Earth Turf and Wood Landscape Blog

Kid-Friendly Landscaping Ideas: Create an Outdoor Space Your Whole Family Will Love

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:32:14 GMT

Step outside—or peek out the window if you’re still sipping your morning coffee—and look at your backyard. Is it a big, barren space with no life? Perhaps it’s currently serving as a holding pen for patio furniture, playsets, and a grill shoved in the corner.

What it’s probably not is the safe, happy place you dreamed of for your kids to run and play.

But with the right plan, your outdoor space can become something amazing .

This isn’t just any yard. It’s where cartwheels are mastered, touchdown dances are perfected, and your kids’ laughter echoes through long afternoons.

Of course, they won’t stay little forever. So build a space they’ll love as they grow—and return to for years to come.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we know families in Central, PA, want more than just a yard. They want a durable, low-maintenance, kid-friendly backyard where memories are made and parents can breathe easily.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

Design a kid-friendly yard that’s safe, durable, and fun
Explore family-friendly backyard ideas that grow with your children.
Choose low-maintenance landscaping that keeps life simple
Create a family-friendly backyard that everyone can enjoy for years to come.
Understand why families trust Earth, Turf, & Wood for expert landscape design.

Why Kid-Friendly Landscaping Is a Smart Investment for Your Family

A kid-friendly backyard isn’t just nice to have—it’s a total game-changer. It keeps your kids safe, sparks their imagination, and turns your outdoor space into the family hangout everyone wants.

And let’s be real — it also keeps them outside your house longer, so you can catch a breather.

But beyond daily joy and peace of mind, a kid-friendly yard pays off in big ways:

Adds real value to your home, especially for families seeking move-in-ready spaces with safe play areas

Features durable, low-maintenance landscaping that withstands hard play and changing seasons
Provides smart storage solutions to keep toys safe and reduce clutter in your home and garage
Saves you money over time by reducing upkeep and replacements

Kid-Friendly Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Every Age and Stage

Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, your backyard should balance safety with fun. After all, your family wants to spend time outside, making memories and enjoying fresh air in a space that feels like home.

Designing for Toddlers and Little Ones

Safety is top priority for little explorers. Consider these must-haves:

Secure fencing around your yard or pool
Gates on decks that lock
Railings on steps and elevated areas
Choose plants carefully—avoid thorny bushes and areas frequented by bees.
Add shade with pergolas, umbrellas, or trees so parents can comfortably watch nearby.

Play areas don’t have to be just swings and slides. Think about climbing boulders, a custom treehouse, or soft grassy spots for running and tumbling. Storage is key, too. Backyard sheds or pool houses help keep toys, bikes, and floaties organized and out of sight, saving you from clutter inside the home.

Planning for Growing Kids and Teens

As kids grow, so do their needs:

Create hangout spots where tweens and teens can socialize with family and friends—think fire pits , outdoor kitchens, or covered pavilions with music and lighting.
Encourage active play with features like putting greens, basketball hoops, or grassy areas for touch football.
Safety shifts to smart design—keep an eye on older kids without hovering by arranging clear sightlines from inside the house and adding soft outdoor lighting for evening visibility.
Add privacy with thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs. These natural barriers keep the outside world from looking in, giving teens the comfort and independence to enjoy swim parties or quiet time with friends right at home.

Local Expertise Families Can Trust — Kid-Friendly Landscaping in Lancaster, PA

With kids and a packed schedule, who has time for endless yard work? That’s why low-maintenance landscaping is a lifesaver.

Select plants that thrive in Lancaster’s climate , requiring minimal watering and care. Native shrubs and perennials can bring color and texture without requiring extra work. Using mulch and ground covers helps keep weeds at bay and keeps the soil healthy.

Durable materials, such as composite decking, stone patios, and weather-resistant furniture, withstand the wear and tear of active kids and changing seasons. Smart irrigation systems save water and take the guesswork out of watering.

Pro tip: The right mulch—like rubber playground mulch—not only looks great but provides soft landings for kids, adding an extra layer of safety to play areas.

With the right design, your kid-friendly backyard can look stunning year-round , with less stress and more time for what matters most: making memories with your family.

Why Work With a Pro (Like Earth, Turf, & Wood)

Designing a kid-friendly backyard takes more than Pinterest boards and weekend trips to the garden center. It takes vision, strategy, and the kind of experience that sees the big picture—today’s needs and tomorrow’s.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we bring nearly 40 years of experience to every residential landscape we design. Our on-staff Registered Landscape Architect knows how to blend safety, beauty, and functionality into family spaces.

Here’s what that means for you:

Layouts that grow with your kids —from toddler play zones to teen hangout spots
Durable materials and features that stand up to hard play and unpredictable weather
Thoughtful design for visibility, access, shade, storage, and privacy —without sacrificing style
Expert use of your land’s natural features —grading, drainage, topography, and space are all considered to make the most of what you’ve got

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a design partner who’s been there, knows what works, and will guide you every step of the way.

Planning Your Family-Friendly Backyard: A Simple Starting Point

Every great backyard starts with a simple question: How do you really want to use your space?

Do you want a safe place to grill dinner while the kids climb and play nearby ? A cozy outdoor hangout with a TV and fire pit where friends gather for the big game? Room for kids to explore gardens, dig in the dirt, or watch birds and butterflies ?

Maybe it’s all of the above, and it needs to change as your family grows.

That play area with the swing set might one day make way for a fire pit. The open soccer field? It could be the perfect spot for a future in-ground pool.

By planning—even if you’re starting small—you establish a flexible foundation that adapts as your family grows, helping you make smart choices now and confident decisions later.

Because the best family yards don’t just meet today’s needs, they’re ready for whatever comes next.

Related: Designing Outdoor Spaces for Aging Parents

Before you know it, your kids will have families of their own. And guess what? Your backyard will remain your go-to spot for relaxation and creating memories.

With some smart planning now, you can create a space that works for everyone, from weekday playdates with grandkids to peaceful afternoons as you enjoy your golden years.

Want to see how to make your yard a place that grows with your family? Check out our post on designing outdoor spaces for aging parents . It’s full of tips to keep your yard cozy and welcoming, no matter your stage of life.

Quick Recap: What You’ve Learned

A kid-friendly backyard sparks imagination, keeps kids safe, and turns your outdoor space into the family hangout everyone wants.
Planning for all ages means creating flexible spaces—from toddler play zones to teen hangouts—that evolve with your family.
Choosing durable, low-maintenance materials and implementing smart landscaping techniques reduces upkeep, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your yard.
Thoughtful design considers privacy, visibility, storage, and natural features, making your yard beautiful and functional.
Investing in your kid-friendly backyard is investing in lifelong memories and adding real value to your home.

A Family-Friendly Backyard Is an Investment in What Matters Most

Your backyard is more than the space behind your house—it’s where your children play, learn, and make lifelong memories. Make sure it’s a place that’s safe, welcoming, and a haven they’ll want to return to again and again.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we’re here to help you create that kid-friendly backyard your whole family will love.

Harrisburg, PA Pool & Landscape Design Case Study: Creating a Family-Friendly Backyard

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 04:32:06 GMT

Even with a large property, it can sometimes be challenging to design an outdoor space that everybody in the family loves and can utilize to the fullest. That was certainly the case for this landscape design near Harrisburg, PA, for a family with four active boys.

When the family constructed their home, they always had the intention of adding a large pool area, gardens, and greenhouse which is why they also purchased an adjoining side lot to maximize their outdoor space. But even with all of this yard, they were challenged to make the large space work while fully utilizing what they had in order to make everyone happy.

The solution came in the form of meshing some of their ideas with our ideas and expertise.

But first, we had to address the challenges.

Addressing the Sloped Yard

The pool was always a key part of the grand plan for this property. As mentioned, it’s the whole reason why the family invested in an entire adjoining lot. But although they certainly had more than enough space for it, there was the challenge of making the pool work on such a sloped yard.

This project required our expertise in issues such as grading, drainage, and navigating through municipal stormwater and zoning requirements in order to ensure that the pool would work while allowing for future phases. In addition to grading, drainage, and stormwater, we also implemented stairs, a uniquely designed outdoor pavilion, retaining walls to address the slope and created/reserved a level “stage” for future english garden and greenhouse.

A Pool That Works for Everyone

Once the slope was addressed in a viable way, the biggest challenge was designing a pool that everyone in the family would love. While the boys were always active and often had friends over, they didn’t necessarily want to participate in the same activity. In fact, sometimes they really needed their own space. That is exactly why we designed this pool in a unique and curvy shape that created delineated areas where each boy had the opportunity to have his own “space.”

First and foremost, a special request by the family was to design some sort of unique jumping structure. Built from boulders, the final structure features approximately 5 feet of grade change from the top boulder to the water level. This boulder structure was designed to give the boys a place to jump into the pool, with maximum splash! Due to the height of the top boulder, and following code, we designed the pool to be at a deeper than standard depth for maximum safety.

Beyond the jumping structure, there are also two active play areas. One area has since had a basketball net installed (not pictured). The other features more than enough space to set up a game of pool volleyball. This allows the boys to have different friends over and participate in different activities, all with enough space.

There’s also an area designed, in the middle, where Mom can hang out. Specifically, the sun shelf area is large enough for an umbrella along with several chairs, where Mom (and maybe a friend) can lounge while also being available to “divide and conquer” as needed with the boys.

Around the Pool

The areas around the pool are just as spectacular as the pool itself and help to make the space enjoyable even when everyone isn’t swimming (or when the kids are swimming but the adults are socializing).

This includes a gorgeous timber frame pavilion covering a deck surface constructed from a composite decking material (Wolf PVC Decking). This pavilion houses a lounging area, dining area, and an outdoor kitchen, complete with a built-in grill, refrigerator, plenty of countertop and storage space, and even a designated area where they could swivel their Green Egg in to smoke meat. The pavilion is well-lit so that this space can be utilized long after the sun goes down. Built-in, automated, vertical, ‘sun-shades’ (Sunesta) are installed along the western side of the pavilion for the purpose of intercepting the harsh, setting, western sun as well as to provide a bit of privacy from the adjoining property.

In addition, the dramatic slope of the yard also created a unique opportunity to create a sort of “basement” under the pavilion on its backside. This is a very large, enclosed space that could be used for storage. But because the family already had ample storage space in their finished basement and garage, they said they also looked forward to using this basement spot as just an additional hang-out area where the boys could kick around a soccer ball in a totally enclosed/walled-in space when the weather wasn’t great to be in the yard.

Another exciting feature near the pool is a fire pit zone , designed with a campfire “flare” for use as a casual, evening destination. The area features furniture resembling stumps to create a fun gathering spot for the boys and their friends to roast marshmallows or just hang out.

It’s also worth noting that the family wanted relatively minimal landscaping around the pool area, and definitely no shredded mulch areas (only riverstone) in the areas adjacent to the pool itself. This nicely complemented the dark charcoal boulders that were incorporated into the landscape in the form of retaining walls and, of course, the jumping structure.

All of the pavers utilized in this project are from EP Henry, which offered the family a great selection of options to choose from for the various areas that completed the project. We spent a lot of time looking at pavers and ensuring that everything we selected nicely complemented the dark charcoal boulders as well as the color of the family’s home.

A Pool & Finished Landscape Design Project Loved by All

In the end, this project came together in a way that thrilled everyone. It’s a standard ETW goal to make every possible attempt to meet the wants and needs of the families with which we work. As always, we took special care to listen and learn about this family, in order to develop a family specific plan for them. A plan that addresses the ways in which this outdoor living area could work for everyone as they use it individually as well as when entertaining friends and family.

A complex and multi-faceted project like this (which also posed significant grading challenges) made it imperative that this family chose a company that could provide both the design as well as the build capabilities to see this dream to fruition.

As a result, they now enjoy a highly functional space that allows everyone in the family to maximize their enjoyment outdoors while making full use of the investment in the side lot that they had purchased for this very reason. It just goes to show how important making the right choices are when it comes to the end result.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how you can bring your outdoor dreams to life at your York , Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , or Hershey , PA home, contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Mary Hatch Dresser is a Registered Landscape Architect with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia School of Environmental Design. Mary has designed landscapes for 32 years and joined ETW exclusively in 2009. Mary is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA); and also serves on the Shade Tree Committee in Strasburg Borough where she resides. Mary prides herself in carefully listening to her clients to professionally meld their ideas and personal criteria with sound, experienced design practice.

Patio and Deck Combinations: Which to Do First, Ideas, and Pro Design & Construction Tips

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:14:13 GMT

We’ve been fortunate to have been provided countless opportunities to work with clients on a wide variety of projects over the years. One of the most common areas of focus is backyard living spaces.

A great way to get the most out of a backyard is often accomplished by adding (or renovating) both a patio and a deck. Patio and deck combinations are a great way to fully maximize the use of your living area, not only horizontally, but vertically, too. An upper-level deck that leads down to a lower level patio will absolutely give you lots of fantastic outdoor living space to use and enjoy to the fullest.

Oftentimes, homeowners tell us they use the two zones for different purposes, too. While the deck might become their more intimate gathering spot for outdoor family dinners, the patio may become more of the entertainment area while people also make use of the yard. Of course, how a deck and patio are best utilized will differ for everyone. Those who like to throw large outdoor gatherings quite often make full use of both spaces simultaneously!

There’s no question that patio and deck combinations are a great way to get the most possible enjoyment out of your property. But you want to make sure that they’re designed and built right. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our best tips to keep in mind if you’re considering a patio and deck design.

Patio and Deck Combinations: Where to Start?

If you’re starting with a blank slate and don’t have any existing hardscaping or structures already on your property (and you want both a deck and a patio), we encourage you to explore your options through professional landscape design .

Rather than exploring a patio first or deck second, look at design with careful consideration for both. It's important to see the big picture first and then understand the relationships of each area. This process will also help to make informed decisions when considering which element to star with.

Whenever possible, it’s ideal to begin with the patio. This is mostly because the project is easiest to coordinate from an excavation point by starting with the patio. The footers for the deck can be installed at the time of the patio excavation.

Sometimes, homeowners don’t even tackle the deck until “phase two,” if they’re phasing the project over time. In terms of phasing, some cases may be ideal to start with a patio, and with an upfront value-added design, a phase one patio construction could include the installation of footers for the future deck ensuring that you don't have to re-excavate and tear up your patio later in order to add the deck in phase two.

Examples like this truly demonstrate the upfront value and importance of a patio and deck design serving as a “master plan” for the project as a whole. Some homeowners may choose to hire one company to build their patio and another to build their deck. Unfortunately, such scenarios have a tendency to be completed and end up with zero coordination between the companies.

Not only could that mean your finished project does not look as though it goes together aesthetically, but it could create functional problems, as well. For instance, there could be a stairway from the deck that goes right into the middle of your patio, making it not fully usable or even block a view of surrounding scenery.

If the two spaces had been designed at the same time, that stairway could have been intentionally laid out to the side, where it’s not in the way. Everything from the traffic flow to the views should be taken into account in the patio and deck design in a simultaneous fashion, both spaces will be laid out in a cohesive way which will even give thoughtful consideration to maximize fluid pedestrian traffic flow and framing of key views.

Patio and Deck Ideas with an Existing Deck

Of course, a lot of these types of projects begin when a homeowner has an existing deck and wants to add a patio. Oftentimes, the project might also include a deck rebuild, particularly if it was originally built with pressure-treated lumber that is beginning to splinter, face, and generally show its age.

For instance, in thi s landscape project , we rebuilt the homeowner’s two existing wood decks using WOLF Brand Decking, which is a low-maintenance wood-alternative that won’t succumb to rot (as wood will).

With all of the great wood-alternative materials available these days, as well as beautiful aluminum railing options, many homeowners are interested in upgrading their deck as part of a total outdoor living project.

Although it’s a case-by-case scenario, oftentimes, we are able to use the original deck frame and rebuild on top of it, basically providing a facelift with updated and more durable material for all surfaces, railings, and steps. However, many times homeowners simply desire a larger deck or a new layout, which of course is certainly a viable option to be explored with a landscape design expert.

If a patio is being built directly underneath of an overhead deck, another important consideration is the addition of roofing material (beneath the deck and atop of the patio) which collects and directs rainwater into a inconspicuous drainage system, keeping the patio area a dry space, rain or shine.

Choosing Patio and Deck Builders

When starting the process for exploring the options for your backyard living space, it’s important to recognize that not every patio builder is also going to have the team and expertise to be able to build your deck. Conversely, most deck builders are not going to be able to build your patio. But as we mentioned, it’s really important to find a company that can design and build both in order to give you the complete look and total functionality that you desire.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, our experience in designing and building many patio and deck combinations over the years has given us the understanding and ability to ensure that these two areas work seamlessly together. Every detail of the project is taken into account from the very start so that you don’t find yourself later regretting that the project wasn’t built a certain way. We believe that every single detail matters when it comes to making the finished product the best it can be.

A complex space with more than one finished area certainly benefits from making an investment to having a professional eye involved for design as well as the proper execution of the construction—and not every contractor can offer that. However, if you want peace of mind that your project is going to come together exactly as you desire it, it’s important that you make a wise choice in who completes the work.

There’s simply no room for error when it comes to investing your hard-earned money into something as important as your custom outdoor living area, which, when designed right, will serve as an oasis to create a lifetime of memories.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Jarod started Earth, Turf, & Wood in the spring of 2000. Getting his start with a lawn care company in his teens, his experience spans 25 years’ in the green industry. His underlying passion is to create well-thought-out outdoor living environments that help create memories for families and friends. Jarod was raised in Central New Jersey, pursued Human Resource Management at Messiah College, and resides in Mohnton, PA. He enjoys spending time with his wife Kristy and their two young daughters and son. He currently serves on the local advisory board for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In his spare time he enjoys just being outdoors, whether vacationing in the Adirondacks, or playing with his kids.

Sloped Backyard Case Study: Under Deck Patio, Fire Pit, Steps & More

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 07:30:00 GMT

The natural setting of this backyard, which backs up to surrounding woods, was one of the aspects that the homeowner of this property loved most. It was a peaceful and perfect environment for the avid gardener and for someone who truly loved being engulfed in nature.

However, the functionality of the property was something that was desired to be improved upon.

Since the homeowner enjoyed entertaining and spending a lot of time outdoors, a solution to remedy the condition of the sloped backyard was needed so the space could be utilized to its full potential.

Two Deck Rebuilds

There is no doubt that this property certainly had existing areas that were neither optimally functional or aesthetically pleasing due to the layout and orientation.

Among the problems were two undersized and run-down decks built from pressure-treated lumber. One deck, in particular, was off of the homeowner’s bedroom and was so small that it was never used.

Both decks were re-built using a wood-alternate material from WOLF Brand Decking that is low maintenance and won’t succumb to problems, such as rot, that plague regular wood. The decks also feature aluminum railings.

Since the two decks were enhanced with a larger and more functional layout, they provide a setting that receives regular and more frequent use. The smaller deck off of the homeowner’s bedroom now comfortably fits a chaise lounge. And the larger deck now has more than enough space for entertaining.

We also added a gate to the opening of the stairs on the larger deck so that the resident dogs can hang out up there while providing security to keep them close to home and in sight.

The Patio Under the Decks Adds More Space to Spread Out

Previously, this property had a long and linear existing patio that stretched the length of the back of the home but only extended about 10 feet from the foundation. The space was small and lacked functionality. The homeowner expressed the need for a larger patio to accommodate the entertaining they provided when hosting family, friends, and even social groups from church.

A patio that blended better with the natural appearance of the wooded backyard was also part of the desired design criteria. This criteria perpetuated the selection of natural stone as a material choice for the patio surface.

The new patio was built with random rectangular flagstone which paired nicely in the natural setting. The enhancement of curved edges and a planting area lined with boulders complimented the extension of the home as it was fused into the natural environment of the property.

As mentioned, the homeowner maintained a passion for gardening. Therefore, a designated mulch area was provided in the design layout in order to provide a space for personalized plantings such as tomatoes and other desired plants.

The smaller under deck patio (beneath the smaller deck) is where the homeowner likes to sit and watch the dogs when they are out to play. The space has a fan to keep it cool on warm days and a strategically placed outlet to plug in an electric blanket for warmth on cold days.

The other under deck patio (beneath the larger deck) provides the space where the most entertaining takes place. This area is cooled by dual fans and was designed large enough to accommodate the set-up of a buffet table and also allows space for plenty of seating.

The roof of the patio (beneath the deck) is waterproof so that the water drains away from the seating area. We also took into account the placement of the deck steps in a way so that they would not block the view of the backyard when seated at the covered patio. The deck stairs are intentionally designed at an angle for this very reason.

There is also a small extended area of hardscaping on the corner of the house where the homeowner can walk out and welcome guests as they arrive. It was important that the steps didn’t interfere with this entrance area to the patio as well.

A Cozy Fire Pit Hang-Out

Off of the patio, we also added a small wood-burning fire pit area designed with irregular flagstone slabs.

Natural slab steps lead down to this area which allows for an intimate gathering for a few friends and visiting family. The seat wall around the fire pit area is natural stone that reflect the colors and look of the natural site surrounding the space.

Addressing the Sloped Backyard with Additional Changes

This property had a natural slope that also required quite a bit of grading work in order to install the patios on level ground and prevent drainage issues. A boulder wall was added around the natural stone patio promoted additional aesthetics but also serves as a retaining wall per the functional use of the space.

Previously, this home had a rough dirt path down the slope that would allow the homeowner to head into the wooded area below. It was difficult to traverse and it lacked attracted character in the setting. As a result, natural stone slabs were installed in its place, making the slope easier to traverse and more visually appealing.

Landscaping Lighting to Increase Use and Beauty

A vital finishing touch to this landscape project was the addition of landscape lighting throughout the property. Lighting in the patio under the decks makes these spaces usable in the evening hours.

There are also lights built into the seating wall around the fire pit, simple path lights lining the slab steps, and even lights built into the posts of the deck rail.

In the evening hours, the property comes to life in a magical way and the natural setting of the space can be enjoyed even after the sun has gone down.

A Great Landscape Design = A Happy Homeowner

Ultimately, this outdoor space was not only made much more usable but it worked with nature and enhanced the overall natural look of the space that the homeowner loved so much. Much attention was given to ensuring the space complemented its existing surroundings and remained the peaceful setting that the homeowner desired.

A complex space like this truly desired a professional eye for design as well as the proper execution of the construction. Whether a brand-new project or a renovation, it is always our goal to work with the homeowner’s wants and needs and in this case it really came down to creating a highly functional space that enhanced the property’s natural setting rather than infringing upon it. Everything from meticulous material selection to color choices made a huge difference in the finished look. In the end, a re-envisioned space was created to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Landscape Plantings: When to DIY and When to Hire a Landscape Designer

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 08:16:58 GMT

When it comes to landscape plantings, a lot of people assume that they can perform the work on their own. And when projects are small enough, that’s certainly true in many cases. If you are willing to put in some research and hard work, you could likely perform some other installations on your property.

However, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to start a project and realize they’ve turned a corner and it’s gotten larger (and more complicated) than they anticipated. There’s nothing worse than feeling over your head and suddenly worrying whether you’re doing the work right—or whether you’re potentially risking your time, effort, and monetary investment going to waste.

In order to help give you some sense of when to choose a DIY route and when to hire a professional landscape designer for landscape plantings, we’ve rounded up some helpful information.

Keep in mind that we’re focused on plantings in this article. Hardscaping always requires the input and expertise of landscape designers.

Consider DIY for These Landscape Plantings

The following tasks are potentially suited to a DIY approach. However, keep in mind that even if a task seems simple, you should still perform some research and have a good understanding of what needs to be done in order to achieve success.

Even something as seemingly “simple” as planting flowers can go wrong when simple mistakes are made related to factors like plant selection, planting depth, or site conditions.

Replacing a Few Shrubs

With some research on details such as site conditions, planting depth, and spacing (to name some important factors), it’s quite possible that you’d be able to replace a few shrubs around your property on your own, particularly if you’re putting them in a spot that’s already had shrubs planted and is properly prepared.

Of course, creating a brand-new landscape bed is a whole different story and a lot more involved.

Adding a Few Flats of Annual Color

Installing annuals in an existing plant bed is another DIY-friendly task. But as we mentioned, though it seems simple enough, you should still be prepared with some vital information.

You can’t just go to your local box store and pick what you think “looks good.” You need to have a good understanding of how much sunlight and moisture the area gets as you choose your flowers accordingly.

Container Plantings

Container gardening is another common DIY task. In fact, we have performed some projects in which a spot for containers was planned on the landscape design but the homeowner handled those plantings on their own.

Because containers are something that are usually switched out seasonally, it’s something that some homeowners like to tackle themselves—and may even really enjoy, particularly for those with a green thumb.

But that’s not to say that we won’t install your container gardens for you as part of a complete landscape design. We have worked with plenty of homeowners that would prefer we handle all of the tasks, making it truly hassle-free and hands-off for them.

Planting a Couple of Small Trees

Small tree installation can also potentially be handled on your own. But the larger and more mature the tree, the more complex the job. Plus, with a larger and more mature tree, your wheelbarrow and personal tools simply might not do the trick.

You might require mechanical equipment and deeper excavation. It’s also worth noting that some trees can get pretty expensive. The last thing that you want to do is make a mistake and waste your money because the tree died. Before tackling any tree installation, make sure you feel confident you know what you’re doing and don’t over-simplify this.

Choose a Pro for these Landscape Plantings

Sometimes, the tasks are simply too large to handle as a DIY project. Of course, that might not always be evident from the start. We’ve heard from homeowners who thought they could handle a certain task but quickly found themselves over their heads. The following landscape plantings should consider the involvement and expertise of a professional landscape designer.

Adding Large Plant Beds

The installation of a large plant bed can be a complex task. For one, it can require mechanical equipment and tools that the average homeowner doesn’t own. You also need to make sure that your soil is amended properly in order to allow plants to grow in a desired location.

It’s also hard for most homeowners to visualize what these new planting beds are going to look like in 5, 10, or 20 years down the road. To avoid a cluttered mess or plants that outgrow their spaces, it may be a good option to connect with a knowledgeable landscape designer and have their team install these plants with the proper spacing. A pro will also have knowledge of plant species you may not be aware of and could offer a better alternative to popular choices.

Adding Layers of Color or Attempting Multi-Seasonal Interest

Installing a few flats of annuals is one thing but any time that you get into trying to create layers of color , a large number of flowers, or attempting multi-seasonal interest, the work becomes pretty complex.

There is both an art and a science to this and who better than a professional landscape designer to bring the art and science to life for your long term enjoyment. A pro will be able to create a layered look that takes everything from plant heights to fullness to even complementary color palettes into account.

A pro will also know exactly what will be in bloom (and when) and can create a landscape design that encompasses this. The last thing that you want is to have some big “holes” in your landscape because you didn’t coordinate bloom times just right.

Adding Terraces or Planting on a Slope

Landscape plantings on a sloped property can be an incredibly complex endeavor. Even the physical ability to install the plantings is difficult when you have to traverse a slope or embankment. But also finding plants that will actually work in this environment is another challenge.

Sometimes, homeowners prefer a solution such as adding terraces, which are leveled off areas that “step down” the slope. These leveled areas require proper grading and perhaps the proper installation of small retaining walls that remain functional and upright for the test of time. The peace of mind that such tasks provide to a homeowner, are certainly delivered best when the pros are brought in.

Considering Plants Near Structures, Patios, Pools, Etc.

Landscape plantings alongside hardscaped areas or near structures pose their own set of challenges. For one, you have to consider any potential disruption to the foundation of these hardscaped areas. You also wouldn’t want to create a drainage problem when an issue never previously existed. After all, the last thing that you want is soil or mulching suddenly washing out over your patio or walkways.

You also have to think about root systems when planting near structures or hardscaping. Roots can be invasive and can potentially lift up patios or cause damage to structures. You need to know exactly what the roots will be like for anything that you plant.

It’s also worth noting that not all landscape planting material makes a good choice around pools . You don’t want to plant something that is going to shed debris all over your patio and wind up in your pool. You also want to be careful about attracting bees and other stinging insects to your pool area, or surrounding the site with prickly plant material, where your kids will be hanging out.

Consider Your Landscape Design Options Carefully

It can be easy to want to tackle landscaping planting projects on your own, assuming that they’ll be simple. But too often we’ve seen projects go awry or become more complex than anticipated. This can lead to more hassles and more investment in the long run than had you worked with a professional landscape designer in the first place.

You deserve to get the great-looking landscape that you desire. By working with a landscape designer from the very beginning, who is an expert in design as well as plant material, you’ll avoid having to redo your landscaped areas down the road. That will prevent future problems and unwanted investments. Instead, from day one, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the space with peace of mind and investment satisfaction for years to come.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Reading, PA Landscape Design Case Study: From Fixing Patio Problems to Perfecting Outdoor Living

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 08:56:36 GMT

It can be frustrating when a finished area begins to have problems—particularly if it was the result of improper construction. Even if you love how an outdoor living area looks, you want it to function well, too.

That was the case at this Reading, PA home.

The home’s hardscaped courtyard was experiencing some major problems. While the homeowners appreciated the contemporary look and design of their space—as their entire home had a modern flair—its functionality was quickly declining.

This project was in need of a major renovation. And at the same time, the homeowners were also looking to add to what was already there.

A Contemporary Landscape Design in Reading, PA

This home had an existing courtyard area with a brick patio and built-in spa and the owners wanted to add a new covered kitchen area. However, the brick surface of the patio was in disrepair and had a number of issues that needed to be corrected.

Most notable was a drainage problem. Because the patio was uneven due to settling issues, water was pooling in the recessed areas. It was also difficult to traverse and not as aesthetically appealing now that the patio had a look of “waviness” to it.

For these reasons, this landscape design in Reading, PA began as a design project but quickly became a renovation project with existing areas being repaired. Because the brick patio’s base was compromised, that meant re-building it almost from scratch.

While the patio design was altered a bit, all existing brick material was re-used. This was important to the homeowners, who were eco-minded and valued the ability to re-use the bricks rather than discard them. The solution also required a new grading plan that would correct all drainage issues.

Renovation Turns to New Additions

The renovation work required quite a bit of problem identification followed by corrective construction. As the project progressed and the homeowners were happy with the new look, they started to desire more. This led them to request new additions.

In addition to adding an outdoor kitchen for their Reading, PA home and rebuilding their patio, the homeowners decided that they would also like to add a fire feature to make their space more complete.

The fireplace is gas-powered and adds a sense of ambiance to the space. In addition, the kitchen features a large grill along with a burner and plenty of storage drawers. It’s a sleek, stainless steel kitchen; Perfectly suited the homeowners’ style. The kitchen features outdoor lighting that makes the space highly usable.

The flat roof over top of the kitchen area has a waterproof membrane with internal downspouting and was designed to compliment the contemporary nature of the space. The roof-covered outdoor kitchen area also allows for a table for dining al fresco, regardless of weather conditions.

Updating the Front and Side Yards, Too

As the new kitchen took shape, the homeowners also decided they wanted two additional areas of the property renovated. A flagstone stepping stone path connected the driveway to the newly renovated courtyard. But it was poorly drained in some areas and difficult to traverse.

As a replacement, flagstone sidewalks were added to this area (again, re-using the flagstone that was already there with sustainability in mind). One of the new walkways now connects the front driveway to the back courtyard. Another also extends around to connect to a sound studio, where one of the two homeowners (an accomplished musician), works on his music.

The front yard also required some updating. Timber edging around everything, which looked very dated. A design that enhanced the contemporary features of the house was implemented.

A new brick retaining wall in the front yard solved some drainage issues and also allowed for a large planter containing seasonal flowers to be placed on display. That platform area could also feature a statue if the homeowners want to change their front yard display. Lighting was added to the front yard retaining wall area.

In addition, flagstone was used to create a unique front hardscaped area that was attached to the driveway.

As a whole, the front yard was a difficult project that required some ingenuity. The house, in general, had grading and drainage issues; The front yard was no different. With some troubleshooting and creativity, the front yard renovation resulted in a transformed front entrance space.

Working with a Patio Company in Reading, PA

It is commendable that these homeowners recognized that their patio needed major renovations in order to repair work that was not done correctly in the first place. They knew that they needed to find the right company that could identify all of the problems and correct them so that they wouldn’t be back at square one with more issues down the road.

The homeowners were pleased that we didn’t just put a “Band-Aid over their problems,” but instead got to the bottom of what was causing them—and then addressed all of the concerns.

Of course, had the homeowners just searched for “patio contractors near Reading, PA” and picked any old company, they might not have gotten the same results. But our team at Earth, Turf, & Wood is well-versed in dealing with difficult properties and troubleshooting (and solving) problems. On top of that, we also perform custom work and design outdoor areas that fit any given design style—in this case, contemporary design.

Oftentimes, renovation work turns to exciting landscape design additions. There are often ways to make a space even better and to enhance what is already there. That was definitely the direction that this project took as the homeowners decided to add features such as an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and lighting, that were not there before.

It is always our goal to work with the specific wants and needs of our clients and to offer our own solutions and ideas that will make the space even better. These homeowners had some very specific ideas but were also open to suggestions that we made. In the end, the project came together in a way that fulfilled everything the homeowners were looking for—and more.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Strasburg, PA Landscaping Case Study: Creating the Ultimate Backyard Party Spot

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:20:44 GMT

There’s nothing wrong with having a backyard living area built over the years (as opposed to all at once). In fact, phasing is one of the best ways to incorporate multiple outdoor living zones into one complete space.

But that’s all assuming it’s completed in a way that looks like all of the spaces were always meant to be one. When it’s not, it can negatively impact the entire look and functionality of the area.

For this particular landscaping project in Strasburg, PA, there were multiple existing spaces that were built and added over the years by different contractors—and every single one looked like it was built as a separate project. The individual areas lacked unification and it was quite obvious that this outdoor living area was designed and developed over time. That’s why the family was looking to redo all of the individual zones to make it look and function as one intentional space.

Overall, many concerns called for a total renovation, which included upgrades as well as replacements to the existing backyard, with some areas, such as the pool, being enlarged.

A Lack of Functionality

Besides the fact the backyard looked disjointed, it also functioned poorly. In particular, the lawn area adjacent to the patio and pool sloped enough that it wasn’t functional for yard games that the family would have liked to play.

In fact, it was space that really wasn’t used at all, which was frustrating. The homeowners entertained a lot but lacked overflow space for the extra guests who didn’t fit on the patio.

Another existing problem was a retaining wall that had been built with boulders. The wall looked like a pile of boulders rather than a retaining wall. But on top of that, there was concern that the retaining wall was not structurally sound. The slope was addressed and the retaining wall was rebuilt in a way that was much more visually appealing as well as structurally sound.

The homeowners, who regularly enjoyed ballroom dancing as part of their entertainment, were also frustrated that their existing patio had been built from irregular flagstone with mortared joints that were in disrepair. Though they would have liked to be able to dance outside, the uneven surface made it cumbersome and even dangerous to do so.

Renovations and Additions to Landscaping in Strasburg, PA

This backyard living area included a series of renovations and additions that completely transformed this backyard.

Let’s take a look at each of them.

A Redesigned Patio

The patio area right off of the home was completely redesigned with a new layout that paid closer attention to how the property was graded and how adjoining areas could offer overflow. The patio was reconstructed in a Techo-Bloc paver called Blu, which was smooth and therefore ideal to the ballroom dancing the homeowners enjoyed for fun.

A New Outdoor Kitchen

The project also included the addition of an outdoor kitchen , which was also important to the family given the fact that they liked to frequently entertain and this often included cooking meals. Interaction with guests while cooking played a big part in their entertaining style. The galley style kitchen, with its open feel, helped to achieve this. The layout also takes into account the fact the chef and guests can easily see and interact with people in other sections of the backyard (including the pool, pavilion, and putting green).

In addition to the built-in grill, the outdoor kitchen also has a special area for the homeowners’ Green Egg smoker, as well as a power burner which can be used to boil large pots of corn or seafood.

Directly across from the cooking area is a bar with seating where guests can interact with the chef. The bar also incorporates a sink, two refrigerators, an ice maker, and it has a spot for an umbrella if shade is needed.

The outdoor kitchen also has a small pergola which casts some additional shade and created an aesthetically beautiful focal point. It also created a convenient anchor point for hanging string lights that cast additional light onto the grilling side of the outdoor kitchen in the evening hours.

A New Pavilion

Adjoining the patio is a new pavilion featuring a more formal dining “room” where family and friends can share a meal. The table is also great for board or card games. The pavilion also features a lounge area near the fireplace where guests can enjoy great conversation, watch the game, or enjoy an outdoor movie. The television situated above the cozy outdoor fireplace can conveniently also be viewed from the kitchen’s bar area.

A lot of time was spent on the layout of the pavilion area, including the furniture location. A key element of this design was providing “connectivity,” which the previous backyard lacked. Though there are multiple areas, it was important to the homeowners that each of the outdoor rooms connected when they entertained large groups. Such purposeful connectivity unifies events creating the feeling of socializing together despite enjoying different activities.

A Redesigned Pool Area

The pool area also required renovations, including upgrades that would make the space more usable. During the design phase, we spent quite a bit of time talking about how the pool patio functioned and it was clear the homeowners felt it was too small for their larger parties.

The existing pool patio was removed and expanded in the new design. In addition, the pool itself was expanded and now features a sun shelf.

The homeowners also wanted to add a hot tub to the pool patio, so we located at in a way that the hot tub would feel private and “tucked in” but allow those using it to still feel part of the action going on nearby. Similarly, the entire pool area feels connected to the nearby pavilion so that those seated in the shade can still view the pool with ease.

A New Putting Green

An additional exciting amenity added to this project was a putting green, which the homeowners viewed as yet another entertainment opportunity during get-togethers.

The putting green was made possible thanks to regrading the formerly sloping yard. This also helped with the connectivity between all of the spaces, as they are all easily viewed and feel much more like “one” than before.

Other Features

Of course, a project isn’t fully complete without many little details that bring it all together. In this case, there were several additional features that helped finish this new/renovated backyard.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting incorporated throughout each of the different zones was key to making this backyard usable both day and night.

On top of functional purpose and improved safety, the incorporation of professional lighting also makes the backyard aesthetically beautiful after the sun goes down.

Planting and Irrigation

The project also featured quite a bit of landscaping so an irrigation system was installed to help keep all of the plantings looking their best. This particular client was interested in gardening and had many great ideas in terms of color and varieties of plants that were preferred.

Several planting container locations were also incorporated into the design as it was important that they serve as mini focal points. The homeowner seasonally changes out the color in these containers—a hobby that she enjoys.

Walkways & Steps

The addition of walkways to connect the spaces was an important element of the hardscaping in the new backyard. By adding these connective walkways and steps , guests easily circulate from one outdoor “room” to the next.

We also added a new walkway in the front of the home.

Spiral Staircase and Storage

A spiral staircase was added connecting a downsized deck to the renovated patio area.

And because there was a lack of storage possibilities, we incorporated a storage room underneath of that upper-level deck (adjacent to the new staircase).

The Power of Ideas

Bringing this entire project together in a way that made it truly usable for this family involved working together. While we are always encouraging homeowners to share their ideas, some want more involvement in the process than others.

From day one, these particular clients invested quite a bit of time in researching ideas and inspiration.

The process included quite a bit of time “play acting on paper,” meaning that we envisioned different scenarios in how they would be using the backyard—and we spent a lot of time thinking about how those different entertaining scenarios would work with different layouts.

Having lived with a disjointed space for so long, it was vitally important to these homeowners that their new backyard felt truly unified, particularly with how often they liked to entertain guests. We achieved that by working together on a finished project that would fully meet all of their needs.

The homeowners say they couldn’t be happier with the result. Now, no matter where their guests are within the backyard, they still feel part of the same group. This was exactly the goal—to be able to entertain in a way that everyone felt included.

Whether a brand-new project or a renovation, our goal is always to work with the specific wants and needs. While we’ll offer ideas and solutions we think will make the space even better, the main purpose is always to make the space work the way you want it to so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.

I f you’d like to start a conversation about how you can bring your outdoor dreams to life at your York , Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , or Hershey , PA home, contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Leola, PA Landscape Design Case Study: Poolside Pavilion and Outdoor Kitchen

Tue, 21 May 2019 09:54:17 GMT

Sometimes an existing outdoor space just doesn’t work. You may try to make the most of it but there comes a point when you realize it’s just never going to be the backyard that you love. An outdoor living area like this can actually start to have a negative impact on your overall enjoyment of the outdoors—and for that reason (among others), may be worth renovating.

That was the case for this Leola, PA landscaping project. This Leola, PA family had a poolside area that just wasn’t working for them. In fact, it looked as though the outdoor kitchen area had been designed in complete isolation from the nearby pool; the two spaces really didn’t work together well it at all.

Beyond aesthetics and an awkward layout, another negative was the lack of shade, protection from the rain, and outdoor kitchen features and amenities. As a result of these concerns, the homeowners were looking for a complete redesign of the outdoor living space adjacent to the pool.

Unifying Two Spaces in this Leola, PA Landscape Design

Tasked with creating a brand-new outdoor living area, it was important that this time the patio blended seamlessly with the adjacent pool area. Whenever working with existing elements, it is a primary goal to make everything look unified—as if both existing and new elements had been created together from the very start.

One of the key ways that this was achieved was by repeating colors and textures that were found in the pool area, which also included a pool house. The pool was surrounded by a stamped and stained concrete that is next to impossible to replicate in color but we found travertine pavers that blended.

The existing space also had masonry steps with flagstone treads and veneer stone risers that we were able to repeat in the new space. By making the new patio area a step up (six inches higher than the pool patio), we were able to repeat the materials from the existing steps. This elevational change also allowed us to better define the new space.

Starting from the Dislikes to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen

Because this family had lived with an outdoor kitchen that was not functional, they had a clear idea of what they actually wanted. Because of that, we spent quite a bit of time talking to these homeowners about what didn’t work with their existing patio/kitchen arrangement in order to create one that they’d love.

The answer to many of their problems came in a galley style kitchen layout that offered all of the features and the functionality—as well as increased their number of appliances —in a way that corrected what didn’t work for them previously. All of this was under the roof of their brand-new pavilion.

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances Which Create an Interactive Experience

In addition to flowing better with the galley style design, the new kitchen is also loaded with amenities that really helps it live up to what the homeowners desired. Along with being big entertainers, the couple also loves to cook. The wife enjoys stir fry cooking in particular. The addition of an EVO grill allows them to cook outdoors, hibachi style. And with a raised counter for seating directly across from the grill, it allows for an interactive experience between the chef and her guests!

The kitchen also features a built-in traditional gas grill for other forms of cooking along with a power burner, a sink, two refrigerators, a built-in trash can, and plenty of storage.

Lounging By the Fire and Watching Television

Just off of the kitchen is a cozy lounge area featuring a fireplace with a mounted television. The television is situated in the ideal spot so that the homeowners can also view it from the pool.

With this additional area, when guests have finished dining, they can move over to the lounge spot for after-dinner drinks and conversation. This area also features a paddle fan that mimics one found in the existing pool house—another link unifying the two spaces.

Though there’s no question that this family is big on entertaining, they say that they use their new covered outdoor kitchen area daily—whether they’re entertaining or not. It’s where they enjoy having meals, spending time watching television or even just hanging out as a family (with or without guests!).

Finding Landscapers in Leola PA

While plenty of companies offer landscaping in Leola, PA, the fact is, for a complex outdoor living area like this one, it’s important to find the right company for the job. The very fact that this family did not like their first outdoor living space is a testament to this. When you’re investing in an outdoor living area, you want to love it. The last thing that you want is to end up with something that you have to completely re-do because it falls short of your dreams.

Although it’s always easiest to start from scratch with a blank slate, this project is also a testament to the fact that renovating may be the answer if you aren’t in love with your existing outdoor space. You shouldn’t have to live with something that doesn’t work for you. You deserve to have a space that is functional and brings you joy.

These homeowners say that they’re happy they took the leap and got the outdoor living space they truly desired. With their new covered kitchen/living area, now they’re finally able to fully enjoy their time outside.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how you can renovate an existing outdoor living space or create a brand-new one at your York, Reading, Lancaster, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447 .

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

New Landscape Design Trends: The New Pavers Perfect for Your Patio

Tue, 07 May 2019 07:39:43 GMT

If you’re thinking about installing a new patio , then you might be wondering about what kind of pavers are available now. The last thing that you want is to have a professional patio installed that looks like it was completed with pavers from the local big-box store.

If you’re going to invest in a professionally installed patio, then you will want something that looks unique. You certainly don’t want to feel as though you have the same pavers as everyone else seems to have—you want something truly your own.

That’s why we want to share some of the landscape design trends of 2019 so that you can get a sense of what’s out there. While looking at patio ideas and new hardscape products can help you narrow down your choices and decide what you really like, in the end, you should make your decision based on what works best for you and has stood the test of time—not what happens to be “trending.”

With that being said, let’s take a look at some options to consider in order to help get you brainstorming.

Large Format Pavers

One of the paver trends we’re seeing a lot of is a larger, elongated paver. Gone are the days when a 6x6 or 6x9 cobble paver is your only option for a patio. Though there’s certainly still plenty of interest in that look, you actually have the choice of many different paver sizes and shapes.

Some say the interest in “plank-style” pavers likely comes from the subway tile trend that’s been so popular in kitchens. There’s also been an interest in mixing square and rectangular pavers in the same design for a modern look. But once again, keep in mind that it definitely comes down to personal preference.

Pavers that Look Like Stone

Perusing the outdoor design magazines or flipping through the latest home television shows will also reveal another popular trend of pavers emulating natural stone. Pavers that look like stone—in particular, slate and flagstone—are popular amongst homeowners who like a more natural look.

While there’s no question that pavers are more cost-effective than natural stone, there is certainly an argument for just opting for actual stone. Rather than mimicking the look of natural stone, you could have the real thing for what may not even be that much more money. It’s certainly worth weighing the options.

Pavers that Look Like Wood

Another trend on the horizon is pavers that resemble wood. Though this is still very new, we think you’ll begin seeing more and more of them.

Woodgrain plank pavers have almost a boardwalk appearance to them and we’re already seeing them pop up in magazines and on home renovation shows.

It’s definitely a highly unique look. Of course, you should keep in mind that trends tend to come and go. Whenever making a choice for a patio, you want to be able to feel comfortable that you’ll be happy with your paver selection for years to come. In other words, don’t just choose something because it’s trendy. Choose something because you love it.

New Paver Design Ideas

In addition to the new hardscape products that are out there, we also want to mention that patio design continues to evolve as well. There was a time when patios were being built with matching pavers and no real creativity to the design. But innovative landscape designers are creating much more interesting patio designs.

There are a few ways that this is being achieved.

Borders

Using unique borders is an excellent way to personalize a patio. Borders can be created in single, double, or even triple rows.

Banding

Instead of just delineating the edge of a patio as a border would do, patio banding might add a stripe or a pattern in the middle of the patio (or across it) for added appeal.

Patterns

The way in which the pavers are laid is also getting more creative. There are many different patio patterns that can boost aesthetics. Herringbone, diamond, running bond, or basketweave are just some ideas.

Colors & Textures

We’re also seeing a lot of interest in creating a tapestry of colors. Gone are the days where homeowners are using a single color throughout. When designed properly, several different colors might be used on the same patio. Oftentimes this can be used to delineate separate “spaces” within the patio such as visually separating a fire pit area from an eating area.

Or perhaps, this can designate an area for pedestrian use in contrast to an area intended for vehicular use. In addition to colors, texture of pavers may also be used to create visual impact. A rough or veined surface of a paver may define the style of an area as “rustic” or “natural” versus a smooth texture of a paver may be used to give a “modern” or “formal” style.

Choosing Pavers for your New Patio

Ultimately, getting the patio of your dreams has more to do with choosing a landscape contractor that takes the landscape design process seriously than it does with choosing new hardscape products.

And as we’ve mentioned, you definitely want to be careful that you’re not just choosing products that are trendy since trends are always coming and going. You want to choose paver products that you love, that suit your personal style preferences, complement your existing space, and won’t just go out of style suddenly.

A landscape designer who has their finger on the pulse of what newer materials are performing well across the country (as it’s tested with other companies) can help guide you through the process and help you determine which pavers will work best for your project. This is more than just the landscape designer who stopped by their local hardscape supplier and picked up whatever was “new,” but with no real sense in how it will endure.

Getting started shouldn’t have to feel like a daunting and scary ordeal. It should be fun and enjoyable —after all, you’re creating the patio you've always wanted.

By choosing the right landscaping company it can be just that.

With the right company, you can feel confident that you and your patio builder will be able to work together to incorporate both the design and the paver products that work best for your space. When it’s finished, your friends and family will want to know how you ended up with a patio that is so unique when everything else they’ve seen is so ordinary in comparison. You can feel good that it was your smart choices that lead you there.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Lancaster, PA Landscape Design Case Study: Pool Patio, Pavilion, Outdoor Kitchen and More

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 08:41:22 GMT

Nothing can be more frustrating for homeowners looking to fulfill an outdoor living dream than to be told, “No, that won’t work.” When you’ve been dreaming about your outdoor living space coming together a certain way it can be a tremendous let-down to be told it can’t happen.

That was the case for this Lancaster, PA landscape design in which the homeowners had always wanted a pool. However, when meeting with landscapers in Lancaster, PA, they were continuously met with responses like “your yard is too small for the pool that you want” or “we simply can’t do it.”

The homeowners were frustrated—and for good reason. While they certainly did have a challenging property (which was not only on the smaller side for a pool but that was also pie-shaped and backed up to multiple other lots), their wants could, in fact, be met with some ingenuity and planning.

Working with Challenges

When a property is challenging, it’s not uncommon for typical landscapers in Lancaster, PA to say a project “can’t be done.” But, at Earth, Turf, & Wood, we are accustomed to overcoming challenges. This project is a good example of the importance of finding out all of the township criteria and then working creatively with the criteria. Knowing what we were permitted to do was a necessary starting point on this particular job.

For instance, there was a requirement to have 5 ft. setback between the edge of the roof and the edge of the water. We, therefore, located the pool exactly 5’ 1” from the roof in order to maximize the pool size as much as possible.

When it came to the addition of the pavilion , there were also structural compliance requirements that complicated the client's desire to attach the proposed pavilion to the house. Existing window locations and soffit dimensions plus a township requirement to submit expensive sealed architectural plans were debilitating at first glance. We took a step back, brainstormed out of the box solutions and decided to propose a freestanding pavilion that appeared to be connected to the house but was indeed separate.

We complied with a new set of compliance regulations that allowed the proposed pavilion to become a reality. Following code is a given with each of our projects - knowing when to think out of the box for a solution that follows code is often necessary.

