Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Chicago Landscaping Partner
Heffernan Landscape Design has been a trusted name in residential landscape design and construction since 1994. Our full-service approach ensures seamless integration from concept to completion, serving Chicago and its suburbs with expertise in hardscaping, garden design, and outdoor living spaces. Founded by Carol Heffernan, a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, we combine artistic vision with technical precision to create functional, aesthetically pleasing environments. Our team specializes in custom stonework, water features, and climate-appropriate plantings, prioritizing client collaboration and site-specific solutions.With 25 years of experience, we maintain affiliations with professional organizations like APLD and ILCA, underscoring our commitment to industry excellence. Client testimonials consistently highlight our attention to detail, transparent communication, and ability to deliver projects within budget and timeline. We serve diverse properties, from historic suburban homes to modern urban spaces, ensuring each project reflects the homeowner's unique vision and lifestyle.
Services
Garden Design
Hardscaping
Patios & Walkways
Fire Pits
Water Features
Landscape Lighting
Plant Installation
Outdoor Structures
Pergolas
Edible Gardens
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of specialized landscape design expertise in Chicagoland.
- Our founder holds advanced degrees in fine arts from the Art Institute of Chicago.
- We provide site-specific designs integrating soil, sunlight, and drainage considerations.
- Our team maintains professional affiliations with APLD and ILCA organizations.
- We guarantee transparent communication and budget adherence for every project.
Associations and certifications
- APLD
- ILCA
- LDA
What people say
Attention to detail
Professional team
Fair pricing
Timely completion
Climate-appropriate plantings
Services
Garden Design
Our garden design service creates tailored outdoor environments that harmonize with your home's architecture and site conditions. We analyze soil composition, sunlight exposure, and drainage patterns to develop functional, aesthetically pleasing layouts. Clients benefit from 3D visualizations and plant selections suited to Chicago's climate, ensuring long-term sustainability and beauty.
Hardscaping
Expert hardscaping transforms outdoor spaces through custom patios, walkways, and retaining walls. We specialize in natural stone and brick installations that withstand Chicago's weather while enhancing property value. Our precision craftsmanship ensures durable, low-maintenance structures that serve as permanent foundations for outdoor living areas.
Water Features
Custom water features add tranquility and visual interest to any landscape. We design and construct ponds, fountains, and water walls that integrate seamlessly with surrounding hardscapes. Our systems prioritize energy efficiency and winter durability, creating year-round focal points that enhance property ambiance.
Landscape Lighting
Low-voltage lighting solutions extend usability of outdoor spaces after dark while highlighting architectural and natural features. We install energy-efficient LED systems with programmable controls, balancing safety with aesthetic appeal. Our designs emphasize subtle illumination rather than harsh lighting.
Plant Installation
Professional planting services ensure optimal growth through proper soil preparation and plant selection. We specialize in perennial gardens, edible landscapes, and native species that thrive in Chicagoland's climate. Our team provides seasonal planting schedules and maintenance guidance for long-term success.
People
Carol Heffernan
Founding Principal
Carol Heffernan combines fine arts expertise with landscape design mastery. As founder, she oversees all projects, applying her MFA training to create functional outdoor art spaces. With 30+ years in the industry, she specializes in translating client visions into climate-appropriate designs.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in residential projects throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs including North Shore communities.
What services do you offer?
Our full-service approach includes garden design, hardscaping, water features, lighting, and plant installation from concept to completion.
How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary by scope but most residential installations complete within 1-4 weeks, with larger estates requiring additional time.
Do you handle both design and construction?
Yes, our design-build model ensures seamless execution from initial concept through final construction oversight.
What makes your approach unique?
We combine artistic training with technical expertise, creating personalized spaces that consider both aesthetic goals and environmental factors.
