

Bringing happiness from design to implementation with cost-effective backyard solutions. Our designs enhance your property’s value, creating beautiful outdoor spaces you’ll enjoy year-round.

Many backyard projects require arranging or adding plants, shrubs, flowers, and even grass/lawns to enhance the beauty and usability of the area with aesthetic, functional, and environmental considerations in mind.

Referring to non-plant elements that includes: retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces & fire pits, outdoor kitchens, walk & driveways, paving (all types), patio’s, and stoneworks.

Consultation will determine the design of the landscape based on the space, budget, and aesthetic preferences. An analysis of the options and scale of project will be presented to envision your new backyard and outdoor area.

Sometimes additional services are necessary to enhance the project which may include painting, electrical, or other services such as fencing, lighting, and irrigation.
Following my retirement as a pharmacist, I am now fortunate enough to dedicate my time to my lifelong passion of designing gardens and yards, which I have cultivated over the past 35 years. My objective is to offer property owners a cost-effective means of working closely with me to design and install their dream garden and/or yard, with the aim of not only increasing their property value but also creating a picturesque area that caters to the needs and purposes of both the homeowner and nature, while also providing a peaceful setting where families can create lasting memories together.
With years of experience and a commitment to building trusting relationships as a business owner and entrepreneur, I have always found joy in revamping or rebuilding a business. Now, I have the opportunity to enhance your backyard.
I am certain that you will derive immense joy from your new yard, just as I will take great delight in designing it for you, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity.

We service the following communities in North Atlanta focusing on:
Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, Ball Ground, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Hickory Flat, Cumming, Coal Mountain, Matt, Silver City, John’s Creek, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, Jasper, Big Canoe
“As residents of the community we live in , my wife and I wanted to make use of our back yard which was wasted by design by the builder. So we sought out Etlon’s company and explained the need. He stopped by and showed us the project and explained . What we saw on the paper and pics were very impressive and approved the project.
Etlon’s and his company carried out the project and finished it several days before the deadline and was very impressive and satisfactory. Now we are enjoying the project and would highly recommend them for any such projects. He was courteous, clean , very knowledgeable and we are very happy”
Jay
“Etlon designed and installed a hillside garden solution to control erosion in addition to a stacked stone retaining wall/firepit area with an adjacent flagstone platform. All work seamlessly integrated with existing structures. Highly recommend Etlon and crew and would definitely engage with him on future projects.”
Donna
“It was incredible to see how our backyard transformed into an oasis. Etlon had a clear vision and designed wonderful spaces that met our needs for entertaining and for unique areas to spend quality time with family and friends. With him – anything is possible!
He worked with our HOA to ensure it met all the regulations, the team was friendly and they delivered even through freezing temperatures. It clearly showed Etlon’s commitment to excellence and if he gives you his word – you can definitely count on it.
We have already reached out to him for additional expansions and improvements.”
Charlene G.
“Etlon helped me to clean up my backyard and designed in such a way that I am enjoying it each and every day. It looks very nice from outside and inside.
Last year when I was very frustrated the my back yard Etlon convinced me and promised to get it done with reasonable price and I will not be disappointed. Etlon was right. I was very happy once completed. 10 days work was done in a week. He was there every day on time and took responsibility from beginning to end. Nice job Etlon.”
Vicky
“Etlon Gunter, our designer, performed a job of excellence. His presence at the worksite everyday ensured that all details of the construction project were uniformly done.
The design focused on our culture and country of origin which was very unique . The backyard was transformed from a forest to a beautiful resort.
We highly recommend the job of excellence that he and his workers performed. “
Bob & Rose G.
“We needed a deck to enhance our backyard area with a small gazebo. Etlon managed to show us various cost-effective options and we loved the installation.
His creativity is unique by incorporating the current landscape, working with it from a structural element, and built in these beautiful garden beds to provide privacy.
We would most definitely recommend Etlon for any backyard design project – He is your guy!”
TJ S.
“As residents of the community “It was my “lucky” day when I overheard two gentleman in a restaurant discussing the amazing job Etlon Gunter had done on their landscaping design! After admitting to eaves dropping on their conversation, I asked for his contact information.
Our yard and gardens had been destroyed by a huge storm that totally wrecked our property. Huge Oak trees were uprooted and the bobcats removing them totally removed the topsoil and knocked down my rock walls. My shade gardens became full sun.My slopes were nothing but a muddy slide that ended up forming a pool of mud at the bottom. Etlon designed a fire pit with brick and rocks at the top of my slope that has a rock staircase leading to lower yard.He rearranged rock and made use of all the landscaping materials that I already had on the property. Adding additonal rock and lighting as well as flower beds at each level. This design has totally eliminated the flooding. It’s beautiful and functional.
I highly recommend SMART BACKYARD DESIGN. Etlon Gunter on was site and working along side the crew. They were on time and did the job in less than two weeks! We are now using our outdoor living space more than we ever did before the storm.”
Connie L.
“Smart Backyard Designs came highly recommended to us by a friend and neighbor who used their services. Etlon was delightful to work with from the design phase through the end of the project. It was refreshing to work with a real professional who clearly communicated steps throughout the process and completed exactly what he said he would do.
He and his team of craftsmen are true artists who took an unusable mud pit and turned it into a beautiful backyard living room!
We couldn’t be happier with the finished product, and would definitely recommend his services to others!”
Mary and Matt M.
(470) 861-6150
etlon@smartbackyarddesigns.com
8130 Brewton Bend
Ball Ground, GA 30107