About Us
Serving Lee’s Summit Since 2004
At Evolving Landscapes, we custom-create landscape and hardscape solutions that add curb appeal, improve functionality, and enhance outdoor quality of life.
The secret to our nearly 20 years of success in Lee’s Summit is simple: we listen. We collaborate with our clients to design an outdoor space that fulfills their specific needs, and then personally execute the work, on time and within budget.
We Are Evolving Landscapes
Established in 2004, Evolving Landscapes is owned and operated by Lee’s Summit locals, Kris and Joanna Carrell. Kris was our solo landscaper in the early days, but his commitment to creating a customer-centric experience led Evolving Landscapes to flourish.
Today, our team includes highly experienced landscape and hardscape professionals, several of whom have been with the company for many years. Our credentialed team boasts certification in paver installation and wall installation by the National Concrete and Masonry Association.
Kris Carrell
Kris spent his childhood in rural central Illinois. He played outside from sun-up to sun-down, building forts, swimming in ponds and riding dirt bikes through fields. His appreciation for the outdoors only grew as he matured, and in high school Kris scored the ultimate after-school job – working in the Lawn & Garden department at a big box store. The foundational knowledge and skills he gained led him to a pivotal position in the gardens of Unity Village. There, amid the award-winning rose gardens, fountains, and acres of manicured landscape, Kris solidified his passion, sealed his fate, and met his future wife, Joanna.
Kris went on to attend Kansas State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and, after college, took a fulfilling (but rather ill-paying) job at a plant nursery. With their first child on the way, Kris started to drive a truck and, unable to tame his green thumb, did odd landscaping gigs on the side.
In time, both his landscaping jobs and client portfolio expanded, and Kris was able to walk away from the delivery business and hang out his own shingle over Evolving Landscapes. Nearly 20 years later, Evolving Landscapes is a well respected and highly-rated company, boasting 5-star reviews across Google, Angi, Yahoo, Yelp, and Houzz.
Joanna Carrell
Originally from Illinois, Joanna’s family moved to Lee’s Summit when she was just a second grader – making Joanna an honorary native. The daughter of a Unity minister, Joanna all but grew up at Unity Village and the abundant gardens were as familiar to her as her own backyard.
As a teen, Joanna herself worked at Unity Village as a tour guide – where, eventually, she met Kris. Later, they moved to Topeka so Joanna could attend the University of Kansas to pursue her Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design while Kris went to K-State. After school, they returned to Lee’s Summit and Joanna began her career as a Graphic Designer with Unity Worldwide Ministries.
In 2015, Joanna officially joined the Evolving Landscapes team in a part-time capacity, and in 2018 came on board full time. Joanna oversees company logistics and operations, including administration, human resources and accounting. She also serves as chief liaison between our clients and the field – which means if you contact Evolving Landscapes, you will most likely connect with Joanna!
Our Promise
As our name implies, Evolving Landscapes is dedicated to constant improvement. We will support you through every growing season, and serve as your partner as needs change, preferences dictate, and plants mature.
Competitive Pricing
We specialize in landscape and hardscape design, installation and maintenance - meaning our overhead doesn’t include the heavy machinery, equipment and chemicals of cookie-cutter lawn and landscape companies.
Tailor-Made Design
We apply our horticultural training and years of experience to create a design that suits your taste, lifestyle, and architecture. We incorporate plants and trees that thrive in the Kansas City area so your home looks fabulous all year long.
Sustainable Approach
Maintaining the health of your property requires responsible landscaping. We strive for improved soil condition, low water consumption, and eco-friendly weed and pest control, and incorporate only native plants and/or plants that thrive in our Kansas City climate.
Stellar Service
Exceeding expectations, both in our work and in the care of our customers, is our top priority. We pride ourselves in being extremely accessible and responsive, and pledge to complete your project before moving on to the next.