Landscapers in Travis Heights, TX
Landscaping for a Neighborhood Shaped by Its Ravines
When Gen. William Stacy platted Travis Heights in 1913, the land would not take a flat grid. High bluffs rise above Lady Bird Lake. Steep ravines cut through the north end, and hills slope, sometimes sharply, down to Blunn Creek. Streets still curve around limestone outcrops, and some houses sit well above the lot next door. That is why Travis Heights landscaping starts with grade, water, and stone before it gets to plants.
People here learned this a century ago. The National Register nomination for the Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District says early residents built walls of local limestone to hold their slopes and stop erosion. Stone walls, entrance piers, and rock gardens show up in every part of the district. Nearly half of all its buildings went up in the 1920s and 1930s. You will see Craftsman bungalows and Tudor Revival houses next to ranch homes and new builds.
Our shop on Wright Street is in the same 78704 ZIP code. As landscapers in Travis Heights, we lead with the work these lots ask for. That means retaining walls and terraced beds, stone steps and walkways, and drainage that slows runoff before it reaches the creek. We plan patios and paths around the big live oaks and pecans, not through them. For planting, we favor native, cottage-style beds that suit an older house and handle deep shade.
Every project gets a 2D plan and 3D renderings first, so you can see the new steps, walls, and beds before we dig.
What Travis Heights Slopes, Trees, and Rules Mean for Your Yard
The ground in Travis Heights changes fast. The north end has river bluffs and deep ravines. The middle of the neighborhood tilts toward Blunn Creek. The southwest blocks are much flatter. Many sloped yards already have an old limestone wall holding them up. Before we build near one, we check it for leaning, cracks, and loose stones, since a new patio can add weight behind a tired wall. When a yard needs more flat space, we cut it into terraces with low walls and wide steps. A tall wall can need a city permit, and we handle that permit for you. We use stone that looks at home next to the old work, so the new wall does not stand out on the street.
Blunn Creek is a spring-fed stream that runs north through the center of the historic district and empties into Lady Bird Lake. The city greenbelt along it links Little Stacy Park and Big Stacy Park. On the hills above the creek, a hard rain moves fast. It carries mulch, soil, and gravel out of beds and across walks. We start by finding where water enters your lot and where it wants to leave. Then we slow it down with graded swales, gravel trenches, French drains, and deep-rooted native beds. The goal is to let more water soak in on your lot and send the rest to a safe outlet. A drier yard also keeps soil off your paths and away from your foundation.
Old live oaks are one of the neighborhood's defining features, and in some yards the canopy keeps the ground in shade all day. Austin protects trees 19 inches or more across, measured 4.5 feet up the trunk. Oaks and pecans 24 inches or more are heritage trees, and removing one is generally not allowed. The root zone matters too. In the inner quarter of a protected tree's root zone, the city allows no disturbance. Out to the halfway mark, cut or fill is capped at 4 inches. So we set patios, walls, and trenches outside those zones or float paths on top of the soil. If a project touches a protected root zone, we file the tree review first. We also prune live oaks and red oaks outside February through June to lower the risk of oak wilt.
The Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 2021. That listing alone does not limit what a private owner can do with a yard. The City of Austin does review exterior work on contributing homes in the district. But in a National Register district, the city's landmark commission can only recommend changes, not require them. Smaller features like a fence or deck may be approved by city staff. The 500 block of East Mary Street is different. It is a local historic district with its own design standards, and work there needs a Certificate of Appropriateness. We check your home's status early and pick materials that fit the house either way.
Our Customer Reviews
Nicolas is extremely talented in how he approaches landscape design and installation. I recently built a new house, and he worked in partnership with me and my developer to ensure every detail was worked out. He has a wonderful eye for design, choosing plants and flowers that resonated with me personally while also ensuring we installed what would thrive in our native Austin climate and soil. His lighting design and choices literally make the house glow at night, and he's been faithfully following up to ensure watering schedules are working as planned, replacing plants as needed, and generally making sure I'm happy. He's also a delight to work with! He has a great sense of humor, is extremely fair in his pricing, and is kind in how he shows up every day. I've gotten so many compliments on my landscaping, and I couldn't recommend him more! Nicolas - the true Garden GOAT!
