New Construction Landscaping in Saint John, Indiana: A Practical Checklist for a Yard That Looks Great (and Drains Right)

Forest Landscaping designs and builds custom outdoor spaces with owner involvement at every stage—so you’re not juggling multiple trades or guessing what’s “normal settling.”

Why new construction landscaping fails (and how to avoid it)

Most “new yard” issues trace back to sequence and soil: final grades aren’t set, downspouts dump water where you don’t want it, builder soil is compacted, and patios/driveways go in without a proper base or edge restraint. The fix is a plan that prioritizes water movement, long-term stability, and materials rated for the way you’ll use the space.

1) Confirm your “final grade” and where water is supposed to go

Before plants, mulch, or patios: verify that surface water will flow away from the home and toward appropriate outlets (swales, yard drains, rain gardens, or approved storm structures). In many Midwest municipalities, it’s also important that roof water and sump discharge are not routed into sanitary sewers, and that discharge doesn’t create hazards on sidewalks or streets. (Local rules vary—your contractor should coordinate with your town/county where required.) (in.gov)

Pro tip: Walk the site in a rain or right after snowmelt. If you see standing water for hours near the foundation, you’ll want drainage solutions before installing sod or hardscape.

2) Decide early: patio now, or patio later?

If you know you want a patio, outdoor kitchen, retaining wall, or paver driveway, it’s often more efficient to build it early—before you invest in final plantings and before you “train” foot traffic across the yard. It also helps coordinate elevations at doors, steps, and garage slabs so everything feels intentional.

Explore Outdoor Living Spaces Driveways & Pathways Options

3) Treat drainage as “infrastructure,” not an accessory

Northwest Indiana clay soils and flat lots can turn minor grading mistakes into chronic soggy areas. A drainage plan may include re-grading, catch basins, solid pipe runs, pop-up emitters, sump extensions, swales, and—where appropriate—retaining walls that manage elevation changes safely.

Drainage Alleviation Services Retaining Walls

4) Build hardscapes for freeze-thaw, plows, and real-life use

In a climate with freeze-thaw cycles, a patio or driveway is only as good as the base and compaction beneath it. Proper excavation, base thickness, edge restraint, and final pitch matter more than any surface pattern. If you choose premium paver systems, warranty programs can add peace of mind when installed by authorized contractors. (unilock.com)

5) Add lighting while the site is still easy to access

Low-voltage landscape lighting is one of the best “new home” upgrades because it adds safety immediately—steps, walkways, and drive entries—while also highlighting architecture and plantings. Installing lighting during early phases can reduce disruption to finished turf and beds.

6) Finish with plantings that match your site (and your schedule)

Saint John sits in the USDA hardiness range commonly listed as Zone 5b to 6a, which affects plant selection and winter performance. (plantmaps.com) The best planting plan accounts for sun exposure, wind, snow storage areas, and drainage—not just what looks good on install day. If you want low maintenance, prioritize clean bed lines, right-sized shrubs, and irrigation-free solutions where possible.

Water management is the make-or-break factor. Saint John and Lake County properties often deal with seasonal wet spots, winter freeze/thaw, and spring melt. A clean design/build plan prioritizes drainage pathways first, then hardscapes, then softscape finishing.

Avoid “accidental” code headaches. Communities commonly restrict improper connections and nuisance discharges into streets or rights-of-way, especially during cold weather when ice forms. (codelibrary.amlegal.com)

Choose plants for your hardiness zone. With Saint John frequently listed around Zone 5b–6a, plant selection and placement (wind exposure, snow load, salt splash near driveways) should be intentional for long-term survival. (plantmaps.com)

When should I start landscaping a new construction home?

Start planning as soon as you know your outdoor wish list. On-site work typically begins after rough grading and once heavy equipment is mostly done, but drainage and elevation decisions should happen early so patios, walks, and planting beds fit correctly.

What’s the biggest mistake with new construction landscaping in Northwest Indiana?

Skipping drainage planning. If surface water and downspout/sump discharge aren’t directed properly, you can end up redoing turf, beds, and even hardscapes later.

Should I install the patio before planting?

Most of the time, yes. Hardscapes and walls define elevations and foot traffic. Doing them first usually prevents plant damage and avoids having to rework bed edges or irrigation-free grading.

Do I need permits for outdoor projects?

Sometimes. Retaining walls, certain drainage tie-ins, and outdoor kitchens/utilities may require permits or inspections depending on scope and local requirements. A design/build contractor can help coordinate that process.

How can I keep my new pavers looking good long-term?

Use proper jointing materials, keep joints topped up, clean stains early, and consider professional sealing/restoration when needed—especially after winters with de-icers and plowing. For maintenance support, Forest Landscaping offers a dedicated restoration program.