Another big challenge of this space was the screening. Because of the pie-shaped nature of this backyard, it wasn’t your typical yard where you back-up to one other property (and perhaps have 2 on either side). There were other adjoining properties all around and no existing screening. Even inside of the home, when the family was looking out their sliding doors from the dining area they were looking right into 3 other backyards.

When accounting for screening, the placement of the fireplace within the pavilion provided some instant privacy by blocking out some of the surrounding views. In addition, the use of some privacy plants comprised of various evergreens and grasses has also helped to create even more screening of the space.

A Pool Plus Plants & Hardscaping in Lancaster, PA

The family’s primary wish list included a pool and a pavilion with a fireplace and an outdoor kitchen. The outdoor fireplace features a mounted television and a cozy seating area where the family likes to gather on “game days” in the fall or to watch a movie in the summer. It has a gas fireplace that also has wood-burning capabilities in case the homeowners ever decide to switch (or to sell their home to a family who prefers wood-burning).

The outdoor kitchen is a “Lazy Z” shape so that the homeowners can be grilling and still talking with those seated nearby (as well as still be able to see the television). Our goal is always to unify these spaces so that nobody ever feels alienated from the socialization.

The outdoor kitchen features a power burner, built-in grill, refrigerator, storage space, and various electrical outlets for slow cookers or even just charging devices. There is also a cantilevered countertop for guests to dine in the kitchen area.

In terms of the pool, as mentioned regarding the requirements, the pool was pushed to the full limits of the building area in which we were allowed to build. The family was incredibly pleased with the pool in particular as they were told many times that their property would never accommodate one of this size. The gunite pool is approximately 700 square feet so it’s certainly not tiny.

Helping Lancaster, PA Landscape Design Dreams Come True

When we met these Lancaster, PA homeowners they had already been told their dream would never be possible. But the truth is, when you work with a landscape company that is willing to apply creative thinking and smart design (within the confines of what’s “allowed” of course), it’s amazing what can be achieved.

The problem is, a lot of landscapers in Lancaster, PA are used to building cookie-cutter designs and they simply don’t know how to deviate from what they’ve repeatedly designed for past clients. They have only built patio after patio in a very particular way or perhaps they’ve never tried to fit a pool into a tight space, where it would require some serious planning. You can’t make a cookie cutter design process work in a challenging space—nor should you want to. After all, even if you don’t have a challenging property, you still want a finished project that is uniquely yours.

When it comes to choosing amongst the various pool companies or those offering landscaping and hardscaping in Lancaster, PA, it’s so important to choose a company that has what it takes to work with your property and come up with a design that is truly unique .

At the end of the day, it is our greatest accomplishment when we can help clients achieve their dreams rather than be told, “it can’t be done.” When you’re investing in an outdoor living space, you deserve to have it become the space you truly desire.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

The Boring Patio Makeover: Ideas and Tips to Bring Your Dull Outdoor Living Area to Life

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 09:13:16 GMT

Do you feel like your backyard dreams aren’t living up to what you want them to be because your patio isn’t all you wish it could be? Is your time outdoors falling short because you don’t have enough reason to stay out there and truly enjoy yourself? Getting maximum use out of your yard and enjoying your time spent outside just isn’t going to happen if you have a boring back patio.

Perhaps you’ve moved into a home where the previous owner had installed a barebones patio and you just feel like it could be so much more. Or, maybe you had the patio installed years ago but it has fallen short of your dreams.

If that’s the case, you might be looking for a patio makeover for your Lancaster, Reading, Hershey, or York, PA area home. This might involve incorporating exciting features and amenities or even adding additional space with a patio extension.

In the case that you are considering some sort of improvement, it's key to remember up front that the patio should in a good quality condition, without any structural issues. We never advocate for adding features to an existing patio in a unsatisfactory condition. Upon professional inspection, you'll know whether your best option is to either start from scratch or move forward in enhancing the existing patio.

As you continue to read this article, let’s agree to assume that your existing patio has been inspected by a knowledgeable landscape designer or landscape architect. When it’s determined that there are no major structural issues, but you are to a point where you are ready to breathe new life into it, consider exploring the following ideas.

Planning Ahead for Your Complete Outdoor Living Space

It’s important to mention that if you have big plans for your outdoor living area but can’t afford to do them all at once, then you might want to think about having a master plan created. This will allow you to phase the project over time .

For instance, you might have plans to add an outdoor kitchen one year and ultimately expand to add a second “lounge area” with a fire pit and some privacy plantings at a later date. A backyard project of this scale, being performed over time, calls for a master plan.

When you work with a master plan, then you can be confident that these future projects are complementary additions and that your projects are completed on a timeline that makes sense so that you’re not tearing up your patio at a later date for additions that could have been made during the proper phase.

Patio Ideas to Consider

As you think about making your outdoor living area more exciting (and more usable), you might be looking for some patio ideas. Here are some to consider:

Cleaning and Sealing Pavers

A first but important step in adding new life to your patio is cleaning and sealing your pavers to help refresh their look. Over time, pavers can get dirty or even accumulate moss growth if not tended to. But cleaning and sealing can help refresh and protect them going forward.

Adding a Roof to the Patio

Want to be able to use your patio rain or shine? Then you might consider adding a pavilion to it. With a rooftop, you open up the possibilities for getting full use out of your patio. Not only can you still go outside and use the space when the weather isn’t cooperating, but you can also add elements to your outdoor area that you would not be able to if it weren’t covered—such as nicer outdoor furniture or even a television.

Adding a pavilion also creates shade and a cooler space to escape to on days when the sun is blaring. You could even install a ceiling fan or overhead heaters in your pavilion roof and use it more months of the year!

Incorporating Lighting

Nothing quite increases the usability of an outdoor living space like adding landscape lighting. Lighting increases your usable patio time from daylight hours to around the clock. It also promotes the added value of safety and security to your space as well.

With outdoor lighting throughout your entire space, you can now enjoy cooking up a meal in your outdoor kitchen without struggling to see what you’re doing. You can also serve it in the outdoor dining area with everyone being able to comfortably see their meals and the guests around them. A few random spotlights isn’t going to create the right atmosphere or light the space well enough. Professional landscape lighting calls for strategically placed lights including overhead lighting, surface lighting, up lighting, functional lighting, and more.

Even something as simple as navigating around the space is so much easier (and safe) with proper landscape lighting. It’s definitely on the list of “must-have features” for an upgraded outdoor space.

Adding Audio and Video

Audio and video additions can also help add excitement to an otherwise boring back patio. Incorporating high-quality outdoor audio that allows you to have different music playing throughout your entire space can take it to a whole new level. Similarly, having an outdoor television hooked up (as we mentioned, under a pavilion or roof to protect it from weather) so that you can watch the game or have an outdoor movie night will certainly enhance the entertainment capabilities of the space.

Adding a Fire Pit to an Existing Patio

Fire features also help take a patio from simple to spectacular. You might think about adding a fire pit to your existing patio space or you might even think about adding a separate fire pit area nearby . No matter where it’s installed, a fire feature really increases the overall enjoyment of a space. It casts light and heat and creates an ambiance like no other. Areas with fire features instantly become a “hang-out spot.” Everyone likes to gather around the fire to socialize. But they also make a great addition for a quiet evening where you just want to be able to relax and enjoy your oasis.

Incorporating a Water Feature

Instead of fire, perhaps you want a water feature to add interest to your patio space—or maybe you want both. These types of features add visual appeal and really help take your patio from boring to beautiful.

Whether it’s a simple fountain that gives you the sound (and visual appeal) of running water or it’s something more complex like a complete fish pond or pondless waterfall, there’s no question that adding water features really increases the overall enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Planting Around a Patio

It’s amazing how much planting can also make a difference in sprucing up a boring back patio. Even just taking a plain space and adding bright vibrant color can seriously transform it.

But plantings can also serve other valuable functions such as creating privacy or adding shade. With the right plant additions you can make an ordinary patio an extraordinary one.

Thinking about Patio Extension Ideas for your Lancaster, PA Home

Sometimes the existing space is just not enough. If that’s the case, then you might also be thinking about expanding your patio to make it larger and therefore more usable.

Perhaps you frequently host parties and you recognize that your guests don’t have enough room to spread out. Or, perhaps you are considering getting new furniture or creating an entirely new area of your patio for dining or entertaining. These are some of the common reasons that we hear when homeowners are thinking about patio extension ideas.

Of course, when thinking about extending a patio, it’s so critical that it’s built in a way that doesn’t make it look like a haphazard addition. You’ll want to work with the right design expert who will think about extending your patio in a way that complements what is already there.

This could possibly mean adding a separate patio area that is not attached to the current patio but in a way that still flows. Perhaps your existing patio might be where you cook meals but your new patio might be a separate dining area.

There are various ways to achieve your expansion needs and a landscape design professional can help determine what will work best for you.

Choosing a Patio Builder to Help You Achieve Your Dreams

We hope this sampling of patio ideas has helped you as you think about taking your dull patio to a whole new level. We understand that the process might feel a bit overwhelming but it doesn’t have to! While there’s certainly a lot of different directions your project could take, a landscape designer will guide you in the process and help you make the best possible decisions.

Of course, not all patio builders in the Lancaster, Reading, Hershey, or York, PA area are experts in this. In fact, many of these contractors are known for cranking out cookie cutter patios that have no appeal at all. This may be the very reason you’re looking to make changes—because you got stuck with a boring patio in the first place.

But you can get out of this rut.

Don’t get stuck with a patio that falls short of your dreams again. Choose your patio contractor wisely and gain the peace of mind that your finished patio will be absolutely spectacular.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

The Best Choices for a Great Backyard Landscaping ROI in the Lancaster, PA Area

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 09:56:43 GMT

Landscaping can have a tremendous impact on a home’s overall value. In fact, an ROI study by RealEstate.com expressed that landscaping and hardscaping can deliver a return on investment as high as 150 percent. That puts backyard landscaping ROI higher than other home improvement projects like a bathroom or kitchen update.

Whether you are certain that you will be selling your home in the future or it’s just a possibility, you might be thinking about the best landscaping to sell a house before having a major project completed. After all, you want to love your backyard—but if you do go to sell, you want potential buyers to love it, too.

What are Your Goals?

Before beginning a large landscape project, it’s important to discuss your goals for the property. If selling is definitely in your future, how soon do you anticipate that sale? Will you be in the home 5, 10, or 15 years? Even if you know you’ll sell this house at some point, you’re still spending a substantial amount of your time there so the landscaping effect on your property value shouldn’t be your only thought.

You should also think about what we call “return on entertainment,” or “ROE.”

Though there are no hard dollar figures to attach to ROE, it’s a factor that is incredibly important. Considering the fact that we all have just one life to live and enjoy on Earth, ensuring that we get as much fulfillment out of our spaces is a valuable consideration.

Ten years in a home is a long time—10 percent of your life if you’re lucky enough to live to be 100—and if you’re going to be in your home that long, it’s worth thinking about fully enjoying your time there.

Think of it this way: Investing in your landscape to make it more entertaining could be an alternative to buying a beach house. Instead of traveling back and forth to the shore, you could transform your property into a backyard paradise where you want to spend your whole summers during your time in that home.

You should also think about other ways you might use the space for entertaining . In the time that you will be in that home is there any chance of you hosting a graduation party, a shower, or maybe even a wedding? When you think about how much it costs to host those events somewhere else, the investment in making your backyard event-worthy might start to seem even more cost-effective. On top of that, it will also make it easier to sell your house as future buyers daydream about the events they would love to host there.

How Much Should You Spend on Landscaping?

As you think about how much you might invest in landscaping as well as what sort of ROI you’ll get out of it, you might want to think about the going rate for your house. For instance, if you are in a $1 Million dollar home and you spend $150,000+ on landscaping, that’s going to seem appropriate—it might even be expected by buyers. If you look around at all your neighbors’ properties and they have extensive landscaping and you don’t, it’s likely going to hurt your chances of selling.

However, if you’re in a neighborhood with $400,000 homes and you spend $150,000 on landscaping, it’s possible you might not get the same ROI.

Even so, you still have to think about ROE. If there’s a project that you absolutely desire and you know it will make your time in your home so much more memorable, then it might be worth it for you. You might recognize that you’re not going to get that money back when you sell, but it will have been worth it for those priceless memories and money you would end up spending elsewhere anyway.

The Best Landscaping to Sell a House

If you’re thinking about adding various landscape features to your property you might be thinking about the landscaping effect on property value—and more specifically, which features will have the most impact. You’re probably also concerned about any negative impact you could inadvertently have.

To help guide you in making an informed decision, we’ve rounded up some of our most popular landscaping projects with some thoughts on how they might impact backyard landscaping return on investment.

Patios/Walkways

As a means of creating more useable space, patios and walkways are almost always a valuable property addition. If you do plan to move in the near future, our best advice would just be to not make any extreme custom choices such as incorporating your family’s initials into the paving or choosing a highly unusual color that might really turn off a future buyer. Anything that is incredibly custom and personal is probably a better fit for a “forever home.”

Walls

Walls can add more usable space for seating in any hardscape setting including a patio, pool, or around a fire feature. A true retaining wall also serves the valuable function of holding back soil erosion to maintain your property’s desired grade. For a property with slopes, a retaining wall could transform a previously unusable space into one that is suddenly functional.

Thinking of it in terms of selling, when a potential buyer comes to a property with a steep bank that will needs a lot of difficult maintenance is going to seem overwhelming. But if you’ve added terracing and created flat areas, it’s going to make the property seem much more manageable. That could be the difference between making the sale or not.

Fencing/Screens

This one is really property-specific. If you have a dog or a pool (or you’re adding one), then you absolutely need a fence. But a future buyer who doesn't have pets and has no intentions of adding a pool to the property might prefer a property that is not fenced in.

Strategic plant screening using appropriate trees and shrubs to provide privacy from neighbors may actually be considered more valuable to the buyer who doesn’t want to feel like the neighbors can see onto the property but has no other reason to fence in the yard. Fencing also doesn’t last forever. While PVC has more longevity, fences don’t always age as gracefully as plants. Over time, plants can actually mature and look more beautiful.

Again, it’s a case-by-case decision and we can help guide you in deciding what’s best based on your unique needs and situation at that given time while also considering future needs and conditions as well.

Outdoor Kitchens

We think that one of the best ROE items is an outdoor kitchen and if you’re going to be staying in the home an excess of at least 5 to 10 years. For that purpose alone, you’ll likely find adding an outdoor kitchen is “worth it.” Of course, it’s important to invest in one that is high quality. A top-of-the-line grill built into countertops may last 3 times longer than a cheaper quality, prefabricated unit.

But home buyers also like to see spaces that they can envision their family and friends using and an outdoor kitchen is certainly a “dream builder.” We’ve heard from realtors that seeing a spectacular outdoor kitchen has been the selling point for buyers choosing between potential homes.

Pergolas and Pavilions

Just based upon our conversations with customers, pavilions seem to have a bit more “wide appeal” than pergolas, which seem to attract some people while others really don’t care for them. We suspect that’s because pavilions also provide shelter from the elements allowing you to use the outdoor space during inclement weather.

Pergolas provide a beautiful aesthetic appeal and some shade, but they don’t allow you to use the space during a storm. Of course, if a pergola is something that you really love and it’s going to give you tremendous enjoyment, you’ll want to consider the personal ROE factor to determine whether it’s worth it for you to add one—or even both. We’ve certainly added both a pergola and a pavilion to some of our clients’ properties.

Fire Features

If you really love the idea of a fire feature —being able to sit around a fire pit or outdoor fireplace with your friends and family on a cool night—then for the ROE alone, we’d say a fire feature is a great addition.

It’s not a huge expense and can add a tremendous amount of enjoyment. Like an outdoor kitchen, a fire feature might also get a future buyer dreaming about using the space. Any time that a buyer can picture themselves using the property is a step closer to a sale.

Landscape Lighting

Between the aesthetic value and the safety and security that LED landscape lighting adds, we think this is one of the most valuable additions you can add to a property in terms of backyard landscaping return on investment.

You really can’t go wrong with landscape lighting as it’s something that everyone universally appreciates. It’d be nearly impossible to find a home buyer who wanted a property that was intentionally left in the dark. When adding landscape lighting, you instantly add another layer of value to the existing landscape. Not only will it enhance the beauty of the plantings, but will accentuate the home’s architecture in the evening hours. Additionally, this is all achieved while providing a subtle yet important factor of safety and security to your outdoor environment.

By adding landscape lighting you also give the property 24-hour access and use. If potential buyers are visiting the property in the evening, they can truly see everything it has to offer!

Pools and Spas

The jury is out on whether or not pools and spas have a strong ROI when it comes time to sell—only because it depends on the buyer. Some homeowners want a pool and others don’t. But there’s no question that they have a strong ROE for homeowners that desire one.

If you’re going to be in the home for more than 5 years and would rather add one to your backyard than join the local community or club pool for the next 5+ years, then the ROE will be high for you. And chances are, you’ll be able to find a buyer who can also imagine spending quality time at the pool just like you did.

Plants

Plants are another item that can be highly specific to a homeowner’s preferences and can, therefore, have a questionable impact on ROI. However, there are always going to be circumstances in which plantings can be more universally appreciated. For instance, if the property is by a busy road and a privacy screen is planted to screen out the views and the sound, then chances are, most buyers would be happy that’s already there and they don’t have to do that landscaping investment themselves.

When thinking the landscaping effect on property value, it helps to make choices that will age gracefully, aren’t high maintenance or messy, and won’t grow so tall that they block windows or crowd out walkways. When in doubt, it always helps to think ahead.

Ultimately, what could end up hurting resale value is a bunch of plants that the future homeowners have to rip out when they move in as a result of the lack of serious thought for design, planning, and poor plant selection.

Let Us Guide You Where You Have Questions

There’s obviously a lot to ponder and we want to be clear that this is not an exact science. Property and personal differences can make some landscaping ideas work on one property where they wouldn’t necessarily be the best choice on another. That’s why a personal consultation that focuses on your specific goals is so incredibly important.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we spend a tremendous amount of time talking to our clients about all of the specifics of their situation. We’ve found that this approach has helped us to forge lifelong relationships with our clients. In many cases, we’ve helped clients at multiple homes as they’ve moved in our area over the last couple decades.

We want to be here to guide you in making an informed decision so that you’re doing what’s best for your situation and your property. In the end, this is your home—no matter how long you’re in it—and we want you to make the best choices for you.

If you need some help deciding on the best choices for backyard landscaping ROI (and ROE) for your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, then contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

What’s Your Landscaping Budget? Ideas & Tools to Get Prepared

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 03:16:08 GMT

If you’re thinking about having an outdoor living project designed and built for your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home then you may be thinking about your landscaping budget—that is, how much of your hard-earned money you are willing (and able) to invest in the project.

Of course, we understand that a lot of homeowners go into the process with absolutely no idea what to expect cost-wise. After all, it’s not something that your friends may choose to openly talk about and if you’re not familiar with the industry, understanding costs for projects may be a challenge.

For that reason, we find that people often come to the process with unclear cost expectations and it can set things off on the wrong foot when suddenly you feel as though you have to downgrade your dream. Had you been able to start the process with honest expectations, it would alleviate that stress.

After witnessing a fair amount of homeowners experience this type of frustration, we decided to create this article to help you have a better understanding of how to discover what your landscaping budget should be.

Why Starting With a Budget is Key

So often, as we begin the process of talking about an outdoor living area with homeowners, they haven’t really started to seriously consider their budget. A lot of people even say they don’t have a budget in mind.

But if we may be completely honest, we know that everyone (no matter the size of project) has a threshold that they don’t want to surpass. Even after working on some very high-end projects over the years, we have yet to have a client tell us they have a completely “unlimited budget.”

With that being said, we completely understand that the landscaping budget can be an uncomfortable discussion for some homeowners. Oftentimes, homeowners are worried that if they share their true threshold—the number they don’t want to surpass—that they’ll end up getting ripped off. For that reason, a lot of homeowners are often unwilling to share their budget upfront. They might say, “Here’s what I want, how much will it cost?”

Unfortunately, this can leave a landscape contractor shooting in the dark to develop a design. That is not an ideal way to start the process. After all, the cost of outdoor living areas can completely run the gamut. There are so many different factors that impact cost. If you don’t give your landscape designer/contractor some idea of what you’re willing to spend, then their design may miss the mark by tens of thousands of dollars or not be what you’re truly dreaming about.

It’s also a huge waste of time for you to get that far into the process and be back to square one. The fact is, it’s much more prudent for everyone to have a budget—at least a range—in mind from the very start. Beginning the process with a realistic budget truly helps the rest of the project journey to fall into place and alleviates a tremendous amount of mystification for both you and your landscape contractor.

LANDSCAPING BUDGET IDEAS

The first and probably most important step in coming up with your landscaping budget is determining exactly what you want your project to include. After all, the only real way for you to get a price for the job is to share all of your plans for what you want to be featured in the project.

However, if you’re going into the process with absolutely no idea what things cost (as most people do), then it will be incredibly helpful to divide that list up into “must-haves” and “wants,” the latter of which being items that you could take off the list should the price exceed what you are able or willing to pay.

You should go into the process understanding that what may start as a base cost for your landscaping project is really just the starting point.

Rarely do we find that homeowners want just a patio. Most homeowners want to add upgrades to that patio to make it a complete outdoor living area. As you start to add these features, the cost will rise. These features include but are not limited to some of the following.

Obviously, these features are going to start bringing the cost of your project up which is why it’s important to go into the process with a firm idea of what you can “let go of” if you need to and on the flip side, what you can’t live without.

For those that are looking for a better idea of what they can expect to spend, an experienced landscape designer with numerous past projects in their portfolio will be able to provide you with ranges of what past projects they’ve completed cost.

In addition, a landscaping budget calculator could be an invaluable tool in really honing your landscaping budget. Earth, Turf, & Wood has such an interactive tool and we provide it to prospective clients after we’ve had a chance to explore more of their project wants and needs on an initial discovery phone call.

Phasing to Cut Landscaping Project Costs

We mentioned that cutting out certain features can cut down on cost. Keep in mind that you don’t have to necessarily let go of these upgrades forever. If what you really desire is an outdoor living area with a patio, outdoor kitchen, pavilion, and pool—but all you can afford right now is the patio and kitchen—we can develop a master plan to include the pavilion and pool at a later date.

This is called “phasing” and it’s something that helps accommodate a first-phase landscaping budget . If you do have future ideas for your outdoor living area it’s important that you plan ahead because it will ultimately keep the cost and hassle down for you.

Instead of having to tear up your patio later to add footings for your pavilion or run conduit for a future outdoor kitchen, those can be added at the time the patio is built in order to prepare for the future.

Similarly, if you plan to have a pool in the future, it’s important that many factors such as grading and spatial layout are taken into account when your patio is being built so that it doesn’t create future problems at your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home.

How Material Choices Impact a Landscaping Budget

It’s also important to recognize that the materials you choose for the project are going to have a major impact on cost. Like any other product out there, there are those that fall on the low-end and those that fall on the high-end of the cost spectrum.

As you think about your landscaping budget, think about whether materials are a factor in which you are willing to compromise to cut cost. For instance, while you may have thought you’d have the entire patio built in natural stone , using pavers could help keep the cost down in some instances, without sacrificing quality.

An experienced landscape designer is going to be able to get creative with your options and give you choices. We’ve had some homeowners who had a very particular patio size in mind but couldn’t keep it in their budget by doing the entire space in natural stone—so we switched to pavers. We’ve had other homeowners who were less committed to the overall size of the patio and cared more about material. In those cases, we may have designed the patio a bit smaller in order to complete the entire design in natural stone, with the option to add an additional level in a later phase.

This flexibility in options is why it’s important to work with a landscape designer who isn’t married to just one way of doing things (as a lot of inexperienced landscape contractors are). You’ll be able to know if this is the case if you find that your landscaper is pushing very hard for you to have your project completed a certain way (their way).

Taking the Next Steps

Developing a landscaping budget is an early step in the path that will take you to your finished project. At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have invested in the development of tools like our landscaping budget calculator and a detailed Dream Builder Workbook for the primary benefit of helping you get a better idea of what things cost and how to also get an outdoor living area that’s perfectly fit for you.

Once we have an opportunity to meet and discuss your intended project, these tools will be made available for your use when we have mutually decided to move forward in exploring your options.

Of course, not all landscaping contractors are experienced enough to be creative and to work within the confines of a budget while still creating something spectacular that fulfills your dreams. That’s why your choice in selecting the appropriate landscape company to partner with for your outdoor living project is so important.

We know that everyone has a budget. Fortunately, we have ideas that you may not have thought of which can help you meet your budget without completely compromising your dream space. We’re accustomed to working within the confines of a budget. It happens all of the time.

Don’t leave your dreams in the hands of a company that lacks the creativity and the know-how to make them come true in an value-engineered and cost-effective way. Even worse, don’t leave your outdoor living dreams in the hands of a company that will cut corners to keep your budget on track. This leaves your project open to serious problems down the road that could end up costing you more in the long-run. There’s no reason you should have to compromise quality when there’s a company that can help you have it all.

If you’d like to start a conversation about your outdoor living dreams for your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, that fits into your budget, then contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Phasing a Landscaping Project When You Can't Afford It All At Once

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 04:51:41 GMT

Is your outdoor living wishlist growing bigger than your budget? If it is, then you’re not alone. When push comes to shove, most homeowners, regardless of means, have bigger dreams for a space than they actually plan to spend on it.

And that’s okay—because it’s great to dream big. We only live once and there’s nothing wrong with putting some thought into what you really want, if your budget would allow for it.

In fact, by dreaming big, you can also start thinking about the potential of phasing a project—because chances are, you don’t want all of those items to remain on a wishlist forever. You’d like to actually see them become part of your backyard at some point. When a project is phased, it’s built over time and therefore allows you to execute your long term plan in bite-sized pieces that won’t diminish your funds all at once.

If you’re thinking about landscaping phases, then there are some important things you should consider.

It’s All About the Landscape Phasing Plan

In order to be successful in having a project built over time, you need a landscape phasing plan, also referred to as a “master plan.” A master plan will include all of the details of the project, including what it will look like when it’s completely finished as well as what phases need to be completed in what order. It’s the master plan that will help you and your landscape contractor to make informed decisions that will ensure your project is installed in a way that makes most sense both from a cost perspective as well as a logistics perspective.

The more detailed this plan is, the better. You want to feel confident that your landscape designer has thought of everything. After all, it’s when a project is not phased properly that costs—and stress levels—begin to rise. For instance, the last thing that you want is to have your patio torn up because there were access issues for perhaps phase two that were not considered.

Landscaping Project Phases

It’s important to recognize that the exact phases in which a project is designed and built are not only driven by budget but also logistic factors like access or perhaps local codes. For instance, you couldn’t have a pool built but “phase” the addition of a fence since a fence is required by code. Those two features will always need to be built together.

The exact order of phasing can differ based on the specifics of the project , but in order to give you a better sense of how phasing works, we’ll give you an example of one way in which a project may be phased.

Phase 1: The Patio

Most landscaping project phases begin with the patio . But during phase one and the construction of the patio, if your future phases include an outdoor kitchen or a pavilion, we would also install the pavilion footers and run utility lines for these. The idea is that we never want to have to rip up a new patio to perform work that could have been completed earlier on . It’s a hassle and an expense to rip up your patio later and is the very reason why a master plan and phasing is so important.

Since outdoor lighting is a landscape design element that most of our clients eventually add at some phase we would also install lighting conduit for wiring during phase one in order to prepare for a future landscape lighting installation . Since this will be run underneath and around the patio, it’s important that it’s installed in advance.

If your future plans also include a pool (which we’ll use in this example), then careful consideration should also be given to how the patio will impact that space. We have seen scenarios in which a patio was built with no thought given to the future pool and it created a series of drainage and stormwater runoff issues across the property.

In terms of plantings, most outdoor living areas include at least some plantings during phase one, even if future plans include much more. As additional areas are added to your property in future phases, then additional landscape beds may also be added.

As far as trees, if one of your goals is to utilize trees to create privacy screening around a future pool , it’s important to think about that now in this early phase. Large trees take time to grow and mature so part of the phasing might include planting those trees early on. Then by the time that the pool is installed, they may already be providing some screening.

Phase 2: The Swimming Pool and More

Your swimming pool might be the final addition and will be installed with no added hassle thanks to advanced planning on the master plan.

Sometimes, homeowners also want to continually upgrade their space with other exciting add-ons that might be part of phase three—or even a fourth phase. Of course, these types of additions can actually be added at any time and don’t require the same sort of planning and construction.

These features might include:

Golf Greens
Audio/Visual components
Landscape lighting
Bocce or quoit courts or horseshoe pits

Phase 3: The Pavilion and Outdoor Kitchen

When it’s time to build the pavilion and outdoor kitchen , they can be added right onto what is already there since these features were already planned for in advance. This means no added hassle or additional spending for you. On top of that, because the master landscape design plan took into account the overall look of the finished space, these additions will blend seamlessly, as though they’d always been there from the start.

Working with a Designer who Understands Landscaping Phases

There is no question that proper phasing is the best way to ultimately have all of the features on your wishlist become part of your finished project. But not all landscape designers truly understand phasing—or even take the time to ask you about your future plans, for that matter. Unfortunately, this approach can be detrimental and cause long term heartache and spending in the process for certain individuals. After all, not all homeowners realize that planning for the future of your landscape now is critical and will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

But we’ve seen enough properties in which future plans were not accounted for and the property had to be completely re-dug and torn apart. We’ve also seen projects in which each phase actually looks like a separate project instead of blending in a cohesive fashion that makes new installations look like they are timeless and were always meant to be.

We can’t stress enough that proper phasing all comes down to the master plan.

You might want to think of it as the “roadmap to making good, sound decisions.”

By choosing to work with a landscape designer who takes that seriously, you’ll be on your way to phasing the project of your dreams while keeping it in a budget that’s reasonable for you.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have phased many projects over the years, but by looking at our portfolio, you wouldn’t know it—and our clients are quite happy about that. After all, when you’re investing the outdoor living project of your dreams, you want it to come together the way that you really want—even if it’s years down the road.

If you’re thinking about phasing a landscaping project that you can’t afford all at once for your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, then contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-276-9447. We also invite you to ask us about which of our projects were phased and we can show you plenty of examples.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Where to Put a Fire Pit: Patio or Separate Area for the Best Backyard Layout?

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 05:45:04 GMT

Where Can You Put a Fire Pit in Your Backyard?

A fire pit can become part of your patio or live in its own corner of your yard. If you’re trying to decide where to put a fire pit, it comes down to how you want your space to feel when you step outside at the end of the day.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, you work with a team that designs outdoor spaces around real life, whether that’s hosting friends on cool nights or unwinding with family after dinner.

A fire pit on your patio keeps everything connected and easy. A separate fire pit area creates a quieter, more relaxed destination. Both can work beautifully when they’re planned and built by a team of local professionals.

Fire Pit on a Patio vs Separate Area: Which Works Better?

When you’re deciding where to put a fire pit, think about how you actually use your space.

Are you stepping outside with a drink after dinner? Hosting friends on a fall night? Letting the evening stretch a little longer than planned?

Both options work. A patio setup gives you convenience and connection. A separate area creates a sense of escape. The difference lies in how the space feels when you’re in it and in the crucial details that go into it.

When a Fire Pit Patio Makes the Most Sense

A fire pit on your patio keeps everything close and effortless. You step outside, grab a seat, and you’re already in it. This setup works best if you:

Like to host and keep everyone together
Want the fire pit close to your kitchen or main seating area
Use your patio often and want to extend it into the evening

Designs like a circular patio with a fire pit or a fire-pit patio with a curved seating wall naturally draw people in and keep conversations flowing.

For a deeper look at layout and material choices, explore what goes into the best fire pit design .

When a Separate Fire Pit Area Works Better

A separate fire pit area changes the pace. You leave the patio, walk into the yard, and settle into a space that feels quieter and more relaxed. This setup works best if you:

Want a place to unwind at the end of the day
Prefer some distance from the house and noise
Have space to create something that feels like a retreat

A corner fire pit nook, a gravel fire pit area landscaping setup, or a sunken fire pit with a conversation pit creates that slower, more immersive feel.

Best Fire Pit Placement Ideas for Different Backyard Layouts

The best place for your fire pit depends on your layout and how you want to use it. Each option creates a different experience in your backyard.

Circular Patio with Fire Pit (Central Gathering Space)

A circular patio with a fire pit works when you want everything centered around connection. Seating wraps around the fire so everyone stays part of the conversation.

Best for: hosting, entertaining, and making your fire pit the heart of your backyard.

Sitting Wall with Fire Pit (Built-In Seating That Feels Intentional)

A sitting wall with a fire pit gives you built-in seating that always looks finished. You don’t have to move chairs or rethink the layout.

Best for: a polished, low-maintenance space that’s always ready.

Sunken Fire Pit with Conversation Pit (High-End, Immersive Design)

A sunken fire pit with a conversation pit creates a space that feels separate the moment you step into it.

Best for: a more immersive, tucked-away setting where people stay longer and settle in.

Corner Fire Pit Nook (Smart Use of Unused Space)

A corner fire pit nook turns an underused part of your yard into a functional gathering spot.

Best for: adding a fire pit without taking over your main patio.

Separate Gravel Fire Pit Area (Relaxed, Natural Feel)

A gravel fire pit area landscaping setup gives you a more natural, casual feel that’s easy to shape around your yard.

Best for: low-maintenance flexibility and a softer, less structured look.

Questions to Ask Before Building A Fire Pit

Talking through these questions with a landscape designer can help you determine where on your property a fire pit is best situated to maximize its use and ensure it’s a feature that enhances your space—not detracts from it.

Of course, it’s important to mention that not all landscape contractors in Central PA will take the time to get this detailed when adding a fire pit to your outdoor living area. That’s why it’s so important to work with a landscape company that champions the design process and, like all aspects of your outdoor living area, will think through every possible detail and help you make the best decisions.

1. Do you want a square or a round fire pit?

2. Do you want a seat wall?

3. How many people do you envision at your fire pit?

4. What will this space be used for?

5. Do you want a wood-burning or gas-powered fire pit?

6. From which direction does the wind primarily come on this property?

7. Have you had a fire pit before, and how did you use it?

More Fire Pit Landscaping Ideas

If you’re exploring backyard fire pit ideas, it helps to see how different layouts come together and how they could fit into your own space.

How to Set Up a Fire Pit Area So It Feels Intentional

A fire pit works best when it feels like it belongs in your yard, not just placed in it.

1. Position It for Flow and Accessibility
Keep it close enough for convenience, but far enough to feel like its own space. Connect it with a walkway if needed and avoid interrupting natural traffic flow.

2. Build a Seating Layout That Feels Natural
Circular layouts encourage conversation. Built-in seating keeps the space clean, cohesive, and ready to use.

3. Use Materials to Define the Space
Pavers create a polished fire pit patio. Gravel offers flexibility. Natural stone blends into your landscaping for a softer look.

4. Create Privacy and Atmosphere
Use landscaping, elevation, and lighting to shape how the space feels, especially at night.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, you work with a local team that designs and builds everything in-house, so your space feels cohesive from the start and continues to work as your needs evolve

When to Consider an Outdoor Fireplace Instead

A fire pit isn’t always the best fit. In some layouts, it makes more sense to consider an outdoor fireplace.

A fireplace creates a defined focal point, directs heat more intentionally, and works well when you want a more contained seating area.

Why Fire Pit Placement Should Be Part of a Larger Landscape Design Plan

Where you place your fire pit affects how your entire backyard works. It influences how people move through the space, where conversations happen, and how everything connects from your patio to the rest of your yard.

When you plan your fire pit as part of a full landscape design & build , you avoid common issues like awkward layouts, poor flow, or a space that feels disconnected. Instead, everything works together, from seating and materials to lighting and future additions.

Get the Right Fire Pit Placement for Your Backyard

You’ve seen how different layouts change the way your backyard looks, feels, and functions, from a connected patio to a separate space that lets you slow down and unwind.

The right choice comes down to how you live outside and how you want your space to work day to day. At Earth, Turf, & Wood, you get a team that guides you through the entire landscape design & build process .

If you’re ready to move forward, let’s talk about where to put a fire pit and design a space you’ll actually use and enjoy.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

How Patio Planning Goes from Overwhelming to Fun and Easy

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 00:29:18 GMT

If you’re in the process of patio planning, even if you’ve only just begun your research, then you may have already realized that there’s a lot involved. There are so many different factors in play and a big range of choices when it comes to patio materials and even patio builders (all with different price ranges), and you might feel terribly overwhelmed.

If you are going to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new patio, you want it to be perfect. It ought to not only look nice but should not have ongoing problems with it either. You should be able to create a patio that meets your needs and doesn’t have you wondering if you wasted your money.

We understand that patio planning can be stressful—but it’s also an exciting addition and you ought to be able to have some fun with it. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the questions that should be asked as you start to create your perfect patio plans.

What Will the Main Use of the Patio Be?

When formulating patio plans that will work for your space, it can be incredibly helpful to know how it’s going to be used on a regular basis. Sure, you’ll have special events and parties, but in terms of the everyday use, what will you be doing?

Will you be preparing and eating family meals outside? Are you looking for a space where you can lounge by the pool (now or in your future)? Or, is the patio more of a spot where you plan to hang out after dinner and could see yourself enjoying social time by a fire pit?

As you dream about what you want your patio to be, it’s helpful to also dream about how you see yourself using it. This will guide you in making the best choices in terms of everything from its size to its layout and even what features you might add on.

Who is Typically Using Your Patio, and How Often?

Along with how you’ll use your patio, you’ll also want to think about who you’ll use it with. Is it a space for your immediate family only or do you have neighbors that come over several times a week?

Do you have regular gatherings that take place at your home? What is the number of people that you will entertain on average for both a small and a larger size gathering? Again, thinking about these factors in advance will help you to make important decisions regarding the patio plans that are best for you and your needs.

What Are the Ages of Patio Users?

As you think about how will be regularly using your space, think about their ages and the needs that come along with those ages. For instance, if you have young children or grandchildren (your own or someone else’s) that will be regularly using the space, then you might be thinking about factors like safety or being set up for playing. If there are older children that will be using the space, then you might be thinking about hang-out spots and encouraging the kids to “stay put” at your house where you can maintain a closer eye.

Of course, you might not have children using the space at all. Instead, perhaps, you are thinking about elderly relatives that visit regularly or maybe you’re even concerned about your own aging and how the space will be usable for you. There’s no doubt that age is an important consideration when it comes to patio planning.

What Will be the Primary Time of Use?

Time of use also makes a difference in the features that could make your patio space more comfortable and more functional. For instance, if you’ll also use your patio in the evening hours, then you’ll definitely want to consider landscape lighting . If you’ll often be using your patio in the heat of the day, and you’ll be right in the sun, then you’ll also want to consider options for shade, such as a pavilion or pergola.\

Chances are, you’ll be using your patio at multiple different times and therefore want to consider multiple options to ensure that your space is usable no matter when.

What Patio Furniture Will Be Used?

It might sound obvious but you’d be surprised just how often the desired patio furniture is not given any thought prior to a patio build. But when patio contractors fail to ask about the furniture you’ll be using on your patio, then it’s possible to design the space in a way that the furniture won’t fit.

Just because you have a six-person dining set right now, maybe you’re planning to fit an eight- or ten-person set on your future patio, or even additional tables. But if you don’t plan the layout and sizing of the patio to accommodate this change, you could be sorely disappointed. We’ve seen finished patios where the chair legs are falling off the edge because another landscape designer didn’t think to discuss this.

What are Your Hobbies?

Are you or your spouse really into cooking—so much so that you’d really enjoy a space with a kitchen and cool cooking appliances ? Or, is your hobby quoits or horseshoes, and you love the idea of a game area right off of the patio? Maybe you really love the idea of adding some great music or watching sporting events when you’re in your outdoor space.

The fact is, your hobbies are important to you and you want an outdoor space that will accommodate them. But patio builders who are only focused on giving you a cookie-cutter patio simply aren’t going to take your hobbies into account when planning your space. By making sure that your favorite forms of entertainment are considered in the patio plans, you can make the outdoor living space your own.

What are Some of the Special Events in the Future?

There’s no question that special uses of the space will impact who is there and how it’s being used. If you’re planning on hosting special events in your future like a graduation party or a bridal shower, it can be helpful to discuss those events and how your new patio can best accommodate them. After all, the perfect space can make your event that much more spectacular.

Do You Have Future Plans for the Space?

When it comes to a complex outdoor living project, you might be thinking about incorporating the plans in phases. For instance, while you might plan to have the patio installed right away so that you can start using it, you may plan to add an outdoor kitchen or even a pavilion at a later date.

This is important to know upfront as running lines for gas-powered appliances in the kitchen and installing footers for the pavilion should be done during the initial patio construction so that you don’t have to come back and dig up your patio later.

Will You Be Selling Your Home or Staying Put?

Certainly, you can’t predict the future. But chances are, you have some idea as to whether you’re going to be staying in this home for five, ten, or even twenty years down the road or if selling is in your future. This is important information as it can impact the patio design.

For instance, if you know you’re moving in five years, you may want to focus on something simpler that will meet your needs and help with resale value, but won’t cost you too much since you may be building another patio at your new home in the future. Or, if you know this is your forever home, then you may want to go all out and build the patio of your dreams. The distinction is important.

What Styles Do You Prefer?

While most of these questions have addressed functionality so far, your personal style preferences are really important as well. After all, it’s your space and you ought to love it. Unfortunately, some patio contractors will push a cookie-cutter design on you.

Instead, you want something that is truly your own.

Personal preferences will affect everything from the shape of the patio to the materials used. The planning process should cover what you like and dislike from other patios you have seen. Looking at patio pictures is a great way to start honing in on what’s best for your patio plans.

Choosing Patio Builders in Lancaster, PA and Surrounding Areas

You have good reason to be concerned that you may end up with a patio builder who won’t help see your vision come to life the way you really want it to. After all, the truth is, typical patio companies don’t ask all of these questions or focus on all of these details. They have you pick out a general size and choose materials, and then they start building. They simply aren’t known for understanding deeper details beyond this.

Unfortunately, this ordinary approach can make a huge impact on the return on investment and on the return on entertainment that you’ll get out of the space.

Instead, you can make the choice to work with a company that goes far beyond just size and materials and really digs into all of the details we’ve talked about here. These details matter! Not only will they make the patio planning process more fun, but they’ll help ensure that you end up with a space that you truly love.

Don’t get stuck with a patio that falls short of your dreams. Choose your patio contractor wisely and gain the peace of mind that your finished patio will be spectacular.

If you’d like to start a conversation about your perfect patio at your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Landscape Design Consultation

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 06:39:11 GMT

One of the most critical steps in bringing your outdoor living dreams to life is the design phase. This invaluable process is where ideas start to evolve from mere conceptions to reality. Given the value of a great landscape design, it’s important that you fully maximize your first step in this process, the landscape design consultation meeting.

If you're considering or have already scheduled a landscape design consultation with us, then this article is perfect for you. In order to get the maximum benefit out of your consultation, here are 6 questions you should ask yourself in advance.

1. Will this Landscape Design Work in Our Future?

While there’s an inclination to think of design in terms of what you want now, when you’re investing in an outdoor living area, it makes sense to also think about how the space will be utilized in your future.

Will the same design work 5, 10, or even 15 years from now? What might change about your life between now and then? Will there be children or grandchildren to consider? Will there be aging relatives to consider or even restrictions due to your own aging ? Will there be an addition added to the home at some point? Will any of these future plans impact the need for running utility lines for project phases completed years from now? These are all great questions to ask explore with your landscape designer.

2. What Style Best Fulfills Our Interests?

Style matters as much for the exterior of your home as it does for your interior. Are you more of a modern/contemporary person or do you love natural, free-flowing design? Do you like design styles with Asian influences or perhaps design styles with elements of Tuscan influences? These types of questions can really be helpful in getting to the root of what style you want your landscape design to incorporate.

A lot of times people will say they don’t have a “style,” but it quickly becomes obvious as they peruse through pictures that certain style elements interest them more than others.

This is a key reason why we always recommend that homeowners take time to “dream.” Browse magazines, Houzz , or on Pinterest and look for lots of ideas and highlight things that you like best.

3. What Add-Ons or Features Are We Most Interested In?

Oftentimes, homeowners think about their outdoor living project on a grand-scale without much thought given to the “features” that will make up that space. For instance, you might know with certainty that you want an outdoor kitchen but you may not have given a tremendous amount of thought to what features you desire that kitchen to have . Of course, it’s the features that really can take a space from ordinary to extraordinary.

Some of the additional features that can really enhance your space include (but are not limited to):

Kitchen Appliances (grill, power burner, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, ice maker, sinks, etc.)
Outdoor Lighting
Audio/Visual Additions
Storage Solutions
Water or Fire Features
Pool Features (fountains, rock walls, slides, etc.)
Decorative Walls, Steps and/or Walkways
Planting Beds, Containers, or Built-in Planters
Structures ( pavilions, pergola , poolhouse)

4. Do We Have Any Vested Interest in the Plant Material?

Are there plants that you love or that you hate? We find that oftentimes homeowners have some very specific opinions on the plant material used for their landscape design and we think that’s fantastic. You should enjoy every aspect of your outdoor living project when it’s complete, down to the plant material used. Perhaps there is a certain plant that reminds you of a loved one or that you’ve always enjoyed. Or, perhaps there is a plant that you can’t stand due to its smell or appearance. These are important details to bring up during the landscape design consultation.

Of course, some plants are better suited to specific situations. There are plants that are best near pools , best for privacy , or even best for being low maintenance . Landscape designers with extensive plant knowledge will also be able to help you in making the ideal selection for your needs.

5. How Much Maintenance Do We Plan to Perform on Our Landscape?

Your expectations for maintaining your landscape are another important point of discussion during a landscape design consultation. That’s because there are definitely ways to create a low maintenance design which will require less work on your part or on the part of your landscape maintenance contractor. Some material choices may cost you more initially but may save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

If you’re someone who likes being out there and maintaining your plant beds because gardening relaxes you, then that’s valuable information to share with your designer. But if you want a hands-off landscape, then the approach to that design would be entirely different.

6. Are We Aware of Problem Areas On Our Property?

Do you have existing erosion, poor soil, or drainage issues that you already know are going to pose problems during a landscape redesign? Perhaps you always have standing water in a certain part of your yard or you have a sloping property .

What about environmental pressures such as high winds, excessive shade, or an overabundance of sunlight in some areas?

If you are aware of issues, you should bring these up as your landscape designer will be able to devise solutions. Of course, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to be unaware of certain problems with their property and that’s okay. It’s important to work with a landscape designer that will know what potential problems could impact your finished project. While a conversation about concerns is the least enjoyable aspect of a landscape design discussion, it’s an essential one.

Unfortunately, even many landscape designers in Lancaster, York, Reading, and Hershey, PA, breeze over this part of the conversation. Even worse, some leave it out entirely! They know that it’s not something that is appealing or exciting to talk about and worry it would be a turnoff to discuss.

But you should think of it as just the opposite.

When you’re investing in something as valuable as a new outdoor living area, you want to be sure that you’re working with a landscape designer who will be able to address any problems on your property or else you won’t be able to get the full enjoyment out of your space.

The last thing that you want is for an unaddressed drainage problem to cause a mudslide into your pool every time that it rains or for water to build up beneath your brand-new patio because drainage was never a consideration.

Choosing the Best Landscape Designers in Lancaster, York, Reading, Lebanon, and Hershey, PA

If you’ve considered or already have scheduled a landscape design consultation with a particular company, then you’re obviously seriously considering them for your finished project. Being prepared for that valuable meeting and getting the full scope of what the company can offer you should help you come to terms with that final decision.

In the end, you want a company that is going to fully meet all of your needs and help design a space that is exactly what you were dreaming of—or perhaps, even better.

By working with a company that takes the landscape design consultation seriously, and takes the time to work through this information (and more) with you, you can feel confident that you’re making a wise choice amongst landscape design companies. After all, a company that is detail-oriented in the design phase is going to be just as detail-oriented as they bring it to life and that can help take your project to a whole new level.

If you’re ready to have a detail-oriented conversation about a project at your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, contact us to schedule your free consultation or give us a call at 717-276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Adding a Patio Under Your Deck: Tips and Ideas for Homeowners in Lancaster and Reading, PA

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 07:08:11 GMT

A patio under a deck can be a great way to get even more use out of your backyard. When designed and built well, you’ll have the deck for upper level entertaining and that space can flow seamlessly into your lower level entertainment zone.

Of course, you might not be sure how to transform the area and make it look its best. Plus you might have a lot of questions such as:

Can it be used when it’s raining?
What ideas are there for creating a patio under my deck?
Who should I hire for the work?

We’ll answer all of these and more so that you can ensure that your new space gets maximum use.

Patio Under a Deck Design Ideas that Must be Addressed

Before you can even begin construction on a patio beneath a deck, there are some very important considerations to take into account in the design. The truth is, an undertaking like this is a lot more complex than most people might realize. If these factors are not taken into account, you run the risk of investing money into a space that isn’t functional and won’t get maximum usability.

Here are some important considerations that cannot be overlooked.

Headroom

If you’re adding a patio beneath an existing deck, then you’re going to have to consider the amount of headroom that’s already there. If it’s not enough to stand and move around, then one solution would be to excavate deeper and provide more space by building the patio lower.

This isn’t just a simple task. When excavating, careful consideration must be paid to how the change could impact your home’s foundation. Of course, the optimal situation is to build the deck and the patio at the same time so that a factor like this can be accounted for from the very beginning.

Drainage

The addition of a patio under a deck can have serious drainage implications that absolutely need to be planned for. When you install a ceiling underneath your deck, you must account for the water coming through so that the patio and everything below (such as people and furniture) are not getting wet. After all, one of the benefits to building under a deck is the ability to create a covered space which can be used when it’s raining.

This can be achieved with ceiling materials for rainproofing along with the installation of piping to allow the water to flow into downspouts and away from the finished space (and away from the home). This can be a complex undertaking and it’s important that it’s designed in a way that is still aesthetically pleasing. The last thing that you want is piping that sticks out as an eyesore.

A patio can also cause potential drainage concerns around the foundation of your home. If you’re adding hardscaping, it’s important that you have a solution in place to ensure it’s not moving patio surface water toward your basement. The last thing that you want is for your new patio to be the reason for water in your basement.

Grading and Low Clearances

The grade of your backyard is also a consideration that needs to be taken into account during the design phase . If your yard has slopes, then retaining walls might be needed to prevent washouts from sending mud all over your new patio.

In addition, if you have an issue where there is a low clearance on one side, where the patio is going to go, then excavation will be required—and likely a retaining wall, too.

More Patio Under the Deck Ideas

If you’re looking to add a patio under your deck, then you might be thinking about added features and design ideas to make your space look and perform optimally.

