Summary
This blog highlights a Jacksonville backyard transformation completed by Rockaway Inc., where thoughtful landscape design, precise grading, and professional installation turned a sloped yard into a durable, family-friendly soccer field and outdoor oasis. The project showcases how proper planning, turf selection, planting design, and soil preparation create a beautiful, functional landscape built for play, privacy, and long-term performance.
In a Jacksonville backyard once defined by uneven grades and limited usability, a new outdoor space has taken shape—one designed not just for beauty, but for play, durability, and long-term enjoyment. This transformation began with a clear vision from the homeowners and a collaborative design approach led by Rockaway’s landscape design team. The goal was ambitious yet practical: convert a sloped, underutilized yard into a level, high-performance soccer field while maintaining a cohesive residential landscape aesthetic.
Precision Grading Meets Purposeful Design
The foundation of this project was proper site preparation and grading. More than 20 yards of soil were carefully redistributed and sculpted to achieve a level playing surface built to specification. Drainage and slope were addressed to ensure long-term performance and usability, creating a field capable of handling active play without compromising turf health. Over 100 feet of Bermuda grass sod was installed, selected for its resilience, rapid recovery, and suitability for athletic use. This turf choice ensures the lawn can withstand repeated foot traffic while maintaining a clean, uniform appearance throughout the growing season.
A Backyard That Balances Play and Relaxation
While the soccer field serves as the centerpiece, the surrounding landscape was designed to function as a complete family oasis. A crepe myrtle near the home provides filtered shade and seasonal interest, offering a comfortable retreat for outdoor gatherings and everyday relaxation. Existing plant material, including liriope and blue daze, was thoughtfully repurposed and reintroduced to add color and continuity. Distylium, a low-maintenance evergreen shrub, anchors the planting beds with structure and year-round interest. Along the property edge, podocarpus hedging was installed to create a dense, attractive privacy screen—buffering views from the adjacent golf course while enhancing the sense of enclosure.
Built for Longevity and Peace of Mind
Beyond aesthetics and playability, long-term turf health was a priority. Command compost was incorporated to enrich the soil profile and support strong root development, while a preventative fungal treatment was applied to protect the lawn from common turf diseases. These behind-the-scenes measures ensure the landscape performs as beautifully as it looks.
A Space Designed to Grow With the Family
This project reflects what’s possible when thoughtful design, skilled installation, and homeowner collaboration come together. Even completed in the cooler months, the landscape was built with the future in mind—ready to thrive as spring brings renewed growth and energy. Today, the backyard stands as more than a lawn. It’s a dedicated play space, a gathering area, and a lasting investment in family life. It’s where games unfold, memories are made, and a once-ordinary yard becomes a meaningful extension of the home.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Whether you’re envisioning a family-friendly play area, a refined landscape design, or a complete backyard transformation, Rockaway is here to help.
Contact Rockaway Inc. today to schedule a free virtual consultation and start planning your outdoor space for the season ahead.
