About DIY Yard Pro

Hi, I'm Arturo - and I'm here to help you transform your yard

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Arturo

Also known as TheArt1986

Landscaping Professional | DIY Enthusiast | Virginia

My Story

I've been working in the landscaping industry for over 10 years, and it's been an incredible journey. I didn't start as a designer or business owner—I started from the ground up, literally.

I began my career as a laborer, doing the hard physical work that landscaping demands. But instead of just going through the motions, I watched, learned, and asked questions. I wanted to understand why we did things a certain way, how different materials worked together, and what made some projects last decades while others failed in a few years.

Over the years, I learned every aspect of the trade—from basic lawn maintenance to complex hardscaping projects. I worked on stone patios, retaining walls, irrigation systems, outdoor living spaces, and everything in between. Every project taught me something new, and every mistake (yes, there were plenty!) made me better at what I do.

Why DIY Yard Pro?

Here's the thing: I've seen both sides of the landscaping world. I've worked on high-end projects where money wasn't an issue, and I've talked to countless homeowners who desperately wanted to improve their yards but couldn't afford professional services.

The reality is that hiring a professional landscaping company is expensive. A simple patio can cost $5,000-15,000. A full backyard transformation? Easily $20,000-50,000 or more. For most families, that's just not realistic.

But here's what I learned: You don't need to be a professional to create something amazing. What you need is:

  • The right information (which is often hard to find or buried in technical jargon)
  • Step-by-step guidance from someone who's actually done it
  • Tips to avoid expensive mistakes
  • The confidence to tackle a project yourself

That's exactly what I want to provide with DIY Yard Pro. I've seen so many people intimidated by projects that are totally within their capabilities. They just need that initial push—that "empujoncito"—to get started. And once they do, they realize it's not as scary as it seemed.

What I Specialize In

Over my 10+ years in the industry, I've developed expertise in several areas:

🪨 Stone Patios & Hardscaping

Building durable patios, walkways, and outdoor living spaces that last for decades.

🌿 Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Creating beautiful yards that don't require constant upkeep or expensive maintenance.

🛠️ DIY Project Planning

Helping homeowners plan realistic projects that fit their budget and skill level.

Every tutorial I write comes from real experience. These aren't theoretical guides—they're based on projects I've actually built, mistakes I've made and learned from, and techniques I've refined over years of hands-on work.

Beyond Landscaping

When I'm not working on yards or writing guides, I'm based in Virginia where I live with my two amazing kids. Being a dad is my most important job, and I love teaching them about life, hard work, and the satisfaction that comes from building something with your own hands.

I'm also pretty athletic and always working on some kind of DIY project—whether it's landscaping, home improvement, or fixing something that broke. I believe in the value of knowing how to do things yourself, and I try to pass that mindset on to my kids.

And yeah, I'm a gamer too! When I need to unwind, you'll probably find me playing World of Warcraft. There's something about building and strategizing in a virtual world that appeals to the same part of my brain that loves landscaping projects. (Plus, it's a lot less physically demanding after a long day of actual work!)

My Philosophy

I believe that everyone deserves a beautiful outdoor space, regardless of their budget. You shouldn't have to choose between your dream backyard and your kids' college fund.

DIY isn't about being cheap—it's about being smart. It's about:

  • Learning valuable skills that you'll use for life
  • Taking pride in something you built yourself
  • Saving thousands of dollars on projects you can absolutely handle
  • Knowing exactly how your yard was built, so you can maintain and modify it yourself

Not every project is a good DIY project—I'll be honest about that. Some things really do require professionals. But way more projects are DIY-friendly than most people think. My goal is to help you figure out which is which.

What You Can Expect Here

On DIY Yard Pro, I share:

  • Detailed, step-by-step tutorials for common landscaping projects
  • Realistic cost breakdowns so you know what to expect
  • Material recommendations (including affiliate links where I earn a small commission at no cost to you)
  • Pro tips and techniques I've learned over 10+ years in the field
  • Honest advice about when to DIY and when to call a pro
  • Troubleshooting guides for common problems

I don't gatekeep information. Everything I know, I'm happy to share. My success comes from helping you succeed, not from keeping secrets.

Let's Build Something Amazing Together

Join thousands of DIYers who are transforming their yards one project at a time.

Read the Guides Get in Touch

Connect with Me

Questions? Want to share your project? I'd love to hear from you!

📧 Contact Form 📘 Facebook 📷 Instagram @theart1986 📌 Pinterest