Pickleball and Purington Pavers

child playing pickleball in the backyard of a home

Pickleball and Purington Pavers

Chad Kasten, Landscape Designer at Weller Brothers Landscaping

Design by

Chad Kasten

When our clients came to us, they had a backyard full of potential but faced a significant challenge — an existing slope that made the space feel disconnected and underutilized

They envisioned a retreat where the entire family could spend time together, with dedicated areas for both relaxation and play.

Creating Multi-Level Functionality

To maximize the space, we designed a series of intentional levels, turning the slope into an asset rather than a limitation. A boulder wall and natural stone steps support a paver patio, creating a comfortable gathering space for the adults.

Just a few steps down, the backyard opens up to a sports court, giving the kids a place to shoot hoops or play a game of pickleball.

a paver patio and steel pergola overlook a sports court in a sioux falls backyard
boulder wall with steps separating a patio from a lower level sport court

Blending Modern and Rustic Elements

This project balances modern convenience with rustic charm. A sleek aluminum pergola provides shade over the patio while keeping maintenance to a minimum. At the same time, we incorporated Purington pavers — historic bricks once used for roads across the U.S. — to bring a unique, time-worn character to the space.

custom outdoor furniture next to a gas firepit

The Perfect Evening Gathering Spot

gas firepit anchors the patio, offering a cozy place to unwind while keeping an eye on the action on the court. To complete the space, our furniture consultant worked with the client to select custom outdoor furniture, ensuring the style and fabric fit both their aesthetic and lifestyle.
 
With thoughtful design and creative solutions, this backyard now offers something for everyone — a stylish and comfortable retreat for the adults and a dynamic play space for the kids. What started as a sloped, underutilized yard is now a multi-functional escape built for years of family memories.
child playing pickleball in the backyard of a home

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

Play, Lounge, Relax: A Backyard Reimagined

Two women clink glasses while relaxing by a backyard pool, with an outdoor fireplace and lush greenery in the background.

Play, Lounge, Relax: A Backyard Reimagined

Cole Jenkins, Landscape Designer

Design by

Cole Jenkins

When our clients first approached us, their backyard had plenty of potential but was beginning to show its age. The space featured a dated patio and terrace, but it was underutilized and lacked the amenities our clients envisioned.

They wanted to incorporate a pool, a fireplace, and evening-use features — all while maintaining the existing retaining walls and addressing concerns about stray golf balls from the nearby course.

a boring backyard of brown grass A luxurious backyard pool area features a small in-ground pool surrounded by stone and tile. Two women sit at the pool’s edge with their feet in the water, while two children swim nearby. A cascading water feature adds movement to the pool. In the background, a woman plays with a dog on a lush green lawn, and another woman sits near a large outdoor fireplace, where a man is also seated. The landscaping includes potted flowers, manicured shrubs, and a stone retaining wall, creating a cozy and elegant outdoor gathering space.
a boring backyard of brown grass

Designing a Multi-Functional Space

Our first challenge was to determine the ideal pool size.

With a smaller backyard than typical for pool projects, we had to balance the size of the pool with the client’s needs for swimming, lounging, play areas, and social spaces. We scaled down the pool, maximizing the available space while accommodating the variety of features our clients requested.

For the pool deck and patio, we chose a durable, cool-to-the-touch porcelain tile from Belgard. The material required importing due to supply chain shortages at the time, but it was worth the effort for its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

For the hardscape, we used elements from TechoBloc and Rochester Concrete Products to ensure a cohesive design with lasting durability.

One significant design consideration was the golf ball issue. We strategically angled the fireplace and planted trees along the fence line to provide protection while maintaining the aesthetic flow of the space. To help bring the vision to life, we partnered with AAA Pools & Construction for the pool and water features and Walter Ree Masonry for the stone and masonry work.

A Backyard That Works for the Family

Two women clink glasses while relaxing by a backyard pool, with an outdoor fireplace and lush greenery in the background.
a family of three enjoys an evening in front of a custom masonry outdoor fireplace
The finished project blends the old and new seamlessly. The backyard now features multiple lounge areas, a green play space for the grandchildren, and a variety of social spaces perfect for family gatherings and evening relaxation.

One of the standout features is the “invisible” drain, cleverly concealed beneath the pool deck and topped with polished black pebbles. We also added a unique log starter in the fireplace and spillway bowls that cascade water into the pool, adding both beauty and functionality.