Nicolas and GardenGOAT are the best at what they do! I had a rather unusual project this time around, and I felt like Nicolas genuinely cared about finding the right, outside-the-box solution - and making it work within my crazy timeline. He is friendly, reliable, and truly loves what he does. Highly recommend!
I'm very happy with the result! Pleasing aesthetic look just like how I wanted. Garden Goat has impressed me from the beginning with their presentation and communication till the end. Nicolas, the landscaper and also the owner of the company, has been very helpful and patient not just with our HOA and irrigation permit application process (over a year), but also the after-project care. I used about 5 to 7 vendors in the past for different projects, and I will say Garden Goat has most reasonable price and the best service. Totally recommended!
Working with Nicolas at Garden Goat was a great experience! He is very detail oriented and communicative. He has great suggestions on how to improve existing designs and works hard to make sure the work is done right for the client. Highly recommended for all your landscaping needs!
Garden Goat built a limestone sidewalk and entry for my project and the craftsmanship was excellent.
10/10, Nic was amazing, very patient with us from start to finish (this was our first big landscaping project), responsive, transparent on costs and process. He really helped bring our design to life, gave great advice on adjusting our plans to maximize success given the weird micro climate we are in (Hyde Park) his crew was amazing too, great attention to detail. They were just all around great to work with and our yard looks amazing. Highly recommend!
I've hired Nicholas and the Garden Goat team two times for projects and would happily recommend to others. Two years ago, we had irrigation and sod installed which went very smoothly and the sod and sprinklers have held up great over that time. The couple of small adjustments to the irrigation system that were needed have been no problem for Nicholas and team to take care of quickly. At the end of 2025 after getting a handful of quotes, we hired Garden Goat again for irrigation expansion in the back yard, a new path, and a new deck. After a bunch of back and forth on the design for the deck, I'm very happy with the outcome and can't recommend Jose and his carpentry work enough. The whole process was pretty easy and I was rarely if ever waiting on the Garden Goat team for anything.
Top notch experience from beginning to end. I was in touch with the owner/operator and he was both knowledgeable and humble in his expertise. He asked good questions and made suggestions which helped me clarify my answers. I was actually gone the day they came to do the work, but everything was done exactly how it was planned and we loved how it all looked!
We had a fantastic experience with Garden GOAT! Nicolas, the owner, was incredibly professional, attentive, and detail-oriented throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and made sure every part of the job was done thoroughly. The team worked quickly and efficiently, laying new sod and planting additional greenery in our beds—all with excellent attention to detail. Our yard looks amazing now, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend Garden GOAT for anyone looking to improve their outdoor space!
We had an excellent experience with gardenGOAT. They transformed my garden with creativity, care, and real attention to detail. They listened to what we wanted, offered thoughtful suggestions, and delivered. Highly recommend gardenGOAT for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor space.
I had my fence replaced by GardenGOAT and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, the process was smooth and stress-free. Nicholas was professional, friendly, and easy to work with and his crew were great. The pricing was very reasonable compared to other quotes I received. The new fence looks fantastic and really transforms my yard. Will use GardenGOAT again in the future!
GardenGoat was incredible to work with. Super thorough and extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He was able to help us fix out landscaping and irrigation issues quickly and his pricing is fantastic. I highly recommend them!
We are so happy with our experience with Garden Goat. This is our second project with them and they have succeeded all expectations! They fixed several landscaping and drainage issues. They were always easy to get a hold of and gave fair pricing. We will definitely use them again in the future!