Incorporating Deck Steps

Being able to get from your deck to your patio (and vice versa) easily is key to a successful space. Steps will help you to achieve this goal. If you already have an existing deck, then the steps may already be there. This isn’t as ideal as building the steps at the same time as the patio as it’s now a structure that has to be worked around. Ultimately, you want both spaces to flow well. You don’t want the steps to feel as though they’re in the way.

When given the opportunity to design these two spaces at the same time, a design can be implemented in which the steps don’t take up usable space on the patio but instead ensure that the two spaces flow together seamlessly. This may even mean incorporating a spiral staircase, or one with a landing that changes directions, in order to “fit” the steps in with minimal impact on the patio space.

An additional opportunity may also present itself when designing a patio and deck project to consider the interior access to the patio by means of a walk-out door. Your home may already have this type of access in place, or you may want to consider adding a basement exterior opening. This option may be something to consider when perhaps additional deck steps to a lower patio may not be the best option on a given site.

Adding Lighting, Fans, & Heaters

The area beneath your deck can be quite dark which is why adding lighting can help make the space even more usable. Recessed lighting can be incorporated into the deck ceiling while lights can also be built into deck steps, surrounding retaining walls, or landscape beds.

If there’s enough headroom, a ceiling fan can even be made to help discourage mosquitoes and keep your space cooler in the summer. If you intend on using this area in the fall through early spring, you could even have radiant overhead heaters installed to stay toasty.

Choosing Patio Materials

Adding a patio under a deck with pavers or natural stone is an optimal solution to just pouring a concrete pad. It’s going to make your space that much more usable while also being much more aesthetically appealing. Patio pavers with a drainage solution are also ideal for keeping water away from your home.

Looking for Patio Companies Near Me

If you’re looking for a patio company in the Hershey, York, Lancaster or Reading, PA area, then you probably already know you have a lot of choices. While a lot of companies build patios , and that alone is complex, it should be noted that building a patio under a deck adds a whole new layer of challenges. Making a mistake or failing to account for some of the landscape design considerations we’ve discussed can be completely detrimental to the space as a whole.

The last thing that you want is to hire a patio company that’s just going to slap a patio under your deck without any real thought given to the many contributing factors that can come into play.

And if you do have a space that requires excavation in order to fit a patio with enough headroom, then you are getting into some very serious construction that has the ability to impact your entire property’s drainage abilities—as well as the possibility of water getting into your home. You want to be sure that you’ve chosen a company that can handle such a complex and serious task.

By making that wise choice, you can have the peace of mind that your finished space will not only be aesthetically beautiful but highly-functional. Instead of having to worry that you’ll be dealing with unforeseen issues, you’ll know that the company you’re working with has already thought ahead about those potential issues and implemented solutions.

If you’d like to have a conversation about adding a patio under a deck at your Reading, Lancaster, York, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Case Study: Landscape Design in York, PA with Ample Space and a Panoramic Golf Experience

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 07:39:30 GMT

When this York, PA family moved into their new home and set up their existing patio furniture, they were dismayed to find that it barely fit. Chairs were practically falling off the edge of the tiny concrete patio and there was hardly any room to move around the space. The family knew that they needed a bigger patio—not only to accommodate their furniture but to properly entertain.

This led them to start looking for the best patio builders in York, PA.

Their wish list included a large, natural stone patio with an outdoor kitchen, seating area, and a walkway connecting the patio to the driveway. The homeowners also desired some simple landscaping around the patio area. Their end goal was a space that they could enjoy to the fullest.

Patio Space to Entertain

Achieving that goal all started with a brand-new patio. To get started, the existing concrete patio had to be removed so that we could start from scratch. The homeowners already had some ideas about the material they desired for their new patio.

While the house was brick, they really liked the look of natural stone and ultimately chose flagstone for their patio material . However, in order to keep the project in line with budget and to also incorporate a brick-like look that would seamlessly blend the home and the patio, we used a Techo-Bloc paver as a patio border and to complete the new walkway (which lead to the home’s driveway). This style kept with the overall traditional look of the home that the homeowners appreciated.

Of course, the size of the patio was also crucial. The homeowners wanted an expansive patio to accommodate all of their existing furniture from their previous home. They also desired an outdoor kitchen with separate prep/cooking space and seating space at the countertop so that the chef could still socialize with guests.

Plus, they wanted enough room to have an entirely separate seating area, which could be a bit more intimate with a fire feature. This lead to the design of a large oval-shaped patio which could incorporate each of these spaces. The homeowners liked the idea of a spread-out space in which they could really move around and accommodate guests when they were entertaining.

Functionality was important to this family. After briefly living with the cramped and tiny concrete patio they originally had, they were ready to move on to something more functional.

The kitchen also has quite a few special features that make it highly functional. This includes a built-in trash container, a high-end grill with built-in cabinets underneath for storage, a built-in paper towel holder, a power burner (for boiling corn or big pots of chowder), three extra storage drawers, and a built-in refrigerator.

The homeowners wanted to have everything they needed in their outdoor kitchen so that they didn’t have to run in and out while entertaining guests.

Embracing the View on this York, PA Property

The views on this property were important to the homeowners as well. At the time of the construction, the husband had recently been hired as the new golf pro for the golf course that this home overlooked. The view of the course was a big appeal to the husband, who also happened to be the griller in the family. That’s why we positioned the grill so that he could have a great view of the course while cooking.

The view from inside the home looking out was also important to the family. The large picture window was part of the home’s dining area and the family liked to be able to eat a meal inside and enjoy their view of the outside. For this reason, it was important to them that the new kitchen did not obstruct their view.

We carefully arranged the landscape design , playing around with some of the angles, to ensure the family still had the perfect view from their dining table, even after the kitchen was installed.

Solving Problems with a Smart Landscape Design in York, PA

Oftentimes, with a new patio project, there are township requirements that come into play. That was the case here, where the amount of hard surface being added in the form of this large patio made it necessary that the homeowners also incorporate a stormwater management solution.

We achieved this with the installation of underground piping that connects to a seepage pit which is hidden underneath a plant bed. We worked with the township on this design in order to ensure their approval.

Stormwater management can be complicated but it’s something that we’re accustomed to dealing with. In this case, we were able to incorporate a solution that solved any runoff concerns without impacting the overall aesthetics of this patio in any way.

Meeting Needs & Making Landscape Design Dreams Come True

This York, PA family came in with some simple yet very specific requests and we were successful in meeting all of them. They expressed that they were very into a traditional look and it was our goal from day one to stick to that style. Our assistance with finding the right materials and design to fulfill that style helped ensure that their colonial home blended nicely with the brand-new patio which was added to the space.

In the years following this initial patio and outdoor kitchen project, we also assisted with the surrounding landscape design—which was also simple and classic at their request. We incorporated some boxwoods and some basic container gardens to contribute to that traditional look they liked so much.

Finding Patio Contractors in York, PA

When it comes to choosing amongst patio builders in York, PA, the choices are plentiful. A lot of companies offer patio construction. But you don’t just want any old cookie-cutter patio. You want something that truly solves your needs—just like this family did. Chances are you have very specific requests and you want them to be listened to. You don’t want to end up investing in a patio that isn’t what you wanted.

It is always our goal to work with the specific wants and needs of our clients and to offer solutions and ideas that will take their dream and make it even better. That’s why our clients are often left saying “it’s even better than I dreamed it could be.” No matter how basic or how complex a project, we’re always looking to bring it to life in a way that leaves our clients feeling that they got the space of their dreams—and beyond.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how you can bring your outdoor dreams to life at your York, Reading, Lancaster, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

The Best Landscape Design Process for Your Home in Lancaster, York, or Reading, PA

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 07:59:57 GMT

Deciding to have a large landscape project completed at your home is an exciting endeavor. Of course, whether it’s an outdoor kitchen, a patio, a pavilion, or all of the above, you want to be sure that it’s built right. That means hiring a landscape designer to professionally complete your design.

But excellent landscape design isn’t exactly cheap and you want to know that investing in it will be worth the cost. You may have been searching for “landscape design near me” online but you’re still not exactly sure what you’re going to get for your expense. The last thing that you want is to invest a lot of money into a “design” that took someone a measly 15 minutes to sketch.

When we talk about investing in high-quality design, we’re talking about a design that a professional has spent many hours (maybe even multiple days) formulating. It’s more than just a sketch. It’s a detailed landscape design plan that takes into account not only all of your wants and needs but also calculates grading, drainage solutions, and many other important details.

In the past couple of decades, we’ve heard many perspectives from our clients. Some of them, unfortunately, chose another landscape company that didn’t spend enough time on a previous design plan and unfortunately ended up disappointed with their results.

But the others learned that good design is a process and is actually quite involved with meetings, brainstorming, and of course, skill. This is what eventually led them to choose Earth, Turf, & Wood and we’d like you to completely understand what that really meant when formulating a plan for them.

Since this may all be brand-new to you, and in order to give you an idea of what you could expect if you decide to engage in the design process with us, we’ll walk you through that experience, step-by-step.

The Best Lancaster, PA Landscape Design Process

Going through the process of developing a high-quality landscape design is not something that is completed overnight. In fact, at Earth, Turf, & Wood there are several phases of meetings that we go through to develop a final design.

Step One: The Initial Consultation

The first step is a one-hour consultation. This is an important meeting and it’s ideal for all decision-makers of the home to be present to ensure that everyone’s ideas are on the same page.

A landscape design consultation either takes place at our office or at your home and is free of charge in most situations. During this initial step, you should plan to provide photos of ideas that you like and we’ll also have our portfolios ready for viewing.

We think of this initial consultation as a “listening session,” in that our landscape design team, is listening to all of your wants and needs. This includes your likes and dislikes, your budget for the project , and what your vision is for the space.

After the initial consultation, if you decide to move forward, we will then charge a landscape design fee in order for our designer to get to work on your design. The design fee is deducted from the last bill that you pay for the project, so it is not an “additional charge.” Paying a design fee indicates that you are serious about moving forward and allows us to secure your spot in our schedule.

Step Two: The Reveal Meeting

Once you’ve paid a design fee, our landscape designer will develop your custom design and schedule a “Reveal Meeting” to unveil it. This is almost always held at the Earth, Turf, & Wood office and we again request that all decision-makers are present.

At the Reveal Meeting, we’ll not only show you the design, but we’ll discuss preliminary prices. We try to compose preliminary prices so that there is a little bit of leeway if you decide to change materials or make other alterations. Following the Reveal Meeting, we would require a retainer to move forward. This is typically 10 percent of the overall project cost.

Once the retainer is collected, we will take whatever time is needed to tweak the design and before moving onto the final contract. There is no pressure to get to that point. All the retainer says is that homeowners like the direction the project is going and are committed to having Earth, Turf, & Wood complete the project when the final details are sorted out.

Step Three: The Contract Meeting

On a larger project (such as a large patio with an outdoor kitchen with utility runs, pavilion, etc.) we will meet a third time to finalize all details and move into a final plan before we begin construction.

If it’s a smaller project (such as just adding some landscape beds), we would likely have you sign a contract right after the Reveal Meeting if you plan to move forward. If there aren’t more decisions to be made, we can move forward right away. But for a large project, such as an entire outdoor living area , it’s not uncommon to go through several meetings making tweaks to the design until it’s just right.

In general, we only like there to be about a week in between meetings so that we can keep things moving forward. However, we know that our clients’ schedules are busy and this isn’t always possible. Sometimes our designer also has to attend meetings with the township or meet with supervisors in between meetings in order to verify township requirements on your landscape design plan.

Step Four: The Final Design

After getting your approval on the finalized landscape design, we’ll move into the construction phase, following the design as our detailed guide. Just like you wouldn’t have your home built without any plans, you should not begin construction on a major outdoor project without a high-quality and well-detailed design guiding the process.

HIRING A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

There are many approaches to landscape design and you can’t assume that all companies will handle it the same way.

While one company may outsource their design to someone that doesn’t even work within the company (potentially causing disconnects between the design and the actual construction), others may just perform a quick sketch and call it a “design.” Chances are, that’s not what you want.

You should end up with a landscape company that puts time, energy, and skill into a detailed design. This will help you to feel confident that a landscape contractor like this will bring that same level of attention and detail to all aspects of your project.

There’s no question that it can be a time-consuming process—on our end and on yours. It’s a commitment in terms of ongoing meetings and decision making. However, the more time that is invested in your design, the more accurate and precise it will be, and that’s a big deal.

Making a Great Choice for Landscape Design in York, Reading, or Lancaster, PA

In the end, your wise choice in hiring a landscape designer who goes through all of these steps will ensure that you wind up with the project that you truly desire. That’s because each step of the design process is focused on honing the design to perfection.

But when you work with a landscape company that does a quick sketch up, without a high level of detail, how can you really be sure what you’re going to get?

Unfortunately, we’ve heard some horror stories from homeowners who invested their hard-earned money into an outdoor living project that didn’t turn out the way they’d wanted. Had they chosen a company that was committed to the design process, they would have known what they were getting and been able to make changes early on. With good design, there aren’t any surprises when the project is complete. That’s why your choice, in this early stage, really matters.

Put simply, choosing a company that invests in your landscape design could be the difference between a brilliant finished project and one that falls short of your dream.

If you’d like to have a conversation about landscape design for your Reading, Lancaster, York, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Landscape Design for the Elderly: A Golden Plan for Aging in Place

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 08:36:32 GMT

Ever-improving advances in health care are allowing people to live longer than ever before. That means we have an unprecedented rate of aging Americans. In fact, according to Pew Research, 10,000 people retire every day.

This phenomenon has demanded new solutions for “aging in place.” Homeowners want a space that they can stay in for the long-haul. They don’t want to have to move down the line because their home or yard wasn’t aging-friendly.

Similarly, many homeowners are also looking for solutions for aging family members. For some, that has meant incorporating “in-law” quarters as part of their home. Research from the AARP has noted that 24 percent of baby boomers anticipate their parents or in-laws will move in with them at some point in the near future.

Homeowners who are looking to age in place not only want their home, but also their outdoor space, to be safe, comfortable, and conducive to aging.

If you’re someone that is looking for landscaping ideas for the elderly—whether it be for you and your spouse in the future or perhaps needs that you have right now for yourself or a family member—don’t worry. There are solutions out there that will ensure age isn’t a problem when it comes to enjoying (and feeling safe) in your yard.

Low Maintenance Landscaping for the Elderly

The last thing that you want as you age is a landscape that requires a ton of work. Even though you may have it professionally maintained, you want a landscape that is easily kept looking its best. Hiring a landscape company who can incorporate low maintenance landscape ideas will help achieve that goal.

This includes practices such as utilizing low-maintenance landscape plants that don’t require tons of trimming, are drought-tolerant, and are not prone to a lot of disease or pest problems. Hardy plants that would fit the bill include Sedge, Fountain Grass, Coneflowers, Creeping Juniper, Burning Bush, and Spirea to name just some. An experienced landscape designer in Lancaster, Reading, York, or Hershey, PA will be able to suggest a host of others.

Choosing high-quality materials is another way to keep your landscape low maintenance. For example, choosing composite instead of pressure-treated wood for your decks and structures will mean they don’t need to be regularly maintained over the years.

The same principle applies when it comes to choosing a patio material. Natural stone or high-quality pavers are going to last a lot longer and with minimal maintenance as compared to concrete. Investing in your property now will mean fewer headaches and maintenance in the future.

Lighting for Safety and Security

Ensuring that your property is well-lit with landscape lighting is another way to feel confident that it will remain safe and secure even as you age—or when you have elderly family or friends visit or stay. A professional landscaper should pay particular attention to areas of your property that pose trip and fall hazards—namely, anywhere that you have steps. But in general, you want to make sure that your entire outdoor living area is well-lit so that you can fully (and safely) enjoy it after the sun goes down.

You might even want to consider sensor lighting. Motion sensor-based lighting can prevent accidents by lighting up areas as you move about the property.

Installing Ramps or Minimizing Steps

A huge consideration in a landscape design for elderly homeowners is minimizing (or potentially eliminating) the number of steps necessary to get from point A to point B. When it comes to planning a landscape that is aging-friendly, you must think about all areas of your property—the front, back and, even the sides. If these areas have a lot of steps, you might be looking for a different solution.

A ramp may be one possible answer. You might also consider whether some of these areas can be re-graded and terraced in order to eliminate steps. The landscape design might be able to make a hilly area more gradual so that it is traversable with walkways. Regardless of whether you have ramps, gradually sloping walkways, or steps, you may also want to consider handrails on both sides.

The reduction of steps is a vital landscape change as a limited range of motion is common with aging. The more steps you have around your property, the more you create a risk of accidents. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older adults.

Creating a Separate Area for Aging In-Laws or Parents

If you plan to add (or already have) an in-law suite to your home for aging parents, then you might also want to think about a separate landscape design for them.

Oftentimes, in-law suites are large additions, attached to the existing home but with its own entrance/exit to the outdoors. Creating a private outdoor space will give the in-law suite residents privacy and some freedom.

Sometimes, a detached home is even built on the same property to be an aging parents’ residents, again behooving the importance of a separated landscaped area.

Adding Shade

A landscape design for elderly homeowners should also include lots of shade. We’ve found that retired homeowners love spending a lot of time outside. But the last thing they want to do is sit and bake in the sun all day. Think about adding shade with strategically placed shade trees , or possibly a pergola or pavilion . This will provide a peaceful place of respite in the yard.

Incorporating Ample Seating Areas

Having plenty of space to sit down is another key consideration of an aging-friendly landscape design. It may be a social space with ample seating for card parties. It might also be important to have lots of seating space to accommodate large families coming over to visit. If this is the case, the design might also include plenty of spots that the kids will love while they’re visiting.

Or, perhaps there won’t be a lot of visitors at all and there just needs to be plenty of seating around the property for the aging homeowners. We have aging clients who live alone but absolutely love spending time outside so we’ve added benches in several areas of their property to ensure they’re comfortable. It’s all about customization and finding the solution that is best for you.

Enjoying Bird and Animal Watching

We’ve also had a number of clients who really enjoy bird watching and we’ve incorporated some feeder areas into the landscape. One of these homeowners wanted to be sure she could view the birds from inside, as well, which meant that strategic placement of those feeding areas was key.

There are also many varieties of plants that will attract wildlife including birds and butterflies. If wildlife watching is important to you, then we can incorporate the right plants to encourage visits from nearby creatures.

Vegetable Growing or Gardening

If flower and/or vegetable gardening are valued pastimes, then we can incorporate areas to enjoy these hobbies into a design as well. Of course, getting down on the ground can be a bit more challenging with age which is why these can be designed as raised areas that would make it easy to work without a lot of bending over.

For those who are incredibly passionate about tending to plant material, you might even consider your own custom potting shed on the property. This is an area where you can get your seedlings started as well as store all of your gardening equipment.

While you may just think of it as something you enjoy, studies also demonstrate that participating in gardening activities as one ages can help promote better mental and physical health. It’s a great activity to keep your mind and body healthy.

Incorporating Special Plants

When landscaping for the elderly, we often find that there are certain plants which bring back memories. In fact, we’ve had more than one client tell us that even the fragrance of certain plants was linked to fond memories of their past. The nice thing about working with a landscape designer is that it opens up a wider range of plant material possibilities. If there are plants that are special to you, they can be incorporated into the design.

Eliminating Lawn Obstacles

Finally, your landscape design should also take into consideration any obstacles that might make your property dangerous in some way. For instance, removing trees with surface roots which create tripping hazards is one way to reduce risk on your property. If you don’t want to remove a tree, you might consider an extended mulch ring to properly cover those sticking up roots or discourage people from walking over them.

In general, your landscape designer should be thinking about how easy your design is to navigate. There should be ample space to move around without creating any sort of unnecessary risks.

Choosing a Landscaping Company that “Gets It”

These are just some of the vast number of considerations that should be taken into account when landscaping for the elderly. There are so many factors to consider and it’s all dependent upon your exact needs as well as the space that you have. That’s why a custom solution is critical.

Of course, finding a company that truly offers custom designs is not exactly an easy feat. Typical landscaping companies in Lancaster, York, Reading, and Hershey, PA are a dime a dozen and you can easily find one that will put together an average, cookie-cutter design.

But what you want is a landscape designer or Registered Landscape Architect that thinks outside of the box. You want to work with a company who is going to think about all of these little details—and more. In other words, you want a landscape contractor that “gets it.”

By finding a landscape company that has the experience, the skill, and the ideas to bring together a landscape design where you can safely and comfortably age, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll get the space you want and need. The last thing that you want is to wind up with an average landscape that will need changes down the road.

If you’d like to start a conversation about creating a landscape that will allow you or a family member to age in place at your Reading, Lancaster, York, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Leola, PA Landscaping Case Study: Sloped Property Turns into Multi-Leveled Functional Space

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 00:29:56 GMT

While slopes can certainly pose major challenges, it also creates the opportunity to have a property that is truly unique. When designed and built properly, slope challenges can be turned into a multi-level property with tremendous appeal.

That was the case for this Leola, PA landscaping project. The property had a major slope and the previous landscaping didn’t incorporate it into the design in any way.

Instead, the property had a big, single-level deck and then just dropped off. The deck also lacked interest and didn’t really create the entertaining friendly environment the homeowners were looking for. They had an existing lower level pool but the upper portion of the property was primarily desired to be used for entertaining when they were not swimming.

The homeowners, who were empty nesters, expressed that they were ready for a change.

It Started with a Landscape Design

At the time, the couple had just finished renovating their house in the “arts and crafts” style, also known as “mission style.” It’s an architectural style that originated in the late 19th century and is characterized as simple, casual, and comfortable. It features geometric lines and flat panels and it celebrates the beauty of wood grain. This architectural style typically includes homes with low-pitched gabled roofs with broad eaves, large front porches, and lots of exposed wooden structural elements. While the couple did not have a lot of specific requests, they definitely wanted their landscape design to reflect this look.

One way this was achieved was with the addition of a pergola that was designed to look Mission style. The exposed wooden beams absolutely added to the overall feel. The homeowners had also requested that their hot tub (an existing feature) not be covered so that their view of the stars was not blocked.

The pergola suited this request as well. It provided the shade that the couple desired so that they could more comfortably enjoy the space in the daylight hours. But come evening, the careful positioning of the pergola ensured that it did not obstruct their view of the stars.

The pergola features landscape lighting so that it can provide light during evening entertaining. It also has some fans to keep the space breezy and discourage bugs during the warm days.

And, we added some outlets in the space to plug in some outdoor lamps or provide charging for mobile devices. All of these additions make it feel like an outdoor room, minus the walls! With the incorporation of some comfy outdoor furniture, it’s just the type of cozy space the couple had wanted.

Making Functionality Beautiful

Of course, all of that new furniture created a new need—storage. That’s why we added a custom shed, designed to mimic one that was on display at Longwood Gardens. This is an excellent example of how a functional need can still be an aesthetically pleasing addition to a property. Though the shed was added purely for storage, it goes a long way in adding to the Mission style look of the property with its gorgeous wooden exterior.

Over by the shed, the couple also had a seating area with a nice bench. This shady spot was a great space to spend some quiet moments of rest and relaxation. This is one of the few grassy spaces on the property but the couple didn’t want just a big patch of turf.

That’s why we came up with a unique design that had scattered pavers in a juxtaposed look. It creates an interesting stepping stone pathway to the shed or to the bench area.

Landscaping in Leola, PA when Grading is an Issue

Adding various areas with steps to this property was also a huge addition in terms of making it more traversable. Previously, the property did have deck steps and a set of stone steps halfway down the slope to get to the pool. It was a bit more awkward. We aimed to make it more seamless.

Now there are various areas incorporating stone steps, which naturally blend with the new stone patio. A large set of stone takes you all the way down to the pool area. Instead of feeling like two entirely separate areas, by breaking it up into a couple different levels, the property feels like it flows much better.

It also adds a sense of “purpose” to the property, making all of those different levels meaningful rather than just a deck area up top and a pool below. Now the family feels as though they use the entire yard to its fullest.

Safety was also a big concern with this multi-level property. Easy-to-traverse and safe steps were important to this family as they looked to age-in-place in their home. The steps are well-lit to make it easy to walk down them when it’s dark. They are also a comfortable size to walk down safely.

Unifying the Look

This is the type of landscaping project that could have gone awry if the design hadn’t been focused on properly incorporating existing spaces with the new ones. The last thing that you want is for a new space to look like it doesn’t “belong.”

One of the big goals of the design was to “unify the look.” Because we were working with existing spaces—the pool area, boulders, and fire pit were already there—that the homeowners wanted to leave be, it was important that we added to the design in a conscientious way. In other words, we needed to make sure that the new spaces we added worked with what was already there.

That also included adding materials that fit the space. The homeowners had mixed materials throughout the property and that was a look they liked. We brought that same style to the additions we added. The main surface of the new patio is flagstone. On the patio steps, we incorporated some Techo-Bloc pavers along with additional flagstone with bullnose edging.

A Landscaping Project that Pleased

In the end, the homeowners were very happy with the result. Their wants and needs were not only met but added to with some additional ideas that we had (including making the space more multi-level).

This project is an excellent example of how an existing property can be added to in a way that enhances what’s already there. Of course, choosing the right Registered Landscape Architect was essential to this project’s success. With the grading challenges that were presented, there were many areas where this project could have gone wrong—or perhaps not come together in such a seamless way./

If you’re looking for landscaping in Leola, PA or surrounding areas like Lancaster, Reading, York, or Hershey, make sure that you find a professional that is up to the challenge.

A lot of landscaping companies are used to producing cookie cutter designs on relatively flat properties and may have been unsure of how to even handle the grading challenges present in this project. You must remember that choosing the right landscape professional is a key to the overall success (or failure) of your design.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how you can bring your outdoor ideas to life at your Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , York , Hershey or Leola, PA home, contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

4 Ways to Add Vibrant, Year-Round Color to Your Landscape Design

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 00:56:24 GMT

Adding color to your landscape with the use of various plants with colorful leaves, vibrant blooms, and other visual appeal can take your property to a whole new level of “wow.”

While most good landscape design has a nice mix of perennials and other shrubs which add some color, you might be looking for something truly spectacular. You’re thinking less about the standard plants you can pick up at your regional box store and more along the lines of your local botanical garden’s display. You want gorgeous, eye-catching color and you want it incorporated throughout your property.

You’re just not sure how.

Adding color to your landscape design can be accomplished in four key ways: by planting annuals (both flowers and also annual plants with colorful foliage interest), adding container gardens, installing planters, and incorporating gardens for cut flowers. We’ll look at each and how you can incorporate vibrant, year-round color by employing some of these ideas as part of your overall landscape design.

1. Flower Planting Ideas for Seasonal Annuals

Seasonal annuals are a great way to add color and wow factor to your landscape design—if installed properly. However, poorly installed annuals can have just the opposite effect. Here are some tips for installing seasonal annuals for color.

Spacing

Spreading annuals “here and there” all over the property is a common mistake that we often see with annual installation. A couple geraniums in between each of your shrubs are not going to have any significant impact on the overall enhancement of your property—and flowers should absolutely be an enhancement feature. But when they are scattered, you’ll hardly notice them or even worse, they will make your landscape look cluttered.

Instead, annuals should be clustered in large groups where they can make a big and powerful impact. A big grouping of colorful flowers is going to dramatically brighten your yard in a way that looks professionally designed rather than random and scattered.

Color Selection

The color scheme is also important. You might choose a series of different colors but want to be sure they don’t clash in a way that detracts from the appeal. Choosing a color scheme can require an eye for design. This is why consulting with a landscape professional and creating a landscape design in advance of planting is key.

Location

Plant location is also critical. We like to install a lot of annuals close to a front door or near a gate where they offer maximum curb appeal . Annual installation can be an attention-grabbing detail of a front yard renovation.

The same rules apply for the backyard, too. Cluster large groups of annuals together in your backyard plant beds near your patio or other areas where you and your guests spend the most time. Also, opt for maximum appeal by adding a lot of annuals—rather than just a few “here or there.” When it comes to annual installation that has the most impact, it should be a “go big or go home” mentality.

Strategic Bloom Timing

Finally, with any plant installations, you need to think about bloom time. A landscape designer who has a strong knowledge of plant material can ensure that there is always something colorful and blooming, no matter what the time of year.

When attention to detail is not given to bloom time you can very easily wind up with “holes” in your landscape where nothing is blooming—or even worse, it could look totally barren. Different plants offer different forms of color at varying times of the year. As a result, you want the design to be strategically laid out with this in mind.

2. Container Garden Ideas that Wow

Similar rules to annual planting apply to container gardens. For example, you want to be sure to put them in special places where they’ll offer the most wow factor. Think on either side of a front porch, near a front gate, and in prominent places around your backyard .

You also want to make sure they look thoughtfully designed, not cluttered. One rule of thumb to follow for planting a spectacular container garden is to choose something that spills, something that fills, and something that thrills. For example, petunias make a nice filler, sweet potato vine or ivy makes a nice spiller, and something eye-catching and vertical makes a nice thriller like dracaena spikes.

You can also make a big impact with your container gardens by choosing a gorgeous urn or sculpture to plant in. We’re not talking cheap plastic planters from your big box store. Opt for something truly one-of-a-kind such as a tall stone urn or a gorgeous and oversized piece of pottery. The type of container that you choose will have a big impact on the overall look of your planter.

By following some of these ideas for container gardens, they can be a gorgeous addition to your outdoor living space or your front yard landscape design.

3. Permanent Flower Planter Ideas

Whereas a container garden is planted in a movable structure like a pot or an urn, a planter is built-in or permanent. Planters can be added on the property or even be constructed as part of another structure. For instance, built-in deck planters are a great way to add vibrant color all around a deck.

Planters can even be built from stone or pavers in a totally custom design that best suits your property. The raised-up look of a custom-built planter draws even more attention to it, helping it to truly stand-out as part of your landscape design

While we generally recommend following some of the same rules of thumb as planting annuals or container gardens, at the end of the day, you should have what you want in your planters. For instance, in the raised stone circular planter shown, the homeowner did not desire a lot of plant variety—he just wanted some specific flowers (salvia and nepeta) in order to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to his property.

That was a very specific “want” that we worked to fulfill. And although there isn’t a lot of variety in the plant material, the texture of the stone and the use of a tall urn container garden atop of the planter add their own interest to this design.

The built-in planters on this property are also irrigated to meet the plants’ water needs without the need for hand watering. They are also professionally lit so they can be enjoyed during the evening hours.

4. Ideas for Gorgeous Cut Flowers

If having fresh-cut flowers inside your home or on tables in your outdoor area is important to you, then you might also want to consider adding some plantings that can be regularly cut for their blooms. This includes annuals, perennials, and even flowering shrubs . The idea is to have a nice succession of flowering so that there is always something in bloom outside brightening up your exterior and available to be cut for added appeal in vases.

There are a few things to consider if you’re adding plants for cutting. One is that you’ll want to have enough plantings that your periodic cuts don’t make your exterior look bare. For instance, if you have a few large hydrangea bushes, cutting off some blooms for vases isn’t going to negatively impact the outdoor appeal.

Another thought to keep in mind is the fact that certain plants which are nice for cutting can sometimes look slightly less manicured within the landscape. Zinnias, for instance, have a long stem and make a spectacular bouquet for a vase. However, they can look less neat and trim within the landscape than other plant varieties.

If we’re planning a landscape design for a homeowner who wants to make frequent arrangements for inside their home, we might hide the zinnias behind some other plants that look more manicured. These details require forethought and planning so that you can truly have the best of both worlds—flowers that look fantastic in your landscape and ones that will compose stunning arrangements.

Choosing a Landscape Contractor for Your One-of-a-Kind Design

While pretty much any landscape contractor under the sun offers color installations, the finished product that you’ll wind up with can really run the gamut. An average landscape contractor is going to create an average landscape design—a few shrubs, a few basic flowers in front of them, and maybe a couple boring planters. In other words, you’ll wind up with something run-of-the-mill.

But you want something extraordinary.

To achieve a landscape design with color that wows, you need to hire a landscape contractor in Lancaster, PA or its surrounding areas that has a Registered Landscape Architect who truly understands design and plant material choices.

By doing so, you’ll be able to see how thoughtfully planted beds, container gardens, planters, and even flowers for cutting help bring your entire landscape to life in a brilliant fashion. Your addition of color will be more than just the finishing touch on your complete outdoor space—it will be the wow factor that takes it to a whole new level of awesomeness.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how you can bring more color to your outdoor living project at your Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , York , or Hershey , PA home, contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Important Considerations and Design Ideas for Landscaping Church Grounds

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 01:55:03 GMT

Just as homeowners are looking to expand their living area with outdoor spaces, churches are also looking to extend their usable space to the outdoors.

As your church grows, you might be thinking about how you can expand and improve your campus for visitors and attendees.

Landscaping the church grounds with the addition of features such as pavilions, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas, will not only make the campus more aesthetically appealing, but it will make it more usable, too.

If you’re thinking about exploring various church landscaping designs, but feel as though you don’t know where to begin, then we’ve got lots of ideas to get you started.

Church Landscaping Ideas to Consider

There are many different church landscaping ideas that you might not have even thought of. Chances are, you have at least several groups that meet regularly at the church. By creating an outdoor space that they can meet, you add a whole new level of enjoyment to those meetings.

You also create more usable space, allowing your congregation and its various groups to spread out. While one meeting is taking place inside, another could be going on outside.

Here are some church landscaping ideas to consider.

Rehearsal Dinners

If you hold weddings at your church then adding an outdoor pavilion where the couple’s rehearsal dinner could be hosted would be a welcome addition.

A nice outdoor space might even become a site for the reception or even the wedding itself!

Youth Group Gatherings

An outdoor space could also be an area where your church youth group can hold their weekly gatherings.

It’s been popular to add an outdoor fireplace or an outdoor fire pit area to the youth group space where young people can gather around the fire, toast marshmallows, and have a comforting place to socialize.

Board of Elder Meetings

Being able to move your Board of Elder meetings outside of the four walls of the church can add a whole new level of enjoyment and appreciation to those regular meetings.

Pastoral Meetings

If one of your pastors is meeting with a member of the opposite sex for a pastoral counseling session, hosting that meeting in an outdoor space will help put the person at ease rather than meeting in a small enclosed office where they’re alone.

Church Picnics and Celebrations

With an outdoor pavilion , perhaps complete with an outdoor kitchen, you can start hosting annual picnics or other church events.

Maybe in the past, you’ve had to rent a space or even use someone’s home to host an outdoor gathering with the congregation. By adding a pavilion to your church grounds, you can now host those gatherings on site.

Kids’ Events

If your church hosts an annual Vacation Bible School or another form of kid’s camp, an outdoor space is a great place for the kids to have craft time, snacks, or even lunch, outdoors.

Similarly, if your church also encompasses a preschool, the outdoor space will be a welcome addition to be used for these activities. As parents increasingly seek out schools that incorporate lots of outdoor time into their preschooler’s day, an outdoor pavilion would make your preschool even more enticing and may boost your enrollment.

Daily Church Staff Lunches

Pastors and other church staff are often in their church office all day long during the week. By adding an outdoor pavilion with a kitchen , they now have a space to enjoy—and maybe even cook—their lunch.

Instead of being cooped up inside all day, they can go outside during the lunch hour, grill some burgers, and socialize.

How to Begin the Process

You may already be confident that you want to move forward with a design for landscaping at your church, but you don’t know what’s next. At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have already completed many church landscaping designs and have more in the works. We’ve seen what has worked well for churches in the Lancaster, Reading, York, and Hershey, PA areas.

Raising the funds for your new outdoor living area might mean organizing a capital campaign. Obviously, you already have expenses that your congregation’s weekly tithes contribute to. Therefore, organizing a separate capital campaign to raise funds for an outdoor space may be necessary.

In order to get buy-in from the congregation, you want to have a good landscape design that you can show them. A 3D rendering of the proposed space will help get regular attendees and members excited about the new space and on board to contribute. A beautiful rendering could be part of a successful presentation about the project.

Choosing a Professional for Church Landscape Design

Of course, in order to get that solid design, you need to work with a landscape contractor that truly knows their stuff.

You might be wondering whether the average landscape company has enough experience working with churches. The answer is likely, no. Most landscape companies have never worked with a church.

At the very least, you want to find a landscape company that has designed and built spectacular outdoor living space for residential homes, but even then you might be wary about how they’ll parlay those skills into a much bigger project. Ideally, you want to find a landscape professional who has worked on large-scale projects.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, not only have we built spectacular outdoor living space for residential homes but we’ve also built them for resorts and commercial spaces—and most importantly, we’ve built them for churches. There are definitely some differences when you’re building a pavilion for a backyard that only needs to accommodate a family of four and some guests versus building a pavilion that needs to accommodate 500 members of your church—or maybe more.

Since landscaping design for churches is not a brand-new concept for us, we’re not performing trial-and-error. We have tried-and-true church landscaping ideas to suggest on top of listening to your wants and needs in order to customize your plan.

It’s also important to note that church grounds, just like any other outdoor space, can be subject to problems that absolutely must be addressed before building an outdoor living area.

For instance, if your church has any sort of drainage problem, you want to make sure that a drainage solution is implemented to address those water concerns. The last thing that you want is to invest in an outdoor space only to have it damaged by unaddressed water issues. Choosing a landscape company that has the forethought, and the skill, to address problems is key.

A beautiful new outdoor space is no small investment and you want to be sure that you choose wisely when it comes to building it. After all, you want to ensure that all of the congregation members who invested in its completion are happy with the results. By choosing a landscape company that has experience in large-scale outdoor living spaces, you can feel confident that your new space will come together just as you imagined it—if not better.

If you’d like to discuss landscaping the grounds of your Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey, or Reading, PA church, then contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

17 Backyard Events & Party Ideas for Year-Long Entertainment at Your Lancaster, PA Home

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 02:27:05 GMT

Whether you have an outdoor living space that you’re looking to upgrade or you are adding something from scratch, the last thing that you want is an ordinary space that can’t be used for extraordinary events.

You’re looking for something more than just a simple pool or a stand-alone grill on a concrete patio. You want a spectacular space that can be used to host out-of-this-world events. In other words, you want to be able to host events that guests will truly never forget.

If you’re looking for backyard event ideas for unique ways to use your impressive space, here are 17 you’ll want to keep in mind.

1. Graduation Party

When it comes to backyard events, hosting a graduation party is a big one. You want to have a space where you can not only accommodate a large party but where you can keep your guests thoroughly entertained.

While a small pool might make your son or daughter’s friends, and your other guests, feel crammed in, a spacious pool will give everyone enough space. Your children and their friends can play a game of volleyball or swim while not being on top of your family that has brought young children to wade in the shallow end.

Nearby, at your outdoor kitchen and pavilion, you can set out your spread of food in a covered space. You can even be grilling while still socializing with all of the guests thanks to the strategic placement of your kitchen.

2. A Backyard Wedding or Reception

There’s nothing quite like a backyard wedding for a special and intimate affair. But in order to make it truly memorable, you’ll need a spectacular space. An outdoor pavilion can provide a covered space where guests can sit and watch or sit and eat.

As the event gets into evening hours, your gorgeous landscape lighting will ensure the party doesn’t have to end. In fact, you can even pre-program the lighting in the same color scheme as the wedding.

3. Bridal or Baby Showers

A bridal or baby shower is such a special event for the guest of honor. And it can be even more impressive when hosted in your stunning outdoor space.

The outdoor pavilion provides a covered space for guests to sit and have a place of respite from the sun—even on the hottest summer days.

4. Birthday Parties

Whether you’re hosting special “decades” party (40th, 50th, 60th, etc.) or even a child’s birthday party, the event will be all that much more exciting in your beautiful outdoor space.

If you’re looking for backyard party ideas for a birthday, nothing beats swimming! A gorgeous pool will invite guests to jump in and stay busy all party long!

There will be no need to hire entertainment to keep the kids busy when your backyard provides everything they need. From lawn games to the heated spa to the pool itself, there’s more than enough to do.

5. Anniversary Parties

If you’re celebrating a special anniversary for yourself or a loved one, hosting it in your backyard pavilion can make it a special affair.

6. Church Events

our church members will be incredibly grateful for you to step up and use your outdoor space to host special church events. Your pool could be used for special baptism ceremonies and your nearby outdoor kitchen and pavilion can be used for hosting guests for cake or food following the event.

An impressive outdoor space also makes a great locale for youth group events or staff retreats. Seated around your outdoor fire pit area and roasting some marshmallows presents the perfect opportunity for teens to open up with one another and connect.

7. Women’s Events

Are you looking for backyard event ideas for your group of girlfriends who want some special time connecting? You might consider a spa day hosted in your outdoor living area. Your girlfriends can enjoy some quality time in your built-in heated spa , even into the cooler months.

Whether you take a dip in the pool or just enjoy some cocktails sitting poolside, the serene space will facilitate great conversation and a wonderful opportunity to grow closer.

8. Men’s Events

Whether it’s a grilling competition or smoker contest, or maybe just some time watching a sporting event on your outdoor television, if you’re looking for backyard event ideas for your group of buddies, there are so many ways to get in that male bonding time outdoors.

Your state-of-the-art built-in grill or your built-in smoker can provide the perfect space to cook up some great food with great friends. And even if you’ve just invited a couple of guys over to watch the game, having an outdoor fireplace with a mounted television can make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.

9. MLM Parties

If you, your friend, or your family member sells products for a multi-level marketing company then you may be looking for space to host those parties. Your outdoor living area is the perfect spot to host some guests, enjoy some good food, and listen to a demonstration or browse the products that are available.

10. Pool & Movie Night Parties

A spectacular pool will take your pool party to the next level. Just imagine enjoying a pool with all of the amenities—a rock waterfall, a built-in slide, ledges for lounging, space for pool volleyball or basketball, and color-changing lighting.

If you have an outdoor projector, you can even host an outdoor “pool and movie” night. Set up a screen or even hang a sheet, grab some inner tubes, and play an outdoor movie while guests float in the pool.

11. Fundraisers for Special Causes

If you’re looking to raise money for a nonprofit or charity, or even raise funds for a friend or family member going through a crisis, then with an outdoor living space you can host an event right at your own home rather than have to rent space.

Think about catering a luncheon or dinner in your outdoor pavilion or even holding an auction. The possibilities are endless and by not having to rent a space, you can ensure the money raised is going toward the cause rather than expenses.

12. Sports Team Celebrations

Whether you play on the church softball team or a local adult league or it’s your child who plays a sport, after-game celebrations are that much more fun when you have a pool to jump into or a space to hold a post-game meal.

13. Company Picnics

If you have a small company and are looking for backyard event ideas to host your staff and their families, an intimate company picnic is a great idea. You can grill up some burgers and dogs in your outdoor kitchen and serve them in your outdoor pavilion .

14. Costume or Halloween Parties

Your backyard events do not have to be limited to the warmer months. A Halloween or costume party is a whole lot more fun in your heated outdoor space.

The roaring outdoor fireplace and infrared heat lamps will keep guests cozy and warm while socializing around the beautifully lit pool. You can even program your outdoor lighting in eerie Halloween colors.

15. Family Reunions

Hosting a family reunion in your outdoor living area can give family members the opportunity to spread out around your property. Whether they’re swimming in the pool, playing quoits or horseshoes, enjoying some of the delicious food set up in the pavilion, or lounging in the built-in spa, there will be plenty to do to keep everyone (of all ages) entertained.

16. Wine/Beer Tasting Events or Swaps

Do you love tasting new wines or beers or even swapping cases with your friends? If you’re looking for unique backyard event ideas, this one fits the bill as something your guests will remember (and want to do again)!

You can keep your personal stash of wine chilled in your wine fridge or even have your favorite beer on tap in your outdoor kegerator.

17. Sledding and Wintertime Events

Again, your backyard events do not have to be limited to the warmer months. By setting up your outdoor space with heat elements like an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, or even infrared heat lamps, you can keep your outdoor space warm and cozy, allowing you to host events in the winter months.

You can keep your personal stash of wine chilled in your wine fridge or even have your favorite beer on tap in your outdoor kegerator.

With a covered and heated outdoor space, they won’t have to traipse through your house with wet clothes when they’re finished playing in the snow. With an event like this, you’ll undoubtedly be the coolest house on the block—the place where all your kids’ friends want to hang out.

Choosing a Landscape Contractor for your Outdoor Living Area

Building a spectacular space that incorporates many of these exciting design ideas means choosing a landscape contractor in Lancaster, PA or surrounding areas that is up to the task. Projects of this scale and that are so detail-oriented cannot be built by an ordinary contractor. It’s important that you’re working with a landscape contractor who is experienced with designing and building a larger scale project with a lot of detail.

By finding a company that has the experience and the skill to build a project like this, you can feel confident that mistakes will be avoided and that your space will come together in a way that will make your backyard events truly amazing. Instead of having the same-old standard cookout or pool party, you’ll be able to host events that absolutely dazzle your guests. The bottom line? One-of-a-kind outdoor spaces allow for truly one-of-a-kind events.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how you can bring your outdoor ideas to life at your Reading, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

6 Backyard Storage Solutions for Patios, Pools, and Outdoor Kitchens

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 03:12:31 GMT

Whether you already have (or you’re looking to add) functional outdoor living space, then you might be thinking about outdoor organization ideas. However, you want solutions that are going to be an attractive enhancement—not something that’s going to be an eyesore.

The last thing that you want is to build a beautiful outdoor living space and then have it cluttered with bulky storage solutions like oversized deck boxes or big plastic trash cans. You want backyard storage solutions that are attractive and fit the caliber of your project as a whole.

Fortunately, there are solutions out there that can work for you. In fact, we’ve rounded up 6 that you need to know.

1. Built-In Trash and Recycling Receptacles

As you spend more time outside you naturally have a growing need for recycling and trash storage. But big trash cans and recycling bins can easily become an eyesore in your beautiful outdoor kitchen area. That’s why you might be thinking about having a built-in trash can or recycling bin added to your space.

Built-in trash and recycling receptacles give you a place to neatly tuck away your trash and recycling so that it’s not littering your space. Whether it’s a pull-out bin or it’s just hidden inside of a cabinet, having a solution for trash and recycling storage will help keep your space neat and tidy.

2. Adding a Pool house

If you’re looking for pool organization ideas, adding a pool house would be a great space to store items like pool toys, towels, and pool supplies. You could even go as far as incorporating plumbing into your pool house so that you can have an outdoor bathroom. Instead of having to track water into the house, your family and friends would have access to a bathroom outside.

We’ve also had homeowners use their pool house as a changing space. For instance, if you have grown children and grandchildren who like to use the pool , they could come over and use the poolhouse for changing or restroom needs without ever having to enter your home. This means that if they stop by when you’re not home, they can go right to your backyard and have everything they need to be swimming within minutes of arrival.

3. Building a Shed

If you’re looking for backyard storage solutions that will provide you with a spot to store various items from your yard, then a shed might be part of your overall landscape design . Of course, the last thing that you want is a shed that’s going to be an eyesore. A lot of homeowners picture a backyard shed as a run-down, wooden structure that does nothing for the overall aesthetics of the yard.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. A custom shed can be built to mimic the exact look of your home and can actually be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A shed is a great place to store furniture or cushions, yard toys, and lawn equipment.

4. Wood Pile Storage

If a wood-burning outdoor fireplace is going to be part of your outdoor living area, then you’ll also want to consider where you’re going to store the wood. Unfortunately, a lot of times, this is an issue that’s not thought of until after the fact. At that point, your best (and only) option would be a stand-alone firewood rack. But these can be bulky and take up a lot of space. Even though there are some nice iron racks out there, you may not want to use up space with one.

Thinking ahead, you could plan to incorporate wood storage into the actual construction of the fireplace. We have incorporated wood pile storage areas right into the fireplace itself. These can even be hidden off to the side or in the back so that they don’t become an eyesore. You’ll have convenient access to the wood without it taking up unnecessary space.

5. Outdoor Drawers and Cabinetry

If you’re looking for patio organization ideas, then chances are, you’re interested in outdoor drawers and cabinetry. After all, you don’t want all of those outdoor plates, utensils, cups, food, beverages, and other miscellaneous items to be strewn about your beautiful outdoor kitchen or dining area. You want a space where these items can be stored neatly when not in use.

Outdoor drawers and cabinets provide that option. If you’re looking to store dry goods then you’ll want to be sure to have weatherproof cabinetry that will keep everything safe and dry.

You might even consider having locks installed on your cabinets if you’re going to be storing alcohol or any valuables there. Of course, if you have a grill outside, you’ll likely also want some drawers to store all your grilling utensils in. When you need your spatula, you can just open the drawer conveniently located next to your grill, and you’ll be ready to go.

Pull-out drawers are also a great place to store controls for your irrigation system, outdoor lighting , audio and visual components, pool features, and more.

These are just some of the considerations that should be taken into account in advance of your project’s construction. Adding them later is not only going to be more costly, but potentially less attractive. It may always look like an addition to the original project.

6. Refrigeration and Freezer Storage

Do you want to have cold beverages at-the-ready when guests come over to swim? Or, would you rather not have to run inside for the burgers when you’re in the mood to throw a frozen patty on the grill ? If that’s the case, you will also want to consider storage options to keep your food and beverages cold or frozen.

This might include an outdoor freezer, refrigerator, kegerator, or even a wine fridge. Any of these options can help you to meet your specific storage needs.

Planning Ahead for Success

The key to success with all of these backyard storage solutions is advanced planning. While these problems may seem “minor,” the truth is that they can become big sources of frustration when not planned for properly. Your otherwise beautiful outdoor kitchen may look cluttered with a big plastic trash can or recycling bin taking up space.

Or your patio may feel unnecessarily messy if you don’t have a place to neatly tuck away plates, utensils, and cups. In the yard, you may have pool toys, equipment, or even chemicals lying around instead of safely stored away.

While thinking ahead of storage needs is important, it’s not something that every landscape company will do. Storage simply might not be something they want to be bothered with or they may feel that it’s not part of their job to think about where you’ll keep your stuff.

But at Earth, Turf, & Wood, we believe that every single detail of your outdoor living projects matters—and that includes where you’re going to store everything. The last thing that we want is for you to feel like you don’t love your outdoor living space because storage wasn’t planned for. By choosing to work with a company that will think of all your needs, when your outdoor living space is done being built, it will be truly complete.

If you’d like to discuss how the right storage solutions can be part of your complete outdoor living project for your Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey, or Reading, PA home, then contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Case Study: Landscape Design in Lancaster, PA Including an Outdoor Kitchen, Pavilion, Fireplace & Pool Patio

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 03:27:55 GMT

Are your ideas for your outdoor living area bigger than your budget? If they are, you aren’t alone.

Oftentimes, homeowners have grand ideas that they’d like to see brought to life but they simply can’t afford to do them all at once. That’s not a problem as landscape design for your Lancaster, PA home can be phased—as long as there is a strong professional design to begin with.