Our clients were thrilled with the result. They now have a backyard that is both visually stunning and highly functional, providing a perfect setting for creating lasting memories. 

For anyone tackling a similar project, it’s a reminder that with careful planning and creative design, even a smaller space can become a dynamic, multifunctional retreat.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

A Walkway Worth the Welcome

front residential walkway with updated pavers and plants

A Walkway Worth the Welcome

Ron Peterson, Weller Brothers Landscaping

Design by

Ron Peterson

A large crack in the concrete sidewalk. Tired landscape beds.

“That’s just not our style,” our clients told landscape designer Ron Peterson. 

We don’t blame them! 

Besides the home’s existing front entrance being unsightly, it was also a tripping hazard. With a growing family and busy schedules, we took on the task of creating an appealing and low-maintenance front yard landscape.

a front home and walkway before updated landscaping front residential walkway with updated pavers and plants
a front home and walkway before updated landscaping

Thoughtful Design Meets Low Maintenance Beauty

In the design, Ron selected a classy Techo-Bloc paver pattern to create an inviting front walkway that complements the home’s existing character.

Since our clients asked for “low maintenance,” we agreed on a simple plant pallet of boxwoods and hydrangeas to line the walkway and the home’s front facade. 

A final touch is the landscape lighting along the walkway, providing ambiance and evening safety.

techo bloc paver walkway
newly planted boxwoods in a mulch bed
landscape lighting in a mulch bed
old concrete walkway tech bloc paver patio walkway
old concrete walkway

The Mailbox Challenge

We weren’t done yet!

Our clients had always wanted a permanent mailbox to complement their home.

“We have installed many masonry mailboxes, but this one had a twist,” Ron says.

The stone veneer used on the house was a special discontinued blend. Ron worked with Hebron Brick and Tile to custom-order a blend that matches the house.

“In the end, the client loved it,” Ron says. “We added a black mailbox to tie it all together and created a simple, contemporary landscape.”

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

Weller Brothers Names 2025 “Win the Day” Award Recipients

award winners and Cole

Weller Brothers Names 2025 “Win the Day” Award Recipients

Congratulations to Lead Maintenance Foreman Cody Wood and Landscape Operations Manager Tyler Nelson, the 2025 recipients of our annual employee-nominated “Win the Day” Award!

The “Win the Day” award is a great achievement for a Weller Brothers employee and is awarded to an individual who exemplifies our Roots daily:

  • Quality
  • Safety
  • Communication
  • “Win the Day”

The Weller Brothers leadership team selected Cody and Tyler as the 2025 award recipients out of seven peer-nominated team members.

Read on and watch the videos below to learn more about why Cody and Tyler were selected for the 2025 “Win the Day” Award.

Congratulations!

Cody Wood – Win the Day Award Recipient for 2025

Cody Wood, 2025 Win the Day award recipient at Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

“I nominated Cody because he is the type of employee that embodies what Weller Brothers is about. He follows the Roots daily, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that the quality of work he puts out – while also managing teammates – is flawless.”

– Kyle Warwick, Maintenance Training Manager

“In my mind, everything that was said in these nominations is spot-on for him. I am so excited to see the great things that he is going to do for this company.”

– Jill Holt, Weller Brothers CFO

“I’ve gotten to know Cody because he takes the time to actually stop and talk to me when I’m outside. I’ve had great conversations with him, and to me, that’s everything.” 

– Emily Thomas, client

“He’s quiet, but he’s always willing to help. When he says he’s going to do something, it always gets done.”

– Ian Libby, Weller Brothers General Manager

Tyler Nelson – Win the Day Award Recipient for 2025

Tyler Nelson, 2025 Win the Day award recipient at Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

“I nominated Tyler because he is a great resource. I owe him a huge thanks for the confidence that I have gained in estimating and selling landscape projects because everything I’ve learned has been from him.”
– Allie Rea, Maintenance Account Manager


“Tyler has been a key asset to Weller Brothers, from clients to coworkers to our [Deffenbaugh] employees. We think of you as an extension of our team.”
– Jesse Deffenbaugh, Deffenbaugh Homes

I just really enjoyed working with Tyler. His communication was fantastic. I would come out and visit with Tyler in the morning and in the afternoon, and every single time, he would stop whatever he was doing to give me full attention, and be fully present. That struck me as a great quality.”
– Mike May, Weller Brothers client

Learn More About Working At Weller Brothers

We have the best team in the Midwest; we believe that you can be somebody here. These award winners are just two examples of that.