We had a great experience working with Nicholas and the Garden Goat team! Despite being a smaller project for them, we felt like we were treated with as much priority and care as any big project. Nicholas was very communicative throughout the entire process, offering honest and thoughtful advice, as well as fair prices. We never felt pressure to do more than what we needed and appreciated his and his team’s patience with our questions and modifications. They brought our vision to life, the end result is great. We’d be happy to recommend Garden Goat to others!
I had a fantastic experience working with Garden Goat! Nicholas was extremely communicative from the start, taking the time to really understand my goals for my backyard renovation. He stayed on schedule and within budget, and was available and responsive every step of the way—right up until every detail was complete. I was so impressed with the quality of work and professionalism that I referred two friends during the project! Before & after photos provided - 5 days for project. Thank you Garden Goat !
Nicolas and his team leads, Jose and Ezekiel, from Garden Goat Landscaping did a great job on my yard. We compared three landscaping companies before deciding, and Garden Goat offered a fair price with quality work. The project took about two months, with phase 1 in winter 2024 and phase 2 in spring 2025. They were very easy to work with, listened to my ideas, and provided helpful suggestions on grass, patio stones, boulders, and even a pergola and deck. At one point, Nicolas even redid the pergola because the original version wasn’t secure, which really showed their commitment to quality. They also fixed my old irrigation system and made sure everything was working well. I’m very happy with how everything turned out and would definitely recommend Garden Goat Landscaping to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-work-with landscaping team.
We had an excellent experience working with Nicolas and his team to rebuild our elevated pool deck. The team was punctual, hard working and reliable. They were very honest and professional through the process and we are delighted with the results. Thank you Garden Goat!
I've worked with Garden Goat twice now and have been delighted both times. Really easy to work with, communicative and punctual, no hassles and really great work. Will definitely have them back any time we need landscaping or irrigation work in the future!
Nicholas did an amazing job! I love the outcome of my front and backyard. He exceeded my expectations. I got a new driveway, irrigation, sod, plants, firepit, and pathways. I would highly recommend him to everyone!
Nicholas and his team were a pleasure to work with on our side and in our backyard. They removed a huge slab of exposed aggregate and installed lueders and pea gravel. We also had some drainage problems when it rained that they were able to address/fix the issues. We have had several heavy rains since the French drain was installed, and it works beautifully.
The Garden Goat crew have been a GREAT FIND! Nicolas and his super hard working crew are fantastic! Great communication. Show up when they say they’re going to. The guys truly get that each job will change a little as you start and help you tweak things as needed on the fly. They pivot really well. If anything goes wrong, because that’s the reality of projects, they are so quick to fix it! We will be working with Garden Goat on a lot of future projects!! I recommend that you absolutely give them a call and a chance to show you what they can do! Oh! And let’s make sure this is noted… THEY ARE SO NICE! The crew is absolutely delightful to have around.
I hired Garden Goat to install turf and irrigation in my backyard. In the beginning Matt was great with getting us an accurate estimate and was super helpful with the design. He answered any and all questions and has the experience with these types of projects. Once we agreed to the job Nicolas contacted me and set up the install date. Nicolas was personable and also answered any questions with the process. All the workers were great and respectful. If you're looking for turf install or any kind of landscaping these guys were great from start to finish. Thanks Matt, Nicolas and Ezekiel!
Hillside Hardscaping: Retaining Walls, Stone Steps, and Patios
Retaining Walls & Borders
Walkways & Pathways
Patios
Driveways & Sidewalks
Fire & Water Features
Outdoor Kitchens
Concrete Overlay
Drainage and Drip Irrigation for Sloped Yards
Native Planting and Tree Care Under an Old Canopy
Fences, Decks, and Shade Structures for Older Homes
How a Travis Heights Landscaping Project Comes Together
On a flat lot, a design can start with the patio. On a Travis Heights hillside, it starts with where the water goes and which trees and old walls have to stay. Here is how we take a sloped yard from first call to finished steps and beds.
Tell us what is bugging you about the yard. Maybe mulch washes onto the walk after every storm, an old wall is leaning, or the front slope is too steep to use.
