One of our favorite Christmas movies is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s a classic story of a wholesome Midwestern family, the Griswolds, who experience just about every mishap that could occur throughout the holiday season. But part of what makes the movie such so well-loved is that everything Clark does is fueled by his desire to create the perfect Christmas for his family – including using his Christmas bonus to put in a pool. With all of Clark’s snafus, let’s focus on the things he gets right when it comes to his pool dream.

We’ve all heard the adage “you don’t get a second change at a first impression,” and it rings especially true when you’re a business owner with a brick & mortar location. What’s different today than a decade or two ago is that the first impression isn’t just for your consumers – it’s for your potential team members, as well.  

As it gets chillier and you reflect on the spring and summer, are you wishing you spent more time enjoying your outdoor living space? If so, you’re not alone. Many people tell us that they don’t spend nearly as much time in their outdoor space as they’d like, and it’s usually because the space just doesn’t meet their wants and needs. If you’re looking to do an outdoor living renovation in Spring 2025, here are 5 things to do now to make sure you’re ready!

Do you love those behind the scenes shows where you get to follow along as a renovation takes place? We’ve got the next best thing – join Carlos as he walks us through the creation of a suburban oasis in Lisle for our clients Scott and Claudine. As an added bonus, hear from Scott and Claudine themselves regarding what they were looking for, how they use the space, and their experience working with Montano’s Landscaping.

If you ask anyone in the Montano family what the driving force was in 1992 when the business started with a used truck and a lawn mower, they will all give you the same answer – Maria. Juan may have been the one driving that truck and doing the work making people’s lawns beautiful, but Maria’s encouragement and support was the special sauce. Join us on a drive down memory lane as we share the Montano’s Landscaping story.

Alright, we’ll hop on the Christmas in July trend, landscaping style. When it comes to choosing plants that beautify your gardens in the Chicagoland area, most of us think about spring, summer, and fall. After all, who is worried about landscaping when we’re dealing with snow and ice? But if the curb appeal of your home is important to you year-round, there are plants and shrubs you can choose that remain lovely even when the snow flies. Here are some of our favorites.

At Montano’s Landscaping, we strive to make your experience of enhancing your outdoor living space as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Thanks to our partnership with one of the most well-respected and highest quality pool & spa builders in the western suburbs, we handle the details, and you have a one stop shop to ensure the pool of your dreams is open for swimming in less time than you ever imagined.

It’s the end of an era for the Montano family – our owners, Carlos and Amanda, are selling their home. As they say goodbye to this property that has been their home base for many years, now let’s take a peek at their backyard oasis in Naperville, IL!

One of the many benefits of selecting Montano’s for your landscaping design and construction project is that we have incredible partnerships with outstanding companies, such as one of the area’s top pool designers and installers, Premier Pools & Spas. By working together with Premier, we are able to seamlessly plan and implement complex projects and help homeowners enjoy their new spaces faster. Join us for phase two of our custom pool and pool patio in St. Charles, IL.

One of the many benefits of selecting Montano’s for your landscaping design and construction project is that we have incredible partnerships with outstanding companies, such as one of the area’s top pool designers and installers, Premier Pools & Spas. By working together with Premier, we are able to seamlessly plan and implement complex projects and help homeowners enjoy their new spaces faster. Follow along as we work together to create a custom pool and pool patio in St. Charles.

One of the most common questions we are asked as local landscape designers is how to choose plants, trees, and shrubs that are able to withstand the extreme weather we’re accustomed to in the Midwest. Here’s the inside scoop, directly from Carlos Montano, the second-generation owner of Montano’s Landscaping.

Imagine stepping outside into your own slice of paradise, where every element of your landscape harmonizes with your personal style and the natural beauty of Hinsdale and Naperville, IL. Tailored landscape design is not just about beautifying your outdoor space; it's about creating an environment that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.

Your home in Naperville, IL, is not just a place to live; it's a reflection of your style and personality. The driveway and patio are key components of your home's exterior and play a significant role in combining functionality with aesthetics. Enhancing these areas can dramatically improve the visual appeal and functionality of your home.

Creating a visually appealing landscape requires more than just installing your favorite plantings and hoping they bloom beautifully. It's about understanding and implementing seasonal color strategies that keep your backyard vibrant throughout the year. With a thoughtful approach to landscaping, you can enjoy a dazzling display of colors in every season, even in the unique climate of Wheaton, IL.

An outdoor fireplace can be a game-changer for evenings spent in the beautiful settings of Oak Brook and Glen Ellyn, IL. This addition not only enhances the ambiance of your outdoor space but also extends its usability well into the cooler months. Here’s how an outdoor fireplace can redefine your outdoor living experience and create an enchanting atmosphere for your home.

Transforming your backyard into a space where family memories are made is a cherished goal. In Western Springs and Glen Ellyn, IL, designing the perfect paver patio is a step towards creating an inviting outdoor area for family gatherings. A well-thought-out patio design enhances the beauty of your home and becomes a central point for relaxation and enjoyment.

Transforming your outdoor space into a picturesque and lively area can significantly enhance your living experience. In Wheaton and Burr Ridge, IL, the unique climate and soil conditions present a great opportunity to cultivate a variety of plantings that can turn your yard into a vibrant and inviting space.

If the time has come to rejuvenate your Wheaton, IL home with a new paver driveway, take a moment to envision the broader picture. As your driveway sets the stage for your home's aesthetic, refreshing the surrounding landscape design can create an even more impactful visual statement. This holistic approach to updating your property's entrance will not only enhance the driveway itself but also the entire frontage of your home.

If you’re from the picturesque towns of Hinsdale or Naperville, IL, you're well-acquainted with the beautiful homes and lush landscapes that adorn the neighborhoods. You might be thinking about bringing a touch of that professional landscaping magic to your outdoor space but are unsure where to begin. Let’s explore some inspired landscaping ideas crafted by professionals that can breathe life into your own backyard or landscape.

The heart of Wheaton, IL, is home to a myriad of homes, each with its unique style and character. The charm of each residence doesn't just stop at its front door—it extends to the patios that serve as sanctuaries for homeowners. When it comes to enhancing these outdoor spaces, nothing says customization quite like custom brick patio pavers. They offer a versatility that caters to any homeowner's unique vision, creating patios that are as individual as their owners.