That was exactly the case for this Lancaster, PA family who wanted to add an outdoor kitchen and fireplace to complement their outdoor living area but needed to phase the project in order to help it fit into their budget.

Because the proper forethought and planning were performed, they were able to have all of their wants and needs fulfilled in a project that came together over time.

It Started with a Pool Design

One of the most important aspects of this Lancaster, PA landscape design was the pool. This was a family of young swimmers who actually swam to compete so the pool was designed to have lanes in which the kids could race. The pool design also featured starting blocks so that the kids could practice their starts. The pool was designed by Earth, Turf, & Wood and installed by a local pool builder in Lancaster, PA.

While the outdoor living area had an existing covered patio, it was built from poured concrete that was cracking and looked dated. Earth, Turf & Wood removed the concrete and replaced it with pavers which would also extend to the pool area. This created a seamless look that unified the two spaces.

2. Adding a Pool house

From the covered patio, there is a beautiful 180-degree view of the pool. The vantage point of the covered patio area was a key consideration in the landscape design. Everything is laid out in a way that you can truly enjoy the entire outdoor space no matter where you’re sitting.

Phasing in Additional Amenities

Of course, the outdoor kitchen area and fireplace were also essential elements of the landscape design but not ones that would fit into the homeowners’ immediate budget. Because of that, these amenities were planned for in advance by breaking the project into two phases.

During phase one, we installed the new patio and during that time also installed the footers and ran utilities so that the property did not have to be dug up for phase two when the kitchen and fireplace would go in.

This saved the family a tremendous amount of hassle. When it came time to begin construction on the outdoor kitchen and fireplace (two years later) materials were carted in with wheelbarrows rather than needing heavy machinery and tearing up the yard all over again. This not only saved the family the hassle of having to deal with a dug-up yard twice, but it also meant an immediate start to phase two. Rather than holding the project up to do excavation, the installation of the fireplace and kitchen could begin right away.

In addition to a built-in grill, this outdoor kitchen also featured a power burner. The family was particularly excited about this feature because of a family recipe for a delicious soup that tended to have strong aromas when it was cooking. Rather than having to make this scent linger in their kitchen for hours, this soup can now be cooked any time of year, right outside.

The husband in this family was also an avid football fan and loved having friends over to watch the game. While the game was typically watched in the basement (“the man cave”), with the addition of the outdoor fireplace with a television above it, everyone now has the option of extending the party to the adjacent outdoor space where they can watch the game outside. Thanks to good design, all of these areas flow seamlessly. With the two spaces connected with hardscaping, a party can easily extend from the basement to the outdoor living area.

A Space That Fits Wants, Needs, and Budget, Too

When talking about designing and building an outdoor living space, the focus is often on fulfilling wants and needs—and that’s obviously important. But budget is also a driving factor and must be accommodated as well.

This project is a great example of how we can work within the confines of budget while not having to compromise what’s desired for the end goal. This Lancaster, PA landscape design was able to be phased because all of the details were accounted for from the very beginning. As a result, the family was still able to receive the complete space of their dreams.

By choosing to work with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), you can feel confident that your project will also be designed in a way that will not only fulfill all of your wants and needs but that it will be appropriately phased if that’s needed for your budget. That means that you can see your outdoor living dreams come to life, too.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Pool Design Case Study: Lancaster, PA Landscape Contractor & Pool Company Create the Ultimate Backyard

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 04:47:33 GMT

With a daughter in high school, only a year away from graduating, these Lancaster, PA homeowners were eager to turn their backyard into a space where their family could make long-lasting memories. Of course, they also wanted it to be a space that could be used in the years ahead—when their daughter would return home from college or maybe even have a family of her own.

The family had a large property and had always been interested in a pool. But with their daughter leaving soon, it suddenly felt as though time was of the essence to finally begin their pool design. To get started, the family was looking for the right pool builders in Lancaster, PA to bring their ideas to life.

Spatial Considerations

It’s quite common for homeowners to have ideas of their own as they begin a large-scale project such as a pool. In this case, the homeowners had some very specific ideas from the “spec home” from which they were inspired to have their own custom home built.

This family had fallen in love with a spec house they toured and had something similar built by the same builder. Only, unlike the tight and narrow development in which the spec home was located, this family had an expansive four-acre yard overlooking a nearby farm field. While they loved the backyard of the spec home, they needed some guidance in bringing their vision to life on a grander scale on their large property.

Initially wanting to mimic the backyard design of the spec home, the family thought a small patio and a pool close to the home would work for them. But the fact is, with how much space this backyard had, and how grand the home was, a tiny patio and pool simply didn’t fit the backyard properly. Because of that, we reworked the initial patio design to better fit the expansive space available.

This also meant that the pool did not have to be situated so close to the house. While it was located right off the back door in the spec house design, on this particular property it would feel unnecessarily crowded being so close to the home. Pushing everything back in the design helped to take advantage of the spacious yard, really filling the space in a way that was aesthetically pleasing. Had the pool design kept it close to the home, there would have been a lot of unused space that would have looked out of place.

Of course, as a 900-square-foot pool, it was undoubtedly on the larger side. This also made it important that there was ample room to walk around the pool so that it didn’t feel as though the pool itself took up the entire yard. The layout made all the difference in achieving this. In the end, the pool was built in just the right place thanks to a well-thought-out pool design.

Beautiful Amenities

In addition to the pool itself, the family wanted a pool house which would feature an outdoor kitchen and storage area for towels and other pool supplies. While Earth, Turf, & Wood laid out this design, the family had their builder construct the house.

An outdoor fireplace and seating area were also added near the pool as a cozy spot where the family could hang out or their daughter could have friends over to visit. Natural steps lead down to the outdoor fireplace , which was purposely designed to be slightly lower than the area surrounding it so that it felt “nestled” in the corner, like a comfy little room.

The homeowners had fallen in love with a particular fireplace style they had seen in a photo so we worked to recreate that look. The fireplace was built extra deep in the back in order to create some wood storage area behind it. Stepping stones leading down to that storage area provide easy access. The beautiful natural stone from the fireplace is the same as the stone used in the pool design.

Dealing with Challenges

No project is without its challenges and this one was no different. The biggest challenge faced on this project was the limited amount of hard surface that was permitted on the property. Despite being such a large property, adding the pool raised the number beyond the local requirement, making it necessary to implement stormwater management solutions.

This was no small feat and not something that any old pool company in Lancaster, PA could do. In fact, there is a lot of specialized design involved in stormwater management and Earth, Turf, & Wood just so happens to have a background in it.

The solution, in this case, was to create a dry river area that would help direct the flow of stormwater during periods of rain. This required some extra stone walls to be added to the property in order to help manage the flow properly. This solution helped to keep the property in compliance with regulations while still allowing them to have the pool of their dreams.

Finding Pool Companies in Lancaster, PA

This was a large project that required the design expertise as well as the in-depth experience of a true professional. Not only were there very specific challenges but this project also required delicately walking the line of incorporating client ideas with a design that worked best for the property.

In order for everything to come together properly, it was critical that the family worked with the right pool company in Lancaster, PA.

Fortunately, finding the right company paid off and the family was able to ensure their ideas were incorporated into the final pool design in order to achieve their ultimate backyard. Having chosen a landscaping company that was able to address the challenges that arose in a way that wouldn’t compromise on their dream, the family was given exactly what they were looking for in their beautiful new space.

If you’d like to start a conversation about adding a dream pool (or backyard living space) to your Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , or Hershey , PA home, contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Paver Driveways: A Worthy Upgrade for Your Home in Lancaster, Hershey, or Reading, PA

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 05:06:07 GMT

Your driveway is the first part of your home that people see. It’s an opportunity to set the tone for your entire property. Whether you’re looking to revamp an existing one or install a driveway for the first time, you may be considering different material options.

While asphalt can look great when it’s first done, it often starts to look bad over time—plus it requires a fair amount of upkeep. It also looks pretty ordinary and with a gorgeous home, you might be thinking about a more impressive driveway.

For that reason, you might be considering a paver driveway, but may not be sure what’s involved or if it’s a better choice. To help you make the decision that is best for you, we’ll explore paver driveways and what you need to know.

Why Consider a Paver Driveway?

There are actually a number of reasons why you might want to consider a paver driveway. Aesthetically speaking, there are a lot of advantages.

Because pavers come in so many different styles, colors, and even sizes, they provide a lot of room for customization. You could create a paver driveway border in a different color from the rest of your drive for a unique look. You could also create patterns and color schemes using different pavers that would make your driveway stand out. This could even mean incorporating your street number or some sort of design into the drive. There’s lots of room for creativity that simply does not exist with asphalt or concrete.

Another benefit to installing a paver driveway is that it’s going to last longer. Assuming they are installed properly, pavers do not require a lot of upkeep, though they should be periodically sealed to prevent stains from vehicles. Asphalt generally needs more maintenance than pavers including services like crack sealing, sealcoating, and patching. While concrete has less ongoing upkeep, it’s almost more prone to cracking, particularly in our region where there is a frequent freeze/thaw cycle. Concrete is difficult to repair and you’ll always be able to see where a crack was filled.

How Much Does a Paver Driveway Cost?

You probably also want to know how much a paver driveway will cost. There’s no question that a paver driveway is going to cost more than asphalt or concrete at the onset. Pavers are the most expensive option, followed by concrete, and then asphalt. However, if you look at the ongoing maintenance costs, pavers are actually the most affordable in terms of upkeep.

The truth is, pavers require such minimal ongoing maintenance that when you compare the upfront cost of asphalt or concrete to the paver driveway cost, what you’re really doing is trading long-term maintenance costs for upfront investment. Considering that most people find pavers substantially more attractive, they view it as worth it.

Consider these important points about cost:

While the exact cost of a paver driveway is going to vary dramatically based on site-specific factors and product selection, we worked up the price for a 25-foot driveway that is 10-feet wide and includes a 24 by 22-foot area by the garage. The cost for this driveway would be approximately $31,000.
A concrete driveway might cost 50-60% of that. It might cost around $15,000-$19,000.
An asphalt driveway (the least expensive option) is likely a third of the cost of a paver driveway. Possibly somewhere around $10,000-$12,000 for this scenario.

While this may seem shockingly different, if you look at the lifetime cost, then pavers may be more affordable than you realize.

Asphalt and concrete driveways will need to be completely removed and re-done at some point. If you plan to stay in your home 10 or more years, it could mean you’d be paying nearly as much (or the same) for a cheap driveway in the long run. Plus, you’ve now missed out on the benefits of having enjoyed a beautiful paver driveway all of those years.

Installing a Paver Driveway

You might assume that installing a paver driveway isn’t that different from installing a paver patio, but this is not true. The fact that cars will be driving over your paver drive—not to mention steering and backing around—adds a level of complexity not present with a patio. You can’t just choose any paver or lay it out in any way. There are some very specific choices to be made.

For one, it is critical that the pavers are laid out in the main direction of traffic. This needs to be considered when choosing the pattern for your paver driveway. In addition, cars are incredibly heavy and therefore also call for a thicker and denser paver that can withstand the weight. We recommend a brick paver, a 6x9 paver, or a three-piece paver for driveways. Using a brick of 6x9 paver, we are able to lay it in an attractive herringbone pattern, a design which also helps add strength. This pattern locks the pavers together and doesn’t allow them to move when turning the steering wheel.

Like patios, drainage is also an issue but may require different solutions from a paver patio in order to get drainage flowing in the proper direction. It is critical how the water is draining underneath of the driveway. If this is completed wrong and there is water in the property that runs through the base, it could be a huge problem. Catch drains and pipes to redirect water can be installed under the driveway to prevent these concerns where appropriate.

To ensure that your paver driveway is installed correctly, it’s important that you choose a company who has experience installing not only small paver patios but doing other installations with pavers, as well.

Look for a company that has installed very large paver patios, paver walkways, and of course, paver driveways. They’ll understand the nuances involved in each different project and how to best tackle the work.

Special Considerations for a Paver Driveway

For the most part, a paver driveway will function like any other type of driveway. However, we do get a lot of questions about snow plowing. Only slight modifications are needed to make snow plowing safe on your paver driveway. We recommend having the plow slightly raised so that it’s not scraping right against your pavers.

“Playing” is also a bit different on a paver driveway. Because it’s not a completely smooth surface and there are joints between pavers, dribbling a basketball or riding a bike is going to be a different experience on a paver driveway. If that is something that you do very frequently then you may want to consider having a separate area for those activities.

An Impressive Upgrade

By incorporating a paver driveway into your front yard, you are sure to make a powerful aesthetic impact on your curb appeal. Now, when guests pull up to your home they’ll feel that “wow factor” that your home truly deserves.

While coming to the decision of what material is best for your driveway is ultimately a personal one, should you have any questions, we invite you to let us be your guide. Even if you don’t end up choosing a paver driveway, you might upgrade your front yard by adding beautiful paver walkways, an upgraded front porch, or other exciting features. No matter what the case, we’re here to help.

If you’d like to discuss adding a paver walkway to your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

5 Best Front Yard Landscaping Ideas for Elegant Curb Appeal

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 05:24:19 GMT

When guests pull up to your home do they feel that wow factor? Do they feel welcomed by your beautiful and inviting front yard landscaping? Or are they instantly turned off because of overgrown shrubs and outdated hardscaping?

If you feel like your front yard needs some more landscaping curb appeal then you might be considering some changes. It might not even be that there’s overgrowth or any specific problems—it might just be that it’s just really...well...boring.

It can be pretty jarring when the landscape in front of your home doesn’t match the caliber of the house or property type. If you have a beautiful and customized home does it really make sense to only have a few average shrubs in front of it?

It’s a wise move to be invested in the beauty of your front yard. While it may not be as exciting as a backyard project—such as a pool or an outdoor kitchen—it has a direct link to the overall value of your home.

You may even intend to sell one day and making choices regarding your front yard landscaping could be the difference between getting top asking price—or not. Plus, chances are, you’d like to have a front yard that you can feel proud of. If that’s the case, then you’re going to love these front yard landscaping ideas that will deliver maximum curb appeal.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Landscape Transformation!

1. Upgrade Your Walkways and Driveway

It’s a common scenario in our region. A contractor builds a beautiful and customized home and then when it comes time to incorporate some hardscaping in the front they add a builder’s grade poured concrete walkway and an asphalt driveway. Not only does it look cookie-cutter—like everyone else’s on the block—but it also looks out of place. It doesn’t match up to the grandeur of the rest of your property.

Upgrading your front walkway and driveway is going to add instant landscaping curb appeal to your home. You could create a front walkway using pavers or natural stone that adds a lot more beauty to your front yard. When re-doing a walkway we can also make important changes that may have been overlooked the first time.

A front walkway really should be wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side toward your front door otherwise it feels as though everyone is marching into a single file line. It’s awkward. But most builders make narrow little walkways as it’s an afterthought for them.

It’s also common for contractors to take the walkway right onto the front stoop with no landing area. But a landing is really important not only to the overall look of your front walkway but to how it functions. It’s the “greeting area.” It’s where you’ll step out to say goodbye to guests or where your guests will all congregate if they show up in a group and are waiting for you to welcome them in. It’s an important area that should be added to your front walkway if you don’t have one.

Similarly, you could also upgrade your driveway by having it re-done in pavers instead of standard asphalt or concrete. A paver driveway can be a beautiful addition to your home and gives you a lot of options such as creating patterns or even adding your house number in the design. It can become something truly your own.

On top of that, a paver driveway eliminates many of the hassles and maintenance that are commonly involved with asphalt or concrete. You won’t have to worry about re-paving the driveway in the years to come or about fixing cracks that appear.

2. Add Plantings that “Pop”

Most front yards have the bare minimum when it comes to plantings—a couple kinds of shrubs and a few typical shade trees along the front foundation of the house. It’s the “same old, same old” and it’s usually done as an afterthought. But choosing the right plant material is really important the overall look of your front yard landscaping.

We often see a lot of mistakes that were made with plant selection for front yards. For instance, plants that are installed in front of windows should be given a lot of thought as chances are you do not want your window blocked. But we often see shrubs that are completely blocking the natural light (or view) from a front window. It’s not just a matter of being overgrown—it’s a matter of having chosen a poor plant, to begin with. Think of the plants in front of your front windows as a “necklace.” You’re not trying to cover up your window but rather to accentuate that window by framing it.

Another mistake we see with choosing front yard plants is a lack of variety. You want to have a nice mix of plants—not all of the same thing. It’s common to see lots and lots of evergreens in the front yard and they certainly do make a nice backdrop, but you also want some color in front of them to add that wow factor.

Layering is really important when it comes to creating a beautiful landscape. Your evergreens might create a background but you have room to add a mid-sized flowering shrub in front of them and maybe even some annuals in front of that. Definitely think in terms of layers to add some visually appealing dimension.

You also want to think about plants that bloom at different times of the year so that you always have some interest going. You don’t want your front yard to suddenly look barren.

Finally, also think about the color of your home. If there is some red or purple in the stone, for instance, it can really enhance the overall look of your front yard by choosing plant material that has some of those same tones. It’s going to really make your front yard “pop.”

3. Structural Additions

Front pillars by the driveway are a structural addition that can give an extra special feel to your front yard entrance. Sometimes we even attach a gate which not only adds a layer of safety and security but adds some grandeur to your entranceway.

Sculptures can also be a nice addition to your front yard. They enhance your landscaping by adding some individuality to your space. A fountain can also be a feature of the front for guests to enjoy as they walk up to your home. If

incorporating a statue or fountain we often think of placing it in a spot where it can be enjoyed from a window or by you as you come and go from your home each day.

4. Incorporate Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting is a critical element of your outdoor space that should not be overlooked. It’s a great way to add landscaping curb appeal in the evening hours. For instance, uplighting your trees and shrubs and even some of the architectural features of your home can make your front yard look impressive after the sun goes down.

Of course, adding landscape lighting also enhances the safety and security of your front yard. With your steps, walkway, and driveway well-lit, you reduce the possibility of trip and fall hazards. In addition, having a property that is well-lit is a deterrent to thieves. A burglar is much more likely to just move on to a property that is poorly lit than to try and break into your well-lit home.

5. Enhance Your Front Porch

While you might think of spending time outside in terms of your backyard, a front porch makes a wonderful space to enjoy time out front. Adding or expanding your front porch can be a great way to enhance your front yard landscaping. Imagine having a space for some beautiful rocking chairs where you can sit and watch the kids ride their bikes or you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee or a lemonade on a hot day.

A beautiful front porch is also a great space to add gorgeous containers of colorful flowers which will add even more curb appeal to your space.

Choosing the Best Front Yard Landscape Design For You

While there are many ideas for front yard landscaping, in the end, you must choose a design that works best for you. Making your home look special, and truly different from all of the other homes on the block comes down to finding the unique solution that will work best for your property.

Achieving that goal can be done by working with a company that takes a thoughtful approach to l andscape design . After all, if you’re trying to get away from a boring or cookie-cutter front yard, the last thing that you want is to wind up with a landscape contractor who doesn’t think outside of the box.

There is no reason you should have to go on living with an ordinary front yard. With beautiful front yard landscaping, people will drive past your house and do a double take. Your home will finally have the curb appeal that it truly deserves.

If you’d like to discuss front yard landscaping that will turn heads at your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for more information on our landscape design services and a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

All You Need to Know About Pool Patios: Material Options, Design Tips and More

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 05:50:55 GMT

Building a pool is a big investment and you want to be sure that you’re making wise choices about its design. After all, you want the pool patio to enhance your pool’s beauty and value—not detract from it.

Besides wanting the overall aesthetics to work, you also want it to function properly. Functionality is an important aspect that is integral to your overall enjoyment of the pool. This will be the place where you’ll lounge and read a good book, sit to watch your kids swim, or maybe even make use of nearby amenities such as your outdoor pavilion or kitchen.

Smart decisions start during the design process and even choosing the best pool patio material is important. Because of that, we’ll explore some of your options to help guide you toward what may be best for you.

Exploring Pool Patio Material Options

There are generally three materials that are considered when it comes to pool patio material options. These include exposed aggregate concrete, pavers, and natural stone. Let’s explore each of them in order to determine the best pool patio material.

Concrete

Concrete is an option that’s been around for many years. Most pool companies are going to use concrete because it’s easy to install. It can also be poured quickly which is in line with most pool companies’ objective of installing as many pools as possible in a season. Unfortunately, concrete is very prone to cracking, which is a serious downside to using this material. It’s also not very aesthetically appealing and has a very standard, cookie-cutter type look to it.

While stamped concrete is growing in popularity and certainly has more aesthetic appeal, it also comes with slip-and-fall risks. While regular exposed aggregate concrete is typically non-slip, stamped or “decorative” concrete tends to be quite slippery and therefore would not make an ideal pool patio material. Stamped concrete is also just as prone to cracking.

Paver Patios Around Pools

Pavers can make a great choice for your pool patio material. Not only are pavers not slippery (making them a safe surface for wet feet), but if you choose wisely, they are also cool on the feet. A light-colored paver is going to be the least likely to absorb a lot of the sun’s heat and is a popular choice for pool patios. Light gray and beige pavers tend to be good choices in terms of coolness.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood we often perform a “barefoot test” where we’ll leave paver samples out in the sun and then have clients stand on them to see how hot they feel. Everyone is different when it comes to temperature preferences.

Natural Stone Pool Patios

Using natural stone is another choice for your pool patio—specifically, travertine. Though flagstone is a popular stone in our region for patios, we would not recommend it for a pool patio because it gets too hot.

Travertine, on the other hand, stays cool underfoot. It also does not get slippery. It’s a highly durable product that will stand up to foot traffic without any problems. However, travertine installing travertine is more labor intensive, which also makes it the most costly pool patio material.

Choosing the Best Pool Patio Material

If we were to choose the best material based off of what we use the most, pavers would be the clear winner. There are a lot of color options, they are non-slip and cool on the feet, and they are generally at a price point that customers are happy about. However, that’s not to say that we don’t also think natural stone is a wonderful pool patio material. Natural stone has a custom look about it and also shares the positive benefits of pavers (being cool to the touch and non-slip). But we do find that budget often steers our clients to choose pavers.

The bottom line? Either material would work great for your pool patio depending on your specific wants and needs. However, one material we will not work with is concrete. We believe it’s not if concrete will crack but when. And when you’re investing in something as important and valuable as a pool, you don’t want to use a material that is eventually going to crack.

Unfortunately, fixing concrete is almost impossible in an aesthetic way. Unlike pavers which you can just lift up and replace, concrete cracks have to be patched which is basically impossible to do without it being noticeable.

Design and Construction Tips for Pool Patios

Designing and building a pool patio can be a complex endeavor. That’s why it’s important that you work with a company that has the experience and the know-how to ensure that everything comes together the way that you want.

For most of our clients, a pool patio is not just the area immediately around a pool. Most homeowners also add features such as an outdoor kitchen, dining space, and maybe even a complete pavilion which are all part of the patio.

This calls for planning that takes ample space into account. That may seem obvious but you’d be surprised how many times pool patios are built and in the end, there isn’t enough room for a dining set or the lounge chairs that the client wanted. Every single detail, including the shape and dimensions of any furniture you plan to add, need to be discussed up front.

Orientation is also such an important design factor. For instance, you may want to make sure that an area for your lounge chairs is designed where you get the most sun. Or, if you’re adding a pavilion, you may want to be sure that you can view the pool from the inside of it (to keep an eye on the kids in the pool while you cook). You also want to be careful that your new pavilion isn’t casting lots of shade over the entire pool area.

The bottom line is, there are a ton of considerations that need to be taken into account before construction can even begin. Unfortunately, most pool companies just want to get a pool in quickly and fail to consider all the little details.

Choosing Wisely for Your Ideal Pool Patio

Making sure you end up with the pool of your dreams isn’t going to happen unless you’re invested in making the best possible choices. You’re already taking an important step by doing some research on your options.

Ultimately, the landscape design company that you choose to work with will also make a huge difference. That’s because they’ll be able to guide you through some of these important choices, listening to your wants and needs and also incorporating their own expertise into the process.

The last thing that you want is to choose a landscaping company that has the sole focus of getting your pool in and moving on as quickly as possible. This type of company is not concerned about your overall enjoyment of the space or even what the space looks like when they’re done. This could leave you with a mess—or even worse, a pool and patio that is not what you had in mind.

Earth, Turf, & Wood is different. With us, you can feel confident that you’ll get the pool patio that you desired from the very start. We’re in the business of helping make our clients’ dreams come true. With something as important as your pool, there’s simply no room for anything less.

If you’d like to discuss a pool and patio for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Case Study: Manheim, PA Landscaping - From Blank Slate to Backyard Resort

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 06:27:06 GMT

Any good landscape designer takes the wants and the needs of the homeowners they’re working with into account. And, every homeowner enters the design process with a different level of involvement. Some have lots of ideas of their own while others are looking for direction.

This particular Manheim, PA family was one that came into the process with some very specific wants and needs in mind. They loved customization and were not afraid to put their personal stamp on any home project they were working on. When it came to designing their brand-new outdoor living area, they were looking for something truly unique.

Working with a Blank Canvas

At the start of this project, the family had a large grass yard and a gazebo. That was it. It was essentially a blank canvas from which they could create their dream space. Because the gazebo held sentimental value, the homeowners wanted it to remain, even as new features were added around it.

The family was looking for a complete backyard space that would include a pool, an outdoor kitchen, a pavilion, and even a putting green, among other features. They entertained frequently and wanted to create a space that would make it more enjoyable to do so.

Customized Landscape Design Additions

Inside the family home, everything about it was customized. They had been very involved in updating their Lancaster County, PA farmhouse in a way that suited their exact style. So when it came time to do their outdoor living area, they were certainly not afraid to go the custom route.

The Pool

In terms of the pool shape, the family was clear that they wanted an automatic cover. That lead the design to be rectangular. They also wanted the pool to be situated very close to the stairway that would connect to a new pavilion area.

The addition of water and fire features around the pool also helps add to the ambiance both day and night. This included gas fire bowls as well as some water features such as a sheer descent water feature and some spouting lion heads that were a custom addition in response to the husband’s appreciation for the majestic animal.

All along the way, of course, we aimed to make sure that the gazebo fit in with these plans. As a sentimental feature of the property, we wanted it to blend in nicely with the new space rather than somehow stick out.

The Pavilion

Adjacent to the pool, the new pavilion features an outdoor fireplace with an outdoor television and lounge area. It also includes an outdoor kitchen with a big grill, a dishwasher, and the family’s Green Egg smoker.

There was also a lot of custom cabinetry, some of which are on the outside wall of the kitchen, facing the pool, so that they can be stored with towels and sunscreen for pool guests.

The Putting Green

Another love—golf—was also represented in the new outdoor living area. As an avid golfer, the husband wanted the ability to practice his skills at home.

He wanted to be able to chip unto the putting green from a far distance so we situated the green in a way which made that possible.

We drew up a similar design, brought it to our metal fabricator, and had it created for the family. Flanked by two brick and stone pillars, the gate is now a gorgeous entrance to the property.

A Blend of Materials

The family also had a lot of specific ideas when it came to colors and materials. Inside the home, it was obvious how much they loved color and they weren’t afraid to mix and match bold choices. Outside, the family was not afraid to amplify the juxtaposition of different materials within this project. It made it a lot of fun and also incredibly unique to their personal style.

The house itself was a mix of brick and limestone, so naturally, we used a nice mix of both brick and stone throughout the outdoor project, including the fence pillars.

However, during the design process, the family fell in love with travertine, which we ended up using as the flooring inside of the pavilion. The pool patio is pavers with some unique geometric patterns to suit their flair for design.

Even the use of walls throughout the property, which were installed for retaining purposes due to the sloping nature of the property, used a mix of materials. This family did not shy away from being bold in material choice. Walkways around the property also used a mix of materials, proving that you do not necessarily need to use the same material again and again in a project.

In the front yard, there was a unique situation in that the family wanted to incorporate a mailbox into their front pillar. However, the mail carrier would need a landing area on which the mail truck could be briefly parked.

Since we wanted it to look like a unique entranceway and not just a pad for the mail carrier, we utilized classic Belgian block that blended nicely with the stone and brick theme of the rest of the house and property.

Landscape Plantings

There is no question that this project featured a lot of hardscaping. But the landscaped areas around it really helped to soften the features. The family incorporated greenery right alongside walls and fencing for the very purpose of softening the look.

With the expansive backyard, the family also still had lots of green space, even with this new outdoor living area. And though they wanted a relatively low maintenance landscape, the family also incorporated appropriately placed bursts of color in hanging baskets and in some plantings, such as the crape myrtles we installed, to brighten it up.

Landscape Lighting

With all of these spectacular additions to the property, it only made sense that the family wanted to be able to use the space in the evening hours as well. This made the addition of outdoor lighting a truly essential element to the overall project.

Lighting was added to highlight some of the project’s beautiful features and allow them to be aesthetically enjoyed in the evening hours (even if just the view from inside the home). But it was also added to make the space usable after the sun went down.

Finding Landscapers Near Manheim, PA or Surrounding Areas

With such an involved project, there’s no question that working with an experienced landscape company was key. Considering the family had so many specifics that they wanted to be incorporated, it was also critical that they worked with a company that listened to their wants and needs.

In the end, finding the right company to work with paid off for this local family. The fact is, your choice in Manheim, PA area landscaping companies could be the difference between a finished space that meets your expectations or one that is subpar. You want to feel confident that you’re investing in an outdoor living space that is truly your own.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how we can bring your outdoor ideas to life at your Lititz, Ephrata, Reading , Manheim, Lancaster , Lebanon , or Hershey , PA home, contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

8 Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Home in Lancaster, Hershey, and Reading, PA

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 06:57:02 GMT

If you’re someone that likes to throw a lot of backyard parties and enjoy a lot of time in your gorgeous outdoor living space, then chances are, you’re looking for a low maintenance landscaping. After all, you want to be able to enjoy your yard and truly relax when you’re out there, not spend time working on it. You may travel frequently for work (or for fun) and when you’re home, you don’t want to have to invest time in managing your landscape. You just want to enjoy it. But even if you’re having a company professionally maintain your landscape, it’s in your best financial interest to have a low maintenance property that can be easily kept looking its best.

Of course, everyone’s definition of “low maintenance” can be different. That’s why it’s so important that you work with a landscape designer who will take your needs seriously during the consultation and design a landscape that is right for you.

If you’re looking for low maintenance landscaping ideas, we’ve rounded up some of our best.

1. Mulch vs. Stone

While mulch is the best option for your plants, there are times when it is not the most desirable option in terms of maintenance. This would be particularly true if you have a poolscape where you are worried about mulch getting tracked or blown into the pool. For areas close to a pool, you could opt for decorative gravel —not tiny pebbles, as these could also get tracked into the pool, but larger rounded rocks.

Then you could add a layer of mulch with plants behind that, where it’s blocked off from getting tracked or easily blown, but still allows you grow a wider array of plant material.

2. Low Maintenance Landscape Plants

Choosing the right plant material is also important when it comes to creating a low maintenance landscape. You’re going to want to choose plants that won’t require a lot of tending to, meaning they don’t require lots of trimming, are drought-tolerant, and are not prone to disease or pest problems.

Some good choices when it comes to low maintenance landscape plants include some of the following.

Ornamental Grasses: Sedge or Fountain Grass
Ground Cover: Liriope, Coneflowers, Creeping Juniper, Pachysandra, or Periwinkle
Shrubs: Spirea, Burning Bush, Butterfly Bush, Boxwood, Weigela, or Siberian Cypress

3. Choosing Low Maintenance Structure Materials

If you’re looking to have a structure on your property built such as a pergola, then you may be weighing the options of composite vs. typical, pressure-treated wood. While the installation price for composite is more than pressure-treated lumber, due to the fact that it won’t have ongoing maintenance over time, it will become a lot more cost comparable if you look several years into the future. Composite material will also save you the headache of dealing with maintenance tasks such as regularly sanding and staining your deck.

In addition, whereas wood can crack or splinter, composite will not. And if you spill something on a composite material, all you have to do is wipe it up whereas wood can very easily be stained. Plus, the occasional pressure washing is all it takes to make composite look new again.

4. Look at Gas vs. Wood Fire Features

Fire features really come down to a matter of preference. While we believe nothing can beat the smell and the sound of using real wood in a fire feature, others would give those two benefits up in a heartbeat for the ease-of-use and lack of maintenance involved in a gas fire feature. With gas, you can literally turn your fire feature on and off at the push of a button. You don’t have to wait for embers to slowly burn out or the fire feature to cool down. Once turned off, a gas fire feature quickly returns to normal temperature.

With a gas fire feature, you also eliminate the hassle of storing wood, which will require a location on your property. You also will not have to worry about having ash cleaned out from time to time. And instead of it taking some time to build your fire, you can start it instantaneously.

Of course, to some homeowners, the act of building the fire is all part of the fun. This is another circumstance where your personal preferences truly matter and should be accounted for in the design process.

5. Concrete vs. Natural Stone vs. Pavers

Concrete, on the other hand, has a lot of downsides in terms of maintenance. Although it is low cost, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Durability is a big concern. In all honesty, it’s not a matter of “if” concrete will crack, it’s a matter of when.

The Harrisburg, York, Hershey, and Lancaster, PA climate has a lot of thawing and refreezing in the winter, making it inevitable that a patio made of concrete will eventually crack. Then you’re left with the hassle of trying to fill in that crack, which is always going to look patched and is virtually possible to disguise.

6. Choosing the Best Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

When it comes to creating a truly hassle-free outdoor kitchen, it’s worth investing a little bit more money in your appliances and feeling confident that they’re going to last. While it will mean more money upfront, it can save you in the long run. There is nothing worse than having to tear into a built-in grill area because you opted for a lower quality grill and it needs to be replaced. You want to be sure that you choose a grill that will last .

The same goes for other outdoor kitchen appliances you might be considering. Choosing higher quality will allow you to feel confident that it’s not going to break down on you.

7. Opting for Low Maintenance Water Features

If you’re thinking about adding water features to your outdoor living space and a low maintenance landscape is important to you, then a fish pond is not going to be your best choice. Fish ponds require ongoing maintenance such as periodically checking on (and possibly unclogging) the filter, feeding the fish, and even tending to weeds.

Instead, opt for a pondless waterfall, which still gives you the babbling sound of the water, but without the pond to maintain. Or, you could go even lower maintenance and choose to add a fountain or bubbling urn. These will also give you the sound of water without a lot of work.

8. Low Maintenance Landscape Lighting Choices

LED lighting is the gold standard when it comes to outdoor landscape lighting and there’s a good reason why. It will perform better while being more energy efficient. That means it will save you dramatically on your energy costs.

In addition, LED lighting also allows you to add some really exciting features that will also simplify any work involved in setting up your space. For instance, you could have color-themed holiday lighting programmed into the system that can be turned on at the push of a button when the time comes.

That means no more dragging out a ladder and stringing lights. And if you’re hosting an outdoor party, you can pre-program lighting setups that allow you to simply push a button when the party begins. Your landscape lighting setup can suit the exact needs of your property.

Choosing Low Maintenance Landscaping for More Enjoyability

If being able to truly enjoy your landscape and not have to worry about maintenance is a primary goal, then keeping some of these ideas in mind before your project gets underway will help you achieve that goal. Working with a Registered Landscape Architect who truly understands the level of maintenance you’re willing to perform will be key.

Of course, if you have a dream backyard, and you have very little time to spend in it to begin with, that level of tolerance for maintenance may be a zero. Your life is busy and you are often pulled in many directions. When you’re in your backyard, all you want to do is enjoy it. If you have extensive backyard landscaping, you need a company that can understand and meet your exact needs through professional maintenance that is a lot like “property management” of your complete outdoor living area.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood we offer two packages and additional services to completely care for your property, year-round, leaving you with nothing to do but enjoy your space. If you don’t already have an outdoor living space, but you’re considering a new installation, then you likely want a company that can seamlessly transition from design/build into maintaining that space. Once your space is complete, we can help you choose the package that is best for you.

No matter what route you take—professional maintenance or a DIY approach—by having worked with a design professional from the start, there will be no surprises in terms of the maintenance involved in your landscape. That means that you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your property and less time working on it.

If you’d like to discuss the installation of a low maintenance landscape and professional maintenance services for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Shining the Light on 12 Classic Landscape Lighting Mistakes

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:36:57 GMT

Imagine your home being beautifully lit with strategic uplighting on trees and architectural features. The right lighting can make your front entrance look both stunning from the road and welcoming to those who come to visit.

In the backyard, professional lighting can illuminate your outdoor living area, making it not only more usable, but more attractive, too. After all, your space can take on a whole new look in the evening hours, assuming the lighting is installed properly.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of ways landscape lighting can go wrong. While you may know that you want to add lighting to your property, you might be worried that hiring the wrong person for the job could cause you a big headache—or maybe even cost you financially if mistakes were made. The last thing that you want to do is waste your time or your money.

Understanding some of the common landscape lighting mistakes can help you make wise choices so that you avoid them. Here are 12 of the most common mistakes we see made.

1. Too Many Lighting Fixtures

While the number of lighting fixtures you choose to implement is ultimately a personal preference, it’s generally best to start with “less is more” and add as needed. When going the DIY landscape lighting route, or even working with a less experienced contractor, it’s quite common to add more lights than needed.

You wind up risking that your walkways look more like airport runways or that your spotlight fixtures are blinding rather than being helpful in seeing where you’re going. Soft lighting that is strategically placed is also much more attractive.

2. Not Enough Landscape Lighting Fixtures

It’s fair to say that most homeowners tend to overdo lighting rather than under-do it, but it’s certainly possible to skimp on lighting and fail to get the desired effect. If you’ve installed some landscape lighting and still have a lot of dark areas, you probably need to add more lights or perhaps re-think the placement of the lights you have. There is a lot more design involved in lighting than people tend to realize.

3. Using the Wrong Fixture

Using the proper fixture for the proper application or location is a key to the success of your project. This is an aspect of landscape lighting design that comes with experience. An experienced landscape lighting professional is going to know which fixtures will work best in which locations for the desired result.

Many times there are multiple different ways to achieve a certain “look” and a skilled designer can discuss various setups with you to choose what you think is best.

4. Using Inferior Products

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for with landscape lighting products. The products purchased at a big box store simply are not going to last. They are low quality and not made for a long-term lifespan.

Of course, we have also heard from clients who have worked with an electrician for landscape lighting and found that their products didn’t last, either. Now they’re stuck with a problem and can’t get ahold of that electrician.

Here’s the thing—you can’t assume that hiring someone for the job automatically means they’re going to use a higher quality product. We’ve heard from plenty of clients who have worked with a “professional” but had box-store quality lighting installed. You want to be sure that your landscape lighting has a long-time warranty. For instance, the FX Lighting which Earth, Turf, & Wood installs has a 15-year warranty.

5. Not Using LED Bulbs

Failing to use LED bulbs, which is the latest in lighting technology, is a mistake you don’t want to make. Though LED bulbs costs a little bit more upfront, the benefits far outweigh that added cost. And because LED outperforms old landscape lighting, in the long-run, you'll actually be saving money in your electricity bills and maintenance expenses.

6. Bad Wire Connections

Bad wire connections can sometimes just be an inevitable problem that occurs with even properly installed landscape lighting setups. After all, the outdoors is an extremely hostile environment for lighting materials. But if you’re having multiple and ongoing issues with wire connections it could be related to poor installation or poor quality materials.

7. Improper Mounting

The installation process makes a big difference in how your lighting fixture will ultimately perform. It’s frustrating when you notice that your spotlights have started to lean. With path lights, the use of a hub system that is cemented in will prevent those lights from beginning to lean.

8. Going with an Electrician, or Cheap, or Start-Up Business

You might think that an electrician for landscape lighting would make perfect sense. But the truth is, a lot of electricians are much more accustomed to working inside of the home, than out, and it’s quite a different ballgame. The fact is, an experienced landscape company that performs landscape lighting in Lancaster, PA, is a better fit.

When it comes to something as important as landscape lighting (which really will “make or break” the use of your space in the evening hours), don’t take a chance with what could be an inexperienced electrician just to get a good deal. It’s worth paying a little bit more on the front end and winding up with a spectacular project that won’t have long-term costs to deal with as a result of mistakes.

You also want to be careful that you’re not choosing a company that could end up going out of business after they do your installation. This is another fear with using a start-up business. If they install lighting and you call them six months down the road because something went wrong, you want them to actually still be in business so that they can help you out. That’s why you should seek out a company that has decades of experience installing landscape lighting—not some small electrician that is going to flake out when you need them.

9. Using an Inexperienced Landscaper

While it’s true that a landscaper is going to be more accustomed to outdoor projects, not all landscapers are well-versed in doing landscape lighting. They may have installed lighting here or there, but are not true experts in working with landscape lighting. Doing a couple jobs a year is simply not enough to become skilled.

If you want to be sure that the job is performed correctly, it’s important to hire a company that is truly experienced in this kind of work. It’s more complicated than people tend to realize and even a professional landscaper could get in over their head. At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we install landscape lighting on the majority of our projects. It’s not just something we do occasionally.

10. Expectations That Don’t Match Your Budget

There are a lot of different product options for different budgets, making it quite possible to satisfy a range of project levels. Plus, larger projects can often be performed in phases that would allow you to start with a more basic package and add-on.

Even so, it’s possible to have unrealistic expectations for the budget you’re working with. You may be expecting a lot but only willing to invest a little. When this is the case, it’s quite easy to be unsatisfied with the end result. It’s important to go into the process with a realistic understanding of how much landscape lighting costs .

11. Lack of Automation

These days everything around your home is probably becoming increasingly automated and you want the same for your outdoor lighting. There are many different transformer control system options available, including smartphone controls.

Using an app on your smartphone, the control of your outdoor lighting is incredibly simplified. You can add other exciting lighting features , such as color control. If you’re planning a party or a special event you can have color changing lighting preset to coordinate with the theme.

12. Failing to Work with a Design

A lot of people think that landscape lighting is as simple as throwing down a few spotlights and lining your path with path lights. While you could do that, it’s not very aesthetically appealing. The truth is, there’s quite a bit of design involved in creating a professionally lit property. You can certainly tell the difference between a property that went the DIY landscape lighting route and one that went with a true professional.

Investing in Landscape Lighting in Lancaster, PA

There’s no doubt that high quality, professionally installed landscape lighting can be a substantial investment. But we also believe it’s a valuable one. That’s because the right landscape lighting can be a matter of whether your space is functionally usable in the evening hours, or not.

By working with a landscape lighting professional who is going to know what to do to avoid these landscape lighting mistakes, you’ll end up with the best possible results. It is a night and day difference between a home that was professionally lit and one that was done by an unskilled professional or even a DIY approach. If you want the best for your outdoor space, then be sure not to skimp where it counts.

If you’d like to discuss adding landscape lighting as part of a complete outdoor living space at your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and let us help illuminate the space you’ve been dreaming of.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Fish Pond vs. Pondless Waterfall vs. Fountain: Landscape Design Options to Consider

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 07:38:44 GMT

Imagine stepping into your backyard and hearing the sound of trickling or flowing water. There’s something automatically calming about it. It sets the scene for enjoying a peaceful meal outside or even just relaxing in a lounge chair on your patio, watching and listening to the running water.

When it comes to incorporating the sights and sound of water in your backyard, there are several ways to achieve it.

A fish pond, pondless waterfall, or fountain would all give you the aesthetics and sound of water, but in very different ways. You may know that you want a great water feature, but you’re uncertain as to which one is best. The last thing that you want is for it to become an eyesore or a chore to take care of. You want to make the best choice, which will continue to meet your needs for many years into the future.

That’s why we’re comparing fish ponds vs. pondless waterfalls vs. outdoor fountains in Lancaster, PA. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, all relative to the specific homeowner. By learning about each of them, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your complete outdoor living area.

Considering a Fish Pond

Of these three water feature options, fish ponds are likely to be the most maintenance and probably the most expensive option. That’s because they’re the most complex.

Fish ponds require a filtration system as you have a living habitat and cannot use a lot of chemicals to keep the water clear. There’s also more involved in excavating for a fish pond and they will take up more space in your yard.

A medium-sized fish pond with a recirculating waterfall and pond plants ready for your koi and goldfish is typically going to cost between $18,000 and $30,000.

But they have a lot to offer. If fish and other living elements are important to you, then this is the way to go. Many homeowners who have fish ponds think of the fish as pets. If you have children or grandchildren, they’ll love feeding the fish and watching them swim. You can also have more diverse aquatic plants such as water lilies, mosaic plant, or water lettuce. And, you’ll find that the ecosystem you’ve set up will attract other kinds of wildlife such as an array of beautiful birds.

In terms of maintenance, tasks include things like pond start-up and shut-down, winterization, and of course, ongoing maintenance during the prime season of spring and summer (such as water testing and regularly checking on your filtration system to ensure it’s running properly). There is also regular feeding of the fish. These tasks can be performed by you, though there is professional pond maintenance in Lancaster, PA, should you require some of these services to be performed for you.

Here are some questions to ask if you’re considering a fish pond:

Do I have space?
Are the fish and other living elements an essential part of my water feature?
Do I have the time or budget for ongoing maintenance?

Considering a Pondless Waterfall

A pondless waterfall is just what it sounds like. Instead of having a big pond, the waterfall disappears into an underground reservoir. This is typically a good choice for a smaller backyard or for a family that does not want to spend much time with maintenance as a pondless waterfall is a lot less maintenance than a fish pond. Because it is not a living system, you can use a variety of necessary chemicals to keep your water crystal clear.

There are a lot of options for beautiful pondless waterfall landscaping. Large boulders tend to become a showpiece of a pondless waterfall and will be strategically laid out in a way that creates the best possible sound and visual effect. Plant life can also be tucked in between rocks to make the scene look even more lush and natural. A variety of plants can thrive in the moist soil adjacent to your waterfall.

It’s also worth mentioning that another advantage to this type of water feature is an added element of safety if you have very young children at home. Unlike a pond, which is essentially a pool of water, a pondless waterfall doesn’t pose the same risk of a child falling in.

In addition, this type of water feature is typically going to cost less than a fish pond. The cost of a pondless waterfall complete with some pondless waterfall landscaping is generally in the $12,000 to $16,000 range.

The only major disadvantage to a pondless waterfall is the lack of fish and the fact that it is not a living ecosystem. Besides this, there are no other major disadvantages to this type of water feature.

Therefore, the biggest question to ask yourself if you are considering a pondless waterfall is: Are fish or a living ecosystem important elements to me? If the answer is no, then this may be your best choice.

Considering Water Fountains

The final type of water feature that you may be considering is a fountain. Outdoor fountains can be anything from an ornate statue or structure with cascading or shooting water jets down to a small bubbling urn.

In other words, fountains can really run the gamut in terms of size, appearance, and cost. One might assume that a fountain would be your least expensive option, and should you choose something small, it could be. However, we have designed and built some elaborate fountains—including even some that have fire features incorporated—so this is naturally going to raise the price.

Generally speaking, bubbling rocks, fountains, or stone pillars that offer the sounds of running water are in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. But if you start to get into a custom design that has a lot more going on, you can expect added costs.

It is fair to say that a water fountain will be the least amount of maintenance of these three options. It’s really just a matter of turning it on and off. Therefore, it can give you the sound of running water, while also adding a lot of visual appeal, but without any associated maintenance to worry about.

Making Your Best Choice

As you research your options and choose the feature that is best for you, you’ll also have to explore pond companies in Lancaster, PA to complete the installation. A lot of landscape companies claim to offer ponds but it’s important to choose a company that has actual experience in designing and installing them.

Both fish ponds and pondless waterfalls must be installed properly in order to function well and not cause you problems down the line. A fish pond, in particular, requires extensive excavation.

No matter which water feature you choose, you want to feel confident that it’s installed in a way that it enhances your property and allows you to get even more enjoyment out of it. The last thing that you want is for it to become more of a hassle than an enjoyment.

By choosing the right feature and the best company for your Lancaster area home, you’ll be able to cast your worries aside, kick up your feet, and enjoy your beautiful new water feature.

If you’d like to discuss adding a water feature as part of a complete outdoor living space at your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and let us help create the space you’ve been dreaming of.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Case Study: New Holland, PA Landscaping Project with Patio, Pavilion, Outdoor Fireplace and More

Thu, 31 May 2018 07:55:25 GMT

When it comes to constructing a complete outdoor living space, it often happens that not everyone in the household agrees on exactly what they want. Of course, considering the fact that an outdoor living area is a big investment, it’s important to make everyone as happy as possible.

That was what happened with this New Holland, PA landscaping project. While one decision maker of the household loved straight lines, the other loved curvilinear designs. These two conflicting requests might have seemed impossible to accommodate but actually posed an excellent opportunity to create a truly unique pool design.

Overall, the main goal of this project was to design an outdoor living area that increased family time outdoors while the children were growing up. To start with, the family only had a small deck space and a playset the kids had outgrown. The new wish list included a pool as well as a pavilion with an outdoor fireplace and television for entertaining.

Custom Landscaping in New Holland, PA

Beyond the challenge to incorporate a pool with both lines and curves, which was achieved with a unique design, this family had another challenging request. They felt it was important that a parent was always in the pool with the kids, who were relatively young at the time of the project’s construction. But the dad also wanted to be able to enjoy his brand-new fireplace and outdoor television that would be located over in the pavilion. Finding a way that he could do both was key.

The answer came down to the layout. In the design, the outdoor fireplace and television were positioned in a way that there was a straight shot view from a long bench within the pool. This meant the Dad was able to watch the game and enjoy the view of the fire while still being right there with his kids in the pool.

These New Holland homeowners also had a lot of ideas in terms of material they wanted to be incorporated into the project. In fact, during one of the first design meetings, the family’s middle school daughter had been listening in on the conversation.

The very next day our designer received a complete Powerpoint presentation outlining some of the plant material she would like to see incorporated into the project and why it was meaningful to her. Tiger Lillies, for instance, reminded her of her grandmother’s house. A blueberry plant was important because she loved to eat blueberries. We were able to incorporate almost all of her plant choice requests and for those that we could not, were able to find a suitable replacement that still gave her the look she wanted.

While the pool area used pavers in a light color which would be cool on bare feet around the pool, the coping was blue sapphire granite, which had a slight red hint to it in the sunlight. This helped the pool area to complement the rest of the home, which was brick.

In the pavilion, the fireplace was constructed of natural stone. It was important that the size of the fireplace was able to accommodate the size of the outdoor television the family desired. Since it was important that it could be easily seen from the pool, the television was relatively large.

Another interesting detail added to the pool area was the use of fire bowls that incorporated a water feature. Water cascades out of the bowls in a sheer descent while gas allows the flame to come off and on easily. The finished look creates a beautiful aesthetic that makes the pool area enjoyable even without being inside of it.

