About Us
A Cincinnati design-build landscape company where the owners lead every project, from the first design conversation to the final walkthrough.
Our Story
Morning Light Landscaping was built on a pretty straightforward idea: do the work right, treat people well, and let the results speak for themselves.
Pheonix Jackson and Zak Goebel started Morning Light together as Cincinnati natives who grew up watching backyards get turned into something worth spending time in. Pheonix brings the vision, an eye for how spaces should feel, how they should flow, and how good design holds up against Cincinnati’s mix of seasons and terrain. Zak brings the technical foundation, a horticulture degree from Cincinnati State (2019) and more than a decade working in the ground, learning what actually lasts in Zone 6a soil and what doesn’t.
Together, they run every project from the first design conversation through the final walkthrough. That’s not just a talking point, it means when you have a question on a Tuesday afternoon, you’re reaching someone who was on your property and knows your soil, your slope, and your vision for the space.
How We Work
We work with homeowners across Greater Cincinnati, Hyde Park, Indian Hill, Anderson Township, Mason, West Chester, Loveland, and into Northern Kentucky, on everything from full landscape installations and paver patios to outdoor kitchens, water features, landscape lighting, and retaining walls. We’re an authorized Unilock contractor, which means access to premium hardscape materials and the training to install them the way they’re designed to be installed.
We’re not the cheapest option in the area, and we don’t try to be. We’re the option for homeowners who want their investment to hold up, landscapes that look just as good in year five as they did in year one, because the foundation was built to last.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, we’d love to talk about your project.
Meet the Owners
Pheonix Jackson, CEO:
Pheonix was born and raised in Cincinnati and has always had a passion for the great outdoors. He decided to make his love a career and began working in the landscape industry. After pursuing this career for 5 years he found his true love in designing and building outdoor living spaces. Pheonix is passionate, professional, and dedicated to Morning Light Landscaping LLC and their clients.
Zak Goebel, President:
Zak has lived in Cincinnati his whole life and has enjoyed spending time in nature at parks surrounding the tri-state area. With interests in plants, rocks, soil structures and all other aspects of the great outdoors, he studied and earned a degree in Horticulture from Cincinnati State in 2019. Zak has been in the landscaping industry since 2013 and still enjoys learning new practices and techniques to use in the field to better serve clients.
What Our Clients Say
Posted on Google![]()
Paul TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Originally hired Morning Light to redesign my front yard, during the process I ended up getting a sinkhole in a another part of the property and could no longer move forward with the planned project. They were very understanding and not only were they willing to give me back my deposit without asking, but eventually helped me fix the sinkhole! Zak and Phoenix had everything taken care of in a couple of days. Reasonably priced, professional, and very easy to work with. Could not recommend them more!Posted on Google![]()
Mary BeamTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Zak and his team delivered exactly what we asked for in a timely and professional fashion. The boulder wall and plants perfectly executed into a beautiful and functional newly landscaped front yard.Posted on Google![]()
Emily EsslingerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We love our new landscaping and would highly recommend Morning Light! From planning to execution to follow up questions on sprinklers, Phoenix and team were professional, kind, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. We can’t wait to see our landscaping continue to grow over the coming years.Posted on Google![]()
Matthew MorscherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The Morning Light Landscaping team was incredible to work with. Their design process was excellent and their expertise helped us come up with a great plan for our space. The started on schedule and finished on schedule and were onsite working every day. Communication was fantastic. I always knew where we were in the process and what was next. I really appreciated their attention to detail both in the customer experience and in the work. I would definitely recommend and would like to work with them again on future projects.Posted on Google![]()
Ann GoebelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Morning Light did an amazing transformation in our backyard! From working with us on the design to the destruction of the old deck to the creation of a really beautiful area for us to enjoy, they did an excellent job. On time, daily work area cleanup, ensured our approval on every step, can’t recommend this company enough!Posted on Google![]()
Ilene HayesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Phoenix and Zak did an amazing job designing and installing hardscape and landscaping around my new pool. They came up with a great design and helped me pick out the plants/ trees for the landscaping. We also did a field trip so I could pick out boulders to add a finishing touch . They are very personable, professional and take pride in their work. They also were very receptive to any questions I had and gave me clear instructions on how to maintain the landscaping. They were very conscientious about cleaning up after themselves each day as well as at the end of the project which honestly is a rarity these days. Additionally, they finished the project ahead of schedule, which I really appreciated. I highly recommend contacting them for any landscape or hardscape projects. You won’t be disappointed!!Posted on Google![]()
Mia WuTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is literally the BEST contractor I have used. Phoenix and his team are very knowledgeable and professional to start with. I had no yard, and they helped me turning a sidewalk in to a super cute Asian style zen rock garden. They are extremely easy to communicate with and always on time. The team was fast and the work is fabulous. I had little issue with the neighbors afterwards, but they came back right away and took care of everything. You will not regret choosing them to make your dream yard!Posted on Google![]()
D WileTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Phoenix and Zach are great to work with. They did an amazing job bringing my vision to life. Extremely knowledgeable on design and planning phases. The craftsmanship is second to none. Quality is the standard with these guys and I highly encourage anyone to consider Morning Light Landscaping for your next project! They won’t disappoint!Posted on Google![]()
kate gabis websterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’d give these guys a 10/10 if I could. They were fantastic every step of the way. They were so fast (returning the proposal, able to start sooner than estimated, finished sooner than they estimated). They were so knowledgeable (drainage, plants, hardscapes), I asked for recommendations, gave them likes and dislikes and they delivered a fantastic plan. We asked for multiple proposals so we could piece the plan together if we needed to, however they were so affordable and so willing that we went all-in on all their recommendations. I have just been so impressed with Zak and Phoenix. I can’t stop smiling over our new, usable backyard.
