Custom Landscape Design in Apex, NC
Engineering thriving, low-maintenance outdoor environments for homeowners across Apex and surrounding neighborhoods.
Please note: Our 3D design services are the first step in our comprehensive design-build process, ensuring seamless construction by our certified in-house crews.







Why Choose Our Landscape Designers in Apex?
Botanical design in Apex is a minefield for the inexperienced landscaper due to the brutality of our local soil and climate. The heavy red clay of the Piedmont specifically the Durham soil series is inherently nutrient-deficient, highly acidic, blocks root oxygenation, and bakes like an oven during the blazing August heat. If you simply plant into this untreated clay, your landscape will struggle to survive.
We approach landscape design with soil biology as our absolute foundation. Before a single plant goes into the ground, we execute deep soil mitigation: correcting the pH with agricultural lime and deeply integrating rich compost, leaf mulch, and pine fines to physically break apart the dense clay. This intensive preparation creates a nutrient-rich, oxygenated substrate where roots can thrive, ensuring your landscape is vibrant, resilient, and structurally sound from the ground up.
Top 4 Reasons Apex Homeowners Trust Our Landscape Designs
Advanced Soil Biology
We don’t just dig holes; we engineer the soil. We actively amend the highly acidic Durham red clay with lime, pine fines, and compost to create the perfect pH and drainage environment for your new plants.
Native & Adapted Cultivars
We exclusively select premium plants, shrubs, and trees that are native or perfectly adapted to the USDA 7b/8a hardiness zone, ensuring they easily survive Apex’s hot summers and occasional winter freezes.
Watershed Protection
By utilizing a layered planting philosophy and native species, our designs require significantly less water and chemical fertilizers, aligning perfectly with the environmental protection goals of the Jordan Lake watershed.
Natural Erosion Control
We strategically design planting beds and utilize deep-rooting species to anchor the soil on the rolling slopes of Wake County, preventing severe topsoil erosion during heavy spring rains.
Complete Your Apex Backyard Oasis
Advanced Yard Drainage
Protect your new landscape and your home’s foundation. We design aesthetically pleasing dry creek beds and French drains that naturally direct heavy rainwater away from your property.
Structural Retaining Walls
Terrace your sloped yard. We build engineered segmental block retaining walls that provide perfectly flat, stable tiers for your new garden beds and hardscaping features.
Ambient Outdoor Lighting
Extend your relaxation time into the night. We install smart, low-voltage LED lighting systems that enhance both the safety and the architectural ambiance of your hot tub area.
See Why Apex Homeowners Trust The SunSouth Way
EXCELLENT
Based on 221 reviews
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Danielle LynchTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
SunSouth Carolinas is truly the best company you can go with if you are in need of yard designs and installations! Our family came to their team with a list of desires and medium-sized yard to work with. They were able to incorporate EVERYTHING we asked for, plus some surprises! The turnaround time is incredible (we had a goal date of our daughter's first birthday and they made it happen). The team is lovely--so positive, respectful, yet also super transparent and straightforward. We couldn't have asked for a better team to work with in creating the backyard putting green, patio, pergola and fireplace of our dreams!Posted on Google![]()
Robert BargerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Replacing travertine around pool areaPosted on Google![]()
U ViewerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The entire team is professional, patient, understanding and skilled craftsmen. We appreciated the partnership and exchange of ideas.Posted on Google![]()
Victoria MetelkineTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a great experience with SunSouth! The entire team was warm and friendly every step of the way — special shoutout to Ginny and Nick, our project manager. Definitely sent them too many emails / texts, but they were always happy to help / answer my questions. End result is beautiful. Thank you, SunSouth! ❤️Posted on Google![]()
Sallyann TalleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We are very pleased with our new paver patio. When Carlos came out to provide us with an estimate, he spent a great deal of time talking to us about our goals for the project and provided us with several very nice design options. Christina and Ginny worked with us in the design center, helping us to select the materials best suited for our project. Upon completion, Carlos came out in person to see the finished patio and ensure that it met with our satisfaction. From start to finish, it has been a pleasure working with Sun South Carolinas. Although our project was not extravagant, Sun South treated us like an important and valued customer. We feel confident in their workmanship and appreciate that they stand by their work. I would recommend this company without hesitation and plan to utilize their services for future projects.Posted on Google![]()
Dr. Dennis McElhoeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
In a single day the team replaced a wood garden wall with an elegant wall. They did a previous project for me, so there was no question in hiring the for this project.Posted on Google![]()
David SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We cannot say enough good things about this company. We had them out to replace an old railroad tie retaining wall and they did a great job. Carlos was very involved throughout the process, which brought us immense peace of mind and said a lot that the owner of the company is personally invested in our project. Fernando and his crew were knowledgeable and worked hard, and they made adjustments at one point to the wall level rather than try to hide it like other companies would. Ginny and the other office staff stayed in constant contact with us to coordinate it all. SunSouth was very willing to work with us to make sure we got the wall we wanted and accommodate any changes we had. They even used the fill dirt from excavating the wall to flatten a hill and increase our usable yard size. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone needing masonry work. Their integrity and communication with us were more than we could have hoped for. Their price was also competitive with other quotes we had received.Posted on Google![]()
Barbara BristowTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
They did a beautiful job with our backyard. It is a dream come true. The men worked long and steady. They cleaned up the work site before leaving every day. They kept us posted on the progress. We are enjoying it and have been showing it off. Looking forward to the warmer weather when we can start entertaining in the space. Thank you.Posted on Google![]()
Mary HunterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Loved working with SunSouth Carolinas for my outdoor kitchen! They had great ideas and were easy to work with! They put in and outdoor grill, refrigerator and cabinet and added additional pavers that match perfectly with our existing pool area! They also added a metal adjustable pergola which tops it off perfectly! Highly recommend them for your next outdoor addition!Posted on Google![]()
Dipanshu BanwarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am extremely happy with how my backyard landscaping project turned out. I had a sloped backyard that needed a retaining wall to level the backyard, along with a new paver patio and fire pit, and everything went smoothly from start to finish. I was kept informed throughout the process, the project stayed on schedule and within estimated budget, and the quality of work is excellent. The entire SunSouth Carolinas crew was friendly, respectful, and easy to work with. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality landscaping work, and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again on future projects.
Proudly Serving Apex and Surrounding Communities
Cultivating beautiful landscapes in Salem Village, Woodcreek, Bella Casa, and across the Triangle area.
Apex Office
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscape Design in Apex
The primary culprit is the Durham soil series found in Apex, which is highly acidic, nutrient-poor, and dense red clay. Before planting, the experts at SunSouth Carolinas aggressively amend this clay with lime and organic matter to create a healthy, oxygenated environment where roots can actually survive and grow.
Yes, absolutely. SunSouth Carolinas focuses heavily on selecting premium cultivars that are native or highly adapted to the local USDA 7b/8a hardiness zone, ensuring your landscape thrives naturally in the North Carolina climate.
Yes. The design team at SunSouth Carolinas utilizes a layered planting philosophy, strategically placing deep-rooting plants, shrubs, and groundcovers to firmly anchor the topsoil and significantly reduce erosion on sloped properties.
Not with our designs. Because SunSouth Carolinas properly amends the soil upfront and selects native species, our landscapes require drastically less chemical fertilizer, which helps protect the delicate Jordan Lake watershed from harmful runoff.
We use deep soil mitigation techniques. SunSouth Carolinas thoroughly tills the planting beds, deeply integrating a specific mixture of leaf mulch, rich compost, and pine fines to physically break apart the dense clay and improve drainage.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Speak with our Apex landscape design experts today and get a 3D design consultation.