From the Inside Out

In fact, the pool area is so enjoyable to look at, that the husband and wife made some changes to their master bedroom, which overlooked the pool. They decided to take out a window and turn it into a door with a little porch and a spiral staircase leading down the pool area. The new glass door also gave them an even greater view of the pool in the evening hours when they were in their bedroom.

Views from inside the home are just as important as views from outside and should definitely be considered during the design phase. One thing that was very important to the mom of the family was that she be able to view the pool from the kitchen window.

The pavilion could have blocked this view had there not been a thoughtful approach taken to the design. The pavilion was turned on a 45-degree angle and created with a wide opening to its doorway. These factors helped prevent the obstruction of the view from the kitchen window. The design and construction were more challenging but the end result met the family’s needs.

Finding Expert Landscapers in New Holland, PA

A lot of times homeowners assume they have to find a landscaper for their project who is located right in their small town. But looking 10-20 miles of your immediate area can open up the possibilities to include landscapers that might be a better fit. It may even be a good idea to expand your search even farther if you have a large project. Local doesn’t always equal expert.

It just so happened that this New Holland homeowner found the expertise they needed without searching too far.With an average landscaper, there are many details of this New Holland, PA landscaping project that could not have panned out the way the family truly desired. The family might have just been told there was no way to have both straight and curved lines in their pool design.

Or the pavilion might have been built with no concern about obstructing the kitchen window. Even the request of the dad to be able to enjoy both the pool and the fireplace/television might not have been given the attention it deserved. But the end result would not have satisfied everyone to the very best of its abilities like this project did.

By choosing a company with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), you can be sure that every little detail of your project will be accounted for in the design and that the landscape crew who constructs it, will ensure everything is built right. In the end, this will make a huge difference in the finished product.

With no detail overlooked and an effort to fulfill challenging (and even conflicting) requests, your outdoor living space will be a place that everyone in the family can truly enjoy.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how we can bring your outdoor ideas to life at your New Holland, Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , York , or Hershey , PA home, contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Best Practices for Cleaning and Sealing Paver Patios, Walkways & Driveways

Wed, 23 May 2018 08:44:37 GMT

Are you wondering how to make your paver patio look new again? Your quest for answers may have led you to a great question, “Do pavers need to be sealed?” And if so, how often does it need to be completed? What kind of prep work should be performed before the sealing?

Or maybe you’re considering installing a paver patio, walkway, or driveway, and have questions surrounding their maintenance.

Cleaning and sealing are two very important steps that you can take to ensure your pavers continue to look and perform their best. But it might not be something you want to tackle on your own. If you’re unsure about how to handle sealing or cleaning pavers, you might be looking to understand what’s involved.

Why Do Pavers Need to be Sealed?

It is definitely recommended that you seal your pavers. This is a practice that should be done approximately every three years, though the exact timeline can vary depending upon factors such as how much sunlight your patio receives and how harsh the weather conditions have been.

Why is it important to regularly seal your pavers? Simply put, sealing pavers is an effort that will help you to protect your investment. In fact, there are a few key benefits to sealing a paver patio, walkway, or driveway, which make it worth doing.

It reduces moss growth.
Sealing pavers helps protect your patio from fading.
When pavers are sealed you can prevent stains and repel oil, grease, and grime.
It enhances the color, texture, and brightness of your pavers and gives an overall “cleaner” and “fresher” look.
Sealed pavers can better resist the harsh effects of weather conditions.

Cleaning Paving Stones Prior to Sealing

Having your home’s pavers cleaned and sealed is actually a two-day process which begins with cleaning. Cleaning is performed with a power washer that has a special attachment called a floor scrubber. This attachment helps to give your paver patio, walkway, or driveway an even and thorough cleaning.

Because pavers should be dry before being sealed, they will be left to dry overnight after cleaning is complete. The sealing process will begin on day two.

In terms of the best time to seal a patio, it is a weather-sensitive issue. It is typically recommended that the temperature not dip below 55 degrees during sealing. That’s because the product won’t dry as well.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we actually prefer that it is at least 60 degrees, even in the evening hours. That makes mid-summer the best time for sealing pavers, though we may perform these services as early as May and as late as September, depending on weather conditions.

Hiring a Professional for Sealing Pavers

Some people attempt to seal their pavers on their own. While some are successful in handling this work as a DIY project, it’s important to recognize that there are mistakes which can be made. For instance, power washing your pavers without a special attachment can leave unattractive lines in the pavers. You also need to choose the right sealer for the type of paver that you have. If you have a wet-cast paver then you will require a wet-cast sealer.

Some homeowners are worried about making a wrong choice or not performing cleaning or sealing correctly. In these cases, they may prefer to just leave the service up to a professional. This eliminates the hassle involved while also providing peace of mind that it will be done correctly. Instead of having to waste any time worrying about how to do it, all you have to do is enjoy the results. Many homeowners say they feel as though their patio looks new again after a fresh cleaning and sealing.

While we do not typically perform paver sealing as a stand-alone service, at Earth, Turf, & Wood we have handled the ongoing maintenance of patios we’ve installed for clients. In addition, we might also perform paver sealing as part of a larger job for one of our new clients.

Sealing pavers is such an important way to protect your investment and ensure you are able to enjoy your patio, walkway, or driveway for many years to come. Because we want our clients to truly get the most out of their spaces, we encourage all of our clients to make sure they are having their pavers sealed regularly.

If you’d like to discuss your paver patio, driveway, or walkway needs at your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Art Nafziger, Operations Manager

Art has worked for ETW since 2005. He has an Associates Degree in Design Drafting, which is a great asset in reading plans and managing unexpected challenges that come up during projects. He enjoys working in his yard and spending time in the outdoors. He also enjoys spending time with his family, having individual time alone with each one of them on his Tuesday night date nights. He resides in New Holland, with his wife and three children.

5 Paver Patio Problems: Are These Common Issues Legitimate Concerns?

Thu, 17 May 2018 00:20:12 GMT

Are you considering a paver patio but worried about some of the problems with pavers you may have heard? Maybe you heard these allegations from a local concrete company or even someone you know who has had a problem with their own paver patio?

These problems don’t seem to happen to everyone, so you might be wondering whether these are legitimate concerns that should stand in your way of the patio you want.

While you know you want a functional space where you can dine outside, share a drink around the fire pit, or even just sit back and relax outdoors after a long day at work, the last thing that you want is to end up with a space that has problems and creates unwanted stress.

Investigating potential paver problems and getting to the bottom of the matter is a smart move. After all, you want to make the best choice when it comes to a patio that will last for many years to come.

Here are some of the common complaints about paver patios and some important facts to consider.

1. Pavers Sinking in Areas

Sunken pavers are not only an eyesore, but they are also typically a warning sign of a larger problem. In fact, a paver patio that is sinking in areas very likely might have a drainage problem that was left unaddressed prior to construction. This issue will need to be addressed and corrected and then pavers will need to be re-laid.

Of course, it could also just be that the base was not properly prepared before the pavers were laid. The base material layer is the most critical element of the entire patio construction.

Preparing a base requires proper excavation (to a depth determined by factors such as soil type and site drainage). Failing to excavate deep enough can be another reason for sunken pavers and ultimate patio failure. Poor soils and trash left from builders absolutely must be removed during the excavation as overstabilization of the patio site is extremely important to its integrity.

At times, you can’t just excavate to the standard 10 inches and move on. If you go down to 10 inches, find there’s old fill dirt, poor soils, or other problems, you have to keep going. Oftentimes the inferior soil that is uncovered during excavation is the result of water issues in the house that also bear correcting.

Using the proper amount of fill of modified crushed stone within the excavated site is also part of base preparation. This stone is graded properly, then compacted to form a solid base, a few inches at a time until the finished depth is achieved.

If pavers are sinking, it might be an issue of improper compaction of the base material. If it loosens over time, the pavers can begin to sink. Or, it’s also possible that not enough gravel was used in the first place.

2. A Paver Patio with Poor Drainage

As mentioned, an uncorrected drainage problem can lead to the patio beginning to sink or “cave in” as the ground underneath it erodes. As this happens, pavers can actually begin to crack.

Sunken pavers can lead to water “pooling” on top of the patio. Pooling can also occur when the pitch isn’t correct. This could lead to low areas that will always collect water.

But poor drainage can cause other problems as well. We’ve seen plant beds surrounding a patio get washed away when water rushes across the patio instead of being properly channeled away from the home and landscaping.

Poor drainage can also cause rainwater to collect underneath your patio or come out with such a force that it may begin to destroy the integrity of the foundation of your home.

Believe it or not, poor drainage associated with your patio can even progress to affect the inside of your home. In a poor design, water can become trapped. With nowhere to go, it may flow towards your house and wind up in your basement, leading to tens of thousands of dollars worth of repair work.

All of these problems could be prevented when you start your patio design with a grading and drainage plan. It’s critical that this plan shows exactly where the water is going to go. Unfortunately, too often, landscape contractors just install a patio with no real thought as to what drainage problems exist (or may be created by the patio installation). In the end, this lack of planning can be a costly mistake.

3. Weed Growth in the Joints

Another common gripe that we hear about paver patios is that weeds can grow in the joints. However, the use of a special sand (called polymeric sand) in the joints will make a huge difference.

Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives (usually silica) which, when mixed with water, forms a binding agent. Rather than loose sand, which weeds could grow through, this special sand will reduce the amount of weeds that break through.

However, if polymeric sand is not installed correctly, this can pose problems. We see a lot of full patio failures with incorrectly installed polymeric sand. If the specialized sand is installed wrong, it may not stay put, leaving nothing in your joints. This can lead to a patio full of weeds!

In addition, the installation of geotextile fabric, which is a material with a very high tensile strength that is installed underneath of your paver patio, is also a barrier to any weeds breaking through from the soil beneath. Geotextile fabric also strengthens the base of your patio by acting as a bridge over top of the soft spots.

While some occasional weeds might pop up from seeds that have blown on top of your patio, the use of these two elements will eliminate most weed growth.

4. A Paver Patio with Trip Hazards

A paver patio that has uneven pavers can create dangerous trip hazards. This is once again most likely due to a problem with the construction of the base. The ground might not have been compact enough to bear the weight of the pavers and the people on top of them, and therefore some have sunk or become uneven.

A patio that is forming uneven gaps throughout its layout can also become trip hazards. Extra space between pavers is typically caused by a faulty base, including lack of compaction. This would cause the pavers to shift and separate over time. Space between pavers can also be caused by poor workmanship during the installation. It’s quite possible the pavers were installed with too much extra space to begin with.

5. A Leaning Edge

Without a solid edging system along the perimeter of your patio, the pavers along the edge may begin to separate from the patio and start to lean. An edging system is needed to keep pavers in place. The proper edging product helps keep pavers contained.

A successful edging system requires proper installation. This all starts with the base. The base should extend beyond the patio edging product by a minimum of six inches so that it has a firm and stable foundation to rest upon.

If a solid edging system was not part of your patio construction or if it was installed improperly, then you’re likely to end up with the edge leaning or even dropping off entirely.

Various options exist for edging, from plastic frames that are pinned into the base material, to additional hardscape materials such as wall block or edgestone.

Are These Paver Problems Cause for Concern?

As mentioned, the vast majority of problems with pavers are the result of a poorly constructed base. The patio base is the foundation of the entire project (literally) and if there are corners cut in haste or it is improperly prepared, then the entire patio could ultimately fail.

So, should you be worried about these common paver problems? The simple answer is, “No,” assuming the patio is built properly from start to finish.

And that’s a big assumption on which everything hinges. If even one aspect of the patio is built improperly, then these problems will be a concern.

That makes it critically important that you choose the right landscape contractor.

Avoiding Problems with Pavers

The key to avoiding paver problems comes down to selecting a landscape company that not only knows how to do the job correctly, but meticulously follows proper procedures on every project.

A landscape company that has a great reputation designing and installing hundreds of paver patios will know exactly how to make sure that these worries never become actual problems with your paver patio.

Your choice matters.

Find a contractor that has been in business for a long time, has a solid reputation, and focuses on this type of work daily. By choosing a company that will install your paver patio properly from the very start, you no longer have to fret that something will fail as a result of poor design or construction. You can feel confident that your wise choice in landscape companies will result in a truly worry-free paver patio for you to enjoy to the fullest.

Want to learn more about designing the ultimate paver patio at your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home? Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll be happy to answer your questions about materials, design, or the process of getting your dream backyard.

Written by Art Nafziger, Operations Manager

Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers vs. Natural Stone: What's Best for My Lancaster, PA Backyard?

Thu, 10 May 2018 01:27:00 GMT

When it comes to choosing the best material for your patio , there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind as you explore your options.

Of course, you want to be sure that you don’t overspend but you also may be worried that taking a shortcut with materials could lead to wasted money or aggravation.

You likely want to make the best possible choice in order to be able to get a good return on your investment—and a lot of enjoyment out of the finished product.

In order to help simplify “what’s out there,” we’ll take a look at some of your options and what points to keep in mind. Whether you’re looking at pavers vs. a concrete patio, pavers vs. natural stone, or stamped concrete vs. natural stone, we can help guide you in deciding what’s right for you.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Backyard Transformation!

Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers

These two “man-made” materials often come head to head when homeowners are deciding upon patio materials. Let’s look at how they stack up against each other by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

Stamped Concrete Patio Advantages

Far and away, the biggest advantage of opting for a stamped concrete patio is the cost. If you’re looking at concrete vs. paver cost, there’s no doubt that concrete is the less expensive option.

A concrete patio can also be installed more quickly than laying pavers.

Stamped Concrete Patio Disadvantages

Durability is the biggest con to using concrete. Truth be told, it’s not a matter of “if” it will crack, it’s a matter of when. Because the Central Pennsylvanian climate has a lot of thawing and refreezing in winter, it’s inevitable that you will get cracks in a concrete patio.

Repairs for cracks require patching which is almost impossible to disguise.
Stamped concrete can get slick making it a poor choice near a pool or for walkways or steps.
Colors will fade over time and concrete will need regular sealing to reduce fading.
With concrete, there is no way to temporarily pull it up to make repairs, run utility lines, or make any other changes. It can only be cut and then re-poured, and will never completely match.

Paver Patio Advantages

Variety is a huge advantage. With so many different paver products out there, you can choose the exact look and style to suit your taste. You have the opportunity to create dozens of patterns, use multiple paver colors, add borders, and so much more. There are many more opportunities for customization than with concrete.
The mid-point price point makes paver patios affordable, particularly when comparing pavers or natural stone (the latter of which can be more expensive).
Pavers are not slippery, making them a good choice near a pool or for steps or walkways.
With pavers, it’s very easy to make repairs. If maintenance is needed, you can lift up the paver, make the repairs, and lay it back down without any outward appearance that repairs were made.

Paver Patio Disadvantages

If comparing stamped concrete vs. pavers cost, pavers are going to be more expensive.

Pavers or Natural Stone?

You might also be looking at natural stone and comparing it to a paver patio. Whether you’re exploring pavers vs. flagstone or pavers vs. travertine, because they must be excavated from a quarry, all natural stone options are going to be more costly than pavers and poured concrete. Natural stone also requires more labor to install.

And therein lies the biggest disadvantage. For some budgets, natural stone may be cost-prohibitive.

But the advantages to using natural stone are plentiful. Natural stone is incredibly durable (even outlasting your time in your home), it is classic and elegant, and, like pavers, it is easy to perform repairs or run utility lines underneath of it if necessary. It can simply be lifted up and then replaced with no sign that work was done.

Natural stone is also authentic. Instead of having a product that is made to look like natural stone, you could have the real thing.

But it’s all about making the right choice to match it to your home or setting. You might even consider mixing and matching products. Many people blend both natural stone and pavers in the same project.

Some Additional Thoughts on Cost

If you’re looking at natural stone vs. stamped concrete vs. pavers cost, there are going to be big variations in exactly how much you could spend. Put simply, concrete is your least expensive option, followed by pavers at a mid-price point, and then natural stone at the highest price point.

Here are some specific examples on what you would expect to spend, based on a 500 square foot patio that is fairly flat. Site preparation, excavation, and other project elements can all affect the cost.

A stamped concrete patio will start around $13,000
A simple paver patio in a basic pattern, starts around $15,000
A step up, a three-piece pattern paver starts around $18,500
A natural stone patio using thermal flagstone starts around $26,000

Of course, there are a lot of factors that can cause variation in these costs. Everything from pattern to site conditions has an impact. How long you plan to stay in your house is an important factor to bear in mind as you make the choice that you think is best. If you may be moving in the next 5 to 7 years, it might not make sense to go with the most expensive option as there won’t be time to get the return on investment—or return on enjoyment—that would come with longevity.

Choosing Wisely for the Best Results

Your patio will ultimately be a space where you spend a large amount of your time outdoors. That’s why you want to be sure to choose a material that is going to be right for you.

You could try to get something in quickly and for the least amount of expense, but you could wind up wanting to replace it in only a short time. Jack-hammering up cracked concrete in order to lay pavers or natural stone adds even more labor cost to your project than had you just done one of these options in the first place.

There’s a lot involved in the decision making process, but when all is said and done, you want a patio that you can truly enjoy to the fullest. You must weigh whether that means investing a little bit more at the onset in order to ensure you have something to enjoy for the long haul. You want to feel confident that you’re going to have a patio space that you love and can use to the fullest.

Reaching that decision can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. By choosing to work with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), you’ll have expert guidance from someone who has worked through hundreds of patio projects. Together, you can decide upon the best option for you and your home.

If you’d like to discuss adding a patio to your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and let us help create the space you’ve been dreaming of.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

4 Expert Tips for the Best Paver Patio Design

Mon, 07 May 2018 03:04:54 GMT

If you’re investing in a new patio , chances are, you want something original that doesn’t look like every other patio on the block. While you might know you want something unique, you may not be sure what’s out there. That’s why you may be searching for some patio design tips that will help you to create something out-of-the-ordinary.

When it comes to customizing a patio, you want to be sure that you’re finding a pro who isn’t just giving all of their customers the “same old, same old.” By exploring a lot of different patio design ideas, you hope to bring lots of ideas to the table but also work with a professional who will have patio design examples of their own.

In order to keep those ideas flowing, here are four tips for the best paver patio design.

1. Use Mixed Materials

Some of the best patio design examples we have seen are those that use a blend of different materials. Whether it’s a variety of different paver types or even a mix of natural stone with pavers, using different materials throughout the project gives it a lot of visual interest.

Texture is another way to mix and match. While your materials might resemble one another in color (as there should certainly be a “link” that ties it all together), you can have very different textures throughout the project that make it unique. Mixing natural stone with pavers is one way to get very different textures into a project in a visually appealing way.

You can also mix and match paver sizes. Instead of having every single paver cut the same, you can mix in different sizes to break up the monotonous look and add a lot of interest.

2. Consider a Unique Pattern

There are a lot of ways that you can incorporate patterns to make your patio even more unique. There are a little over a dozen common patterns used by today’s hardscapers. Utilizing the right pattern on your paver patio can give a major sense of elegance to the patio design for your Lancaster, York, or Reading, PA home.

Some of the most popular paver patterns include:

Herringbone
Running Bond
Stretcher Bond
Diamond
I-Pattern
Random
Basketweave
Circle Pattern

You could even get incredibly personal and have your initials designed into the patio with different colored pavers. This would be a highly personalized touch that would make the patio unique to you. With one of our clients who loved Disney and all things whimsical, we did a spiral pattern that brought her a lot of enjoyment whenever she looked out at it from an upper window.

3. Incorporate Borders and “Banding”

A lot of homeowners are using pavers to create borders or banding, which also adds a lot of interest to the patio. When we talk about borders, we are typically talking in terms of defining the edge of a space. This delineates the patio from the surrounding landscape so that it doesn’t feel as though your patio just suddenly drops off.

While a simple row of slightly different pavers would do the job of a border, you do not have to be confined to a single border. You could get really creative and add a double or even a triple border with different colored pavers. And you can choose to make the contrast between the border and the rest of your patio as stark (with a totally different color) or as blended (with a color that is only a shade different) as you desire.

We’ve also seen homeowners add banding across their patio—as opposed to along the edge—for an interesting motif that boosts aesthetic appeal. You might even consider a unique pattern at the center of your patio for something truly original.

Banding and borders can be created within retaining walls and fire pits, as well. This adds some flair to your vertical structures that really makes them pop. If you have a fire pit built into your paver patio, you might consider an interesting border around it to make it stand out as the showpiece that it is.

4. Get Creative with Color

In general, we’re seeing that lighter colored pavers are trending in the patio design examples on sites like Houzz. Even amongst our own clients, we’re getting more requests for lighter colored pavers. Light colors are always a good idea if you have a small space because they help make the space feel bigger. There’s a sense of feeling as though the area is opened up rather than feeling closed in.

While lighter colors are a nice option, you certainly don’t have to be limited to going light. You could even mix and match contrasting colors if you wanted to get creative. As long as you have some elements that tie the whole design together, you can successfully incorporate multiple colors within the patio design. Borders and banding pose another great opportunity to add some pops of color to your space.

Finding the Best Patio Design Companies for the Job

While there are a lot of exciting patio design ideas out there, actually executing these ideas will come down to the company you choose. The truth is, your average landscaper is going to want to install the same cookie-cutter patio that they’ve done many times before. It’s what they’re comfortable doing and they might be nervous to try an idea that is outside-of-the-box.

It also requires more time and more skill to create a patio that is extraordinary (versus an ordinary one). Laying certain patterns or a unique border, for instance, takes intricacy and a level of attention to detail that many just don’t have.

If you really want to get a spectacular paver patio then you have to work with a company that will be committed to a higher level of design—not a company that just wants to get the job done quickly and moves right on to the next.

Choosing Wisely

When it comes to your extraordinary patio design at your Lancaster, York, or Reading, PA home, your choice matters. You could choose the company that isn’t committed to your patio design ideas and end up with something ordinary—or even worse, something that you didn’t want.

Or, you could choose a company that goes above and beyond in their design work, listening to your wants and needs, and maybe even adds some of their own ideas you hadn’t thought of.

By choosing the latter, you’ll get the patio that you truly always wanted and have nothing left to do but enjoy it!

If you’d like to discuss adding a paver patio to your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and feel confident that you’ll get something extraordinary.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

4 Common Landscape Design Pricing Options in Lancaster, PA

Thu, 03 May 2018 03:19:30 GMT

The cost of a landscape design plan may seem confusing. That’s because there are a lot of different ways that landscape companies charge for their design services. These options can vary dramatically based on everything from their level of experience to how time-involved your project may be.

While you might be certain that you want to hire a landscape design company, you might have no clue what pricing option is best for your project. No matter what, you want to be able to get a unique design and if you pay for one, you want it to be well worth the expense.

In order to help simplify what’s involved, we’ll look at the four most common ways in which landscapers charge for design as well as what option might be best for you.

If you’re having a project built that is anything more than a simple landscape bed or two, it’s important that you have a design. No one should have a project built without knowing exactly where (and what) is being installed.

The design ultimately becomes the foundation for the construction—and that’s important. The last thing that you want is to be surprised by how your outdoor living area turns out. It’s too much of an investment to cut any corners.

In addition, a lot of municipalities require a design for pulling permits, making it a necessity. Landscape design is simply one of those steps that should not be skipped.

1. Landscape Design Pricing by Hourly Rate

Calculating the cost of landscape design by factoring in all of the hours that went into it is a relatively common way to price landscape design. Of course, a more complex design is going to take time. This is relative to how complex the project is. The design for some landscaped plant beds, for instance, is going to be a lot less time-consuming than the design for a project where permits are going to be needed, there will be engineering for elaborate hardscaping, and time will be needed to organize materials.

Typically, an hourly rate is set that takes into account the landscape designer’s level of experience, training, and certifications. Therefore, a company that employs a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) , that has a tremendous amount of experience and training, might charge more hourly than one that does not.

Some landscape companies employ individuals who have design degrees or certificates that required much less schooling. A typical landscape designer has either a two-year associate’s or four-year bachelor's degree. But an RLA must have at least a five-year degree and must work under another landscape architect for at least two years before taking a very difficult certification test (and maintain those credentials with continuing education each year).

As with anything, you get what you pay for. By choosing a company with an RLA, you can expect to get a higher caliber design.

2. Companies that Charge a Flat Design Fee

Sometimes, the cost of a landscape design plan is simply given as a flat fee. Chances are if you are told a flat fee for the design cost, the landscape designer has already calculated how much time and effort is going to go into your project. Some projects are complicated and incredibly involved while others have fewer challenges. Naturally, that means the fee for designing one project might differ from another.

Still, a lot of homeowners like the idea of a flat design fee as they like knowing the total cost of landscape design upfront. On average, the cost of design in our region can run anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

3. Landscape Design Pricing Based on Budget

This probably the rarest of the design pricing options, but it is one way that landscaping companies could charge for design. With this option, the cost of the design is a percentage of the overall budget. Therefore, if you have a $100,000 project, and your landscape company charges 10 percent for a design fee, your design will cost $10,000.

4. Free Landscape Design in Lancaster, PA

A lot of landscape companies in the region say they don’t charge for design at all. In fact, advertising “free design,” is often used as a selling point to get potential clients interested in working with a landscape company.

While this may sound enticing, you should be wary of any company that does not charge any fees for design services. That’s because you have to question how invested they really are in your project. And, what are you actually getting?

Chances are, you’re not getting a high-quality, professional design. You’re probably getting a quick sketch—if anything at all. When a company says that they don’t charge for their design work it’s also possible they’re working from no design at all. And that’s scary because you can’t really be certain what you’re going to end up with if there is no design involved.

Earth, Turf, & Wood’s Landscape Design Pricing Model

When working with a company such as Earth, Turf, & Wood, which employs a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), you can likely expect to pay for landscape design. Landscape architect design prices are typically calculated with either an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a combination of both. But no matter how they charge, with an RLA involved in the project, you can feel confident that your project is being built from a detailed plan that will ensure it comes together exactly as expected.

We have a few different ways of charging for landscape design. Most often, we use a flat rate fee that is based upon the number of hours we plan to spend on that design.

For the average project, our RLA spends between 10 and 20 hours to formulate a high-quality and professional design for outdoor living areas that include features such as planting beds, patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and even pools. That is design time, on the computer, putting together an original design. There may also be additional meetings, phone calls, and other time spent in the design process that goes beyond this range.

All of that effort is included in the design cost, making it very valuable. After all, you wouldn’t expect a building architect to work for free, designing a new office space or working up detailed plans for building a home. The same goes for a landscape architect, who is investing a lot of time into your outdoor living project.

Why is this important?

Well, for one, the more time that is invested in your design, the more accurate and precise it will be. You want to have an accurate design on paper as opposed to something that is just a sketch, or a “dream.” When you draw up a dream, it remains a perpetual dream. But when you design something that is accurate, it becomes a reality.

Accurate design plans ultimately become construction plans which are used to build your project exactly as agreed upon. They’re also submitted for permit applications.

These are important reasons why a quick sketch simply will not do. On average, the cost of a design from Earth, Turf, & Wood is around $800 to $1,000. That’s a small investment for the value received.

Choosing the Best Landscape Design Pricing Option

It’s not so much how a company charges that matters as is what you get for your investment. By choosing a company that utilizes an RLA, you’re investing in a comprehensive design process that is going to ensure your project comes together both aesthetically and functionally.

The choice is yours.

You could choose a company that doesn’t charge a design fee to try and save a few dollars on your project. But you could wind up with something you didn’t really want. Since you never worked through a comprehensive design process, how can you really know what you’re getting?

Even worse, you could wind up with huge mistakes. When companies fail to work through a design they could make errors such as building the patio too small or failing to correct a drainage issue. Mistakes such as these could negatively impact your entire outdoor experience.

Or, you could choose a company that puts time and effort into a high-quality design. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting—with the assurance it’ll be done right. And by making that wise choice, your family and friends will be able to experience your backyard dream-come-true just as you hoped.

If you’d like to discuss how professional landscape design will help turn your ideas for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading, PA home into reality, then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to see your dream come to life.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Lititz, PA Landscaping Case Study: A Panoramic Experience

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 04:58:39 GMT

Lancaster County is known for its unique blend of residential areas and rural countryside.

The picturesque views of sprawling farmland are part of what makes the region so charming. Small towns throughout the county each have their own specific personality. It’s no surprise that one such community in Lititz, PA was voted the “Coolest Town in America” in 2013.

Lititz homes are highly sought after. In fact, it’s quite desirable to find a home that has one of the stunning views that overlooks the countryside. For this reason, when you find that perfect setting, you want to ensure your Lititz, PA landscaping goes a long way in enhancing that view.

That was exactly the case for this Lititz, PA family. Their property overlooked a beautifully scenic dairy farm and they desired a landscape design that would allow them to get the full panorama.

At the time, a series of trees were blocking the view and causing a muddy mess. The family wanted to take down the trees, open up the view, and then create a more functional, multi-room space that would allow them to spend more time outside.

Working Around the View

To begin with, the home had an existing patio attached to the house but it was small and plain. The family wanted the existing patio resurfaced and wanted to extend it to additional hardscaped areas. These included an outdoor kitchen, a dining area covered with a pergola, and an area to enjoy relaxing around a fire pit.

The view of the dairy farm was a major consideration in the layout of each of these outdoor rooms. The family also wanted the outdoor kitchen to be conveniently located near the home’s back door, making it almost an extension of their home with easy access to the indoor kitchen.

However, because the home had so many back windows, each of which offered a view of the farm, it was important that the outdoor kitchen not be an obstruction in any way. As a result, it was strategically tucked off to the side and shaped in a way that it still offers a clear view from the windows.

Similarly, the layout of the pergola also came into question in terms of obstructing the view. The family originally wanted the pergola more centered but we worked on locating it in such a way that it would not block the windows.

This behooves the importance of spending a lot of time in the design phase to get things “just right.” We had the family stand inside of the home, look out their window, and then we demonstrated how building the pergola off to the side would protect the view the family cared so much about. Taking the time to work through ideas during the design phase is critical to any project’s overall success, but particularly when there are very specific goals in mind.

All of these considerations were also taken into account when constructing the fire pit area. While we might normally design the seat wall that partially surrounds the fire pit on the house side, it was intentionally designed on the back side so that the seats could face the dairy farm.

During the daylight hours, those lounging in that area have a picturesque view of both the fire and the farm. The fire pit can also be viewed from inside of the home, which was another request of the family.

All the Little Landscape Design Details

Whenever working with an outdoor living area, it’s important that all of the little details help enhance the space as a whole. Close attention to detail was paid in each of these four spaces, making each of them special.

In the enhanced patio, the family loved the gray Techo-Bloc material to resurface their existing patio. We completed some paver design work to create a carpet-like border around the main patio, which features a nice seating area for family and friends. As a family with three boys, they were often entertaining guests.

In the outdoor kitchen area, the family wanted something simple but of high quality. This included a built-in grill with some countertop space and a restaurant-style refrigerator with a glass door. Again, the strategic location made it easy for the family to pop back inside the house if needed.

The pergola area is incredibly elegant and what we might call a showpiece of the landscape design. It includes a paddle fan and some lights shining down on each of its rounded posts (purposely selected to match the rounded columns on the house).

In the evening hours, the well-lit pergola has a whole new level of interest and looks picture-perfect with a nearby fire roaring in the fire pit area. The seat wall added to the fire pit area helps close in the space, provides extra seating, and also has some nice undercap landscape lighting to enhance the look at night.

With all of the details involved in this Lititz, PA landscaping design project, the family felt they only needed minimal plantings to add a little bit of extra interest. There are some simple landscape beds around the main patio and the kitchen that provide a clean and polished look without requiring lots of plant material to care for.

Finding Landscapers in Lititz, PA and Surrounding Areas

There are a lot of details with this Lititz, PA landscaping project that could have gone awry with the average landscaper. Most importantly, the value of the property’s view might not have been given the level of attention that was truly needed to ensure the finished product enhanced the view rather than hindered it. Had time not been painstakingly spent during the design phase to get things just right, that “million dollar view,” so to speak, could have been ruined.

By choosing a landscaping company with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), you can be sure that your wants and needs into account and that the landscape contractor will go the extra mile to ensure everything is done right. This will make a huge difference in your landscaping project.

Ultimately, your choice in Lititz, PA landscaping companies will be the defining factor in a project that truly meets your needs or one that falls short—or even worse, a project that isn’t what you wanted at all. By choosing wisely, you’ll be investing in enhancing your property value rather than diminishing it.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how we can bring your outdoor ideas to life at your Lititz, Ephrata, Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530 .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Crucial Details When Designing and Building a Fire Pit

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 05:45:42 GMT

Imagine gathering around your beautiful fire pit with friends and family, enjoying the warmth and the glow. A fire pit is a wonderful addition to an overall outdoor living space design.

With the addition of this fire feature, your outdoor living area has come together just as you’d imagined it—that is until the wind from your fire pit is blowing smoke directly into everyone’s faces all evening long. Because orientation wasn’t given any thought with your fire pit design, each time you use it, you have to move away from the fire pit every time the wind picks up.

Or, even worse, maybe a novice installer used a material that is not even rated for such high heat. You may not know this, but concrete blocks can actually explode if they get too hot, making your fire pit a serious danger.

It’s quite possible that building a fire pit may be a lot more complicated than you thought. It’s not just a matter of digging out an area and adding some stone and some surrounding blocks. There are important design choices that must be taken into account so that the area becomes a highlight of your backyard, not detract from it.

That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide. Here are some of those crucial details to consider when building a fire pit area as part of your outdoor living space.

Selecting Materials for Fire Pit Construction

One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen with fire pit construction is when homeowners or even landscape contractors use materials that are not suited for high temperatures. As we mentioned, concrete blocks can actually explode if they aren’t made to heat up.

A lot of times, DIY fire pits are built using stones and boulders found around the yard, without knowing what their heat rating is. If not suited to high temperatures, these stones can crack and splinter.

This is why a fire pit design should include a stainless steel interior liner that is installed with the proper amount of air space between the liner and the fire pit material. This barrier will prevent the fire pit material from getting too hot and causing problems. Whether you choose a natural stone fire pit or even one made with manufactured materials, a liner will add an element of safety and security.

Accounting for Height in Fire Pit Design

The height and the circumference of your fire pit are critical details that should also be given attention. It’s not uncommon for do-it-yourselfers or even landscapers that haven’t built a lot of fire pits to build them too high.

This is typically an effort to make the fire pit safer by preventing logs or embers from rolling out and keeping the fire contained. However, what ends up happening is that the kids need to lean over to roast their marshmallows—in actuality making the higher fire pit less safe.

In general, a good height for the outside edge is between 6 and 12 inches tall. This is enough of a safety buffer to keep logs from rolling out but it’s not too deep that there is a need to “lean in” to get close to the fire.

Thinking About the Orientation of Your Fire Pit Design

The exact location on your property where you plan to install your fire pit is also a crucial factor. That’s because, in the wrong spot, wind can have the power to ruin your entire outdoor experience not only for the immediate area around your fire pit, but possibly on the entire patio.

One of the first questions a landscape designer should investigate is which way the wind blows on your property. If you design a patio with a fire pit, you want to be sure the smoke isn’t directly blowing into peoples’ faces who are around the fire—but you also want to pay attention to other nearby seating areas and how the fire will affect them. If you do have a windy property, a thoughtful designer will choose a different location for your fire pit as well as possibly plant windscreens to mitigate some of the impact.

Besides the wind/smoke factor, orientation is also important in terms of views. Thought should be given to where the fire pit can be seen from. If you have a pool, dining area, or even another seating area, your experience there is made even more enjoyable when you’re able to enjoy the view of the fire pit from as many places as possible.

Understanding Safety and Local Codes

Patios with fire pits must also be built with safety in mind. We already mentioned materials and how certain ones are not rated for heat. But there’s more to it than that. For instance, by code, a fire pit must also be at least 10 feet from any combustible material, such as your house. In fact, in some municipalities, laws may be even more extreme.

In addition, a fire pit should not be built near low-hanging branches or built underneath a covering such as a pergola or pavilion. Likewise, it should always be built on a non-flammable surface, like a patio. Fire pits and decks just don’t mix.

While some of this may seem like common sense, it’s one of those projects where there is no room for error. Hastily building a fire pit without giving it a lot of forethought and planning can mean ending up with something that is dangerous to operate.

Being able to see your fire pit from a window of the house is also a safety feature that a lot of people don’t think of. If you forget whether you put the flame completely out, you’ll be able to peek on it from the window to be certain at any time of day or night.

Depending on your situation, and whether you feel like you constantly have to check on a wood-burning fire, natural gas might be a better option. While some homeowners love the smell and the sound of a wood-burning fire, others might feel concerned about building and maintaining a fire with wood. In these cases, a gas-powered fire pit might be the way to go. It can be turned on or off at the push of a button and will not smolder. Once it’s off, you can walk away confidently knowing there’s no lingering flame.

Fire Pit Alternatives

It’s important to mention that a fire pit is not for everyone. For instance, if you have a property that is perpetually windy and you don’t want to deal with trying to make a fire pit work, you might opt for something different. There are other options that can allow you to still have a fire feature on your property such as a gas-powered fire bowl or table.

You might also consider an outdoor fireplace over a fire pit. A fireplace takes up less patio space and has a chimney that can direct the smoke upward. But it still gives you the beautiful look and warmth of a fire.

Choosing Wisely for Fire Pit Success

Adding a fire pit into your backyard transformation project is commonly underestimated in not only its complexity, but overall impact. However, when thoughtfully planned, this could be the winning move to create the perfect backyard retreat.

In the end, it is the design that has a tremendous impact on the safety and the aesthetics of the fire pit in your outdoor living area. Just like any other area of the project, good design and proper construction are key.

And this is an area where you have a choice.

You could try to slap something together yourself or even hire a pro that occasionally builds fire pits. But by choosing this route, you may be taking a gamble when it comes to overall aesthetics, enjoyment, and even safety.

Or, you can choose a landscape company with a Registered Landscape Architect. Here at Earth, Turf, & Wood, we’ve helped many local homeowners take all of these facts into account and design a fire pit that was not only a beautiful addition to their property but also provided them a safe and enjoyable experience as well.

We’d love to do the same for you. By choosing this latter path, you’ll be able to have peace of mind that your fire pit can be experienced without any doubts or concerns. It will look and perform exactly as it's meant to—leaving you with nothing to do but sit back, relax, and enjoy it.

If you’d like to discuss adding an outdoor living area with a fire pit, or other alternatives, to your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading, PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to see your project come to life.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

11 Great Landscape Lighting Ideas for Trees, Pools, Walkways, and More

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 06:03:50 GMT

Adding landscape lighting is such a valuable addition to any outdoor project. Not only does it serve a functional purpose by adding an element of safety and security, but it also adds a tremendous amount of aesthetic appeal.

There are countless ways to light up a property. While you may have seen a variety of landscape lighting ideas, you’re not sure which would work best for your property or even how they’d all come together.

Looking at pictures of landscape lighting is one way to start narrowing down which ideas you might like best. We’ve also rounded up some other ideas to keep in mind as you start planning your outdoor space.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Landscape Lighting Transformation!

Landscape Lighting Ideas for Trees

Trees are such a valuable addition to your property and you want to be able to enjoy them, even when the sun goes down. Lighting your trees is a great way to add visual interest to your landscape in the evening hours. There are two key ways that we suggest lighting your trees.

1. Uplight Your Trees

When uplighting, the light fixture is placed in the ground around the tree and shines on it to accentuate its trunk and canopy. This is a great way to show off an attractive tree in the evening hours. The resulting shadows can also add some interest after dark. Uplighting provides a bolder, more dramatic effect for landscape lighting .

2. Downlight your Trees

You could also choose to downlight a tree. In this case, the light fixtures are added in the under canopy of the tree from which they shine down. This is also called “moonlighting” and can look absolutely stunning when done correctly. Downlighting provides a more romantic feel.

It’s important to note that downlighting is best done on trees that have a backside which is not visible. That’s because a wire must be run up the tree and for aesthetic purposes, it is best hidden.

Landscape Lighting Ideas for Driveways

Landscape lighting for your driveway makes it safer and more attractive. When done properly, it can impact your home’s curb appeal in a positive way. A well-lit driveway looks inviting and attractive. But the key is definitely that it’s done properly. If done poorly, it can negatively impact curb appeal.

3. Opt for Soft Lighting

The biggest mistake with lighting a driveway is creating that “deer-in-a-headlights” feeling that people get when they pull into a driveway that has a spotlight shining directly in their face. Instead of fulfilling the function of lighting the way, it actually makes it harder to see where you’re going as you are essentially being blinded by the light.

4. Avoid the Runway Look

In addition, when lighting a long driveway, be careful to avoid the “airport runway look” that can be achieved when too many lights fall into a row. You’re not trying to achieve a landing strip—and if that’s what it looks like you’ve created, it’s not going to be very attractive.

The key to proper driveway lighting is that it should be subtle. Landscape lighting should be soft and skillfully placed. It’s something that takes a professional eye for design.

Landscape Lighting Ideas for Pools

Lighting up your pool area will serve the functional purpose of allowing you to use the space in the evening hours. But it will also boost your aesthetics. That means that even if you’re not using the pool, but maybe enjoying dinner on your patio—or even looking at the pool from inside your home—it’s going to be much more visually appealing.

5. Go Subtle

When lighting your pool patio and walkways, the idea is to do so in a way that is as unobtrusive as possible. There should never be lights placed in areas where they are are trip hazards in your pool space. And, similar to your driveway, you do not want to create a lighting situation in which light is shining in anyone’s face and impacting their experience—nor do you want to create a runway effect with your pool walkways.

Lighting should be subtle and attractive, creating a resort-like feeling to your pool space.

6. Go Beyond the Pool

Also, think about lighting the areas around your pool as much as the pool itself. After all, your surrounding landscape is the backdrop to the pool . You can employ some of the landscape lighting ideas for trees that we mentioned in order to showcase some of the beautiful trees that surround your pool.

7. Light Up Your Water Features

Lighting can also highlight water features in a spectacular way. If you’ve added a waterfall or some other type of water feature to your poolscape, or even nearby, it takes on a whole new look when lit at night. We’ve even had homeowners add colored lighting to water features for a truly unique look. It’s like having a light show in your own backyard!

Landscape Lighting Ideas for Walls

Retaining walls often double as sitting walls and lighting them up is important to let people know where they can sit. It’s also functionally important to light your walls so that nobody runs into them. But walls can also be aesthetically appealing with the right landscape lighting ideas for walls.

8. Use Under Cap Lights

If you have any sitting walls incorporated into your landscape, under cap lighting can highlight the beauty of the wall’s material. Whether it’s natural stone or even a paver, it takes on a whole new look when lit up in the evening hours.

9. Wall Wash with Light

Using a soft spotlight to wash a wall with light is an aesthetically pleasing technique that can show off the natural stone or pavers you’ve used on a border wall around your property—or even the wall of your home. If you have a beautiful stone home, you might uplight some of its stonework with a wash of soft light.

Landscape Lighting Ideas for Walkways

A well-lit walkway in your front or backyard adds an element of beauty while also making the path safer to traverse. But the key to making walkways aesthetically pleasing is to keep your lighting efforts subtle.

10. Forgo Path Lights Entirely

There is no rule that says you must light up a walkway with path lights. In order to avoid that landing strip look that we keep mentioning, you could forgo path lights and use strategic uplighting, downlighting, or cross lighting to ensure your path is lit. If you do use path lights, just be careful that they are not placed too close together. Most people assume they need a lot more light than they really do.

11. Light up Your Steps

For steps, built-in lights are an aesthetically pleasing option that will also serve the functional purpose of making them safer to navigate. You could also use strategically placed spotlights or path lights to light up your steps. There’s no question that steps should be well-lit as they are both a danger and a liability.

Using a Landscape Lighting Professional

There is a big difference between sticking a few spotlights around your property and working with a professional. Besides the artistic eye for design, a professional will also have access to much higher end product than anything a do-it-yourselfer could buy.

A landscape lighting professional is going to install LED lighting, have superior warranties on their products, and also work with much higher quality finishes like copper and brass (never plastic, as you’d see in a box store).

Plus, a professional is going to understand the technical aspects of landscape lighting, such as photometrics (the science of the measurement of light in terms of its brightness). There are so many nuances that come into play when getting landscape lighting just right. It could be the difference between a landscape that is elegantly lit and one that is made less attractive with poor lighting.

In the end, the choice is yours.

You can either choose to work with a landscape lighting professional who is going to have a wealth of landscape lighting design pictures from past jobs to look through, as well as work with any ideas that you have gathered. Or, you can work with an average contractor giving you limited options that result in a poorly-executed design.

By choosing to work with a landscape lighting expert, you can light up your landscape in a way that makes it truly spectacular, while also serving all the functional purposes you need it to.

Schedule a free consultation to learn how to illuminate your Reading , York , Hershey , Lebanon , or Lancaster, PA property. You can also get in touch by calling 717-721-3530 .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Case Study: Landscapers in Ephrata, PA Create Multi-Level Patio Perfect for Outdoor Entertainment

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 07:19:40 GMT

Being able to spend more time outside with family and friends was a top priority for these Ephrata, PA homeowners. The existing concrete patio was too small for entertaining and our clients needed additional living space for grilling, dining, and visiting with family and friends.

They desired a fantastic space for entertaining—but needed to stay within the confines of their budget. Making some creative choices allowed them to have the space they’d dreamed of without breaking the bank.

Challenges with Landscaping in this Ephrata, PA Project

Like every project, this one presented its own set of unique challenges that had to be dealt with. In particular, the smaller size of the yard and its gradual slope posed barriers to creating an entertainment area that everyone could be a part of.

The solution came in the form of a multi-level patio that worked with the gradual slope of the property. It features a dining area, a grilling area, and a separate seating area with a fire table.

While these were three separate spaces it was important that they flowed well together so that it felt as though everyone was “together” even when they were on different levels. Because it was a linear design, this was particularly challenging.

Making the spaces feel interactive came in the thoughtful approach to design. Each level of the patio was positioned in a way that people could still see each other on a different level. The result was a feeling of togetherness, even when everyone was spread out.

Despite being a relatively tight space, it was also laid out in a way that made sense circulation-wise. For instance, if you want to walk from the upper patio to the lower patio, you aren’t uncomfortably zig-zagging around chairs. There’s a nice flow to all three levels and each space, no matter how small, functions as a room without compromising circulation.

Space was also maximized by incorporating elements that could be multi-functional. For instance, the stairs that take you from one level to the next also double as extra seating when there are a lot of guests. The retaining walls that were needed for grading also provide some excellent overflow.

A nearby screened-in porch was also added near the lower patio. We made sure that the screen-in porch also felt like part of the overall outdoor living area so that if someone were sitting in there, they didn’t feel excluded but rather felt like they were right there with everyone else.

This Ephrata, PA landscaping project also created a need for a lot more furniture and accessories—items that would need to be stored in the winter. Since the previous patio didn’t have much on it, the clients never really had outdoor storage needs. That all changed with this multi-level patio.

To fulfill that need, the clients added a storage area underneath the screened-in porch. Since we were already digging out as a result of grading that lower level, it made sense to dig just a little deeper and create a storage area where the clients could keep furniture or other outdoor items you might store in a shed. The new storage space was only a minor addition to the budget that brought a big “value add” to the project.

Working With Every Budget

On every project, we have budgets that we must work with. This particular Ephrata, PA landscaping project had a relatively tight budget that we had to stick to. As a result, we were able to be creative in several ways to still meet the clients’ needs without going over budget.

One change the clients made was opting for stepping stones leading from the patio to the driveway, in place of a more-expensive walkway. We also used pavers creatively to provide some visual impact while still staying within the budget parameters. Material can significantly raise the cost of a project. But by using a paver that came in several different sizes and shapes, we were able to use it throughout the project in a way that wasn’t boring but was still quite cost-effective. In the dining area, we turned the pavers on an angle to provide a different geometric effect than the other levels.

In addition, the use of a multi-level design was also a cost-effective solution. It was a much less expensive way to deal with the slope of the yard than to completely re-grade the entire space.

Finding Landscapers in Ephrata, PA

Whether you have a large project or something relatively small, finding the right landscape services in Ephrata, PA is important. You want a company that will come up with creative—and cost-effective—solutions to your problems.

On this project, the average landscaper might have said the property required complete re-grading, rather than thinking outside of the box and designing a multi-level space that naturally worked with the grade.

By choosing a company that will think outside-of-the-box for your Ephrata, PA landscaping project, you should be able have creative solutions that still meet your budget. A company that has worked on a wide variety of projects of varying sizes will have ideas and solutions that others might not have thought of.

It is ultimately your wise choice in landscaping services in Ephrata, PA that will make the difference between a project that is ordinary and one that is extraordinary—even on a tight budget. While there are certainly a lot of companies offering landscaping in the area, you need to find the company that is willing to go that extra mile.

If you’d like to start a conversation about how we can bring your backyard ideas to life at your Ephrata, Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530 .

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Details, Materials, and Ideas to Ponder

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 06:37:06 GMT

Your outdoor kitchen countertop is an important detail of your overall outdoor kitchen space. It’s where you’ll prep and cook your food on your outdoor grill and will likely include a seating area for your family and friends to socialize.

When designed properly, outdoor kitchen countertops can be the showpiece of your kitchen.

But when not done properly, your countertops can turn your dream kitchen into a nightmare. The wrong choices can really have a negative impact. For instance, instead of enjoying time seated at the countertop, you can’t sit there because the dark stone you chose is burning hot. Or perhaps the spatial layout of your kitchen wasn’t taken into account and you barely have enough room to squeeze into the cooking space or move around in your U-shaped kitchen.

Watch this Case Study Video Featuring a New Outdoor Kitchen!

These are ultimately huge details when it comes to the overall enjoyment—and use—of your space and if not taken into account from the very beginning, can your affect your entire experience.

Choose Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Materials Wisely

Chances are, the best choice for your kitchen is going to be granite. Ninety percent of the outdoor kitchen countertops that we install are granite and for a good reason. Granite is highly durable, can hold up to UV light, and can also withstand extreme temperature and weather fluctuations. After all, for thousands of years, granite has withstood all sorts of conditions in nature. It will absolutely hold up in your outdoor kitchen.

But that’s not to say you are forbidden from trying something different. We have installed soapstone countertops, ensuring that the client was fully aware of the fact that it’s a softer stone and more prone to knicks and scratches. For one historic home, a flagstone countertop was fitting. We’ve even had some requests for concrete countertops.

Still, at the end of the day, granite is typically the wisest material choice for the vast majority of kitchens. It offers so many colors that you can still make a unique selection that suits your taste and style.

Choosing Color is More Than Preference

Unlike choosing the color of your indoor kitchen countertop where you can shop based on preference, choosing outdoor kitchen countertop colors has more to do than just selecting based on your personal style. Whether your kitchen is covered or uncovered is an important factor to consider in color selection.

