About Designed Landscapes

Meet the people behind Designed Landscapes

Welcome to Designed Landscapes

Our journey began organically. As a plant biology college professor, I cultivated my own dream garden when I purchased my first home. Little did I know, my neighbors started admiring my garden and sought my help with their own yards. Word spread, and soon I found myself assisting more and more friends and acquaintances. It finally clicked that I had a natural talent for landscape design.

In 2015, I took my passion to the next level by obtaining a landscape design certificate from esteemed Emory University. As part of our coursework, we completed four impressive capstone projects.

This prompted me to establish Designed Landscapes that same year, and we’ve been flourishing ever since. Our secret to success is simple yet effective – we create custom gardens that prioritize personalization.

Fast forward to 2023 Emory invites me to teach Landscape Design. Moving forward, we are committed to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.

Exciting News

Beto’s Project Wins Georgia Landscape Awards (GALA)!

We are thrilled to share that Beto’s outstanding project has been honored with the prestigious Georgia Landscape Awards (GALA). This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation in landscaping. Congratulations to Beto and the entire Designed Landscapes team for this well-deserved recognition!

Our Awards:

Georgia Landscape Awards 2025
Georgia Landscape Awards 2024
Decatur

Meet Our Leadership:

HUMBERTO DUTRA

HUMBERTO DUTRA (BETO)

MSC PhD, Landscape Design Instructor at Emory

“I love designing and seeing a plan come to life, but most importantly I love the fact that my clients treat me as a friend and are just happy to see me as I am happy to see them.”

Frequently Asked Questions about Landscaping and Installation

1. How long does a landscaping project take from start to finish?

It depends on the complexity of the project. Smaller projects can take 1 to 2 weeks, while larger ones may take several weeks, from design to complete installation.

2. Do I need a landscape design before starting the installation?

We like to design everything, but it depends. We work in two different ways. If we can explain our solutions in just a few sentences (i.e. sod front yard and plant five gardenias), then we can give you a direct quote. If it requires a more thoughtful analysis, then a well-thought-out design helps you visualize the result, plan installation phases, avoid mistakes, and make the most of your space, budget, and resources.

3. Do you work with projects of all sizes?

Absolutely! We handle everything from small residential gardens to full backyards, front yards, pool areas, and more.

4. Do you offer natural and artificial grass?

Yes. We offer both options. Natural grass is classic and refreshing, while artificial turf requires minimal maintenance and always looks green. We’ll help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best. We like to keep artificial grass to a minimum. There is a time and a place for everything.

5. Do I need a permit for my landscaping project?

Some elements, like fences, walls, drainage, or electrical outdoor lighting, may require city permits. We help identify when permits are needed and guide you through the process.

6. Do you install irrigation systems?

Yes! We design and install complete irrigation systems, and we also repair existing ones.

7. Do you offer garden lighting installation?

Yes. We work with outdoor lighting to create functional, safe, and welcoming environments that enhance your landscape.

8. What is included in the installation service?

We take care of soil preparation, planting, lawn installation (natural or artificial), mulch, pine straw, irrigation, lighting, decorative stones, and other landscape materials included in the approved plan.

9. Do I need to be present during the installation?

Not necessarily. However, we must have a point of contact available in case quick decisions need to be made on-site.

10. Do you provide maintenance after the installation?

We can recommend trusted partners for ongoing maintenance and provide basic care instructions for your newly installed plants.

11. What kind of warranty do you offer?

We offer a limited warranty on plants and services as outlined in our contract. Specific terms may vary depending on your project.

12. What’s the process from design to final installation?

It starts with a conversation to understand your space, goals, and preferences. Then we create a customized design, including plant selection and hardscape elements. Once approved, we schedule the installation and carry out each step with care, ensuring a cohesive and lasting result.

13. Do you install low-maintenance plants and landscaping?

Indeed, that is all we install unless otherwise instructed. We like to say that we want the landscape to work for you instead of you working for the landscaping. We try to use plants that are robust and yet will not require endless pruning. There is no such thing as no maintenance. Our plans will allow you to have “known maintenance”

14. Can I install fescue sod in Atlanta?

Yes, but the truth of the matter is that fescue is a high-maintenance sod for Atlanta. It requires constant watering and reseeding every year, and it is a myth that it can take shade. It may require less sun than other sods, but to look lush, it needs some sunlight. We also think that sod is not the solution for everything.

15. How often should I water the plant after the installation?

We answered that here

16. Why do we have many weeds?

Weeds are opportunistic plants. After the initial landscape installation, you followed a water regime and woke up the seeds in the soil during the clean-up. This is a perfect environment for weeds. The key to success is to make mulch and pine straw regularly, apply pre-emergent herbicide during the first season to break the cycle, and perform spot spraying as needed.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Looking for a top Atlanta landscape design company to create you dream landscape? If you’re ready to create a beautiful, sustainable, and functional landscape for your home, contact us today!