Learn more about joining the Weller Brothers team and growing your career with us.

Short Game Goals and Cozy Nights

aerial view of backyard landscaping with a patio, fire pit, and putting green

Short Game Goals and Cozy Nights

Chad Kasten, Landscape Designer at Weller Brothers Landscaping

Design by

Chad Kasten

Every backyard tells a story, and for this recent project, that story began with potential hidden beneath outdated elements.

When our clients came to Weller Brothers, their existing outdoor space consisted of a weathered paver patio, a tired seat wall, and minimal landscaping. Their vision? A modernized, functional retreat that included a fire pit, better screening for privacy, and lush landscaping to soften the space. They also dreamed of a putting green and a practical way to store firewood.

We couldn’t wait to bring their vision to life.
a backyard before new landscaping
Before
a residential backyard with outdated landscaping
Before

From Concept to Creation

Great landscape design is about more than just aesthetics — it’s about functionality, balance, and bringing our clients’ dreams to reality. For this project, we focused on blending modern design with purposeful features to meet every need.

Creating Privacy

We began by tackling privacy. The clients wanted more screening from their neighbors, so we designed a custom wood storage structure that doubles as a visual barrier. By placing it strategically near the fire pit, we created a functional and visually pleasing element that seamlessly integrates into the space.

custom firewood storage provides privacy from neighbors
a closeup of custom firewood storage in a backyard

Designing the Patio

For the patio, we selected sleek Techo-Bloc slab pavers to achieve the modern look our clients wanted. Their clean lines and contemporary style complemented the home’s existing stone veneer and brick exterior, creating a cohesive, polished feel.

Addressing the Slope

One of the bigger challenges—  and opportunities — was the sloped lawn beyond the patio. To maximize usable space, we designed a block retaining wall to flatten the yard, transforming it into the perfect area for yard games.

a modern patio using techo-bloc pavers
a newly constructed block retaining wall in a backyard

The Final Touches

For an added touch of personality, we included an artificial turf putting green, complete with a connecting walkway from the patio. Large boulders around the green provide seating for spectators or a spot to relax after practicing that perfect putt.

Finally, we updated the landscaping with a mix of perennials, shrubs, small trees, and upright evergreens. This combination softens the hardscape and adds year-round color and interest, making the backyard inviting in every season.
detail shot of an artificial turf putting green
artificial turf putting green in a backyard
softscapes in a backyard landscape

A Backyard Designed for Living

While the entire design came together beautifully, the putting green quickly became a favorite feature. As a golfer himself, landscape designer Chad says it was rewarding to create a space where the family can practice their short game while enjoying their new backyard retreat.
 
Our clients were thrilled with the results. They now have a backyard that truly works for their lifestyle — a cozy fire pit for relaxing evenings, a modern patio for entertaining, and a multi-functional lawn perfect for both play and practice. They shared how much they love having an outdoor space where they can host friends, make memories with their family, and unwind after a busy day.
 
At Weller Brothers, we take pride in turning visions into realities while providing an experience that’s as enjoyable as the finished product. If you’re ready to reimagine your outdoor space, we’ll help you bring your dream landscape to life.
aerial view of backyard landscaping with a patio, fire pit, and putting green

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

From “Very Plain Slab” to “Above and Beyond”

Byron, MN, homeowners enjoy their backyard patio

From “Very Plain Slab” to “Above and Beyond”

Michael Blazing, Weller Brothers Landscaping

Design by

Michael Blazing

When landscape designer Michael Blazing first met Missy and George at their new home, their outdoor space was nothing but an 8′ x 10′ concrete pad.

“It was definitely an afterthought to their beautiful home,” Michael says.

But our clients wanted more for their home. They had a vision of a functional and attractive patio that complimented the size of their home and utilized the space as fully as possible.

“They knew the style they had in mind,” Michael says, “and felt that Weller Brothers was most likely to create that vision. So we got to work!”

A Rochester, MN, empty backyard and lawn before landscaping

The Design Process

Typically, our landscape designers create a design and work with our clients through revisions as needed. But not this time! Missy and George had no revisions to Michael’s initial design, which allowed our team to break ground quickly.

This backyard patio design includes

“My favorite thing?” asks George. “That’s an easy one – the grill. It opens up a lot of opportunities for us to entertain.”

While George is firing up the grill, you’ll find Missy admiring the view.

“I love the block and the materials,” she says, “and how the clean lines go so well with our home. I love it visually from out here and from inside the home.”