In an uncovered outdoor kitchen, where your countertop will be receiving direct sunlight, a dark color will absorb a lot of heat and become hot to the touch. In this case, a lighter color is ideal. But if the countertop only receives filtered sunlight through a pergola or is completely covered by a pavilion, a darker color, such as this (shown) “Uba Tuba” granite is no problem.

Choosing a color that works for your space (and that you will love for many years to come) can feel like an overwhelming decision to some. But a design expert can guide you. At Earth, Turf, & Wood, our Registered Landscape Architect meets with clients at our local granite supply store to peruse all of the options and help pick the exact piece that will work best for your space. Even within the same type of granite, the appearance can vary with different patterns, veins, or coloring. Using the materials you’ve already selected (patio or cabinets), we can guide you through that process.

Your Countertop Edge Matters

Besides the color, you must also choose the countertop edge that you desire. While the edge may seem like a relatively unimportant detail, the truth is that it can have a big impact on the overall look of the countertop.

Here are some outdoor kitchen counter ideas for edges.

Ogee Edge

An ogee edge has a flowing design of arches. This example is a double-stack ogee edge, meaning it used two layers of granite (one piece layered under the main granite counter, just around the edges).

Half Bullnose Edge

A half bullnose edge is a completely rounded edge that allows you to see a nice cross-section of the stone.

Ogee and Bullnose Combined

In this example, the homeowners did two pieces of granite for upper and lower countertops and chose different edges for each for a truly unique look.

Choose the Ideal Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Height

Generally speaking, the ideal outdoor kitchen counter height is typically 36 to 38 inches high. While 36 inches is considered standard, adding an outdoor refrigerator (as many people do), bumps the height to 38 inches.

Bear in mind that you don’t have to be limited to just one counter. Many homeowners want a multi-level countertop space, with a bar height counter, which may be as tall as 48 inches. Multi-height countertops make your kitchen space a lot more functional. You can be prepping and cooking food at the main counter while family and friends socialize with one another (and with you) from the bartop.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Depth Matters, Too

When it comes to ensuring that you have enough functional space, your outdoor kitchen counter depth is critical. You must think in terms of how your countertops will be used and plan accordingly. If you need space to prep and cook, but also plan to have people seated on the other side of the counter, it’s going to need to be wide enough to be functional for everyone. This is definitely a scenario where a multi-level countertop could be helpful, assuming that the depth of each counter space provides enough room.

Spatial considerations are also important as is the shape of your kitchen. The U-shape is often popular in outdoor kitchen designs as it allows you to have both work space and social space. But if not designed properly, that “U” can be crowded and not offer you enough space to move around. This can deter you from using the space as it was meant to be used.

Just like designing an indoor kitchen, you must give thought to the “triangle” that is formed between the cooking area, refrigerator, and sink (assuming you have all three in your outdoor kitchen). The workflow of those three zones is absolutely critical.

While a U-shape is common, particularly with serious chefs, the most popular kitchen shape is actually the L-shape. This is just an easier flow and fits within most spaces. It also has the possibility of being less costly as it typically means less countertop space. Even with the L-shape, it’s important to be cognizant of your workflow triangle and how it’s laid out. As with all of our designs, form follows function.

Bringing it All Together

At the end of the day, all of the elements of your outdoor kitchen must work together to create a space that not only looks spectacular but functions like it was meant to function.

Even a single detail gone awry can have the power to negatively impact the space as a whole.

When you’re investing a lot of money into an outdoor kitchen, you want everything to be perfect—and with a Registered Landscape Architect involved from the very beginning, it can be. Mistakes can be avoided and you can get the space you truly desire.

Among the numerous benefits that come with choosing the right outdoor kitchen countertop, you’ll have plenty of space for people to sit, plenty of space accounted for cooking, a countertop that remains cool even as the sun heats up, and all with the aesthetic appeal that makes your kitchen one-of-a-kind.

If you’d like to discuss adding a dream outdoor kitchen to your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading, PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to bring that dream to life.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

The Best Shrubs and Trees Near Pools in Lancaster, Reading, & Hershey, PA

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 07:43:19 GMT

Imagine lounging by your pool, reading a great book or even watching your kids swim. You’re listening to the sound of your water feature churning and feeling totally relaxed when a scream cuts into the picture-perfect scene.

Your child was just stung by a bee or scratched by the thorny shrub that shouldn’t have been planted so close to your pool patio. And now that you’re looking closer, you’re noticing that your pool is filled with fallen flower petals and your patio is stained with berries.

This isn’t a dream at all—it’s more like a nightmare! And it’s all because of making poor choices in trees and shrubs.

But it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. With just a little bit of guidance, you can make the best choices in trees and shrubs that will help you have a pool area you can truly enjoy. To guide you in those decisions, we’ve rounded up some helpful advice on the best plants around a pool area, based on some of your biggest concerns.

Keeping the Bees Away

One of the biggest concerns we get in terms of plants around the pool area is avoiding choices that will attract a lot of bees. Bear in mind that the water itself can attract thirsty bees and that all plants attract bees to some degree as pollination is required to produce blooms.

However, there are still some ways to reduce the bee population in the immediate pool area. For one, you could set up an alternative water source for them so that they choose to drink from that instead of your pool. A small water feature may be just the trick.

In addition, choosing trees and shrubs that are not in full bloom during prime swim time is also a great way to discourage bee activity around the pool. And you can make up for lack of color around your pool during swim season by choosing tree and shrub varieties that have interesting textures and leaf color, even when not in full bloom. The following choices would add interest throughout the season.

Trees to Consider

Redbud Tree: This relatively small tree (shown here) is one of the earliest to flower during the growing season. It has beautiful pink and purplish flowers well before swimming season arrives. There are even some varieties with burgundy leaves all summer long.

Eastern Redbud

Dogwood Tree: Another early spring bloomer, the Dogwood has large fragrant blooms in a variety of colors.

Shrubs to Consider

Azalea: This flowering shrub has brightly colored blooms that will appear in early spring.
Fothergilla: This low-growing deciduous shrub will provide some bright color to your pool area in early spring. Some varieties feature leaves with a blue-green hue.

Fothergilla

Japanese Pieris: This broadleaf evergreen shrub of the heather family is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan and has beautiful white flowers which bloom early.

Avoiding Messy Trees and Shrubs

While a Crape Myrtle might be beautiful to look at, if the wind is blowing its small flower petals into your pool (or all over your pool deck), it’s going to quickly become more of a hassle than an enjoyment.

When planning for the best trees near pools, it’s important to also be conscious of details such as which way the wind blows (and whether it’s in the path of your pool), before installing trees or shrubs that shed. If you really want a Crape Myrtle or maybe a Beautyberry Bush on your property, that’s no problem, as long as it’s out of the path of the wind.

Along those same lines, trees with fruit can lead to stains on your pool patio if they fall and get crushed there. It’s simply not worth the mess.

The best poolside trees and shrubs are definitely going to be varieties that don’t leave a mess. Some examples include the following.

Trees to Consider

Ginkgo Tree : Often referred to as one of the most distinct and beautiful of all deciduous trees, the Ginkgo’s fan-like leaves turn a stunning yellow in the fall. Just be sure to use a male tree so that it doesn’t drop smelly fruit like the female tree does.

Ginkgo Biloba

Spartan Juniper: Often considered the “most popular” Juniper, this fast-growing and highly durable evergreen will make an attractive and mess-free addition to your pool area.

Shrubs to Consider

Green Lustre Holly : This easy-to-grow evergreen shrub adds some nice texture to your pool area without any messy leaves to worry about.

Soft Touch Holly

Boxwood : These dense evergreen shrubs produce beautiful green foliage to liven up your pool area but don’t have significant flowers that could create a mess.

Best Trees and Shrubs for Pool Privacy

If one of your goals for adding plants around the pool area is to also create some privacy screening , then placement will be very critical. After all, it’s not necessarily height as much as it is is the strategic placement of plant material that matters.

In addition, if privacy is a main concern, you should be aware that certain trees will not retain their lower needles or leaves when they mature, such as Pines or Cryptomeria. These choices could be used in a poolscape but should not be relied upon as the primary trees for screening.

Instead, consider varieties such as these.

Trees to Consider

False Cypress: Chamaecyparis varieties are easy to keep, with very little maintenance involved. They are available in many shapes and sizes, and can easily fill a space that needs to provide some screening.

False Cypress

Arborvitaes: These coniferous trees can be planted in rows, close together, to form an effective fence-like privacy screen.

Shrubs to Consider

Viburnum : This species of shrubs have fragrant flowers and can grow tall and wide enough to also offer screening.
Cherry Laurel : With its bright green leaves, Cherry Laurel is a cheerful plant that will add a nice burst of color to your pool scene. But its sturdy and thick structure can also create the perfect privacy screen.

Cherry Laurel

Upright Boxwood Varieties : These dense evergreen shrubs can be placed closely together to create an effective privacy screen.

Steering Clear of Thorns

When planning for plants around the pool area, it’s best to avoid those with thorns. After all, the last thing that you want is to add plant material that could scratch family or friends as they’re lounging in a chair or playing on the pool deck.

Though they’re beautiful to look at, if you have a tight space, you should avoid rose bushes. Some locust trees also have thorny fallen branches so you should keep those away from the pool. In addition, certain holly trees and shrubs can have prickly leaves that should be avoided.

Instead, opt for choices such as the following.

Trees to Consider

Cryptomeria: Belonging to the cypress family, this large evergreen has leaves that look prickly but are actually quite soft. It makes a great backdrop to lower growing shrubs and has the added bonus of providing some minimal privacy.

Weeping White Spruce : This evergreen’s weeping branches add a graceful backdrop to your pool scene with no worries over prickly thorns or branches.

Shrubs to Consider

Soft-Leaf Holly Shrubs : Unlike other Holly varieties which have thorny leaves, this variety of Japanese Holly has soft-textured leaves. It is low-growing and makes a nice addition to borders or walkways.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea Bushes: These flowering shrubs create beautiful blooms in shades such as purple, pink, and blue. In addition to being thorn-free, it also blooms early, making it a good choice for bee reduction.

Making Smart Choices for Your Pool

While you might expect that your pool contractor will know what is best in terms of plants around the pool, the truth is, that’s not typically their area of expertise. A pool contractor is an expert in installing pools but is likely not an expert in landscape design. Choosing the best plants for your pool is a decision made during the planning phase of your pool and is really best left in the hands of a landscape design expert.

By working with a Registered Landscape Architect from the very beginning, who is an expert in design as well as plant material, you’ll avoid having to redo your pool area with better plants down the road. Instead, from day one, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the space, knowing that you’ve chosen the best trees and shrubs that are fulfilling their purpose. You’ll have fewer bees, privacy where you need it, and won’t have to spend your weekends scooping debris out of your pool

Instead, of worrying that the plant material will make your poolscape a nightmare, you’ll be able to enjoy it for the dream that it truly is.

If you’re looking to update a pool area or add one that is brand-new, we’d love to talk about how you can create the perfect space for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading, PA home. Contact us for a free consultation and feel confident that we’ll make sure no detail goes overlooked.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Case Study: Lancaster, PA Patio Design Project with an Old-World Charm

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 08:08:08 GMT

Even a small backyard can be spectacular. That was the case for this historic estate, which had a sprawling front yard, but not a tremendous amount of space to work with in the back. The new homeowners (who had recently relocated there) had a lot they wanted to accomplish with the yard and it required maximizing the available space to get as much out of it as possible.

Projects on the wish list included a patio design that incorporated various entertainment, dining, and living spaces. More specifically, they desired a cigar patio off of the sunroom, a dining patio for guests or family dinners, an entertainment area, and a cozy fire pit zone. It was a tall order for a small space and required some out-of-the-box thinking.

A Complementary Space

Because of the fact that we were working with a smaller space, and the outdoor living area was so closely adjoined to the home, it was of vital importance that the two areas flowed seamlessly. The new outdoor living area design had to match the house design in its overall look.

Given the beautiful stone on the house, we used flagstone as well as pea gravel to create a space that complemented the home and had a classic, old-world feel. The homeowners were interested in a “cottage garden style look” and we took that into account as well. There was an adjacent stone carriage house at the back of the property that also had to be planned around both appearance-wise and space-wise.

Previously, the yard sloped upward, about two feet higher than the rest of the property, making that space unusable. In order to increase the functional space, we cut into the bank to maximize the flat-yard square footage. We then added a retaining wall as close to the carriage house as possible, giving the homeowners as much additional room as we could. We made sure to match the look of the stone from the historic carriage house to the retaining wall. Creating this extra space allowed the family to get a dining table into that area and plan for a pergola overtop.

Plant life was also important to the homeowners. As part of the “cottage garden look,” they were going for, they desired a variety of perennials in the space. Plant material was incorporated into much of the design, adding bursts of color as well as softening the look of all of the stone.

The Value of the Best View

With the proximity of this outdoor living area to the home itself, the views from inside were also an important consideration. From the home’s kitchen window, you could see the entire backyard space. Since the homeowners said they were often in the kitchen, looking out, we paid close attention to exactly what view they were seeing from their window.

Vantage point can be so important and of course, working around a certain “view” can go both ways. We can take steps to ensure that certain elements are visible, but we can also take steps to ensure certain elements are not visible.

While the homeowners wanted to be able to see their gorgeous outdoor living area from inside the home, when seated in their new fire pit area , they wanted privacy. They did not want to be able to see the driveway or the basketball hoop that were right around the corner. Therefore, the driveway was reshaped to allow trees and raised beds to be installed in order to create privacy screening.

Finding the Best Solution

This was certainly a complex project in many ways. There were grading issues and drainage concerns that needed to be solved. And there was a need for a high level of attention to detail from their patio contractor in order to ensure the project was truly complementary to this historic estate home.

While there are a lot of patio builders in Lancaster, PA to choose from, this project was too important to the homeowners to leave in the hands of just anyone. They knew that finding the right patio contractor for this project could make all of the difference in how it came together.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood we are accustomed to working with historic homes and properties that require a close level of attention to detail. We can also handle big wish lists. While these homeowners had design ideas that appeared to be more than the yard size could possibly allow, we were able to work within the confines of the space we had to make it happen.

The result was the cottage garden style backyard with multiple patio areas that the homeowners truly desired.

When it comes to something as important as a complete backyard makeover, it’s certainly not worth taking any risks. Like these homeowners, you want to find patio contractors in Lancaster, PA to bring your dream to life the way you envision it. Whether it’s something old-world and charming like this project, or even something modern and contemporary, the goal is the same—finding someone who will take your ideas and run with them, ultimately creating something spectacular that you can fully enjoy.

If you’d like to start a conversation about bringing your backyard ideas to life at your Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530 .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

7 Examples of Incorporating Personal Style & Preferences into Landscape Design

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 08:27:34 GMT

No matter what type of landscape design you are investing in, chances are you want something completely unique. A cookie-cutter backyard that looks like everyone else's on the block just won’t do. In fact, you’d love to incorporate some of your own personal style and preferences into the project to make it truly your own.

While an ordinary landscape contractor might point you toward standard design ideas that they’ve used many times, you want creative, out-of-the-box solutions, and a landscape design company that can handle them. Finding a landscape designer who can take your ideas and run—turning them into something spectacular and truly unique, is what it’s going to take.

Here are seven examples of homeowners in Lancaster, Reading, and York, PA that found that type of solution.

1. A One-of-a-Kind Complementing Pergola

This family had just built a brand-new timber frame home that painstakingly incorporated detailed tapered posts into their front porch design. So, when it came time to create a landscape design for their new backyard, we suggested that they use timber frame to create a pergola that would mimic the look of the front porch.

In order to achieve a unified look between the front yard and the back, Earth, Turf, & Wood worked with a local timber frame company to ensure that the two spaces had a cohesive feel. The result was a timber frame pergola that the family adored.

2. Including Personalized Details with Walls & Water Features

Sometimes homeowners have personal interests or hobbies that we can actually incorporate into a landscape design. That is the case for this example (as well as the next). This particular homeowner loved the fleur-de-lis symbol.

Knowing that, we were able to incorporate the symbol into their design with a unique water feature. In this pondless waterfall, water trickles over natural stone tile behind the fleur-de-lis. It’s illuminated with energy efficient LED landscape lighting so that the feature can also be enjoyed in the evening hours.

3. Personal Design Touches with Pool Design

Here is another great example of incorporating a personal design detail into the landscape. In this particular case, the homeowner was a big game hunter. That’s why we incorporated some lion medallion water fountains into the side of the pool.

Situated along the pool edge, along with a sheer descent water feature, the lions add a very personalized touch to the pool that truly makes it his own.

4. Using Both Spouses’ Ideas in Pool & Patio Design

It’s not uncommon for us to work for homeowners who have very different style preferences. While it’s been said that you “can’t make everyone happy,” we beg to differ.

With some creativity and a bit of out-of-the-box thinking, we were able to create a pool design for two homeowners—one who loved a curvilinear look and one who preferred straight lines. In the end, both were pleased with the look of the pool despite their very different tastes in style and design.

5. Incorporating Architectural Preferences

Oftentimes homeowners have architectural preferences that are reflected in the details of their home. That was the case for these homeowners, who preferred a Mission style look (also known as “Arts and Crafts” style) to their home. It’s an architectural style that originated in the late 19th century and is characterized as simple, casual, and comfortable. It features geometric lines and flat panels and it celebrates the beauty of wood grain.

They had recently finished updating their home in a Mission style, which is why we came up with the idea to create a pergola in the same architectural style. The homeowners also had very specific requests in that they desired a lot of shade but they wanted to be able to see the stars. Paying close attention to the positioning of the pergola, we were able to achieve those personal preferences. Now, when you look up through the slats of the pergola, you can enjoy the beauty of the night sky. But in the daytime hours, the bright sunlight is perfectly filtered.

6. Fulfilling Specific Requests for Gates & Pillars

These days most people like to browse websites and magazines to seek out styles and designs that they love. While these are usually general ideas, sometimes we get homeowners that come to us with a very specific request of something they’d like incorporated into their landscape design.

That was the case for this homeowner, who had seen a photograph of a gate at the Philadelphia Flower Show and wanted something almost identical to be incorporated into their design. We were able to create something that mimicked the photo with this beautiful gate.

7. Materials Matter in a Unique Patio Design

Just as homeowners sometimes have style preferences, it’s not uncommon for them to have material preferences for their patio design . That was the case for these homeowners, that had a unique home design in that it had a very interesting blend of materials—some stucco, some brick, and some stone. That unique dichotomy came about as the original farmhouse was added onto many times over the years and the homeowners absolutely loved the original look it gave their property.

So, we incorporated something similar in the pool patio design. We worked a variety of materials into the project to give in a unique but complementary look to the home.

A Landscape Design That is Truly Yours

Let’s be honest. A lot of landscape contractors are known for creating the same designs again and again. That’s why you can sometimes go to friends’ homes and see the exact same kidney bean shaped patio time after time. Or, maybe it’s even a particular, unoriginal element of the landscape design overall. Sometimes, a contractor gets comfortable building an outdoor fireplace a certain way and continues to steer future clients in that same direction.

It comes down to this important point. You can hire a typical landscaping contractor and have a backyard like everyone else’s, or you can hire an exceptional landscape designer and be able to create an outdoor living area that fulfills your dreams.

We know that you may have some great ideas that you want to incorporate into your backyard. You just need a landscape contractor that will take not only take them seriously, but will have the capacity to bring them to life.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we are accustomed to taking very specific and personalized ideas and making them a reality. No two projects of ours are ever alike as we work with each homeowner to create a custom outdoor living area based on their specific wants and needs. If that’s the kind of project that you had in mind, then we invite you to let us show you how we can work together to make it possible.

If you’d like to discuss bringing your personal landscape design to life for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading, PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to see your dream become a reality.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Outdoor Audio Ideas, Costs, and Considerations for Your Landscape Design Project

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 08:54:59 GMT

You’re outside, cooking up a delicious meal on the grill, and you’re enjoying your Friday night—that is, until the fighting over what’s playing on your outdoor audio speakers begins. The kids want to listen to the newest hits while they’re swimming in the pool, but you’d like to have your favorite tunes playing in the outdoor kitchen area.

And besides the fact that you can’t all seem to agree on the same music, you may be frustrated by your complicated set-up. You either have cords running from inside the house or have to remember to charge your bluetooth speakers, all to just to enjoy a little music.

It’s far from ideal and you may have decided you need a better solution.

Of course, you may not know much about outdoor audio or what type of equipment would complete your space. You might love the idea of incorporating speakers—or even surround-sound television—into your outdoor living space but you may want to be sure that you make a wise investment in a system.

Advice from the Outdoor Audio Experts

Fortunately, we know the outdoor audio experts. We work closely with Coastal Source when we install outdoor audio on a lot of our projects, and asked them to share some of their best advice for incorporating the right equipment into an outdoor living space.

What makes them the experts? Well, for one, Coastal is a company that was born in the Florida Keys and is focused on “tough outdoor audio products” that can truly stand the test of outdoor elements. The company is known for its high-quality systems which do not have to be brought in over winter. They have installed systems in snowy Canada, sizzling Arizona, and the wetlands of Florida.

If their systems can withstand the weather in those regions, we think they’ll be just fine for your Lancaster, York, Hershey, or Reading, PA home.

We asked Bill Albertson, Coastal Source’s Northeast Sales Specialist who works with Earth, Turf, & Wood, to fill us in on what you should know about outdoor audio for your home.

Taking the Indoor Audio Experience to the Outdoors

Before understanding what goes into an outdoor audio experience that is truly exceptional, you must first understand the way things used to be done, says Bill. Prior to incorporating well-integrated audio systems into outdoor living areas, most homeowners would mount speakers onto the home and broadcast from there.

Actually, that still happens today.

But Bill says it’s not ideal for several reasons.

For one, a system like this is typically wired indoors and runs to the outside. That alone can be complicated. But oftentimes this is done with speakers that aren’t really capable of holding up to the weather and corrosion can occur.

In addition, you have to hope that broadcasting from that one zone next to the house is going to be loud enough for everyone throughout your outdoor living area to hear the sound, Bill adds. That means it’s going to have to be very loud. So, in order for the kids in the pool to hear it, the folks gathered on the patio are going to have to deal with the music blasting. It requires them to scream in order to even hear one another.

A Smarter, Integrated Experience

An outdoor audio system should be different. Bill says that integrating outdoor audio systems into the landscape, and throughout multiple zones, givies you an even level of music throughout the listening zone. That means the music doesn’t have to be blaring in order for everyone to hear it.

The outdoor audio speakers can be placed amongst shrubbery in a discreet manner if you want something a little more inconspicuous. And everything's made to stay outdoors and to withstand the elements. You don’t have to worry about corrosion.

You also have the option to set up zones, says Bill, or what he calls “listening rooms.”

“You can have one kind of music playing at the pool and another playing in the outdoor kitchen, simultaneously,” Bill says. “And you can adjust the listening level individually.”

It can definitely prevent all that bickering over who is listening to what, Bill adds. Now everyone can be happy.

What are some of the other benefits of a high-quality outdoor audio system?

You can also have music that is incredibly high in quality, even at a very low-listening level so that you can have a conversation.
You could have music that is really loud but still produces fantastic sound.
Outdoor televisions with surround sound can also be incorporated into the mix. You can have excellent sound quality to watch the game on Sunday or to become truly immersed in your favorite movie.

“With high-quality sound, it’s a very emotional experience,” Bill adds. “You hear that sound and it really grabs a hold of you. Because of that, it enhances your time spent in your outdoor living area.”

Cost Considerations for Outdoor Audio

Having a high-quality outdoor audio system installed is not going to be your cheapest option for sound, but it’s your best one. Even a basic system we install is better than your basic box-store option as it’s going to withstand weather and produce higher quality sound. After all, you don’t want to have to replace it after a few, short years or realize after it’s installed that the quality is subpar.

Adding outdoor audio o an existing landscape design project is a worthy upgrade. Let’s look at three cost ranges and what you can get for that investment.

Basic Investment (approximately $2,600-$4,000)

For a minimal investment, you could get an amplifier with a Bluetooth outdoor audio receiver and four rock speakers to incorporate into your landscape. This would be a simple setup that is great for smaller areas and would give you real good sound quality.

Mid-Range Investment (approximately $6,800-$8,000)

For a bit more of an investment, you could get your amplifier and Bluetooth receiver along with 8.0 Bollard speakers and a 10.0 subwoofer (which gives you that thumping base sound), plus two extra speakers, giving you five speakers altogether. This is a step up in both capacity and sound quality.

Premium Investment ($11,000-$20,000)

For a larger investment, you could get Coastal’s 3-Way Ellipse Bollard speaker, which is the absolute best in outdoor audio. It’s a subwoofer and full-range speaker all-in-one and is both the highest performing and best-selling speaker Coastal has despite being their most expensive. It is highly sophisticated and gives the best possible sound quality. At this cost range, and upward, you can have a truly complete system with speakers in multiple listening zones set up throughout your space.

Completing your Space

Outdoor audio is ultimately just one decision of many for your outdoor living space. But it’s a big one. Music or surround sound on your television can help make your experience feel complete. It can be a critical aspect of the entertainment and have a big impact on how much enjoyment you get out of the space.

“Imagine it’s a Friday night and you get home from work, invite some friends over, and head out to your patio,” says Bill. “You turn on some great music on a really high-quality sound system. You’re taking that beautiful backyard project that you had completed and you’re bringing it to life. That’s what high-quality audio can do. It takes your experience to a whole new level.”

But that’s only if you choose a high-quality system and have it installed by a landscape contractor that has done this type of work before. After all, the know-how (when it comes to installation) is just as important as the system.

An Outdoor Space That’s Music to Your Ears

In the end, the choice is yours. You can mount a couple speakers to your house and hope for the best. You can have someone install your system who doesn’t often specialize in designing and installing outdoor audio solutions.

Or you can invest a little bit more money to have a high-quality outdoor audio components professionally installed by a landscape contractor that frequently takes on these types of projects. Here at Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have installed many of these systems so this is not an out-of-the-blue or special request. It’s something we love doing for our clients.

By choosing to work with a company that delivers both high-quality products and service, you can be sure that your outdoor audio lives up the high standard of the rest of your outdoor living area and makes your space truly complete.

If you’d like to talk about incorporating outdoor audio into the outdoor living space for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading, PA home, then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to take your space to a whole new level of enjoyment.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

9 of the Coolest Outdoor Kitchen Appliances We've Installed

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 00:08:26 GMT

Whether it’s boiling a big pot of corn outside, grabbing a cold soda from the fridge, or even just having a place to neatly tuck away the trash, it’s the outdoor kitchen appliances that can make or break the convenience factor of your brand-new outdoor kitchen.

They might seem like small details, but it’s appliances like these that really complete the space. After all, nobody wants to take a seat at the bar only to realize they have to trudge all the way back to the house to get a cold drink. And when you’re in the midst of cooking raw chicken, it’s not enough to just wipe your hands on a towel. You want to be able to actually wash them in a sink with running water.

While an ordinary landscape contractor might point you toward a pre-fab grill unit or install a nearby spigot to give you running water, you’re interested in much more creative solutions than that. You want outdoor kitchen appliances that live up to the gorgeous look of the rest of your outdoor living area.

Some contractors might not even get into special features that go above and beyond. They may have not even installed some of them. But don’t you want to hear about all of the different options out there?

Watch this Case Study Video Featuring a New Outdoor Kitchen!

Just like every other detail of your outdoor kitchen space, choosing the right appliances is a very personal choice. We’ve rounded up 10 of the coolest, most exciting examples of some of the appliances we’ve installed.

1. The Grill

Of all of the outdoor kitchen appliances, the grill is clearly the most important. It’s where you’ll likely do the majority of your outdoor cooking and for that reason, it’s pretty essential to the whole space. Of course, not all grills are created equal. Grills can vary dramatically in size as well as accessories and what level of built-in grill you prefer really comes down to personal expectations as well as how into grilling you are.

Some homeowners want all of the bells and whistles, such as this grill which has digital controls, temperature read-out capabilities for each individual burner, a timer, and a temperature probe. Size is also a factor and depending how often you cook for a lot of guests, you might want to choose a larger grill, such as this 48-inch grill, which allows the user to prepare plenty of food for family and friends.

We even had another client who often entertained her grandchildren and wanted to be able to fit two large pizzas on the upper rack for dinners. A 48-inch grill like this suited her needs as well.

2. Flat-Top Grill

While it is in fact another type of grill, a flat-top or Hibachi-style grill is unique enough that we gave it its own category. This is an opportunity to make cooking into entertainment. Whether you’re making a stir-fry or some crepes, cooking on a flat-top grill can be an experience, much like dining at a Hibachi restaurant. Oftentimes we’ll build some U-shaped or square-shaped counter space around the grill in order to truly make it into a party.

3. Power Burner

A power burner is a high-intensity burner that can bring a huge pot of water to boiling temperature in just a couple of minutes. Homeowners love using it to boil their corn or clams outside while simultaneously grilling their meat nearby.

The fitting term of “power” is suitable, because these burners put out way more heat than those tiny side burners in most of the grills you’ll find at the big box store.

When we install a power burner, we typically recess it about eight inches lower than the countertop. This allows you to put a huge pot onto it without requiring you to lift it high.

It also gives you the ability to easily see into the pot to monitor how the cooking is going. With a power burner you’ll be able to cook faster and enjoy cooking outside.

4. Smoker

If you’re someone that loves smoking meats, then you might include a Big Green Egg, or another type of smoker, as one of your outdoor kitchen accessories. Building it into the countertop is a great option, as this homeowner wanted done in order to have more working space to prep meats.

Of course, that’s not a necessity. We’ve also installed galley style kitchens where the smoker could be wheeled in on a cart. If you’ve already invested in a nice cart for your smoker then you might want an outdoor kitchen design that accommodates that cart being easily wheeled in and out of the space.

5. Pizza Oven

Imagine a backyard pizza party where friends and family gather and help assemble and bake their own pies. With a pizza oven as one of your outdoor kitchen appliances you can create an entire destination around cooking.

This particular pizza oven is 36 inches in diameter with enough cooking space for three medium-sized pizzas, which was a specific request from the client.

It features a custom clay chimney pot, a custom circular roof, and a wood storage area built into the stone structure.

Adjacent to the pizza oven we added kitchen cabinets with granite countertops to create a pizza preparation zone.

6. Sink

A sink can add a lot of convenience to your outdoor kitchen space by allowing you to wash your hands after touching raw meat or even giving you a place to wash the dishes before putting them away.

This eliminates having to cart everything back to the house when it can be washed and stored right in the outdoor kitchen. It might seem like a small detail but it makes the kitchen a much more comfortable and complete outdoor destination.

7. Outdoor Refrigerator

On a hot day, instead of having to run back into the house or keep a cooler filled with ice, you’ll be able to grab a cold beverage any time from your outdoor refrigerator. Most people find this added convenience a necessity and include outdoor refrigeration on their must-have list of outdoor kitchen appliances.

Of course, a freezer is also an option should you be someone that likes to have ice handy or even store meat or other frozen items down in the kitchen area.

8. Warming Drawers

If you typically entertain a lot of people, then a warming drawer would certainly make your life easier. That’s because you can keep your already-cooked foods warm as you continue to cook more. It’s a nice touch to your outdoor kitchen that will greatly simplify your ability to entertain.

Warming drawers are ideal to help keep everything warm until it’s ready to serve.

9. Trash Receptacle

Say goodbye to plastic eyesore trash cans or big garbage bags at your party.

With a built-in trash receptacle like this, you can be certain that trash has a place to go without having to be on display (or stinking up the party).

Adding an adjoining recycling bin also provides a spot for those cans to get neatly tucked away until it’s time to empty them.

With such a beautiful outdoor kitchen space, the last thing you want to do is clutter it up with trash or unnecessary trash cans.

The Best Outdoor Kitchen Appliance Layout

In the end, how your appliances are laid out is just as important as what appliances you choose. In your landscape design, thought should be given to specific details such as where you’d like to stand while you are grilling. Do you need to see the kids in the pool? Will you be interacting with guests that you are cooking for? Where will guests be seated?

Clearly, there are many factors to consider in regard to the layout.

The goal is to get to the heart of your wants and needs to ensure that the space is designed specifically for you. With the right accessories and the right layout, you will be on your way toward the kitchen of your dreams.

Choosing Wisely

But there’s a final piece to the puzzle, and it’s one that will ensure all of your plans actually come together the way you want. That third piece is choosing the right outdoor kitchen contractor for the job.

You may have already put in the work on your end such as researching what outdoor kitchen appliances you like and how you’d like your kitchen to come together. But now you must choose the right company to execute the work.

By choosing an experienced outdoor kitchen company who knows what it takes to bring every aspect of the job together, you’ll be able to feel confident that it will be completed the way you want. You know there’s a lot involved but by choosing a contractor that has the skills, and the experience, to handle it, all you’ll have left to do is enjoy your space.

If you’d like to discuss bringing your dream kitchen to life for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading, PA home then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to see something spectacular take shape.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Case Study: Downingtown, PA Outdoor Kitchen, Patio, and Outdoor Fireplace

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 00:31:02 GMT

When it comes to entertaining, the layout of your outdoor living space can make or break the party. That’s exactly what this Downingtown, PA family found out with their existing deck. It was not only very small, but it was fenced in on all sides, giving it a “playpen-like” feeling.

The family wanted to be able to spread out and truly enjoy their outdoor area with a space that was thoughtfully designed. This would allow them to get more use out of the space for themselves, and for their guests.

To meet these goals, the family pursued landscapers in Chester County, PA that could design a new space which would be better suited to entertaining. However, they struggled to find the right Downingtown landscaping company to meet their specific needs. So they looked a bit further into nearby Lancaster County.

That’s when they found us and realized we were a company known for being able to handle large-scale projects from start to finish. With this project, there were some very specific design goals as well as some critical challenges to overcome, first.

Working with Space Challenges

The small deck was just one of this property’s challenges. The yard was also situated on a steep slope, making a lot of the existing space nonfunctional. Coupled with the fenced-in deck, the property felt very crowded and required a better solution.

In order to give the family more space, it was necessary to first work with the grading issues at hand. By pushing back the bank, we were able to give the homeowners more space and ultimately create a multi-level, bluestone patio, which has a much more open feel than the former deck.

The two levels, which are connected by bluestone step treads, maximize circulation efficiency and allow a lot more space for guests to spread out. The space also features a seating wall, for extra space for guests.

Of course, pushing back the bank required a retaining wall. We achieved this with a wall built from boulders. The family already had an existing boulder wall in another area of the property and liked the “rubble look.”

They did not want anything neatly stacked but wanted something more natural to complement the surrounding landscape and the existing wall. To match that wall, we found more boulders like the ones they already had.

Addressing Stormwater Management Issues

An additional challenge with this project was the stormwater management concerns. Because the site had very specific impervious surface restrictions, we had to account for every single square inch of hardscaped space. In order to remain compliant with the restrictions but not take away from usable space, we added stone mulch around the patio edges.

This creative solution was functional given the fact that you could still walk over the graveled area (making it usable “overflow” space). But it also kept the area within the limitations of the township’s impervious surface requirement. The stone mulch also looks aesthetically pleasing.

Outdoor Kitchen and Fireplace in Chester County, PA

The addition of some amenities was another key piece to this landscaping project in Downingtown, PA . The family wanted a relatively basic outdoor kitchen with some simple amenities that would enhance their entertaining capabilities. This included an outdoor refrigerator, sink, grill, and cantilevered countertop space, where family or guests could sit while a meal is being prepared.

The family also added an outdoor fireplace to create a gathering space for family and friends. Now, when their friends from the baseball team come over, they can all gather around the fire for a very cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Since design is always given careful attention, the stone veneer on the outdoor kitchen, the seating wall, and the outdoor fireplace matches the stone that is found in the home’s indoor fireplace. It is always important to us that spaces flow seamlessly from inside to out, as we believe outdoor living spaces are an extension of the home.

Finding the Best Solution

By refusing to settle for the easiest answers, the family has found the best solution to their backyard challenges. Their new, multi-level space not only looks aesthetically better, but it’s more functional as well.

There is a nice flow of the space as a whole. Since the family often hosts the children’s baseball teams, they no longer feel squeezed into the playpen deck but enjoy entertaining the teams in a comfortable space. It’s no wonder that even years later, our client had this to say:

“We still love everything about our patio, kitchen, and fireplace. We spend a great deal of time outside. It is truly another room of the house and I grill outside all summer, and yes even occasionally in the snow.” - John U., Downingtown, PA

What these homeowners found out in working with Earth, Turf, & Wood for landscaping their Downingtown, PA home is that sometimes you have to think outside of the box.

You are not limited to just using the landscapers in your immediate town should you find that they don’t have the solutions, or maybe even the capacity, to handle a large-scale project like you have in mind.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we often travel outside Lancaster County to work on total backyard transformations in which the homeowners could not find the right company for the type of project they wanted to be completed.

When it comes to a project as important as a complete backyard makeover, it’s simply not worth taking any chances. Like this family did, you want to find a company that has the skill and capability to handle your project from start to finish.

If you’re ready to start a conversation about your Chester County, PA landscaping project, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530. We also serve clients in York , Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , and Hershey , PA.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

The Best Built-In Grills for Outdoor Kitchens in Harrisburg, York, or Lancaster, PA

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:41:51 GMT

Imagine spending time in your beautiful new outdoor kitchen, connecting with family and entertaining friends. What is integral to that outdoor experience? The grill, of course.

While it is ultimately just one piece of the outdoor kitchen for your Harrisburg, Lancaster or York, PA backyard, it’s a pretty crucial part. After all, you’ll use the grill to prepare your meals and that’s typically why you’re gathering outside in the first place. Even the act of grilling is an experience, and it’s fun to have family and friends gather round while you cook up something delicious.

Knowing the importance of the grill for your outdoor living area, you want to be sure that you choose the right one. A grill that is short-lived or unreliable isn’t going to cut it in your beautiful new space. Of course, you’re not a grill expert and you aren’t exactly sure what you should be looking for when it comes to choosing the right one.

Advice from the Grill Experts

Fortunately, we know the grill experts. We work closely with Bowman’s Stove & Patio in Ephrata, PA and asked them to share some of their best tips on what to look for in outdoor kitchen grills.

Choosing a Grill to Last

When you are building a grill into your countertops, the last thing that you want is to choose a grill that isn’t going to stand the test of time, says Kelli Gehman of Bowman’s. It’s definitely worthwhile to invest a little more money into your outdoor kitchen grill so that it will hold up. Many of the quality grills these days even have lifetime warranties.

Kelli says that when it comes to a quality grill, you want to choose something that is both easy to use and easy to clean. These are non-negotiables when it comes to choosing a grill.

Brands to Consider

Kelli recommends Fire Magic and American Outdoor Grill (AOG) as two of the best brands. She says that even the most basic grill by one of these brands is going to be high quality and built to last. Both brands have rave built-in grill reviews from real-life customers.

Fire Magic and AOG are owned by the same company but operate as separate divisions. Kelli says that while AOG grills are a bit more of your basic brand—some bells and whistles and all stainless steel—Fire Magic is going to be a bit more high-end with more of the added features that are available. Both are good choices but Kelli says it really comes down to some personal questions to determine the best one for you.

She says to ask yourself the following questions in narrowing down your options:

Which added features in my interior kitchen do I like, and would actually use in my outdoor kitchen?
What types of food do I like to cook the most?
What is the biggest number of people I would be cooking for?

Kelli says that while people often think they want a lot of added features, the truth is that they might not be the type of person to actually use them. If you don’t use the extra features on your home’s oven, for instance, perhaps you aren’t going to be as inclined as you think to use them on the grill.

In addition, knowing what types of food you plan to cook and how much you need to cook at once will also help you narrow down your selection in terms of the size and features of potential grills.

Features to Consider

When it comes to added features for your grill, there are a lot of options. The higher end the grill, the more bells and whistles that are available. Kelli shared a few of the most popular features that she says you might want to consider in outdoor kitchen grills.

Automatic Shut-Off Grill Timer

A safety timer is an added feature that allows the grill to automatically shut off gas flow at a pre-set time. It’s a simple feature but it provides extra peace of mind.

Infrared Burner

An infrared burner is a popular feature in that it can cook food in half the time. With an infrared burner, the heat of the flame is converted into infrared energy, a much higher and more persistent heat than a traditional grill burner could produce. By cooking with such a high, intense heat, the burner sears food, locking in flavor in less time.

Power Burner

A power burner is a nice side-by-side companion for outdoor kitchen grills. This additional burner is a high-intensity burner that allows you to bring a huge pot of water to boiling temperature in just a couple of minutes. This is a great way to cook your corn or prepare some clams outside, while also cooking your meat on the grill nearby.

Zone-Cooking

On some of the higher end grills, you can actually have heat zone separation, allowing you to cook an assortment of foods at a variety of temperatures at the same time. If you’re someone that cooks for a lot of guests and makes several types of meat at the same time, this would be a valuable feature.

Cost Considerations

While a grill is just one piece of the overall outdoor kitchen cost for your Harrisburg, PA (or Lancaster or York) home, it’s an important piece. Therefore, you should anticipate investing in a quality grill. While a cheap grill from the box store will likely start to deteriorate in little to no time at all, an all-stainless-steel and higher quality grill is going to stand the test of time.

When you’re investing $25,000 to $75,000 or more on your patio alone, why would you want to not spend a little bit more on the grill (just one small part of the overall budget) so that it lasts? With an inexpensive grill from the box store, you’ll like need to replace it in five to 10 years, leading to more headaches than it’s worth.

To give you some idea of what you can expect to spend, here are three price ranges. These prices are for the grill alone and do not include the installation or any additional construction of the kitchen.

Keep in mind that even the most basic grills, in this case, are still going to be much higher quality than what you would buy at a big box store. In other words, you can’t go wrong with even a basic grill listed below. Bells and whistles, as well as grill size, will add additional cost.

Basic Grill (no bells and whistles): $1,500 to $2,600

Mid-Level Grill (some bells and whistles): $3,900 to $5,100

High-End Grill (all the bells and whistles): $5,700 and up

Design Considerations for Outdoor Kitchen Grills

As you begin to think more seriously about your outdoor kitchen ideas and the right grill for that space, it’s important to recognize that there’s more to the process than just finding the perfect grill. Everything from where the grill is set up within the space to the features that surround it, all have an impact on the overall functionality and enjoyment that you will get out of it.

Just a few, of many, design considerations to keep in mind as you consider outdoor kitchen grills and their set up, include:

How much countertop space will surround the grill? How much prep space will you need on either side of the grill?
Where within the kitchen space will the grill be positioned? For instance, if you have a nearby swimming pool, you might want to be able to cook while also watching the kids swim.
What kind of material will be incorporated into your built-in grill? Do you plan to use natural stone for the base or man-made materials?
Will you add a pavilion and lighting so that you can be outside grilling night or day, regardless of the weather conditions?
What about other appliances such as a dishwasher, sink, refrigerator, pizza oven, or more? There are so many features that can help make your outdoor kitchen complete.

And there’s even more to consider than just these points. That’s why when thinking of outdoor kitchen contractors to use for this project, that you choose someone with experience. You want to choose someone who has a long history of experience building outdoor kitchens so that every single aspect of the project, including the grill, is right.

Your Wise Choice of Outdoor Kitchen Contractors

At the end of the day, you ultimately have three choices.

You could go the DIY route and choose a cheap grill from the local box store to use in your new kitchen. You might save some dollars on your grill on the front-end, but like everything else in life, “you’ll get what you pay for” and need to replace it when parts start wearing down.

You could choose an outdoor kitchen contractor who does not have a lot of experience and wind up with an outdoor kitchen for your Harrisburg, PA (or Lancaster or York) home that you don’t completely love—or even worse, one that has problems such as a lower quality grill that needs to be replaced.

Or, you could make the wise choice and opt for an experienced contractor who knows just what it takes to design and build a kitchen of your dreams. That includes a quality grill that is going to have a long life as part of your beautiful new kitchen.

By choosing the best professional for the job, you can be sure that everything from the built-in grill to any other aspect of the project is done right. With a project as important as your outdoor kitchen, that’s the kind of peace of mind that you want.

If you’d like to talk about making your dream kitchen a reality for your Harrisburg , Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home—complete with the ideal grill—then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to see your ideas come to life.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Water: The #1 Enemy of Patio Contractors and Lancaster, PA Homeowners

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 01:20:02 GMT

Water is said to be the most powerful element on earth. After all, it carved the Grand Canyon. With that kind of power, just imagine what water can do to your backyard.

Whether you already have a wet backyard, or you’re worried about water problems in the future, water can not only be a nuisance but destructive. Every time it rains you could find your yard sloshy and difficult to use. And if you invest in a patio in a wet backyard, your water problems could get worse and cause big problems for your new outdoor living area as well as your home itself.

You are wise to have concerns.

Water truly has the potential to become the number one enemy of both homeowners and patio contractors in Lancaster, PA. But by recognizing that there is a potnetial for a serious issue, you would be proactive, taking the first step toward correcting it—something that a lot of homeowners fail to do.

The trouble is, even landscape contractors do not always look ahead to consider potential future problems that can occur with grading and drainage. Or, they may just fix a water problem in the area directly around your patio and not look at the property as a whole, including how it relates to the rest of the surroundings. This could actually compound a problem rather than fix it.

It’s important to find patio contractors in Lancaster, PA who will have the foresight to address water issues upfront, saving you aggravation, and money, down the road.

Water Woes

Right now you may think of a wet backyard as more of a nuisance than anything else. After a rain shower, it might take a long time for a yard to dry out and become usable again. But if you begin a hardscape project such as a patio, water will be more than just a hassle. It can actually wreak havoc, causing you headaches, and costing you money.

For example, one common problem that we see with grading and patio drainage is water pooling atop the patio because of a spot that’s sunken in. We’ve also seen the plant beds surrounding a patio get washed away when water rushes through, making a complete mess.

(Here are before and an after images of grading issues we solved. The existing conditions created ponding, settling along house created drainage issues, and water in the structure. The new patio was raised along house and pitched at 2% away from house to solve issue and also add a beautiful entertaining space!)

Even worse, if you have an uncorrected grading problem that causes water to wash into your yard from a nearby field or even the neighbor’s yard, then you might find that you have muddy water running across your brand new patio every time that it rains. Now your beautiful new patio is a muddy mess that needs cleaning after every rainfall—not to mention the fact that mud is now getting tracked into your basement.

Water can also destroy the structural integrity of your patio. If it wasn’t accounted for in the design and build of your new patio, you might have a problem with grading and patio drainage. When it rains and excessive amounts of water collect underneath your patio or come in with a force if it has nowhere to drain it can actually begin to destroy the integrity of your foundation. As that shifts, your patio could sink or crumble.

And perhaps, worst of all, is the fact that an improper grading and drainage plan can even affect the inside of your home! In a poor design, water can become trapped causing it to flow towards a house and end up in the basement. A flooded basement can cost tens of thousands of dollars for repair.

Planning from Day One

In order to avoid patio drainage problems, it’s important to find a landscape contractor who is going to look at grading and drainage from day one. A contractor with experience in these areas (and be mindful that many are not experienced in these areas) will address the property holistically and take into account future possible implications, which could be missed by a lot of contractors. These drainage and grading issues will be accounted for in a master plan.

Some things that a highly qualified professional will do include observing existing conditions, talking about potential issues like ponding or drainage, and measuring land topography. These are the first steps in creating a grading plan.

Since a lot of companies do not have an in-house professional with extensive knowledge and experience of these issues, they may try to solve the problem by just pitching the ground away from the patio. But that could cause larger problems down the road, such as erosion of soil into your future pool or other inconvenient areas.

Your wise choice is a company with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) that has many years of experience. A typical landscape designer with little to no experience on-site grading or drainage concerns is not worth the gamble.

(Here's an example of a wet lawn where we installed a patio along with a pergola . This not only provided a better aesthetic solution but also was mainly to address the regular ponding of water. By elevating this surface and grading the remainder of the back lawn with a gentle swale around it, this messy backyard is now a spectacle of function and beauty.)

Choosing a Company That Can Solve Your Water Woes

We understand that you don’t want to deal with water issues that will negatively impact the enjoyment of your property. And the last thing you want to do is make expensive corrections down the line for problems that could have been prevented in the first place.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have the foresight to address water problems in advance. That’s because our in-house RLA has many years of experience preparing grading and drainage plans, similar to what civil engineers do.

It’s commendable if you’re thinking ahead about potential water concerns as that’s a step farther than a lot of homeowners go. Now you just need to follow through on choosing a professional that not only takes your water worries into account but knows what to do to correct them. By choosing the right professional for the job you can be sure that water won’t have the power to destroy your beautiful new patio or your surrounding yard. You’ll be able to get your dream patio without any water worries.

If you’d like to discuss how to build a patio without fear of water woes in Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA, then contact us for a free consultation and put your worries to rest.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

How Custom Home Builders in Lancaster PA and Landscape Designers Work Together for a Dream Come True

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 01:33:56 GMT

Imagine planning your gorgeous custom dream home and finding out later that it is spectacular in every way except one—the outdoor area. It would feel like a major letdown. Whether it’s a boring and not-so-functional patio or landscaping hillside areas for getting the most use out of the land, outdoor areas have the ability to really burst your dream bubble if it doesn’t fit the look and function of the rest of the space.

Unfortunately, it happens more than you’d realize.

We have seen plenty of Lancaster-area homeowners who have spectacular custom homes built for them. But they wind up stuck with a pretty standard patio, a plain concrete walkway, or even a backyard that is not conducive to their future plans.

We’ve seen homeowners wind up with a yard in which the right spacing for a pool or a pavilion was not accounted for and they had to go much smaller or change their plans altogether. Even worse, we’ve seen some homeowners decide to sell their homes because they couldn’t put a pool in. It wasn’t planned for at the time of construction and now it’s not feasible.

These frustrated homeowners wish they had made decisions differently when they had the opportunity.

Great Experiences

Let’s be clear. We have a lot of really great custom home builders in Lancaster, PA. They work with excited homeowners to create the best home for their budget. In a lot of cases, the outdoor areas aren’t a main area of focus and because homeowners are most often attentive to enhancing the house itself, there are some things that just never get looked at in advance.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a way to make sure all details are accounted for, even if it’s not part of your first phase of developing your dream home and property.

working with a landscape design expert during the home building process. While there are many landscape designers in Lancaster, P A , a job of a grand scope may not be suited for just any landscape company.

You want to find a company with a landscape architect in Lancaster, PA. When it comes to creating a dream backyard that complements your custom dream home, a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) is going to be a huge advantage as they will be able to read building plans, have some experience with serious issues like drainage, and will be trained to see ways in which the home design can be improved to integrate with any initial or future outdoor improvements.

