Landscape Architect Columbus, OH

Speak With a Columbus Landscape Architect

Evergreen Design Group is a single-source landscape architecture firm with a local presence in Columbus, Ohio. We have over two decades of experience designing and managing residential developments, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects in the city and surrounding communities.

Columbus presents unique challenges for landscape architects, from heavy clay soils that affect drainage to strict stormwater management ordinances and compliance requirements. Invasive plant species also pose ongoing concerns for maintaining balanced, sustainable landscapes. 

At Evergreen Design Group, we take a practical, client-first approach to handling these challenges. We prioritize creating plans and designing landscapes according to your needs and in compliance with local environment and regulatory requirements. 

Risks & Challenges of Landscape Architecture in Columbus

Landscape architects in Columbus, OH, face unique challenges due to the region’s unpredictable climate, difficult soil conditions, strict environmental regulations, and invasive plant species. Understanding these obstacles is essential for designing landscapes that are functional and sustainable. 

Cold and Unpredictable Weather

Columbus experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with frequent year-round rain. Temperature fluctuations create freeze-thaw cycles, which can stress landscaping and hardscaping materials. 

Without proper design considerations, paved surfaces can crack, plant roots can become damaged, and drainage systems can become overwhelmed by sudden rain or snowmelt. 

Heavy Clay Soils

Much of central Ohio, including Columbus, has dense clay soils, presenting significant drainage and compaction challenges. These soils: 

• Retain excess water, leading to waterlogged landscapes after heavy rain. 
  
  
• Harden and compact easily, restricting root growth and plant health.
   
• Limit plant selection, as many species struggle to establish roots in dense clay. 

Landscapes need proper soil amendments and drainage solutions to prevent erosion issues and low plant survival rates. 

Stormwater Management Regulations

Columbus enforces strict stormwater regulations to prevent flooding, control runoff, and protect water quality. All new public and private landscaping projects must comply with the Columbus Stormwater Drainage Manual (SWDM). This document outlines the legal requirements for drainage infrastructure, retention basins, and erosion control. 

Failing to meet these standards can lead to project delays, regulatory fines, and an increased risk of site flooding. An experienced Columbus landscape architect will make stormwater management one of their top priorities for your project.

Invasive Plant Species

Ohio is home to numerous invasive plant species that compete with native plants, disrupt local ecosystems, and increase maintenance costs for property owners. Some of the most problematic species include: 

• Amur honeysuckles
• Narrow-leaved and hybrid cattails
• Common reed
• Eurasian water-milfoils
• Reed canary grass
• Canada thistles
• Japanese stiltgrass

These species spread aggressively and reduce biodiversity, making them an ongoing challenge for landscape architects in Columbus. 

How Landscape Architects Address These Challenges

At Evergreen Design Group, our experienced landscape architects in Columbus, Ohio, apply proven strategies to overcome soil, drainage, freeze-thaw cycles, and climate challenges. Our design process focuses on durable, visually pleasing, and low-maintenance landscapes suited to the region.  

• Engineered soils and amendments. Landscape architects use engineered soils, compost, and sand mixtures to improve drainage, prevent compaction, and support plant growth in Columbus’s dense clay soils. 
  
  
• Efficient irrigation systems. Evergreen Design Group team of landscape architects and landscape irrigation consultants will review your project requirements and site conditions to select the best irrigation system. We have experience designing water capture and re-use systems, using xeriscaping techniques, and installing pump stations or drip irrigation units.
  
  
• Stormwater management solutions. Evergreen Design Group designs and implements stormwater systems that comply with the SWDM by incorporating bioswales, rain gardens, detention basins, and permeable pavements. These help control runoff, reduce erosion, and prevent flooding while improving the surrounding landscape. 
  
  
• Freeze-thaw-resistant hardscaping. To withstand freeze-thaw cycles, landscape architects use flexible materials like pavers instead of poured concrete, reinforce retaining walls for stability, and source local stone such as Ohio limestone. 
  
  
• Climate-resilient plant selection. Choosing native, non-invasive plants means low maintenance and long-term resilience. Preferred species include white oaks, sugar maples, and hackberries, which tolerate Ohio’s weather extremes while supporting biodiversity. 

Why You Can Trust Evergreen Design Group for Your Columbus Project

With 20 years of industry experience, Evergreen Design Group has the expertise to handle complex landscape architecture projects across Ohio. Our team specializes in designing projects that balance aesthetics, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Here’s what sets us apart from the competition:

• Local presence and nationwide expertise. With a Columbus-based office, Evergreen Design Group provides hands-on project management backed by decades of experience across multiple states. 
  
  
• Regulation-compliant designs. Our team ensures all projects meet local and state regulations, from the Columbus SWDM to Ohio’s soil erosion and water management laws. 
  
  
• Diverse project experience. Evergreen Design Group designs landscapes for commercial, residential, industrial, civic, and institutional properties, adapting to each site’s unique challenges. 
  
  
• Sustainable and resilient solutions. We prioritize climate-adapted plant selection, erosion control measures, and freeze-thaw-resistant hardscaping for long-lasting builds.
  
  
• Client-focused approach. We collaborate closely with property owners, developers, and municipalities, providing tailored solutions that align with each project’s vision and requirements. 
  

Evergreen Design Group is your trusted landscape architecture partner, from urban developments to large-scale commercial sites. Contact Evergreen Design Group to discuss the details of your Columbus project’s master plans.