Michael adds that they also had some fun with the paver design to provide some interest in the firepit space.

“Overall, the design was kept pretty simple and clean, incorporating matching colors,” Michael says. “I also suggested landscape lighting for this project, which helps bring life to the space in the evening.”

The Result

“It’s just something that’s invaluable,” Missy says. “We’ll enjoy it for years; it’s good for resale. It was above and beyond what we could have asked for.”

George and Missy specifically noted the quality communication they received from the Weller Brothers team.

“They answered any questions we had throughout the process. They completed it right on schedule and kept us informed throughout the entire project.”

Michael also enjoyed designing this outdoor living space, particularly matching their home’s style with the vision for functionality. He says that his favorite part is the gas fire feature.

“It’s a pretty unique design specific to this project,” Michael says. “Missy and George weren’t sure about that feature at first, but they have expressed how much they have used it due to the ease of use.”

What Are You Dreaming Of?

Would you like a more functional and attractive backyard?

Whether you want to grill for the family, tend to a raised garden, or share laughs around the fire pit, we can help – just like we did for George and Missy.

Schedule your landscape design consultation today in Sioux Falls, Rochester, or Des Moines.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

Rochester Landscaping Companies Plan LEM Day of Service

Rochester, MN landscaping companies together at the Law Enforcement Memorial

Rochester Landscaping Companies Plan LEM Day of Service

What do you get when multiple landscaping companies in one community work together for a day of service?

. . . a spiffed-up Law Enforcement Memorial in Rochester, MN!

The Weller Brothers team in Rochester participated in the second annual “LEM Day of Service” on Saturday, October 19.

We planned this event with two other Rochester landscaping companies – Sargents and Decook Landscaping – and enjoyed coffee and breakfast from Pinnacle Catering.

At Weller Brothers, our team enjoys taking time for community involvement, and this is one of our favorite events.

Three Teams Become One for Rochester

“We had a great turnout from Weller Brothers, Sargents, and Decook Landscaping,” says Weller Brothers Landscape Operations Manager Wes Busch.

We spent the day installing sod, planting a variety of shrubs and flowers, and laying fresh mulch to create a welcoming space for visitors. 

The memorial stands as a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives to help keep our community safe. It’s a peaceful area for reflection and remembrance, and we’re honored to help enhance its beauty.

“It was amazing to see our companies willing to come together for a great cause,” Wes says. “With all of the volunteers, the work was quick and efficient. It was also great to see how much appreciation and emotion was shown for families and law enforcement.”

We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause, but it’s especially fun to work with people who we might otherwise be tempted to view professionally as “competitors.”

Working and conversing with the other companies opens your eyes to the fact that they are all good people willing to do good things for the community,” Wes says. 

Enjoy a video recap (courtesy of Sargent’s) and photos from our team below.

Landscaping at the Lawn Enforcement Memorial in Rochester, MN
new landscaping at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Rochester, MN

2025 Win the Day Award Nominees Announced

2025 Win the Day Nominees – Weller Brothers

2025 Win the Day Award Nominees Announced

2025 Win the Day Nominees – Weller Brothers

Congratulations to Seven Win the Day Award Nominees

We are excited to announce the 2025 Weller Brothers Win the Day Award nominees!

This award is the Weller Brothers version of an “Employee of the Year” award and was first introduced in 2024.

The Win the Day award is a great achievement for a Weller Brothers team member and is awarded to an individual who exemplifies our Roots daily:

  • Quality
  • Safety
  • Communication
  • “Win the Day”

For the 2025 award, seven outstanding team members were nominated by their peers.

The Weller Brothers executive leadership team will select and announce two winners in early 2025 at our team holiday party.

Congratulations!

Meet the Nominees

Each individual was nominated by a Weller Brothers teammate. Meet them below, along with thoughts from CEO Cole Weller.

Travis Jensen, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Landscape Yard Manager

Travis Jensen

“Watching you work tirelessly to improve our landscape operations – often creating more work for yourself, knowing that your work makes others’ jobs easier – is a demonstration of who we are at Weller Brothers. We couldn’t do it without you!”

Allie Rea, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Account Manager

Allie Rea

“You really are an ass-kicker. Your attention to detail is second-to-none, and your passion for taking care of your clients is the Gold Standard for our whole account management team.”

Phil Nystrom, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Arborist

Phil Nystrom

“You are a master of your craft.  Thank you for joining the Weller Brothers team. You have been an integral part of building our tree removal team.”