With an RLA on your team, whenever your project is finished, it will be truly finished the way you want rather than having to go back and hire a landscape company to make costly improvements after the fact.

Thinking Outside the Box

There are a lot of “small details” when it comes to designing a backyard that can actually have a big impact on your overall enjoyment of the space. This is where a landscape design expert is going to focus differently in their thinking as compared to the custom home builders in Lancaster, PA. All of those small details really do matter and you want to find landscape designers in Lancaster, PA that will think about them.

Here are just a few examples of ideas a landscape design expert, such as Earth, Turf, & Wood, might contribute to an outdoor space.

Creating a Master Plan

An RLA will help put together a master plan for the outdoor living area that will account for the future. This is important to do before construction even begins. Of course, you don’t have to build the outdoor living area at that point, but at least you’ll know that it will work for you when the time comes to do so.

Even if you don’t build certain elements of your master plan early on or with the initial construction, their future location should play an important role. Items such as sewer systems, electrical lines, or gas lines can be planned for in advance.

We also have had multiple clients need to buy the next door lot or add to their lot because they didn’t have room to do what they wanted to do. This could have been avoided with a master plan prior to construction.

Window Location

It might be surprising that a landscape designer would have any sort of input to the builder on the windows, but we have spoken up about this very feature. If you’re having an unbelievable backyard built, you want to be able to see it and enjoy it, from inside of the home.

Builders have so many details to think about so they appreciate us being focused on the outdoor aspects of the project (so they don’t have to be), as well as how the interior of the project may be affected. We’ve made suggestions about window locations that would give the best possible views of your outdoor living area.

Orientation

A builder might propose a deck and stairway for your outdoor living plan but might not be looking at (or even know at the time) the future scope of the project if it’s not part of their contract. For instance, a detail such as where the staircase “drops you off” can be impacted by the future of your outdoor living area. Your future plans might include a pool .

If that’s the case, you’ll want the stairs to lead your guests in that direction. The view is important, too. You don’t want a staircase to obstruct anyone’s view of that gorgeous future pool so we’ll think about that now, too.

An Eye for Outdoor Living Design

While a home builder has a great eye for design, they’re likely focused on the home itself and aren’t thinking about the details outside of your home at great length. But an RLA can make minor tweaks that end up having a big overall impact on the design. For example, an RLA can help coordinate the perfect elevation of your pool to ensure that it’s seen from various areas of the property, giving you a truly spectacular view.

An RLA can also make sure that outdoor living areas are appropriately spaced distance-wise from one another so that you can still see your kids swimming while you’re in the outdoor kitchen, but you’re not right on top of the pool. An RLA will ensure that your space is used wisely.

Outdoor Lighting and Electric

While most builders will include a small amount of outdoor lighting on a custom home job, you may want more than just the basic package for your spectacular custom property. This is where an RLA can make a big difference. From path lights lining your walkways to uplighting the architectural details of your home to even adding built-in lights to your steps, an RLA will have expert design ideas to enhance your outdoor space with landscape lighting .

They’ll also pay attention to the “small details,” such as the location of electrical outlets. You might want various outlets on your patio so that you can charge your mobile devices but you’ll want them strategically placed in a way that makes them highly usable without being obtrusive to the aesthetics. An RLA will think of those details and make sure the construction plans have even future utility runs in place for a later stage (saving you money).

Grading and Drainage

Issues such as grading and drainage can be very complex and while your builder might make adjustments, oftentimes it may be done in a way that has no bearing on any future outdoor living areas you may create. But bringing in an RLA could help you to correct any present issues and also think about future considerations should you be adding a pool, pavilion, or other structure down the road.

An RLA will help create a master plan for your property, ensuring that the grading is accounted for at the time of construction. Though it may not even change the builder’s quote, planning for big additions that are set to occur in your future is a wise way to reduce headaches (such as re-tearing up your yard) and cost down the road.

An Early Impact

As we mentioned, if you’re looking into landscape designers in Lancaster, PA, specifically, companies that have an RLA, it’s really important to bring them into the project early on. While you might be thinking of landscape projects as the “finishing touch,” the truth is that they should be planned for before construction on your home even begins.

Pre-planning is key. Do not start home construction without a master plan from an RLA upfront or you might not be able to get the outdoor space you truly wanted. Pre-planning will also save you tens of thousands of dollars down the road by not requiring modifications to your yard. Everything will be accounted for, including spacing, from the very start.

Your Dream Team for Your Dream Home

The last thing you want is to have to compromise on your dream. At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have worked alongside many custom home builders in Lancaster, PA. It has been a valuable partnership for both of us. Builders appreciate our outdoor design expertise as it makes their clients happier.

Don’t get stuck with a boring and dysfunctional landscape that detracts from your gorgeous dream home. There’s no reason that has to happen.

At the end of the day, adding that extra layer of professional experience to your dream home design will help ensure that it comes together the way you truly want. When custom home builders in Lancaster, PA and landscape architects truly work together, you reap the benefits with an amazing home that is surrounded by a gorgeous and functional outdoor living area. It’s the total package.

If you’d like to have a landscape design expert plan your dream backyard around your dream home in Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA, then contact us for a free consultation and get ready to see your ideas come to life.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Using Landscape Steps and Walkways to Connect Patios, Pools, Entrances and More

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 01:48:11 GMT

When you own a property, you want to be able to use the outdoor living spaces to their fullest. The last thing you want is for them to be difficult to traverse. But that’s exactly what can happen if you have steep slopes in your yard.

In some cases, these grade transitions can be dealt with by a professional analyzing the grade of the site and creating a landscape design that gradually transitions elevations from one area to another with sloped mulch beds, lawn areas, or even paver stone ramps (especially helpful for aging homeowners). However, there are some properties that will require a different approach.

Fortunately, landscape steps and walkways are a solution that can connect your outdoor living areas in a way that makes them comfortable and easy to navigate even with major grade fluctuations.

Landscape stairs and walkways are ultimately a very important aspect of your landscape and should not be an afterthought. While there are a lot of walkway companies in Lancaster and Reading, PA who might just put in a cookie-cutter path or set of stairs, finding a company that will take a thoughtful approach to the design of these features, and incorporate them in a way that they flow with the overall design of your space, will be key to completing the overall look of your beautiful outdoor living area.

Using Landscape Steps and Walkways to Enhance your Outdoor Living Space

Landscape steps obviously serve a valuable function of getting you from point A to point B. But they do more than that. Thoughtfully designed landscape steps and walkways can enhance your overall space by being the perfect finishing touch. These elements can go a long way in contributing to the aesthetics of the space.

Here are a few ideas and considerations to keep in mind as you think about adding them to your outdoor living areas.

Maintain the Natural Look of the Space

If you have a property that incorporates the use of boulders, natural stone, a lot of native plant material, or other “natural looks,” then you want to be sure to maintain that feel with the addition of any stairs or walkways you incorporate. Plopping a concrete walkway or set of stairs into your natural landscape is going to stick out like a sore thumb.

Sometimes natural stairways can have voids as the stones don’t fit together as precisely as man-made pavers. These voids can be backfilled with crushed stone or even some layers of topsoil with plants such as a fern stuck here or there for aesthetics. These are the kinds of details that can make a big difference in the finished product.

Good Design and Construction Matter

Even in natural landscapes, good design and construction are critical for your walkways and stairs. In this stepping stone pathway through plantings, for instance, the average walkway contractors in Reading or Lancaster, PA may have just laid these atop of the mulch.

But that would not have given the walkway the solid support it really needed to stay nice and level and it would have become vulnerable to shifting and settling and possibly becoming a trip hazard. Instead, this walkway has a solid base underneath supporting the entire path.

Incorporate Walkways Alongside Structures

A walkway within or alongside a masonry structure must keep with the look of the overall space. Again, a standard concrete walkway aside beautiful masonry work is going to deter from the overall look.

Walkways that intersect with masonry structures also provide aesthetic opportunities such as adding flagstone caps with stone risers for more of an architectural look.

Make it Comfortable to Traverse

How it feels to walk a pathway or set of stairs is, unfortunately, another afterthought with the average walkway contractor. But these are important details. Clustering several steps at a time so that it flows with one’s natural gait makes your outdoor stairways comfortable to traverse.

We’ve all been on awkward stairways in which the length in between steps was not well-thought-out. Simply put, it’s annoying, which is the last feeling you want people to have when experiencing your beautiful outdoor living area.

The width of walkways is also very important. As a general rule of thumb, a walkway should be wide enough for two people to walk side by side.That’s approximately 4 to 6 feet.

Of course, sometimes you only have so much space to work with. If you have a narrow walkway, some optical illusion can be utilized to make it appear wider by tapering it at the entrance.

Be Sure to Include Lighting

Lighting can be critical on your walkways and especially on your stairs in order to prevent them from being trip and fall hazards. This particular stairway which uses segmented concrete wall material that carries over from the rest of the patio area has lights shining downward on the steps to fully illuminate them.

Don’t Overdo a Curve

A gentle curve can add some appeal to your walkway, but don’t overdo it. If it’s made too curvy, your walkway can become frustrating to navigate and that detracts from its functionality. Curves should not be forced but rather should have a soft and natural flow to them.

A thoughtful design approach treats walkways like a “journey” to your destination. However, you don’t want that journey to take you far out of your way. You just want it to be as pleasant as possible getting from the starting to the ending point.

It All Must Come Together

Your property may require multiple walkways and landscape steps incorporated throughout the space and it will be important that it all comes together seamlessly. Functionally speaking, these features help connect your various areas like your patio, pool, pavilion, or your home’s entrance, so that you can easily get from one space to another. Aesthetically speaking, landscape steps and walkways can also make the space look connected and complete, making them an essential finishing touch.

Finding Walkway Contractors in Reading or Lancaster, PA, and Beyond

As mentioned, walkway companies in Reading and Lancaster, PA may just give you a standard, cookie-cutter walkway or set of steps. This might solve the functionality problem you have, but it will be aesthetically detrimental to your overall space. In fact, we have re-done builder’s grade walkways and stairs at homes that were filled with grandeur in everything about their design, including their gorgeous outdoor living areas, but had boring concrete walkways and stairs. These stand out in a bad way.

Whether your property need steps or can allow for more gradual grade transitions (like ramps for aging property owners), finding a landscape contractor who will properly shoot grades and elevations before even starting the design process is essential. This is something that a Registered Landscape Architect will explore with you before even beginning that process.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have designed and built many landscape steps and walkways over the years, knowing full well that these are not an afterthought or a small detail, but that these features can really make or break a space. Walkways and steps make your space easily traversable, therefore making it more functional. But they are also the icing on the cake when it comes to aesthetic appeal. The last thing you want is a beautiful space plagued by ugly walkways and stairs.

Ultimately, your decision could be the difference between a beautiful, and truly complete space or one that doesn’t fully meet your needs. By choosing the right company who will treat your landscape steps and walkways as an important feature of your overall landscape design, you’ll be able to have an outdoor living space that you truly love.

If you want the perfect landscape steps or walkway to complete your comprehensive outdoor living area, and want to find out more about our walkway design services for your Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, contact us for a free consultation . Then, sit back and relax knowing your outdoor living area will soon be truly complete.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Picturesque Pergolas: Design Tips and Best Pergola Builders in Reading and Lancaster, PA

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 02:19:29 GMT

A pergola is an attractive way to enhance the quality of your outdoor living space. There’s something romantic and elegant about a pergola that other structures simply don’t offer. A pergola can make your outdoor space unique—plus, it serves some important functions, as well.

While you may think you want to add a pergola to your outdoor living space, what you may not sure of is the best way to go about doing it. If you add a pergola, you want to ultimately end up with something picturesque and perfect, but you don’t want to have to do a ton of research on your own to get there. If you choose to add a pergola , you want to find a company that understands how to design and build it in a way that takes the guesswork out of the process for you.

Using Landscape Steps and Walkways to Enhance your Outdoor Living Space

Here are a few ideas and considerations to keep in mind as you think about adding them to your outdoor living areas.

Your Perfect Pergola

You might be leaning toward a pergola vs. a pavilion for several reasons. You like the sense of romanticism and architectural flair that a pergola can add to your space. You also like the open feel, but you appreciate that (when positioned properly), it can still add shade and privacy to your space. Though it’s not always the case, you also know that a pergola sometimes costs less than a pavilion.

There’s no question that pergolas can add interest to a space while also “defining it.” For instance, if you have an open dining area and you incorporate a pergola design, it suddenly feels a lot more like an outdoor room. In that way, a pergola can really help complete an outdoor living space, almost like its “finishing touch.”

Pergolas are typically built from wood, but exactly what material you choose for your pergola design should be dependent upon how maintenance-friendly you want it to be. If you are okay with your pergola weathering naturally, then cedar is an excellent choice. However, if you want something completely maintenance-free, then you might opt for vinyl or a composite material, both of which require virtually no upkeep.

One big difference between pergola builders in Lancaster or Reading, PA, and its surrounding areas, is how involved they truly are with the design and build of your pergola. Oftentimes, these companies use kits to put together a cookie-cutter-option that looks exactly like dozens of others they’ve already created. If you want something truly unique, then be sure to look for a company who can customize your design.

Unique Pergolas in Reading and Lancaster, PA

Some of the best pergola designs have come from thinking outside of the box. There are so many ways to get creative when it comes to a unique feature like a pergola. For instance, pergolas do not always need to be stand-alone structures. They can be attached to the home or even to an outdoor pavilion, giving you the best of both worlds.

When it comes to style, anything goes. You can mix and match materials and even shapes. However, the pergola design should include an effort to unify its look with the rest of the property. That means if you have a timber frame house, then you might want to incorporate some timber frame into your pergola design for a seamless blend of styles.

Even the shape of the pergola can be unique. At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we designed a pergola that was almost a complete circle for something that was truly original. We have also designed pergolas with all types of columns from rounded to square tapered.

Beyond the material and the shape, you might also consider added features. Pergolas can be wired for lighting or even a ceiling fan, making it even more functional. And some people like to grow climbing vines on their pergola for some added interest as well as increased shade.

Important Tips Often Missed in Pergolas

We already talked about the fact that the average pergola builder in Lancaster or Reading, PA may give you a cookie-cutter design. But there are a few other important factors to consider with your pergola project that contractors often fail to think about.

Orientation of Pergolas

If you want your pergola design to also provide some shade, then orientation is everything. The pergola must be properly positioned with sun angles and orientation taken into account. Orientation is also important when accounting for wind that is going to pass through the space

Location of Your Pergola

Similar to orientation, the physical location of your pergola is another critical detail that the average builder will likely overlook. Without a thoughtful pergola design that incorporates the structure into your overall landscape, a pergola might look as though it was just “plopped there,” with no real thought

Stability of Pergolas

One of the biggest problems with getting a prefabricated kit or hiring a contractor that uses cheap material is the stability of the structure. You want a pergola builder that will install steel beams, serving as the main structural component to the pergola. Although you don’t see these, they provide vital stability, which is important as the pergola support beams are holding a tremendous amount of weight. Since this will be right overtop of people, you want it well-supported.

Choosing From Pergola Builders in Lancaster, Reading, PA and Beyond

It’s important that you choose wisely when it comes to the company that is going to execute your project. Hiring any old company for your pergola design is not going to get you the picturesque pergola that you’ve been dreaming of. However, a company that has a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) on staff would be ideal to oversee something like this. An RLA will take the entire outdoor living space into account so that your pergola is perfectly incorporated.

An RLA will also think about all those small details that really go into making your pergola look like a seamless addition to your overall landscape design. And instead of getting something cookie-cutter, you’ll get the customization that you desire.

If you choose Earth, Turf, & Wood for your pergola design, you can be sure that you will get all of that. We have designed and created many projects that incorporated gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pergolas. If you want something that truly completes your beautiful outdoor living area, then be sure to choose the company that is best-suited to fulfill your needs.

If you’re ready to have a picturesque pergola in your backyard and want to find out more about our pergola designs for your Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, check out our Dream Builder Budget Calculator and contact us for a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Hot Tubs or a Hot Mess? Incorporating a Spa into Your Landscape Design

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 02:28:43 GMT

Your home is the place you go to escape the busyness of life. After a hard week, you’d love to just go in your backyard, close your eyes and let the stresses melt away. Ahh...

The idea of soaking in warm, bubbling water after a long day or even gathering with your family or friends on the weekend may lead you to start thinking about adding a hot tub in your backyard. However, you may worry that choosing the wrong solution or company to do the work, may result in your relaxing spa turning into an additional source of stress, an ugly backyard.

The last thing you want is to feel like you’re stuck choosing one or the other—a gorgeous backyard or a spa. You want the best of both worlds and you don’t want to compromise. Your goal is a solution that will give you both.

Hot Tubs vs. Spas

Before going any further in this article we wanted to clear up any confusion over the terms hot tub or spa. These days, the terms are used interchangeably and mean the same thing. Both terms describe a large tub of hot water with jets, used for purposes like relaxation, warmth, entertaining, and hydrotherapy.

Spas can either be freestanding units that are added atop a paved surface or built in-ground, connected, or apart from a backyard pool.

Hot Tub Landscaping

Where most hot tub landscaping projects go wrong is with a bad design—or even no design at all. If you have a pool or spa dealer install your spa, it may be very possible that they aren’t giving much thought to what the rest of your outdoor living area looks like.

In the case of hot tub dealers, they’re just making sure the hot tub is installed properly. That’s typically where we see the most commonly made mistake—a hot tub that looks like it was just plunked there.

It stands out (in a bad way) and it looks like an afterthought rather than an incorporation into your overall landscape design . But there are also other reasons it can be problematic.

A hot tub that is poorly placed can also take up space, interrupt the flow of traffic around your outdoor living area, or even be difficult to get in and out of. Instead, thought should be given to where it goes, how it’s positioned, and how it incorporates into your overall landscape design.

Hot Tub Landscape Ideas & Goals

As mentioned, a good hot tub landscape design takes a lot of factors into account. Here are some of the specific ideas that are considered to not only make your spa look gorgeous in your outdoor living area but to make it highly functional, too.

Positioned Close to the House

A thoughtful design will take into account where the doors of the house are located so that you can get outside and into the hot tub quickly (and vice versa, go from the spa to the inside quickly as well).

A lot of people love using their spa in the winter but they don’t want to trek too far to get into it when it’s cold.

Well-Incorporated with a Patio

Spas are typically installed within a patio area and a good hot tub landscape design will also take into account the rest of that design. Often that means nestling it into a nook or corner where it’s not in the way or on top of the outdoor kitchen or dining area.

It’s placed in a way that flows thoughtfully with the rest of the design without impeding traffic or being in the way. It also looks like it was always meant to be there.

Comes with a View

A lot of people say they want to sit in their spa and enjoy the view of their gorgeous landscape and surrounding property. Some even say their favorite thing to do is look at the stars while they soak. But none of that is possible if the spa is built in a way that the view is blocked.

If you’re also having a nearby pavilion or pergola built, it’s important that thought is given to whether those structures will block a view you wanted to enjoy from your spa. A thoughtful hot tub landscape design will not overlook what is a seemingly small, but very important detail—the view.

Provides the View

On the flip side, some people like their spa to be a showpiece in a way that it provides something visually interesting to look at. Therefore, they want to be able to view it from other areas of the property or even from inside the house.

This is particularly true if features such as color-changing LED lighting and water features like fountains are incorporated into the design. These types of features can actually turn your spa into a show. If that’s the case you want to be able to see it at night through a window or while cooking on the grill at the nearby kitchen.

Incorporating a Spa Into a Complete Backyard

If your goal is to simply add a hot tub atop a paved surface in your backyard, then choosing a pool and spa company in Lancaster, PA or surrounding areas is probably your best bet.

However, if your goal is to have a spa that is just one feature of your own backyard resort, then it’s important to consider this as part of an overall landscape design. Be certain that you consider some other key elements that will make your backyard complete such as a plantings, pavilion, patio, lighting, and more. If those are features that you desire, then your best bet is to work with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) who will take all of that into account.

A hot tub dealer or a pool and spa company is only going to be focused on installing the spa itself. They may also fail to take some of the important design details into account that we’ve discussed such as where it’s positioned or what kinds of views you have while sitting in it. These are factors that will affect your overall enjoyment.

Choosing Wisely for the Perfect Backyard Oasis

If you decide that you want a complete backyard design with a spa, then choosing a landscape company with an RLA will ensure your project comes together the way you desire. That’s what you’ll get if you choose to work with Earth, Turf, & Wood.

We have designed and created many projects that included spas, both with or without a pool. Actually, some of our clients did not want a pool but just wanted exclusively a spa that looked like it was meant to always be part of the overall landscape design.

There’s no doubt that your decisions will have an impact on the end result and could be the difference between a useful hot tub or a hot mess. There is no reason why you should have to choose between getting the spa you desire or a gorgeous backyard. By researching your options and choosing the right company, you’ll be able to have both.

If you’re ready for a new backyard resort including a spa and want to find out more about our pool and spa services for your Lancaster , York , Hershey , or Reading , PA home, contact us for a free consultation . Then, sit back and relax knowing you’ve already taken the first step toward following through on your dream.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool? Expert Insights to Meet the Timeline

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 02:38:38 GMT

You’ve been thinking about a pool for a long time and have finally made the decision to have it built. It will be a great way to encourage the kids to spend more time at home this summer, to entertain family or friends, or even just to cool off after a long day. And it will be so much more enjoyable dining al fresco now that you can dine pool-side.

As you begin the process of thinking about it, you want to know how long does it take to build a pool. You may have decided that you simply don’t want to go another summer without a pool. That’s why you want to know when you should start the planning process in order for it to be ready-to-go come swim season.

A Realistic Pool Construction Timeline

The truth is that a really great pool takes time—on average 7 to 9 months from design to completion, though sometimes longer. A pool and its surrounding poolscape (the pool patio, surrounding landscaping, adjoining pavilion, and maybe even an outdoor kitchen) need to be designed and built properly and that process can’t be done hastily. Of course, the exact pool construction time can vary based upon the complexity of the project, as well as other factors.

Let’s take a look at some of the big contributing factors to the pool construction timeline:

Site Terrain : Some pool projects require extensive site grading while others have a terrain that is more “ready to build” on. Every site is different and those differences will have a major effect on the pool construction timeline.

Weather: A variety of weather factors can come into play during construction. A lot of rain (and several next days while drying) or a unseasonably additional snow can have the power to delay your pool construction timeline.

Pool Builder’s Timeline : Using a landscape design and build firm that has a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) on staff can be to your benefit in many ways. With an RLA overseeing your project, it will help ensure that the work is completed the right way from design all the way through to completion. But it’s also beneficial to work with a unified company that can ensure the schedule sticks to the timeline as opposed to working with a pool company that isn’t good about overseeing various subcontractors’ schedules or keeping things on schedule.

Your Availability : You have a stake in the timeline as well. Though it may not seem like a big deal at the time, rescheduling design meetings, putting off decisions, or changing your mind about details can definitely set the entire project back. Even one small setback can have a snowball effect and push the entire timeline further out. We set a realistic timeline at the beginning of the process, but it hinges upon everyone doing their parts. Those initial design consultations, which we think of as “getting your ducks in a row,” really have a big impact on charting the course of the project and in order to keep the project moving forward on time, it’s important to make decisions and stick to them, or at least leave enough time to plan for these kind of changes.

When is the Best Time to Build a Pool

If you ask us when you should start planning, we will respond with another important question: When do you want to start swimming? Then we’ll work backward from there. If you want to be swimming by the summer, then you must start planning in the fall. But it certainly wouldn’t hurt to start talking even earlier than that.

The planning process itself can take time—and it rightfully should if you want things completed the right way. If you start early, you have the ability to carefully weigh your options and make smart choices that are in your best interest, as opposed to being rushed. You might have a very specific goal in mind. For instance, if a client knows they need a pool ready by June for a graduation party, we might start talking about it an entire year ahead of time so that everything is just right.

There are some important aspects of the pool building process that can be taken care of regardless of the weather. Factors like designing, permitting, planning, and choosing materials can be taken care of right away. Those aspects also happen to be the least expensive part of the project and can sit on a shelf if you need them to.

If you are serious about a pool, you could get the ball rolling right away on those initial design factors. Then when it’s pool construction time, there will be nothing holding it back. It can begin as soon as your pool builder’s schedule, and the ground (not being frozen that is), allows for it. In other words, don’t use up valuable time when the pool building process could be happening to deal with permits or design changes if you want to keep things moving forward.

Choosing Earth, Turf, & Wood for Your Dream Pool

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have overseen the design and build of many beautiful pools in Lancaster, York, Reading, and Hershey, PA , as well as its surrounding areas. Because we have an in-house RLA, we are able to closely guide you through the design process and also ensure the construction happens according to that plan.

With the guidance of an RLA, we often think of details that pool companies don’t include. There are a lot of important decisions and factors that go into a pool design and you want to make sure they’re completed the right way. That means starting the process early and being realistic about the pool construction timeline.

Your decisions absolutely have an impact on that timeline. Choosing a landscape professional to handle the design and oversee your pool construction will also help ensure that the process is done right—and that’s a big deal when it comes to keeping things on time. With the proper planning, you’ll finally be able to make your dreams a reality and enjoy swimming with your friends and family in the pool you’ve always wanted.

If you’d like to start planning your pool area at your Lancaster , York , Reading , or Hershey , PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530 so that we can answer your questions.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Case Study: York, PA Landscaping & Pool Design Masterpiece

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 02:47:29 GMT

When tackling a project as important as a backyard renovation complete with a new pool, you want to work with the best company for the job. It’s a big investment and a space that you plan to enjoy for many years to come. Knowing that your decision in hiring a contractor will impact all of this, you should be determined to choose wisely.

Of course, the most typical pattern of thought when having a pool built is to hire a pool company. It sounds logical, after all. There are some amazing pool builders in York, PA and surrounding areas like Lancaster, Reading, and Hershey. But the truth is that we’ve seen some pool companies fail to think of some of the pool design essentials that would make your space truly complete.

That was exactly the challenge that these York, PA homeowners were faced with when they wanted to have a complete pool space designed and built in their backyard. They could choose from amongst the various York, PA pool companies out there, or they could choose a skilled landscape contractor, with experience overseeing large pool projects.

That decision led them to Earth, Turf, & Wood over hiring a pool contractor in York, PA. They had many important details they cared about that went beyond the pool itself. The homeowners had a lot they wanted to achieve, including everything from a gorgeous pool patio, beautiful landscaping, a pool pavilion, an outdoor kitchen, and more. Each of those details was important and they wanted a company that could look at the big picture to ensure it all fits together perfectly.

Working with a Slope in this York, PA Landscape Design

Of course, like any project, this one was not without some challenges. One of the biggest challenges of this York, PA landscape design was the fact that the property featured a significant slope. Building a pool on a sloped yard, and still ensuring it looks nice, is not exactly a small feat. In the end, it’s important that all of the levels look like they flow well and were meant to always be that way.

The solution to sloping on this property required extensive site grading as well as planning to ensure that everything looked and operated properly. On the upper side of the slope, on a raised area, the addition of some chairs for lounging, created a nice space for sunbathers to relax. Since the raised view oversees the entire pool it’s also a great place to watch people swim or even just enjoy the gorgeous view of the poolscape.

The area also required a large retaining wall, but the addition of some sheer descent fountains as well as some spouting lion heads helped keep the wall interesting. These water features not only add the appealing sound of running water but also some artistic detail that makes the wall look more like a piece of art than a functional retaining wall (even though it is that, too).

Pool Pavilion on the Hill

Another want on the homeowners’ list was a pool pavilion so that they would have a shady place to relax while watching others swim. It also serves as a wonderful gathering space when the family is entertaining. While the pavilion could have been built level to the pool, that made the whole area seem too flat and made the raised area with the chairs stand out.

The homeowners also desired steps leading up to the pavilion, to make it feel like it’s own special space. For these reasons, it made sense to raise the pavilion up. The end result is a better balance of the different grades of the entire layout.

Elevating the pavilion also achieved the goal of making it feel like a special showpiece. The pavilion also features a gorgeous stone fireplace, that the family wanted to add to make the space feel even cozier. It’s also a great gathering space when entertaining.

While there was a lot of stone used in this York, PA landscape design , the home itself was made of brick. Because we are always looking to mimic the architectural styles of the property as a whole, we built a stone fireplace with a brick chimney that complements that of the home.

On either side of the pavilion, we added large boulders that help mask some of the sloping in an aesthetically appealing way. The property had boulders in other locations as well, making it another complementing feature. In addition, we discreetly hid the pool equipment behind the fireplace so that it wasn’t an eyesore.

A Complementing Pool Patio

Another area in which the home is complemented is in some of the shades of red in the pool patio , as well as in the coping, which is a blue granite with red flecks throughout. Because there is so much paved surface, the border and some addition of color helps add a little bit of interest.

The color also helps serve the purpose of unifying multiple spaces. Since the homeowners had an all-brick home, tying in some of that red, made the outdoor living space look like it was meant to be part of the home’s landscape. The end result is a seamless flow of styles—a detail that could be easily overlooked by some pool builders in York, PA.

Adding Landscape Lighting

With as detailed as the pavilion was, it was also essential that landscape lighting was used to the best of its ability. We not only wanted to highlight specific details such as the columns and the stonework, but we also wanted the space to be highly functional. That meant ensuring it was well-lit for evening use.

This was true of the space as a whole. Everything is well-lit so that it can be enjoyed in the evening hours, as well. With how much lighting was needed around the property, it was important that it was done in a way that it served a purpose of illuminating the space, without being overburdening.

An Outdoor Kitchen for Entertaining

These homeowners entertained frequently so an outdoor kitchen was also an essential part of this York, PA landscape design. With a built-in grill, running water, and a lot of countertop seating, there is plenty of room to entertain.

Because this family often hosted church youth group activities, one of the challenges we were posed with was creating a space that could accommodate large groups of 25 or more. But the homeowners also wanted the space to feel intimidate enough when it was just their family of four enjoying it. We achieved that by keeping everything close enough together that it still felt cozy.

Additional Details of this York, PA Landscape Design

In addition to some of the big items like the pool pavilion, the patio, and the outdoor kitchen, this project would not have been complete without other important details such as the fence surrounding the pool, which was purposefully designed in a way that the space still felt open and airy while being fenced in to code. Nobody likes feeling like they are swimming in a playpen, plus these particular homeowners had a beautiful surrounding landscape that they still wanted to be able to enjoy.

The homeowners also liked the look of columns being integrated with the fencing for added interest.This was also another way to incorporate some of the stone that they really liked.

Of course, landscaping for this York, PA project was also key. Pops of color brighten up the entire space and add even more visual interest. While landscaping around a pool area, materials that will not be windblown or tracked into the pool is an important consideration which is why stone was used here. It’s another seemingly “small” detail that is actually quite a big deal and might be overlooked by some pool contractors in York, PA.

A Pool Project That Has it All

While having a pool put in is a big deal, and it’s easy to get caught up on the pool itself, the truth is that a project like this has an array of important details—and the pool is just one of them. You’ll want a space to sit and relax when you’re not swimming, an area to dine by the pool or to get a drink while you’re drying off, and maybe even a place to escape the sun when you’re just outside to enjoy your pool’s view. With so many important elements wrapped up in the overall design, it’s essential that you find the right expert to advise you on your project.

Although your first instinct may be to hire a pool company, hopefully now you realize that finding someone who can address the area as a whole—and think of all those details that help make the space great—will get you the most out of your investment.

Every project is different and can pose its own challenges. This particular York, PA landscape design had the extensive site grading to deal with and as a result also required a significant amount of stormwater management. Those kinds of challenges might be out of the realm of experience of some pool companies or the average landscaper. That is another reason why you must choose a company that can handle some of the serious issues that can arise in the landscape during a pool build.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, our Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) was able to handle the stormwater management in-house, saving the homeowners a lot of money from needing to bring in an engineer. This project required a very large trench pit to account for stormwater infiltration, and that’s no small feat. If done wrong, it could also be disastrous. But that is something that our RLA has experience in doing.

By choosing a company that can take your project from start to finish, add all of those details that make it special, and even handle challenges that arise, you’ll have it all under one roof—rather than having to work with multiple companies to get what you want or being unsatisfied with the finished project. After all, with something as important as your pool build, you don’t want to cut any corners or take any chances.

If you’re ready to start a conversation about your York, PA pool design, or another outdoor living project, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530. We also serve clients in Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , and Hershey , PA.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Exceptional vs. Typical: Landscape Design in Lancaster, York, Hershey, and Reading, PA

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 02:57:55 GMT

Imagine stepping outside in your dream backyard—the yard that you’ve been thinking about for quite some time. Your favorite colors are reflected in the plant material.

That idea for a unique water feature is in just the right spot where you can enjoy the sound of the water while reading a book on the nearby bench. And your patio was designed in a way that it’s not only gorgeous, but it’s extremely functional and you aren’t quite sure how you ever lived without it.

All of these elements of your new backyard are made possible by a critical factor— design. The landscape design for your Lancaster, York, Hershey, or Reading, PA home is where it all begins and therefore you want it to be exceptional. The design is going to dictate the entire process of your landscape project from start to finish and you want something that isn’t just average or typical like every other home on the block. You want something that is one-of-a-kind and that goal starts with the creative process.

A lot of people don’t realize how important it is to invest in an exceptional landscape design and may even be reluctant to pay for it. But that’s usually because folks don’t think about how the design will impact the entire process and how vast the differences in design can be from one landscaping company to the next. You could run the risk of getting something you felt was appropriate, but turned out to be drab and unoriginal. Unfortunately, that may not be something you realize until it’s too late.

But let’s be honest, a lot of landscaping companies in Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas do decent work—they just don’t all perform at a level that the industry would define as exceptional.

Some landscape designers are going to be above average, at best, and some people might even be okay with that. But if you’re looking for an end result that is truly exceptional, then it’s important to understand these differences when it comes to landscape design. Knowing how to determine this is a great advantage for you to start with.

Understanding Landscape Design in Lancaster, York, Hershey, and Reading, PA

The design process typically starts with a consultation, which is a brief initial meeting to discuss general ideas and costs. The initial consultation is usually free of charge. However, once you choose to move forward with the project, and you move into the actual design phase, you should expect to pay for high-quality landscape design work.

In a typical landscape design process, your meetings may be brief. The direction of the project may feel like it is more about what the designer wants (or is comfortable with) than about what you want. This may be done by someone who has the assumed title of “designer,” or even the company owner, but they don’t necessarily have the combination of experience and professional design credentials that you may assume they should have.

The degree to which various typical landscape designers are fit for the job can truly run the gamut. A typical landscape designer may have a two-year associate’s or four-year bachelor’s degree. No licensing is required to be a landscape designer and there are no ongoing certification requirements.

While some professional credentials are better than the company that has a self-appointed designer with no actual schooling, it still pales in comparison to an exception, the Registered Landscape Architect (or RLA), which requires at least a five-year degree. An RLA must work under another landscape architect for at least two years and also keep their credentials current by participating in continuing education. An RLA is part of the exceptional design process. An RLA is a talented individual that has handled hundreds, maybe even thousands of landscape designs in Lancaster, York, Hershey, and Reading, PA.

Another big difference in the exceptional design process, with an RLA, is that it feels more like a two-way street where your opinions really matter. You’re not being pushed in the direction of what the designer is comfortable doing. The process is about what you want out of the project. The RLA is there more as a guide, offering advice on what might work and what might not as well as suggestions from their vast past experience.

Why to Pay for Design Work

Not everyone charges for landscape design work in Lancaster, York, Hershey, and Reading, PA. Although “free” might sound enticing, you have to wonder what you’re really getting with a free landscape design.

Will they have multiple meetings to discuss every possible detail with you? Will your ideas be accounted for or will you just end up with the landscape company’s typical cookie-cutter design that they’ve done again and again? With an exceptional design, an RLA is investing dozens of hours of work into your project. When you think of it that way, it’s easy to see how you’d have to invest in that process.

Many times when a company says they offer free design, they’re not actually doing a design at all. They’re just working from basic concepts they’ve used in the past. But you wouldn’t agree to have your house built without a detailed set of blueprints and you shouldn’t agree to a landscape project without a design.

In a worst-case scenario, the finished product could have catastrophic problems such as a typical landscape design that did not take stormwater runoff from the neighbor’s yard into account. Or a faulty retaining wall that collapses over time. On a smaller scale, you may hate the plant material that the landscaper chose for you since you weren’t closely involved in the design process. Now you have to pay to have them re-done or just live with plants you dislike.

Other times a typical landscape company might work from a design, but they might outsource that work. While that’s better than nothing, this is characteristic of an average design process. In an exceptional process, the design would be done in-house so that there is a seamless transition between the design phase and the building phase instead of your project needing to change hands.

Choosing Earth, Turf, & Wood for Your Landscape Design

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we have an in-house RLA who handles all of our design work. Our exceptional design process is complex when compared to the average landscape design process. You can expect comprehensive meetings with our RLA in which every single possibility and detail is discussed. Your wants and needs will be taken into account but we’ll also suggest ideas from past experience that you might want to consider.

So often a client will describe an out-of-the-box idea to us that they worry won’t be possible. Other landscape companies might say it’s not, but these are the kinds of ideas that we love to bring to life. Take, for example, the client that described a fire/water combination feature to us. Most companies would have said they needed to build two entirely separate features but we created a fire fountain like the client described.

Sometimes our experience lends itself to making suggestions to take projects even further. We had one client that required a retaining wall for functional purposes. Instead of just building a typical, plain wall, we suggested creating a water feature that would give the wall a unique and exceptional feature. The water wall featured a fleur-de-lis symbol which was a personal favorite of the homeowner.

That same client also requested a game area. We created a pea gravel surfaced game area complete with quoit pits and corn hole courts and even added benches and lighting for observers. Always thinking about this age of technology, we also added nearby outlets as a means of providing charging areas for cell phones near the benches.

These are not unnecessary extra steps that we take, but steps that we feel are vital to ensure the finished project is what you envisioned and something that you love. We don’t take a typical approach to creating the same design again and again. We take an exceptional approach in which we believe every little detail counts.

You have a choice to make—choosing a typical landscape design process for your Lancaster, York, Hershey, or Reading, PA home—or choosing something exceptional. The latter is obviously could seem like more of an investment but if it comes down to a project that you love or one that you wish was done differently (and may need to pay to fix later), you may find that it’s worth a bit more of an investment at the onset.

That investment will not only ensure you wind up with an exceptional finished project but can also help ensure that costly complications are avoided. As mentioned, you tend to get what you pay for and with something as important as re-creating your backyard, it’s simply not an area to cut corners. You’re truly unique, just like your backyard should be.

If you’d like some exceptional landscape design inspiration check out our comprehensive idea gallery . Or, if you’d like to get the process started, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530 .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Landscaping Hillside Areas: Ideas for Planting Steep Slopes

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 03:07:29 GMT

If you live in a home that has large slopes and banks, you might be wondering what you can do with those areas to make them more functional or aesthetically appealing—and also to prevent problems such as erosion or drainage issues.

There’s no question that landscaping hillside areas can be challenging, but that’s not to say that it can’t be done.

What’s important, is that it’s done right and that comes down to hiring someone with experience. Making the wise choice in hiring an experienced landscape professional will determine the end result. By finding the right landscape contractor for the project, you should have several design possibilities to choose from when it comes to landscaping hill ideas.

Ultimately, instead of looking at a steep hill that gives you virtually no appeal you could be enjoying a beautiful landscape with a design that works. We’ll discuss some of the ideas to avoid, as well as some to consider.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Landscape Transformation!

What to Avoid When Planting Steep Slopes

There are definitely some landscaping hill ideas to steer away from as you consider what to do with your large bank areas. One idea that you may see a lot of, but that is a relatively boring solution, is to plant all of just one plant material on the entire hill. It just doesn’t do much to create any visual interest and adds very little appeal to your property.

The type of plant material that you choose also makes a huge difference in the success of planting on your steep slopes. It’s important that you opt for deep-rooted plants and shy away from plant materials with shallow roots that can’t grasp the soil. You also want to avoid invasive species, such as bamboo, which will really take over the area and can become unsightly.

Though it’s sometimes used on hills, we do not recommend Liriope Spicata. It spreads and holds the soil nicely but can also give the appearance of unmowed grass which may make your hill area look un-maintained.

Maintenance is obviously a huge factor to consider when planting steep slopes. It’s ideal to choose more drought-tolerant plants since steep slopes are usually more of a dry microclimate. You should also choose plants that will require little maintenance as they mature since steep slopes can be difficult to traverse.

When considering maintenance of your hillside areas, it’s important to ask:

Who is going to maintain the area? Will I have it professionally done by a landscaper or will I be doing it myself?
How accessible is the area to maintain? Could it be dangerous?
What type of ongoing maintenance do the plants require?

Answering these questions will help guide you in the decision process of plant material for your steep slope.

Landscaping Hill Ideas

Now that you have some sense of what ideas might not work so well for your hillside areas, and what to avoid doing, you’re probably wondering what will work. One solution that may have already come to mind is adding retaining walls. Retaining walls can do the functional job of holding back erosion and also provide some varied textures for an upgraded look. But walls are also the most expensive form of mitigation and not your only option.

Planting on a steep hillside is certainly possible if you choose the right plant material. As mentioned, it’s important to select plants that are deep-rooted and have the proper structure for holding onto the soil, despite the sloping earth beneath them. You’ll want to choose plant material that not only has these characteristics but also provides an aesthetically interesting appearance to the slope.

Some of the plants we might suggest for a steep slope include:

Evergreen Shrubs: Siberian Cypress or Junipers
Deciduous Shrubs: Little Princes or Hidcote
Shade Groundcovers: Pachysandra or Periwinkle
In-Sun Groundcovers: Coneflowers, Sedums, or Roses
Ornamental Grasses: Sedge or Fountain Grass

Planting on banks does not mean that you just have to have one big hillside of material. As we mentioned, that can be very boring, visually. Terraced plant beds with multiple levels of plantings (as well as different plant species) is a better option that will create visual interest and also break up your hillside. With plantings broken up into different areas, the hillside may also be easier to maintain.

Beautiful and Functional Ideas

If you’re interested in a water feature, then a steep slope is actually the ideal location for one. Whether it’s a cascading waterfall that runs down a series of boulders for a more natural look or an architectural design with formal stonework for a more modern look, a custom water feature will definitely add visual interest to your hillside.

You might also consider adding landscape lighting into any hardscaped areas or to highlight plantings on your hillside. This can add additional aesthetic appeal but also the functional purpose of illuminating the space in the evening hours.

It just so turns out that the biggest eyesore on your property could end up being one of it’s most stunning elements when designed in the proper manner.

Choosing a Registered Landscape Architect for Landscaping Your Hillside

As mentioned, planting on banks takes experience and know-how and it’s important to choose a company that is skilled with these types of projects. When done improperly a sloped property can cause stormwater runoff issues and erosion concerns, and can even be a danger. A failed retaining wall , for instance, is also a serious hazard.

That’s where a Registered Landscape Architect (or RLA) becomes invaluable. There are a lot of considerations that come into play when landscaping a hillside which cannot be ignored.

Here are just a few things that an RLA will take into account when planning a project for your sloped yard:

Where should we direct water to drain?
Are we going to be cutting into a bank to create a slope or are we going to be adding more soil to it?
If the slope goes right up to the edge of your property line, how will we get equipment into your yard without disturbing your neighbor’s property?

All of these factors, which make a really big difference with the end result, are what sets a company with an RLA apart from your average landscape firm. An RLA will perform an analysis that covers all possible scenarios in order to account for every issue that could arise. An RLA will also look at your project every which way to determine proper site grading.

Using Earth, Turf & Wood for Landscaping Your Hillside

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, our in-house RLA will help you determine some of the best possible ideas for landscaping your hillside. We have lots of experience working with steep slopes. That’s important as we can help you determine what’s safe and effective when it comes to working with your large bank areas.

By choosing a landscape contractor wisely, you’ll no longer be frustrated by your sloping yard but instead, will begin to see all of the possibilities for what it could be. You don’t have to live with a yard that you don’t love. We can overcome challenges and find solutions to help you achieve the property of your dreams.

If you’d like to find out more about landscaping for a steep slope at your Lancaster , York , Hershey , Lebanon , or Reading , PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-721-3530 so that we can answer your questions.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Large Tree Planting: Costs, Considerations, and What's Right for Your Lancaster or Reading, PA Home

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 03:30:41 GMT

Trees provide beauty, shade, and tremendous value to an overall landscape.

But waiting for small trees to grow can take many years. That’s why we get a lot of inquiries about large tree planting services from clients who are looking for a more mature landscape right away. They want a landscape that provides benefits such as shade and beauty—but without any delay.

While it’s definitely possible to add large trees to your landscape, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before you do. We’ll explore some of the key points to bear in mind as you think about tree planting for your Lancaster or Reading, PA home.

But first, let’s look at some definitions of what “large” really means. Since it’s such a subjective term, we want to define what we would consider a large tree—for the purposes of this article.

Medium Vs. Large Trees

As we mentioned, the term large is subjective. What you think of as a “large tree” might be different than what we think. First of all, it’s important to note that “large” is really relative to the species of the tree. While most people think about size in terms of height, what makes a tree truly large to a landscape professional is the size of its root ball. That’s what makes a tree difficult (or easy) to move and install.

For the purposes of this article we will consider a medium-size deciduous tree to be around 12- to 15-feet in height with a rootball of approximately 36 inches (though again, that is relative to the species). At that approximate size, a landscape contractor would be able to move the tree with their own equipment.

When referring to large tree planting in this article, we are talking about trees that have a root ball that is significantly more than 36 inches and that is likely 20-foot or higher. This size tree requires specialized equipment, which we will discuss later on.

Finding the Best Trees for Your Home

Every yard is different and every homeowner has different wants and needs. While trees of all sizes can be valuable to a property, some homeowners specifically like medium to large-size trees for the comfort and shade that they provide. A more mature landscape is both visually appealing as well as functionally desirable.

While homeowners will sometimes think they want the biggest trees they can get, large trees aren’t always necessary to meet the objectives of your landscape design . They can also come with some downsides.

For one, planting large trees can be a fairly involved process. It’s important to ensure that your contractor has proper access to the site if you’re going to be planting large trees.

Getting large trees onto your property will involve the use of a piece of machinery called a tree spade, which is very big and mounted on the back of a very large truck.

This may be challenging to get into your yard (depending on where you want the tree to go).

It can also become an expensive endeavor as tree spade operators typically charge by the hour. You may also have to pay extra to repair damages made by the tree spade. Equipment this large has the potential to be destructive on your property. And if the ground is too wet, it may be questionable if the work can even be done until it freezes in the late fall or early winter.

Though we’re able to coordinate the installation of large trees if that’s what you truly want, sometimes it’s actually better to opt for medium-sized trees. As we often tell our clients, bigger isn’t always better. Since large tree planting can become laborious, it’s a lot easier to coordinate the installation of a series of medium trees.

Though we’ve planted a variety of tree sizes on our clients’ properties, some of the largest that we have been able to do without the use of a tree spade have been around 15 feet tall with a 36-inch root ball. The average size deciduous tree we plant is around 8 to 12 feet tall and the average evergreen that we plant is around 6 to 9 feet tall. These medium trees often meet the needs that homeowners desire and without requiring the need for large machinery.

For instance, we get requests for large trees as a means of privacy screening but medium-sized trees can sometimes do just as good a job, depending on the layout of your landscape design. Some trees grow wider than others and width can actually do a better job screening than height in some cases. It all depends on what you’re trying to screen out.

Some homeowners are also surprised to learn that medium trees can have a faster rate of growth than large trees and in less time than they realize they’ll get the height they want or need. Medium-size trees will also recover more quickly from being transplanted than a large tree with a large root system. They can have a better chance at survival which is important when you’re investing heavily in tree material. When large trees are moved, much their root system can be destroyed in the process. It takes a long time for those roots to repair and there’s likely no guarantee included on their survival. That can be a big gamble on your investment.

Because of medium-sized trees recovering more quickly, growth on the limbs and branches will begin years before that of a large tree. For this reason, you could end up having a medium and large tree becoming the same size in just five to seven years. The medium tree will catch up, cost less, and have a better chance of surviving.

How Much Does it Cost to Plant Trees?

Trees, in general, are an investment that add a lot of value to your property. Factors that affect the overall cost to install a tree include its size, species, and the accessibility of its location. We typically install multiple trees on a property and as part of an overall landscape project. The cost to add a single tree and its installation labor to an existing project starts around $500 and goes up from there.

It’s also important to understand that the cost per tree drops off significantly when multiple trees are planted as the necessary equipment and crews are already on site. Suppliers also often charge the same delivery costs for one or several trees, so it really pays to have at least several trees planted at a time.

On average, a ballpark range of what it costs to install a 12 to a 15-foot tree, would be $1200 to $1,900, depending on the tree species. That is per tree, and typically just one part of an overall landscape design that already bears the cost of having a crew travel to your site and set-up. If it’s an especially complicated job, that price could be even higher. If you’re interested in large tree planting costs, you can assume a spaded tree, 20- to 25-feet in height, could easily cost double the amount of a medium tree if not triple the cost.

Purchasing multiple mid-sized trees will often serve the same purpose or ultimate goal as a large tree, and often at less cost. The installation won’t require a large tree spade or the excessive amount of labor or damage to the site.

Tree Planting in Lancaster or Reading, PA

If you’re looking for tree planting in Lancaster or Reading, PA, or its surrounding areas, then you may want to work with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) who can help you find the right trees that will be smart choices for each area of your property. It could end up that a large tree is what you want but it might also turn out that some medium-sized trees would work just as well.

An RLA will also know whether large tree planting is even possible for your particular property and landscape design. If large trees do wind up being your best optio, we can handle the coordination of their installation along with your other project items.

Large, medium, or even small, trees can be a wonderful addition to your property. But choosing the right size and species for your project is important. We want to make sure that you end up with a finished landscape that you love. That’s why we’ll help you choose the very best trees for your needs.

If you’d like to find out more about planting trees at your Lancaster or Reading, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 so that we can answer any of your questions.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

A Recipe for Trustworthy and Hassle-Free Landscaping in Lancaster, PA

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 04:44:22 GMT

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably experienced what it’s like to have workers come to your home that you’re not exactly comfortable around. You hire a contractor to complete a job and suddenly you feel as though you have to cover your children’s ears because of bad language or you can’t even step out for a quick errand because you don’t trust them alone on your property.

While you may think it doesn’t matter as much for a landscaping job—after all, they’re outside—the truth is, it does. It tends to be something that people don’t think about until they start to see the negatives. Do you want to be holed up inside all of the time? Or feel as though you can’t keep your windows open because of the language or the obnoxious music?

