution. She was there with the installation crew. The attention to detail by her and the crew was very impressive. Everything exceeded our expectations. I was so pleased with the work of the crew I bought them beer. Hey, just something to consider.”
—Tom M., Downers Grove IL
“I had a wonderful experience working with Dawn and her crew. I lack a green thumb and needed some serious help with my front yard curb appeal. Dawn was an excellent listener and communicator throughout the whole process. The day of the installation, her crew worked so efficiently and quickly! What took them day to do would have taken me weeks! I couldn't be happier with the end result and highly recommend Rooted Outdoor Living!”
—Dawn L., Naperville IL
“I was trying to come up with a space to successfully grow vegetables in my small yard. Dawn listened to my needs and gave me options and I chose steel raised beds on the side of my house. The area, which now includes a short retaining wall, looks great and will be very functional. The crew was great, and the work was done in one day. They filled the beds with the right mix to get my seeds started and I am looking forward to a summer of fresh veggies! It was great to work with a company that was on time, dependable, and knowledgeable.”
—Pam W., Yorkville IL
“Rooted Outdoor Living is the best! Professional and beautiful work. Highly recommend!”
—Dana M., Winfield IL
“Recently we decided to replace an existing patio and plantings. Dawn helped us with fabulous ideas and had a great sense of the look we wanted to achieve. Everything looks beautiful! We could not be happier, and we need to start organizing ideas for the next area of our yard with her!”
—Kristi B., Wheaton IL
“Dawn Barr at Rooted Outdoor Living designed and installed the landscape at my former home, and I plan to use her for my home under construction now. The plantings were amazing, the hardscape layouts were perfect for the setting, and I couldn't have picked a nicer person to work with. She listens, explains, and follows through every time. I was sad to move away from the old house, a big reason being the beautiful yard. I'm really looking forward to seeing her vision for my new house, too. Definitely recommended, with 100% enthusiasm.”
—Laurin R., Naperville IL
“This is such a wonderful company! Dawn has A TON of knowledge on all things landscaping. You can tell she is very passionate and ensures the job is done right.”
—Erin B., Naperville IL
“We have beautiful landscaping thanks to Rooted Outdoor Living! Dawn is wonderful to work with. She really listens to our vision and explains what we can do to achieve it. If a plant we like won't work she explains why. She personally picks the plants and trees so we get healthy plants and the size we want. It's great she has her own installation crew! That way everything is installed exactly per her design. We could not be happier! I would highly recommend!”
—Jana B., Plainfield IL
“Dawn and the whole team at Rooted Outdoor Living was an absolute pleasure to work with! They created our dream backyard environment that was not only beautiful but also kid friendly for our little one. The whole design process felt cooperative and our needs and budget where kept in mind along the way. I would recommend Dawn to anyone!”
—Inga L., Naperville IL
“Beautiful landscaping with a careful thought to the care the customer is able to give the plants.”
—Dawn S., Joliet IL
“Dawn and her team were great to work with. This was our first time working with a design/install firm and Dawn was very patient and appropriately persistent when we got stuck. Install team was great to work with as well. All around great experience!”
—Scott L., Wheaton IL
“Dawn and her crew were absolutely fantastic. They transformed our backyard, and Dawn had ideas that I never could have come up with!”
—Anne C., Wheaton IL
“Dawn redesigned the entrance way to my home which was filled with overgrown shrubs and hedges. She chose native plants and avoided invasive species, an issue which is important to me. She also communicated promptly with me afterwards to answer any questions. The area now looks beautiful and I couldn't be more pleased.”
—Judy M., Aurora IL
“Dawn and her amazing crew were out in 2023 to do landscaping in our front yard. I was extremely
surprised to see how everything filled in already. Black-eyed Susan and Russian Sage are at least 5 times larger from last year. This year Dawn and the crew moved things around to balance due to the growth. Amazing, beautiful. You won't be disappointed. Rooted Outdoor Living is your landscape company. You won't be disappointed. The crew are hard workers and make everything perfect. Thank you Dawn and crew.”
—Nancy P., Aurora IL
“I loved working with Dawn and her crew. Dawn's design incorporated my priorities, a reflection of my home's architecture and her own creative vision. The garden is beautiful, and the pollinators love it!”
—Emily T., Downers Grove IL
“Dawn and her team are a dream team! She is an incredible visionary and an absolute pleasure to work with. She listened to what we wanted and suggested the absolute perfect landscape solutions to meet our needs. Not only does it look beautiful in warm weather, but also as the winter came as well. We had complete confidence in her throughout the entire process. She kept us up to date and informed. There were a few plants that did not come back this Spring and she replaced them no questions asked. I plan on using her again soon to help improve the rest of our yard. Thank you, Dawn and team!”
—Katie S., Carol Stream IL
“Dawn was a pleasure to work with and helped me navigate my project from start to finish, providing amazing suggestions on a variety of plants to create my new backyard oasis. I’m excited to see these plants flourish and grow!”
—Christi O., Joliet IL
“I am extremely pleased with the landscaping service provided by Rooted Outdoor Living. Dawn listened to my concerns and developed a plan for my backyard landscaping which met all of my needs. Once the plan was approved, her team did an awesome job implementing the plan. Thank you for a well-designed plan, your professionalism, and timeliness. I highly recommend Rooted Outdoor Living for your landscaping needs.”
—Kim H., Aurora IL
“Working with Dawn Barr was a pleasure. Her design, detail and responsiveness were impeccable. We love how our front landscaping looks and we have gotten many compliments from our neighbors. When it is time for us to do our backyard we will be calling Dawn. We highly recommend Rooted Outdoor Living ... you won't be disappointed!”
—Maryanne M., Downers Grove IL