- Talk through your goals and the problem spots
- Note any big oaks, pecans, or stone walls on the lot
- Agree on a budget range and a rough start date
We walk the lot in person. We measure how far it drops, trace where runoff comes in and goes out, and check trunk sizes to see which trees the city protects.
- Map the slope, drainage paths, sun, and shade
- 2D plans and 3D renderings of walls, steps, and beds
- $900 to $1,600 design fee, fully credited toward the build when you move forward with us
We adjust the plan until it fits your house and budget. Then you get an itemized proposal, and we file any permits or tree reviews the work needs.
- Choose stone, plants, and finishes that suit the house
- Review a line-by-line cost breakdown
- We handle city permits and tree review when required
On a slope, order matters. We set drainage and retaining walls first, then steps, paths, and patios, and plant last so new beds are not washed out.
- Drainage and walls go in before anything else
- Digging stays out of protected root zones
- Final walkthrough of the finished yard together
Travis Heights Landscaping Questions, Answered
The historic district alone usually cannot stop the project, but it can add a review step. The National Register listing does not restrict what private owners do with their yards. The City of Austin reviews exterior work on contributing homes, but it can only recommend changes, not require them, and a fence may be approved by staff. The 500 block of East Mary Street is a local historic district, so work there needs a Certificate of Appropriateness. Separate from history, a tall retaining wall can need a building permit, and work near a big tree can need a tree review. We sort out which apply before we price the job.
Often, yes, but not the usual way. Austin limits digging in the root zone of any tree 19 inches or more across. The inner quarter of that zone must stay untouched, and out to the halfway point, cut or fill is capped at 4 inches. So under a large oak we skip the deep concrete base. We use raised or floating paths, gravel set on the surface, or a patio placed just outside the root zone. That keeps the tree healthy and keeps the project from stalling in review.
Most of our design-build projects start at $20,000, and many land between $30,000 and $100,000. On a Travis Heights hillside, the biggest cost drivers are usually retaining walls, stone steps, and drainage, since they take the most digging, stone, and labor. A flat lot with the same patio will cost less. You get an itemized proposal, so you can see what each wall, path, and bed costs and trim scope if you need to. The design fee is credited toward the build when you go ahead.
Under a heavy oak canopy, lawn grass struggles, so we plant for shade instead. Native sedges, native grasses, and shade-tolerant shrubs and groundcovers fill beds without constant watering. They also hold soil on slopes better than thin turf. Near the creek, the Blunn Creek Partnership works to slow runoff and bring back native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. A home garden that uses the same kind of plants fits right in and helps the creek. For a bungalow front yard, we mix these into loose, cottage-style beds that feel like they have always been there.
Austin has been under Conservation Stage rules since September 2025. Automatic sprinkler systems get one watering day a week. Hose-end sprinklers and drip get two days. All of it must run before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m., while hand watering is allowed any time. On a slope, spray heads also tend to run off before water soaks in. So we lean on drip lines in beds and native plants that need little extra water once they settle. Check Austin Water's site for the current stage before you plant.
Call two to three months before you want work to start. Design usually takes two to three weeks, and building usually takes four to eight weeks. Hillside jobs with walls, drainage, or permits sit at the longer end. Fall and early spring are the best times to plant in Austin, so many clients plan the hardscape first and time the planting for one of those windows. Starting early also leaves room for any tree review or permit before the crew arrives.
More South Austin Neighborhoods Near Travis Heights
Just west across South Congress Avenue is Bouldin Creek. The two share early history. Swisher's Addition was platted in 1877 on both sides of South Congress, between Bouldin and Blunn creeks, and its east side is now part of the Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District. Farther west, we also design and build yards in Zilker and Barton Hills. For the rest of the city, see our Austin landscaping page or all service areas.
Want to go deeper on one type of work? Read about our landscaping and planting, stone and masonry work (retaining walls, steps, and walkways), decks and pergolas, concrete driveways and overlays, and fence installation.
