At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we’ve perfected the art of landscape bed creation over the past 12 years. While every project is unique, the core principles remain the same. Today, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of transforming a lawn into a flourishing landscape bed—ready for stunning plantings and long-term success.
Step 1: Layout & Marking Your Bed
Before breaking ground, take the time to visualize and mark out your landscape beds. Whether you’re working from a professional plan or free-handing with marking paint, this step allows you to adjust the size, shape, and placement before committing.
Pro Tip: I always tell clients, "This isn’t set in stone—it’s just paint!" If the bed feels too small or too large, adjust it now while it’s easy.
If your design includes key features like trees, shrubs, or hardscape elements, mark their locations as well to ensure proper spacing and balance.
Step 2: Removing Sod – The Smart Way
To prepare the space, you’ll need to remove the existing grass. There are two common methods:
✔️ Sod Cutter (Recommended for Large Areas): Rent or use a sod cutter to efficiently strip away the lawn.
✔️ Manual Removal (Best for Small Areas): Use a high-quality spade shovel for precision. The Wolverine Spade is a personal favorite—it’s durable, versatile, and available in various sizes. I prefer the smaller version for ease of use and control.
Once you’ve cut the sod, flip it over instead of hauling it away—this saves both time and money.
Step 3: Utilizing Sod for Soil Health
Rather than removing the sod, use it to your advantage:
✔️ Flip the sod over and leave a 6”–8” border along the bed’s outer edges.
✔️ Stack layers (2-3 high) in the center of the bed. This technique naturally suppresses grass regrowth and enriches the soil as it decomposes.
✔️ Let heat do the work. If the weather is warm, the sod may die within a few hours. For best results, allow it to sit for a day or two before adding soil.
Step 4: Adding Soil & Compost for a Healthy Foundation
Now it’s time to build rich, fertile soil for your plantings.
🔹 Mix ½ topsoil with ½ mushroom compost or soil amendment.
🔹 Spread 4”–8” of this mixture evenly over the bed to encourage deep root growth.
🔹 Ensure all sod is covered to prevent grass regrowth.
This nutrient-rich base improves drainage, aeration, and overall plant health for a thriving landscape.
Step 5: The Gold Standard – Crisp, Clean Edging
A well-defined edge is one of the most important finishing touches for a landscape bed.
✔️ Dig down 4” along the marked edge to create a clean, crisp boundary.
✔️ Remove excess soil and keep each cut precise and smooth for a professional look.
✔️ Mound the soil slightly within the bed to enhance visual depth and prevent regrowth of grass along the edges.
A properly edged landscape bed elevates curb appeal and makes long-term maintenance easier.
Step 6: Plant & Watch Your Landscape Thrive
With the groundwork complete, it’s time for the best part—planting!
✔️ Follow your design plan to ensure proper plant placement and spacing.
✔️ Mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance aesthetics.
✔️ Water thoroughly to help roots establish in their new environment.
With proper preparation and care, your landscape bed will flourish for years to come!
Final Thoughts
Creating a landscape bed is more than just digging and planting—it’s about setting a strong foundation for long-term success. At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we take pride in transforming ordinary spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes that thrive.
Looking for expert help? Contact us today for custom landscape design and professional installation in the Chicago area!
📞 Call us at 630-800-0501
📧 Email us at design@innstudiollc.com
🌍 Visit us at innlandscape.com
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