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Plant beds separating the two properties

Heffernan Landscape Design

Established in 1994, Heffernan Landscape Design is a full-service design-build residential landscape company serving Chicago and the suburbs. We offer all phases of landscape design and construction from garden plans to lighting, paths, stone patios and plantings.


While some of our outdoor projects are recognized for the strong, clean geometry of stone hardscapes with lush plantings, our varied style blends your project goals and preferences with our expertise in landscape design.


From the garden design to the construction of outdoor structures and installation of the landscaping plants, everyone at Heffernan Landscape Design is dedicated to creating a unique outdoor living space that will enhance the beauty and character of your home. With careful consideration of your site’s features coupled with your own garden ideas, needs and budget, we will help you create a beautiful, yet functional home landscape.



Carol Heffernan, Founding Principal

Carol Heffernan, founding principal, received a BFA and MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago. She uses her artistic, aesthetic and technical background to apply garden design principles in creating a sense of place, whether it’s a large estate on the North Shore, an historic home in the suburbs, a sleek, modern house on a city lot or the rooftop of a condominium.

Professional Affiliations:

APLD Association of Professional Landscape Designers

ILCA Illinois Landscape Contractors Association

LDA Landscape Design Association

Carol Heffernan designed my backyard and I love it. It was a difficult project with many large trees and roots, and shade. But I love it and am looking forward to this coming spring when all the plants will awaken with leaves and flowers. Also, kudos to her crew. They are wonderful.Read More

Working with this company was a great experience. Carol and her crew were ALWAYS on time, polite, professional, and above all, ever concerned that they were providing exactly what we wanted. We made a few small changes along the way and they were accommodated quickly and graciously. Not only was our plan completed within in the time frame specified, Carol was quick to point out deer damage on an existing plant and advised us on how to prevent further damage. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome!Read More

Carol and her team recently redid our backyard, designing and installing a new walkway and seating area at the back of the yard with wonderful smart-phone controlled lighting and beautiful decorative panels on our back fence. They rearranged and added new plantings to our garden areas, and even replaced the fence on one side. We loved Carol's aesthetic and her ability to understand what we were looking for. Her team was amazing - friendly, competent and cleaned up every day! The entire installation took just under two weeks. I've only included one photo - will try to remember to update - because the yard will be so much more beautiful in the Spring and with new furniture. My family highly recommends Heffernan Landscape Design!Read More

Carol and her team did an amazing job on my rooftop! They listened to my ideas while offering practical options for which plants and trees to use in the harsh rooftop environment. As I am part of a condo association, Carol was creative in coming up with a plan to abide by the restrictions while still allowing my vision to come to life. Her foreman Tacho was reliable, flexible and easy to work with. The whole team was respectful and hardworking. They cleaned everything up after each day and communicated well with me throughout the progress. Despite many days of rain in the spring, they were still able to complete the job in a timely manner. I'd highly recommend Carol's company!Read More

I'm so glad I found Carol & her company. She had excellent reviews & all were accurate. She transformed my typical Chicago backyard with a dog run into an awesome patio with a retainer/seating wall. It definitely opened up my yard & makes me want to stay out there all day. It was great working with her & I highly recommend her. Her crew were skilled, courteous & cleaned up my property each day they worked. I only wish my project was larger for her so I could show off more of her design talents.Read More