Garner Aasen, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Utility Specialist

Garner Aasen

“You lead by example and your willingness to step up and do whatever it takes – inside or outside of your job description – is the Weller Brothers Way.”

Nolan Meier, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Landscape Foreman

Nolan Meier

“Watching you grow in your role and dial in your landscape quality has been awesome to watch.  You are going to continue to do great things!”

Cody Wood, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Lawn Maintenance Foreman

Cody Wood

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again. You’re just a good dude. Leading by example, taking challenges in stride, stepping up when asked, and often without being asked. You’re a great asset to our team and an example to those around you.”

Tyler Nelson, Weller Brothers Landscaping

Landscape Operations Manager

Tyler Nelson

“You are a great leader! You pour yourself into those on your team for the betterment of them, the landscape division, and the whole organization, and it is awesome to watch.”

Stay tuned to find out who wins! We’ll announce the two winners in January 2025.

Jill Holt Wins EMBEs 2024 Business Achievement Award

Jill Holt wins the 2024 EMBEs Business Achievement Award

Jill Holt Wins EMBEs 2024 Business Achievement Award

Jill Holt wins the 2024 EMBEs Business Achievement Award

Chief Operating Officer

Jill Holt

About the EMBE Awards

We are proud to announce that Weller Brothers Chief Operating Officer, Jill Holt, has been awarded the Business Achievement Award at the 2024 EMBEs Tribute to Women in Sioux Falls.

For more than 50 years, the annual EMBEs has honored individuals who exemplify EmBe’s mission and have made outstanding contributions to the Sioux Falls community. This is such an inspiring event that celebrates the leadership and success of women in Sioux Falls. 

This impressive recognition highlights Jill’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and success throughout her entire career and during her time at Weller Brothers.

Weller Brothers team at the 2024 EMBE awards

Celebrating Jill's Contributions to Weller Brothers

Jill began at Weller Brothers as Controller and then became CFO. Her primary focus was in finance, but her fingerprints are on almost all workflow processes, from admin to operations. The infrastructure she built as CFO provided Weller Brothers data to make better decisions and ultimately grow revenue nearly 10x since she started in 2017.

Beyond her financial expertise, Jill is a true champion of company culture. She fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging open communication and collaboration among team members. Her genuine care for the well-being of her colleagues is evident in her willingness to go the extra mile, whether it’s offering advice or simply lending an ear.

Jill’s commitment to empowering women in a male-dominated industry is equally inspiring. She has actively worked to create opportunities for female leaders within Weller Brothers, establishing the “Women of Weller” group to foster connections, support, and professional development. Her efforts have contributed to a significant increase in the number of women in leadership roles at the company.

Jill’s achievements are a testament to her exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication. We are honored to have her on our team and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

Landscape Enhancement: Low-Maintenance Shrub Restoration

newly planted boxwoods in a rockbed

Landscape Enhancement: Low-Maintenance Shrub Restoration

Ben Wolter, Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals

Enhancement by

Ben Wolter

We all know how easily our plants and shrubs can become overgrown. 

In this case, our clients hoped to clean up the landscape beds around their home, with the secondary goal of uncovering an attractive outcropping boulder that was obscured by overgrown boxwoods. Their third priority was to retain and reshape a pom pom juniper that had grown out of control.

pom pom juniper in need of pruning and shaping a perfectly shaped pom pom juniper in minnesota
pom pom juniper in need of pruning and shaping

A Strategic Approach

Rochester, MN, account manager Ben Wolter assessed the situation and explained the limitations of pruning the boxwoods. Due to the size and age of the existing shrubs, they would require regular pruning to keep the boulder exposed.

Since the homeowners hoped for a lower-maintenance solution, Ben recommended removing the large boxwoods and replacing them with smaller ones. 

He also assured our client that our team could restore the pom pom juniper to its original shape.

overgrown boxwoods in a rock bed newly planted boxwoods in a rockbed
overgrown boxwoods in a rock bed

A Quick Turnaround and A Happy Homeowner

Weller Brothers completed this landscape enhancement project quickly — about one week between the initial meeting and project completion. 

Typically, a crew of several Weller Brothers teammates work together on a landscape enhancement. Due to the smaller scale of this project, Ben took it on himself. He enjoyed the chance to work closely with our client with a personalized approach. 

While this was a “smaller” project, the result is significant!Let us know how Weller Brothers can help your landscaping in Des Moines, Sioux Falls, and Rochester.