Whether it’s a patio, an outdoor kitchen, or maybe even a pool, these types of landscaping projects can take a lot of time to complete. That means having landscape contractors on your property day in and day out. Although they’re spending most of their time outside of your home, you still want somebody that you can trust—and that you feel comfortable around.

After all, you’re investing a lot of money in your outdoor living project. The last thing you want is to feel like a prisoner of your home while the project is completed. We believe it’s important to hire a reputable company for landscaping in Lancaster, PA or surrounding areas. Here’s how to do just that.

What to Look For in Reputable Landscapers in Lancaster County

We know that the landscaping industry, in general, has gotten a bad rap for hiring unsavory characters. Some of the lands caping companies in Lancaster, PA are just out to make as much money as they can on the job and that means hiring cheap laborers. The problem is, you get what you pay for and cheap laborers sometimes doesn’t mean folks that aren’t very professional. They’ll blast their music, use foul language, leave trash in your yard, and smoke on your property. It’s something that a lot of homeowners don’t think about until they’re in the midst of having a nightmarish crew on their property. Then they’re left wondering, “How could my contractor have hired these workers?”

If you’re considering a project involving hardscaping or landscaping in Lancaster, PA, then it’s important that you ask your company representative about the crews that are going to be on your property for the next few days, weeks, or months—depending on the scope of the project. You should feel both safe and comfortable with the crews that will be spending time there.

One way to find out what types of employees a landscape company hires is to find out whether they perform drug testing. It’s a rarity to find landscaping companies in Lancaster, PA that do more than an initial drug test before being hired. But that doesn’t tell you anything about whether they’re using drugs after being hired. They may say that all employees are subject to random tests, but do they really enforce that?

Also, be forthright in asking about the kinds of crews landscapers in Lancaster County hire. Are they permitted to smoke on the job? Will they behave appropriately on the site? Will they need to enter your home? You’re entitled to know this information when you have a family and a home to protect.

How Earth, Turf, & Wood is Different Than Other Lancaster, PA Landscaping Companies

Here at Earth, Turf, & Wood, we constantly receive compliments about our employees. There are several reasons for that. For one, we take hiring landscapers in Lancaster County very seriously. We will go through multiple rounds of interviews in order to find just the right person when it’s time to add to our crews. We firmly believe in never putting someone in our clients’ backyards that we would not put in our own backyard with our own kids at home.

Tree Planting in Lancaster or Reading, PA

Another step we take at Earth, Turf, & Wood is that we perform random drug tests. Employees are tested every month or two at random times. We want to make it a priority that nothing ever winds up on our clients’ properties that shouldn’t be there. We also feel it is our utmost responsibility to protect our clients and that means only employing drug-free workers.

Along those same lines, we have a strict no smoking policy. We do not want our clients finding cigarette butts around their property so we have zero tolerance for our employees smoking on the job site—just as we have zero tolerance for cursing, loud music, drinking, or inappropriate behavior. We also always rent portable bathrooms for job sites so that our crews aren’t in and out of your home unnecessarily or trying to find space in your yard to relieve themselves.

Sometimes we do have to enter your home, to run a utility line or turn something off or on. Our customers feel so comfortable with our crews that they have even left us a key and go on vacation while we do the work. We think that says a lot.

Hiring a company that you will feel safe and at ease with being on your property—and around your family—is important. It’s something that we do not take lightly on our end and we employ constant, ongoing efforts to uphold our unwavering beliefs that our clients deserve the best.

We can assure you that we would not allow an employee on your property that does not have our full trust. With that promise, you can focus on watching your project come to life rather than closing all the windows and being holed up in the house until it’s done.

Our crews become friendly with our clients’ families and get to know everyone by name. That’s the kind of experience we expect to set for landscaping in Lancaster, PA —where everyone walks away happy

If you’d like to find out more about Earth, Turf, & Wood we invite you to contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 so that we can answer any of your questions.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Creating a Secluded Backyard Oasis with Privacy Trees & Shrubs

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 05:21:22 GMT

When it comes to creating privacy screening for our clients, we’ve had almost every request in the book. From screening out an objectionable view (such as a neighbor’s unmaintained backyard), to buffering some noise from a nearby highway, to even preventing the neighbor’s boys from watching the girls swim in the pool.

We’ve worked with all of these scenarios and then some. We know there are a lot of reasons why you want to create privacy in your backyard—and you deserve it. You’ve invested in an outdoor living space and now you want to enjoy it without prying eyes or unsightly views.

Of course, the first conclusion that might come to mind with privacy is a fence. While it’s true that a privacy fence could potentially block a view, it won’t necessarily block everything. A fence may also come with added maintenance that some people just don’t want to deal with. Oftentimes, privacy plants are the best way to create screening in a way that is more natural and sometimes even more effective than a fence. While privacy planting may sound easy to do, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

DIY Privacy Planting vs. Hiring a Pro

Planting privacy trees and shrubs may sound simple enough that you might consider tackling it on your own. However, when homeowners attempt DIY privacy planting, they often make mistakes that defeat the purpose such as choosing plants that are too small or that won’t fill out enough to block a view.

We often find that homeowners don’t consider the horizontal space that they have to work in. Some plants not only grow upward but outward, too. The placement of the plant is also crucial. Sometimes you can actually get more privacy by planting a tree or shrub closer to your patio or pool than planting it right along the border of your neighbor’s property (as people often do when they’re tackling privacy planting on their own).

Sometimes a combination of fencing with trees and shrubs will help create a well-screened yard. If a pavilion is part of the project, maybe even a wall or even a roof might contribute to increased privacy. It all depends on the angles and the layout, which are points that will be considered by a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA).

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, when we work on a landscape design , we work with a plan that shows where the neighbors’ houses are as well as where anything else that you want to screen out is located. In other words, we’re looking at the big picture and we’re playing around with a lot of different placement ideas in order to figure out what works best. That level of detail is not something you’ll get when doing it on your own.

Using an RLA who has experience with planting privacy trees and shrubs is also going to ensure that you get the best privacy plants for your space and that they’re placed in the best possible way. An RLA will also ensure that it’s designed in a way that’s attractive so that it’s both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Just because you need privacy screening does not mean you need to line up a bunch of trees and shrubs in a row. When most people do a privacy screen of plantings on their own, they just plant arborvitaes in a long row. This is a layout that screams I’m trying to create privacy.

But you can still have privacy with a well-thought out landscape design. We’ll talk more about choosing the right combination of trees and shrubs, next, but the point is that you can have both beauty and privacy in a landscape that is given professional design attention.

Choosing Privacy Trees and Shrubs

When it comes to the best possible screening for your landscape design, using a combination of different trees and shrubs will go a long way in creating a beautiful landscape. At ETW, our goal is to use a juxtaposition of color and plant type to make it as beautiful as it is functional.

Here are just some of the specific privacy trees and shrubs that we like to use in our privacy planting designs:

Holly: They are dense, grow quickly, and are manageable. You can prune and shape them based on your needs. Multiple varieties of Hollies offer different leaf color, shape, and fruit-bearing ability. Hollies are also a favorite habitat of birds if you’re desiring more of the sweet sounds and sights of nature in your backyard.

Spruce: It’s unique color and texture next to a dark Holly provides and interesting and beautiful contrast. Together, they provide some nice screening year round. Spruces come in various options with needles ranging from blue to deep green and offering varying features with slightly different growth habits.

Green Giant Arborvitae: One of the classic “privacy screening” plants out there, arborvitae is definitely an option to be considered—it just doesn’t have to be your only option. Green Giants are larger, conical trees, not the upright, smaller hedge variety that many people use.
Japanese Cedar: This type of large evergreen will go a long way in creating privacy due to its size and shape. It’s texture differs from many of the common evergreen trees in our area for a unique statement in a landscape.

Various Grasses: We call them “extendable additions” because we like to plant grasses in between trees and shrubs to fill the gaps. Ornamental grasses come in all sorts of heights with varying options of colors, textures, and seed heads. Plus grasses grow pretty quickly, so that makes them a great choice to plant around sitting areas like in the picture shown here.

Understanding what plants work well and in what combination is definitely something that goes into a thoughtful design, prepared by a professional. But it’s not just DIYers that can make mistakes. A thoughtless approach to a privacy design is a mistake that even professional landscapers make if they don’t have the experience.

Privacy Planting Landscape Design for Lancaster, PA and Surrounding Areas

While a lot of landscaping companies might say that they offer privacy screening, it’s really important that you find a company that specializes in design since it’s not as simple as lining up some trees and shrubs.

It’s important to find a landscaping company that knows what they are doing since plants can be an investment—particularly for a large landscape project that requires a lot of screening. If you’re going to invest heavily in plant material, you want to feel confident that it’s going to survive.

At ETW, we offer a standard one-year plant warranty, which can be extended when homeowners sign up with us to maintain their landscape. If you are going to maintain your plants on your own, we’ll provide instructions on watering and upkeep. We want to help ensure that your landscape continues to thrive.

In addition to a warranty, you can also feel confident that you’re getting the experience and the know-how to get the best possible privacy planting design. We take all of the little details into account that can have an impact on the finished product. You’ll end up with a well-screened yard that not only meets your needs functionally but is also beautiful to look at. We believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice one for another. With a good design, you can have the best of both worlds.

If you’d like to talk about creating privacy for your own backyard oasis, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Landscape Design in Reading, PA Wins NALP Award of Excellence

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 05:33:42 GMT

Every project we do at Earth, Turf, & Wood is exciting for us since it means we get to help bring our clients backyard dreams to life. But some projects certainly stand out.

This project, completed just outside of Reading, PA is one such endeavor. In addition to providing beauty and functional use to this client's backyard, this project received two significant recognitions on the national stage.

Since the hardscaping featured beautiful examples of what E.P. Henry has to offer, this manufacturer featured the project in its 2018 product catalog which is used by thousands of landscape contractors around the world. As a longtime client of E.P. Henry, we were thrilled to see our team's hard work on display for all to see.

Then in late 2018, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) also granted the team at Earth, Turf, & Wood the Gold Award of Excellence for this project. Our team is grateful and humbled to receive yet another significant recognition for our work.

With a pool, spa, patio, retaining walls, walkways, steps, lighting, a pavilion, outdoor kitchen, and more, this project basically features a little bit of everything we do.

If you’re looking for a landscape design for your Reading, PA home, or its surrounding areas, some of these features just may give you ideas for your own property. Take just a few moments and learn more about this exciting project.

Creating an Entertainment Hotspot with Landscaping and Hardscaping in Reading, PA

The homeowners of this Reading, PA area project are big on entertaining. While they had spent a lot of time renovating the inside of their home to accommodate parties and guests, the outside was still in need of an update. They had an outdated pool with tiles popping off and some of the elements, such as the pool decking, needed some attention.

Some of these issues, such as steps that were too steep, actually posed a hazard. The homeowners wanted a complete revamp of their pool, and its surrounding areas, as well as some exciting additions like a pavilion and outdoor kitchen in order to bring their outdoor living area up to the same quality as the rest of the property.

In addition to replacing the tile and pool decking, we also designed and built a sun shelf in the pool, which is a great space to set up a lounge chair and relax. In the adjacent raised spa, we replaced the cracking tile with natural stone and also added sheer descent waterfalls with water flowing from the spa into the pool. The homeowners also wanted to incorporate some sort of fire feature into the landscape design for their Reading, PA home so we added fire bowls which add some special ambiance in the evening hours but are appealing in daylight as well.

Outside of the pool, we were charged with the challenge of increasing the “entertain-ability” of the space. That’s where the timber frame pavilion and the outdoor kitchen came into play, as well as a nearby quoit court and pizza oven.

Since it is quite a bit of distance from the home, it was important that the kitchen was very self-sufficient so that there was no need to run back and forth from the home. Therefore, the kitchen features many amenities including 3 refrigerators, a sink, a power burner, a grill, built-in trash containers, and weather-proofed shelving units to store items like plates and napkins.

A lot of thought went into the landscape design for this Reading, PA project. The “lazy Z” shape of the kitchen was intentional so that when the chef was standing at the grill, he or she would still be able to see and interact with people at the spa, the pizza oven, or even the nearby quoit court. Many lines of sight connect one space to the next so that even though the layout is expansive, it’s still very interactive. This is important since the homeowners do entertain large groups quite frequently.

Included underneath the pavilion was also a fully-equipped entertaining and lounging area, big enough to house comfy furniture and an outdoor fireplace with attached TV. The pavilion’s audio and video equipment cabinetry also conveniently locks with an integrated key fob to keep it secure since it’s a good distance from the house.

The Right Materials for This Landscape Design in Reading, PA

With so many renovations being done around the entire property, it was important that the outdoor areas we were revamping integrated nicely with everything else. We worked hard to pull in materials that really complemented the existing colors and materials around the rest of the property, including the home itself.

Some of the features, such as the fire bowls and the border around the spa, needed to be constructed from natural stone in order to hold up to the wear and tear of fire and water. But we also used a lot of EP Henry products including Bristol Stone I in the pool decking and Devon Stone in the pavilion.

There are also a lot of personal touches incorporated into this project. With any landscape design, we work very closely with the client in order to truly customize it to their needs. This particular homeowner loved France and the fleur-de-lis symbol, so that is incorporated in a water wall feature that we custom designed.

Water trickles over a natural stone tile behind the fleur-de-lis symbol in this pondless waterfall design that is even illuminated at night with energy efficient LED landscape lighting . The clients also really loved Tiffany-blue hydrangea, so we incorporated many of them, as well as a lot of other plant materials, into the overall design that is also lit with professional grade lighting for nighttime enjoyment. We listen closely to our clients wants and needs and incorporate these kinds of features that make the space truly their own and one they can enjoy 24 hours a day.

Other details of this project included revamping some existing fish ponds and also providing a brand new walkway and steps leading guests down to the space. A takeaway lesson from these small, but important, additions is that “no space should be forgotten.”

We often see homeowners revamp one section of their outdoor space only to leave other sections untouched. Though those other spaces may not be used as much, it can really impact the overall look of the finished project. Instead of just making one corner of the property nice, look at the big picture for a truly completed space.

Choosing a Landscaping Company for Your Outdoor Project

It’s probably not a surprise to learn that there aren’t many landscaping companies in Reading, PA that could complete a project of this magnitude. That’s where Earth, Turf, & Wood is different. We can complete a large-scale project like this from start to finish instead of requiring you to hire a bunch of different companies for different parts of the construction and design.

One of the biggest benefits of having the same company complete everything from start to finish is being able to focus on the big picture. Using a landscape contractor in Reading, PA or surrounding areas with a Registered Landscape Architect will help ensure that one area of the property flows nicely to the next and that it all comes together in a complementary way.

For a project of this magnitude, it’s essential to start planning at least 4-6 months ahead of time. There are many steps and many important decisions that make the process take much longer than a simple backyard patio.

Enjoy the Video Featuring this Project!

If you liked this Reading, PA area project, or perhaps one of its features, we can help create something similar for you.

As you begin to think about features you’d like to add to your own landscaping or hardscaping project, we’d love to offer some suggestions and share some of our ideas.

No matter what the size or scope of the project, it’s the joy of helping make our clients’ dreams a reality that we enjoy the most and the best reward we could ask for.

If you’d like to start the conversation about your next outdoor living project in Reading , Lancaster , Lebanon , Hershey , or York, PA , contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Listening: The Key to Successful Patio Design in Reading and Lancaster, PA

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 05:48:07 GMT

Finding a landscape company that truly listens to you—the client—is such an important part of a patio design for your Reading or Lancaster, PA home (or its surrounding areas). It might not sound like such a big deal, but the truth is that it can be the difference between a patio that you love and one that doesn’t meet many of your needs.

After all, at the end of the day, you and your family are the ones that are going to be spending time on it.

We believe that listening is the key to a successful patio design for our Reading and Lancaster, PA clients but it’s not necessarily a priority for many of our competitors. Here are some reasons why we believe it’s so critical as well as what can go wrong if it doesn’t happen.

Why Listening is a Key to Successful Patio Design

A landscape company that listens to your wants and needs is the difference between getting the patio design you want for your Reading or Lancaster, PA home—or getting the patio design your contractor wants. Sometimes it really is small details but listening to the homeowner matters.

For instance, we recently designed a patio where the client told us they did not want the patio built on the northside as the snow would not melt. That might sound like common sense but it’s also a detail that is easy to overlook and forget.

We’ll also ask questions about how you entertain and how many guests you tend to invite. For instance, you might be a family of four but you commonly have at least one other family over. We wouldn’t want to design a patio that could only seat your family of four, but we would design a space that could fit a larger table. These are details that make a huge difference but aren’t always thought of at the onset.

We also listen to details about our clients’ specific family situations. Will there be children (or more children) in your future? What are the kids’ ages now? Does the patio need to be in a place where you can see the kids swim in the pool from it—or play on the swing set?

We also plan for the future in terms of the space being something you can enjoy for the long-term. Eventually, children will grow and have children of their own. We think about those details, as well, so that you can enjoy the space for the long-haul.

How to Tell If Patio Companies in Reading and Lancaster, PA are Listening

How can you tell that you’ve hired someone who really does listen? The initial design consultation is the time when you’ll really be able to recognize if you’ve found a Registered Landscape Architect (or RLA, for short—the “designer” on your project) and a landscaping company that listens to you—or one that is putting their own ideas first.

That’s not to say that a good design professional will not interject some of his or her own ideas. There’s a big difference between making recommendations based on experience and taking over the entire project. During the design consultation, the conversation should be a dialogue. You should feel like your ideas are being listened to even while suggestions are being made.

Oftentimes what happens with patio companies in Reading and Lancaster, PA is that they do not employ an RLA. Instead, the landscape contractor is the one who does the design. Many times he or she might be comfortable with doing a certain type of patio and get into the habit of doing it again and again. Even if it’s not what you really want, they might try to steer you in that direction. If you feel like you’re being pushed into decisions you’re not comfortable with—or that your wants and needs are not being listened to—then chances are you’re not going to be happy with the finished product.

Another way to know that you’re really being heard is to pay attention to whether the RLA takes notes about what you’re saying. We believe in meticulous note taking—writing down all of those “little details” that really make a difference in the finished product.

At Earth Turf & Wood, we’ll recite back to you what we hear you saying to ensure that we get it correct. It’s important to us that we hear what you’re saying and that we get the design the way you want it. Listening is something that we get a lot of compliments on. When the patio design project is complete, our clients tell us “you really listened to what I wanted.” Bringing your dreams to life is something that we take pride in and we love seeing our clients’ reactions when they see the final result.

Need some inspiration? We have lots of ideas in our gallery . But we also value listening to you. If you’re ready to start talking about a patio for your Reading or Lancaster, PA home, or its surrounding areas, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 to get the conversation started.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Outdoor Kitchen & Paver Patio Case Study: Just Outside of Lancaster, PA

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 05:56:41 GMT

At Earth Turf & Wood our goal is always focused on creating one-of-a-kind outdoor living spaces for our clients that truly suit their wants and needs. In this particular outdoor kitchen and patio design project in Lititz (just outside of Lancaster, PA), the homeowners wanted an open design concept.

They previously had a screened in porch but decided to open everything up. The end result was an outdoor kitchen and patio that was perfect for entertaining with multiple spaces for lounging and dining.

Among the requests for this project was an open concept outdoor kitchen in which the chef could be cooking while still chatting with family or guests seated at the attached island. A built-in umbrella ensures that despite the open design concept, those seated don’t have to be baking in the sun.

This particular kitchen is a concrete modular design which allowed the homeowners to save some money on the outdoor kitchen cost and have enough funds in the budget to incorporate other hardscaped areas. Like all of our outdoor kitchens in Lancaster, PA and nearby areas, this design features a granite countertop. Granite is the material-of-choice for outdoor kitchens given its durability.

The outdoor kitchen also features an upgraded, larger grill, double door storage underneath, and a pull-out trash can that is built into the countertop.

A Large-And-In-Charge Patio Design

As the “base” of a project, a patio is absolutely vital in any outdoor living space’s design. Whether you add a kitchen, a fire feature, or even a pavilion, the patio is the hardscaped space upon which everything else will be built.

This particular paver patio was large enough to incorporate not only the kitchen but a separate dining area and seating area. There was also an additional patio area set into the house, which was a space that was previously screened in. Though there are multiple areas, you can see that they flow together nicely so that even when entertaining large numbers of people, everyone is ultimately together.

In addition to the patio, this project also features outdoor lighting , retaining walls, and a unique fire pit based on a contemporary design. Though fire pits are traditionally thought of as being circular—such as a campfire that people sit around—this is a great example of how a fire pit can be custom built to suit any style preference. This rectangular fire pit creates a cozy atmosphere for the seating area by providing some ambiance and light.

All of the material in this project came from EP Henry. Thoughtful attention was given to the flow of the materials considering the space is so large. A decorative border in a different color from the rest of the patio provides a subtle accent.

Outdoor Kitchen and Patio Companies in Lancaster, PA

With more than half of our outdoor living projects also featuring an outdoor kitchen, it’s safe to say that Earth, Turf, & Wood is the outdoor kitchen expert in local communities like Lititz, as well as other parts of Lancaster, PA and its surrounding areas. We are always challenged to create designs that are truly unique and we rise to meet that challenge again and again.

Having designed and built so many outdoor kitchens , we have a lot of ideas and inspiration that will help get you dreaming about yours. While our ideas will help guide you, at the end of the day, we’ll customize a kitchen design that is right for you.

With a Residential Landscape Architect (RLA) on staff, we offer in-house landscape and patio design in Lancaster, PA and its surrounding areas for virtually any outdoor living project you could imagine. Having an RLA helps ensure attention is given to every detail along the way. From how many guests you like to entertain to where the sun will be shining on your space, we’ll take all those details into account in order to create a space that is ideal for you and your family.

If you liked this project in Lititz, we can create something similar that suits your backyard wants and needs. Or, we can dream up something entirely different that’s a better fit for you. A transformation like this one will turn your plain backyard into something cozy and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Need some inspiration for your project? Check out our gallery for more examples of our work. Or, if you’d like to start talking about an outdoor living project for your home in Lancaster , York, Berks , Lebanon, or Dauphin counties, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 to get the conversation started.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

11 Pool & Landscape Pavilion Design Must-Haves for Your Home in Reading or Lancaster, PA

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 06:19:09 GMT

Nothing quite extends your outdoor living space like a pavilion. Incorporating a pavilion gives you some shelter and allows you to find respite from the heat or even from inclement weather.

One of the first questions we ask when designing a pool and landscape pavilion is: How do you plan to use it? The answer to that question will then dictate everything that goes into the project. While some may just want a space to sit and eat others may also want to be able to cook in the space, so we’ll design a pavilion with outdoor kitchen.

As you think about what you might want to incorporate in your landscape pavilion design, consider these popular must-have design elements.

1. An Outdoor Fireplace With Storage

An outdoor pavilion with fireplace not only adds a ton of visual appeal to the space but also throws some light and heat making it a great functional addition. Imagine gathering around the fireplace in the fall or even early winter, when it’s typically too cold to be outside.

If you add a wood-burning outdoor fireplace to your pavilion, it’s also nice to incorporate a storage area for the wood so that it can be neatly tucked away.

2. An Outdoor Kitchen

A pavilion with outdoor kitchen gives you a space to cook your meals outside—out of the sun or rain. There are so many outdoor kitchen ideas that can help make your outdoor kitchen exactly what you need it to be to suit your taste and your budget ranging from the basic (a grill built into countertops) to the design that incorporates amenities like an outdoor refrigerator, oven, or ice maker, to name a few.

3. Storage

Storage goes a long way in enhancing your landscape pavilion design by preventing the need for going in and out of the main house constantly. If you incorporate cabinetry or drawers to store everything from dishware to cooking utensils you won’t find yourself making trips in and out.

A common pool pavilion idea is to have a drawer to safely store your sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses for time spent by the pool.

4. Outdoor Ceiling Fans

The majority of our landscape pavilion designs include one or two outdoor ceiling fans. It’s a great way to circulate air through the space and keep it comfortable and cool. Air circulation also helps keep pesky bugs like mosquitoes away.

5. Audio/Visual Capabilities

Do you envision your pavilion as a hang-out space? If so, you likely want to incorporate audio/visual capabilities to enhance entertainment.

An outdoor pavilion with fireplace often includes a television mounted above it. This creates the perfect gathering space to enjoy the game or your favorite television show or sports while also being able to appreciate your beautiful outdoor space.

6. Wi-Fi Access

It’s very likely that the Wi-Fi router in your home may not send a strong signal to your pavilion. Running additional network cables and setting up other wireless routers may be exactly what you need to keep people and devices connected in your outdoor living area.

7. Lighting

Of course, you want to be able to enjoy your pavilion to the fullest and that means incorporating outdoor lighting so that you can use it in the evening hours.

There are a lot of ways to light up your outdoor living space including incorporating cap lighting under kitchen counters or in bar areas and adding downlighting from within the roofed structure of your landscape pavilion.

8. Sun Shades

Sun shades are a great way to add some sun protection and shade during peak hours of sunlight. We have installed automated sun shades that are attached to the pavilion and can come down (or go back up) at the push of a button. If it is an outdoor pavilion with fireplace, we have also found that some shade materials work well to help retain the heat in the pavilion.

9. Privacy Screening

Privacy is important when it comes to fully being able to enjoy your landscape pavilion design. There are a number of ways to create privacy. It could be created with walls and banks, plant material, drop down screens, or even a shutter type of wall that still provides air flow while also screening out neighbors’ prying eyes.

An outdoor pavilion with fireplace can also naturally block the neighbors’ view, depending on where it’s situated.

10. Ample Space

Space might seem like an obvious factor but too often a poor pavilion design leads to a finished product that lacks the necessary space. Your landscape pavilion design process should include thorough discussions about how you plan to use the space, including all the “little details” like how much seating you’ll need to fit on your outdoor furniture, as well as what their shapes and dimensions will be. These seem like small details at the onset but they have a tremendous impact on the finished product and must be discussed during the design phase.

11. Orientation

While it’s not exactly something to add to your space, it would be remiss to talk about landscape pavilion design, without mentioning orientation.

Whether you want to be sure you can view the pool from within the pavilion (to keep an eye on the kids while you cook and they swim) or you want to avoid casting too much shade over the pool patio area, there are a ton of considerations that should be discussed when planning a design.

Pavilion Companies Lancaster, Reading, PA and Surrounding Areas

When it comes to any of these 11 elements of a landscape pavilion design, it’s important to find a company that really knows its stuff. A pavilion is a big investment and one that you want to be done right. A pavilion company in Lancaster or Reading, PA that employs a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) will take details into account that other companies might not even think about. Factors such as orientation or ensuring there is ample space relating to your furniture are really critical factors that a lot of companies overlook.

Knowing how you’ll use the space will go a long way in creating the best landscape pavilion design for your needs. We do not believe in creating cookie cutter pavilions like many pavilion companies in Lancaster and Reading, PA, do. We believe in designing a space that is customized specifically to your wants and needs.

If you’re ready to start talking about pavilion ideas for your home in Reading , York , Hershey , Lebanon , or Lancaster, PA , contact us for a free consultation or get in touch with us at (717) 721-3530 to get the conversation started.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

The Burning Question: An Outdoor Fireplace vs. a Fire Pit?

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 06:33:10 GMT

Both an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit can provide a lot of enjoyment. They can add light, heat, and an interactive experience that really enhances your time spent outdoors. A fire feature can also add a lot of ambiance to your space. After all, there’s nothing quite like sitting by the fire.

While outdoor fireplaces and fire pits both add the appeal of fire to your outdoor space, they are different structures that provide quite different experiences. If you’re debating a fire pit vs. fireplace, there are a few things to keep in mind as you narrow it down for your home in Lancaster, Reading, Hershey, or York, PA.

Outdoor Fireplace Vs. Fire Pit

The very first thing we ask homeowners who are weighing the options between a backyard fire pit vs. a fireplace, is: How do you plan to use it? The answer to that question helps narrow down the best choice for your yard and your family. While there are similarities between these two fire features, there is an overall different “experience” that each provides.

As you try to narrow it down, consider these important points about a fire pit vs. fireplace.

Outdoor Fireplace

You sit primarily in front of it as opposed to around it.
It makes a bit more of an elegant architectural statement on your property.
The smoke is directed up and out of a chimney.
It takes up less space on your patio as it can be built on the edge.
It can also be part of a pavilion, above which a television is often mounted.
If part of a pavilion, can be used even in rainy weather.

Fire Pit

You gather around a fire pit, therefore it’s often thought of as being more interactive.
You can move completely around most fire pits, like a campfire. You can create seating on all sides.

The Experience of a Fire Pit Vs. a Fireplace

When you think of a fire feature on your property, are you thinking about roasting s’mores, gathering around it, and having more of an “interactive experience?” If you are looking for a very interactive fire feature then a fire pit might be the right choice for you. It tends to be a good fit for families with children who envision themselves spending a lot of time around the fire.

Since a custom-built fire pit is immovable, it’s definitely important that it’s something you want to spend a lot of time around as it can take up a significant portion of your patio. But it can also really enhance your experience. While the smoke isn’t directed up a chimney, a company with a Registered Landscape Architect will do their best to plan its placement at a spot where winds can typically move the smoke away from the rest of your patio.

If you’re thinking more about a fire feature in terms of ambiance then perhaps an outdoor fireplace is actually the better choice for you. A fireplace isn’t quite the same interactive experience as the open fire of a fire pit, but it still gives you heat and ambiance. As mentioned in our fire pit vs. fireplace list above, it also has a sense of elegance to it. An outdoor fireplace is often built as part of the structure of a pavilion and is ideal for creating a seating area with a mounted television.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be an either/or scenario. If you can’t make up your mind regarding the outdoor fireplace vs. fire pit debate, there’s nothing to say you can’t incorporate both. We have certainly had clients who like the idea of an outdoor fireplace to be built into the pavilion where the adults gather. But they might also incorporate a custom fire pit in the yard, for more interactive use—often where the kids gather.

Fireplace and Fire Pit Companies in Reading and Lancaster, PA

If you’ve decided you want to add an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your space, it’s important to find the right company for the job. While there are a lot of fire pit contractors in Reading and Lancaster, PA, and surrounding areas, the fact is, most landscaping companies aren’t going to pay attention to crucial design details as they build. There are many considerations that go into building one of these structures that can impact your overall enjoyment.

We can’t express enough how important it is that you hire a company that has a Registered Landscape Architect on staff. This will ensure all those little details are taken into account. Everything from which way the wind blows to the angles from which you’ll be able to see the fireplace or fire pit, all contribute to your overall enjoyment of the structure.

Can you still see the fireplace from your seat in the pool or is your view obstructed? Is the fire pit in an area of your yard where you can keep an eye on the kids? Is the smoke from it blowing back into the pavilion? Every detail should be accounted for—and with a design professional that has the experience of an RLA, it will be.

If you’re weighing the options between a backyard fire pit vs. fireplace, we’d love to help walk you make a great decision that makes sense for you. At Earth, Turf, & Wood we’ve designed and built many custom fireplaces and fire pits and have the know-how to do them right. We’d love to answer your burning questions about fireplaces vs. fire pits and get you on the right track to add a beautiful fire feature in your outdoor living area.

If you’d like more ideas about adding a fire feature to your outdoor living areas, check out our pictures of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces . Or, if you’re ready to start talking about your ideas, give us a call at (717) 276-9447 or schedule a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost? Prices to Expect in Lancaster, Reading, York, and Hershey, PA

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 05:04:57 GMT

Outdoor kitchens are an incredibly popular addition to any outdoor living project. In fact, about half of the projects that Earth Turf & Wood designs and installs include a kitchen. The goal of an outdoor living project is always to keep people outdoors by eliminating any reason to have to go in and out of the home—and that’s exactly what outdoor kitchens provide.

Homeowners can cook outside and then dine al fresco at an incorporated or nearby seating area. Because outdoor kitchens have become such a desired feature, some homeowners also decide to add a kitchen to an existing outdoor space down the line.

While you might already have some ideas about the kind of outdoor kitchen you’d like for your own dream backyard, you’re probably wondering what the outdoor kitchen price range is like. What can you get for the budget you have in mind?

A good place to start the conversation about outdoor kitchen cost is the fact that outdoor kitchens prices are much more than their indoor counterparts. Building a kitchen outdoors means weatherproofing it, securing it against insect and rodent invasions, and making it able to deal extreme temperature and moisture fluctuations.

This means components and cabinetry is built with different materials, and in a completely different manner so they can last through all seasons and for decades.

There are certainly projects where homeowners have opted for less-expensive appliances or materials that have brought that cost down. And likewise, some homeowners have opted for all the bells and whistles which drives that cost up. But correcting the common misconception that outdoor kitchens and indoor kitchens are priced similarly, is a good place to start when thinking about outdoor kitchen prices.

To help take it a step further and allow you to visualize what various budgets will get you, let’s explore some actual outdoor kitchen price ranges.

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

As we begin to discuss cost, it’s important to remember just how much outdoor kitchen prices can vary. Everything from the quality of the appliances to the level of customization is going to affect the final cost. Utility runs are also a big driving factor of cost. If you’re adding a kitchen at a later date and it wasn’t planned for in advance, that can also drive your cost up, as you have to carefully excavate to run lines from existing patio surfaces.

It’s safe to say that a starting range for kitchens, at their most basic level, is around $15,000. Of course, that number can run all the way up to $150,000+ depending on the bells and whistles you desire in your outdoor kitchen.

Let’s take a more specific look at four kitchen projects we’ve completed ranging from the more basic level to the higher end so that you can get a realistic sense of how much does an outdoor kitchen really cost.

Modest Outdoor Kitchens: $15,000 to $30,000

A kitchen at the most basic level is going to have a grill and surrounding countertop. This particular kitchen that is shown was constructed from a concrete modular inside with manmade stone veneer on the outside, with a granite countertop.

This kitchen is kept lower in price due to its modular construction, use of manmade material, and the lack of any cover in terms of a roof.

Everything is out in the open but a large umbrella provides shade for the person grilling and those seated nearby. At 16 linear feet, it’s a nice size and cost-wise falls somewhere in the middle of this initial budget range.

Moderate Outdoor Kitchens: $40,000 to $60,000

Taking the outdoor kitchen cost a step up to this mid-level range, you’ll see that you can have more countertop space and upgraded materials, as shown in this particular example.

This kitchen shown has an L-shape design and while it uses a concrete modular interior, it has real stone on the exterior. It features a granite countertop, which truly is the material of choice for withstanding outdoor kitchens. It also features a 36-inch grill, power burner, and a refrigerator.

Advanced Outdoor Kitchens: $60,000 to $80,000

On the upper mid-level range of budgets is a kitchen such as the one shown. This particular kitchen has a huge, top-of-the-line grill with lots of bells and whistles. It’s important to recognize that the grill itself can be very costly.

A grill can run anywhere from $4,000 to well beyond $15,000 in cost. While the grill can absolutely make the outdoor kitchen cost jump, it’s not an area that we’d advise skimping on. The last thing you want to do is have to dismantle a beautiful kitchen with a built-in grill because the grill failed. A higher end grill will last a lifetime and also be warrantied in the event something does go wrong.

In addition to the quality appliances, the kitchen shown is not a concrete modular design but instead custom-built by our area’s most prestigious custom kitchen company, which of course also raises the price. When you build custom, you can do more with the design such as curved countertops. This particular kitchen is approximately 29 linear feet.

Ultimate Outdoor Kitchens: $100,000+

The outdoor kitchen shown has all the bells and whistles and is also part of a covered pavilion area. It incorporates higher end appliances and higher end materials.

This kitchen has lots of room for seating at its large granite countertop, as well as a nearby pizza oven, refridgeration, and lots of storage. These bells and whistles drive the outdoor kitchen price into the higher range.

The cabinetry is all waterproof meaning you could keep paper goods outside and they would remain dry. That kind of add-on feature drives the cost up but adds a tremendous amount of value in terms of your use of the space.

Planning for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Now that you have some idea of what an outdoor kitchen costs, you can start planning for the features that are most important to you. While these examples give you some sense of what your budget will allow, bear in mind that your personal wants and needs will ultimately drive the project and its final cost.

For example, you might not care about using man-made pavers to keep the material cost down but you might desire several high-end appliances. Or perhaps using real stone is important to you but the only appliance you really want is a grill. You’ll forgo the sink or refrigerator to remain in budget. All of these variations can really affect the price. Using these examples is a great starting point but keep in mind that your personal wish list will ultimately drive the outdoor kitchen price either up or down.

The outdoor kitchen design possibilities really run the gamut and these ideas are only starting points. Outdoor kitchens are one of our specialties and we would love to work with you on your project. While we have a lot of outdoor kitchen ideas in our gallery to browse, it’s ultimately your ideas that will lead the way to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.

If you’d like to discuss specific outdoor kitchen costs for your Reading , York , Hershey or Lancaster, PA , home contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 to get the conversation started.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Scoring a Backyard Putting Green for Your Lancaster PA Home

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 05:36:32 GMT

Imagine being able to walk outside and practice your chipping and putting any day of the week? For the golf enthusiast who spends every weekend on the golf course, why not consider a putting green for your backyard? After a long day at work you can destress by putting a few rounds and perfecting your skills. Before you know it, you’ll be beating par every time you hit the greens.

Nowadays you can score a putting green for your Lancaster, PA home easier than ever before with exciting new putting green technology that Earth, Turf, & Wood offers. As a dealer and installer for UltraBaseSystems® we can have you eliminating those two-putts in no time at all.

Backyard Putting Greens in Lancaster, PA and Surrounding Areas

Today, with the introduction of special panel base putting green technology from UltraBaseSystems®, backyard putting greens can be installed with interlocking panels that are installed on top of a base, similar to those found under paver patios. This base allows for a firm foundation that won’t settle, while allowing rainfall to permeate into the soil below.

Plus, perhaps the greatest benefit of this system is the fact that you never lose your investment. With this system, if you were to move, you simply take the system with you and have it re-installed. It doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture of your backyard.

Ideas for Backyard Putting Greens

In terms of how advanced your backyard putting green can be, your imagination is the only limit—well, besides your budget of course. UltraBaseSystems® has been utilized for professional greens so they’ve certainly done some highly advanced projects and can bring some of those ideas to your backyard. It all comes down to what you want and how much of your yard you want to use for the green (or greens if you want more than one).

If you wanted, you could have your entire backyard become a putting green—almost like your own miniature golf course. Or, you could stick to just one section of the property as a backyard putting green at your Lancaster, PA home. It’s a fully customized approach based on what works best for you.

System founder Dave Barlow says that his personal putting green has a stream meandering around it. You could also incorporate boulders, sand traps, seating areas with benches, and even lighted cups to play at night. You can be as simplistic—or as complex—as you wish adding any number of bells and whistles to customize your course for your wants and needs.

This means components and cabinetry is built with different materials, and in a completely different manner so they can last through all seasons and for decades.

To help take it a step further and allow you to visualize what various budgets will get you, let’s explore some actual outdoor kitchen price ranges.

Backyard Putting Green Maintenance

Maintenance is also minimal so it’s not like you’re going to need a degree in golf course management to keep your course in shape. Dave says that his putting green is installed in a “worst case scenario backyard,” meaning that he has lots of trees that drop leaves and debris onto his green. Despite that, Dave says the course has been easy to maintain. It’s a matter of periodically blowing off debris. He also lightly pressure washes it to help it look brand new at the end of each month. And once a year he’ll use a water and vinegar spray to take care of any calcium deposits that were left from rainwater.

Dave says that his backyard, which has huge Oak tree roots, never could have had a backyard putting green installed the “old way.” It would have been nearly impossible to excavate around the roots. But with his system, the green is built overtop the roots and though it’s actually the highest part of his yard, Dave says it still has a “built-in” look. It also doesn’t retain any water. When it rains, water goes through the turf and into panels in the ground. Dave says that his putting green is always the “driest spot” in the yard since it’s the first area to drain.

Putting Green Companies Near Lancaster, PA

Finding a company that can install your backyard putting green isn’t exactly an easy feat. A lot of landscaping companies in our area still install putting greens the “old way”— if they even do it at all. It’s definitely a niche service and few offer it. Plus, even if you find a company that can do the excavation and installation, most people simply don’t want to have their entire yard torn up for a putting green. Your best bet is to find a dealer and installer of UltraBaseSystems® for the latest technology.

At Earth Turf & Wood, we are proud to be able to offer UltraBaseSystems® putting greens. We can install a backyard putting green for your Lancaster, PA home as well as its surrounding areas including York, Lebanon, Hershey, and Reading, PA. We know there aren’t a lot of companies out there that do this sort of thing and we want to help! We’ve are available to create the backyard putting green of your dreams.

If you’d like to talk about scoring a backyard putting green for your Lancaster , York , Reading or Hershey, PA home, schedule a f ree consultation or give us a call at (717) 721-3530 .

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

12 Design Essentials That Pool Companies in Lancaster, PA Often Don't Include

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 06:52:32 GMT

Once pool building season begins the pool companies in Lancaster, PA and its surrounding areas are looking to get as many jobs done as they can. The sad reality of this way of doing things is that (in most cases) they just want to build a pool, pour a concrete patio, and move on to the next job. Unless you hire them for any ongoing maintenance of your pool, their relationship is pretty much over after it's built.

Unfortunately there are a lot of essentials that pool companies fail to include by focusing on getting the job done quickly. Most of these missed elements relate back to the fact that pool contractors in Lancaster, PA and its surrounding areas aren’t looking at the big picture. But a lot of pool builders may intentionally leave these items out of the budget (never even suggesting them as possibilities) in order to keep your cost low and have you sign on for their project.

What makes matters worse, is after a project is underway, we’ve heard many complaints of pool contractors going back to homeowners for additional upsells. Instead of including necessary items from the onset, their focus is to get a signature and get going.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, we design and create pool areas that are both beautiful and fully functional. Our Registered Landscape Architect and team of installers have lots of experience creating backyard resorts for homeowners in Reading, York, Hershey, and Lancaster, PA. We pride ourselves in thinking of every essential detail that pool contractors often don't include.

Let’s take a look at the 12 most commonly missed details that pool builders in Lancaster, PA often don't initially include.

1. The Need for Retaining Walls

Unfortunately, most pool companies in Lancaster, PA often make retaining walls an afterthought. They may level the immediate area, and then leave large, unmanageable slopes nearby instead of using walls to create better transitions. However, retaining walls are an important pool design element that should be considered in the master design from the start.

If major site grading is an issue for your yard, it needs to be thought of in advance. In fact, often times, retaining walls need to be built before the pool even goes in both to keep costs down and access easy. Once a pool is built, it can become very difficult to get the proper equipment where it needs to go, thus adding cost. Unfortunately, since many pool builders are so focused on the pool itself, they may not even bring up retaining walls until later.

2. The Size of the Pool Patio

It’s so important that the pool patio is properly sized. With most pool builders being so focused on the pool itself, sometimes the surrounding patio area isn’t sized appropriately and you wind up with a space that isn’t even big enough to fit your lounge chairs or the right number of seats at your patio table. That can really detract from your use of the space.

3. Placement of the Fence

Nobody likes to swim in a playpen. That’s why a thoughtful approach is important when planning for a fence around your pool. A great Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) will hide the fence when they can so that it doesn’t feel so claustrophobic.

4. Outdoor Lighting Around Your Pool

Most pool contractors in Lancaster, PA are going to give you the basic package, probably just focused on the pool lighting itself. But a thoughtful pool design will include outdoor lighting in the surrounding areas as well. Without that additional lighting you would never be able to fully enjoy your pool in the evening hours.

5. Spatial Considerations

One of the very important facets of design that many pool builders in Lancaster, PA overlook is the actual layout of where things are placed. For instance, will the side of your pool patio where you plan to have lounge chairs actually be in the sun or was it built that you’re stuck in the shade all day? What about the size and viewpoint of the pool. Can you see the kids from the deck or even from inside the house while they are playing in the pool? And will you have enough room for that patio furniture you set your heart on?

While your pool builder certainly isn’t going to suggest that you start looking for your patio furniture in advance, it’s really something to think about before you have the patio designed so that space can be considered. Where everything goes and exactly how much space you require have so much more importance than just the overall look. It can make or break the functionality of it all. These factors are items that a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) won’t be apt to forget.

6. Plants and Trees

If you have a pool company that has no landscape design background, they might choose messy trees and plants that are likely to create debris which can blow or fall into your pool. If they aren’t completely familiar with certain shrubs, they could even add plants that have thorns that scratch bare legs or choose varieties that become enormous and grow over patio edges.

Or maybe your existing landscape already has messy trees that drop debris but if layout isn’t taken into consideration your pool might be installed very near to them. It’s not always avoidable but a thoughtful pool design will at least include an automatic cover if debris is going to be an issue. These are all big picture concepts that are very important in the end.

7. Outdoor Fireplaces or Fire Pits

Fire features are a great addition to a pool area but there are several mistakes that can be made when it comes to planning for them. For one, a poorly placed fire pit could blow smoke directly into your pool area. But an RLA will take into consideration the way which the prevailing wind blows from the very first day.

Or perhaps your fire feature is designed in an area where you can’t enjoy it. However, a thoughtful RLA will fashion the layout so that you can enjoy seeing the fire feature even from afar. Finally, the last mistake that can be made with fireplaces and fire pits is failing to include them in the design at all! They make wonderful additions to pool entertaining areas but are design elements that are out of a pool builder’s realm of expertise.

8. Stone vs. Mulch

Mulching around plant beds provides a crisp and clean look but mulch too close to a pool patio can mean a big mess. Any landscaped areas around your pool are better suited for stone. But even the right stone material should be considered. Larger stone that cannot be tracked or windblown (as opposed to small pebbles) are definitely the best bet. This is a small detail but one that a Registered Landscape Architect is going to think about.

9. The Best Pool Patio Material

Pool companies in Lancaster, PA and its surrounding areas are typically not patio building experts. At the end of the day, it’s the pool that’s their primary focus. In most cases, a pool builder is just going to want to put down a concrete patio since that’s quick and easy. But we’ve seen that sometimes when that job is rushed, the concrete cracks almost immediately!

There are so many more materials (like a multitude of pavers and natural stone such as travertine) to choose from when it comes to designing your patio that could be the better option.

10. Future Additions

One of the greatest benefits to a thoughtful pool design is the fact that it not only accounts for now but it also accounts for the future. That’s important because future changes can have a huge impact on your existing space. If you plan to add a feature such as a pavilion or an outdoor kitchen down the road then you should plan for them now to ensure that your layout makes most sense once those features are built. It’s also beneficial to put in footers and utility lines in while you’re already excavating, rather than having to completely tear up your yard again.

Plus, if you plan to add on to your home you should think about where that addition would go now so that it doesn’t interfere with the pool area. There are things that you may want, even if you don’t realize it now. For instance, it often gets quite hot on the pool deck on a 90-degree day and though you may not personally feel like you need shade, will you someday have parents or grandparents visiting that would want to be out of the sun? These are things to think about now so they can be planned for down the road.

11. Planning Now for the Future

In addition to thinking about future structures or items you’ll be adding to your home, a thoughtful designer will also think about what the future of your family will entail. Do you have children that will (in the not-so-distant future) have families of their own? Will they be coming to use the pool when you may not be home?

If that’s the case it may be very beneficial to plan for a “self-sufficient pool area” in which they don’t even have to enter the home to get into the pool. You can give them access to your locked gate and since you’ve added a pool house, where they can change or dry off, they never have to enter your home. Maybe you even have a beverage station in your outdoor kitchen where they can grab drinks. This is all part of a thoughtful planning approach.

12. Structures or Pool Houses

Structures near the pool such as a pavilion or a pergola can provide some shade and a covered area to sit and enjoy a meal.

Pool houses have also become quite popular as they provide a space to change clothes or maybe even use the restroom without tracking water in and out of the house. But these are elements that most pool companies likely won’t think about since they are primarily focused on the pool itself.

Why Earth, Turf, & Wood is Your Best Choice for Your Pool

In a lot of cases, pool companies in Lancaster, PA and its surrounding areas have tunnel vision. But it is the overall project that really makes the space enjoyable and those “small details” end up counting big in the end.

Successfully planning a pool area requires time to make many critical decisions instead of rushing the process of plunking a pool and a concrete patio in your backyard. The overall pool area design process takes longer than most homeowners expect. If you’re planning on adding a pool, start the process with plenty of lead time, so you can weigh the many options and make the right choices that will lead to maximum return on investment.

The best approach to having your pool thoughtfully designed is to work with a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) who is specially trained to consider more than the immediate pool area. This is a resource that most pool companies do not offer but at Earth Turf & Wood, we employ an RLA full-time in-house. Our RLA will ensure that every single detail is accounted for and that you truly get the most enjoyment out of your space both now and in the future.

When you work with Earth, Turf, & Wood we become your single point of contact, simplifying the entire process. Not only can we design your pool but we can oversee the construction as we take care of all of these other essential items. You’ll have one point of contact, ensuring that nothing is missed and you end up with a pool area that you can truly enjoy to the fullest.

Feel free to look at pictures of pools and surrounding areas that we’ve designed! And when you’re ready to begin your project at your home in Reading, York, Hershey or Lancaster, PA, contact us about a free consultation or call us at (717) 276-9447 to start discussing the possibilities!

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Value vs. Cost to Install a Paver or Natural Stone Patio in Reading or Lancaster, PA

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 07:34:03 GMT

When thinking about an outdoor living space, it is your hardscaped areas that tend to bring the most value. A patio is where you entertain, share meals with your family, or even just sit outside to read a book or enjoy the nice weather. Adding a patio provides a lot more versatility to your outdoor space.

Patios are incredibly popular so it’s no surprise that a lot of companies build them. But you’ll likely find that natural stone or paver patio costs can really run the gamut.

While you might be inclined to “shop on price” while researching patio companies in Reading and Lancaster, PA, that can be a big mistake. You must consider what you’re actually getting for your cost investment. Value and cost are two very different things and while cost should obviously be a consideration (after all, everyone has a budget), it’s value that you’re truly seeking.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Backyard Transformation!

How Much Does a Natural Stone or Paver Patio Cost?

Materials are obviously a big factor in determining how much it will cost to install a paver or natural stone patio. It’s not just the material cost but also the labor involved with installing a particular material. When it comes to your patio project, you have the choice between natural stone and manmade pavers. Both have their own pros and cons that should be considered.

One benefit of natural stone is that it’s not going to fade over time. Natural stone does not need to be sealed like pavers and is also highly durable. In our region, flagstone is a popular choice for a natural stone patio and integrates easily into the surrounding area since it’s a natural material. But the cost to install a stone patio can be 20 to 30 percent higher. That’s largely due to the fact that it’s a bit more labor intensive and requires a higher level of attention to detail during installation.

Manmade pavers mimic the look like natural stone and also come in hundreds of other colors and designs. There is a lot of versatility when it comes to shapes, patterns, and layout. Many homeowners actually prefer the uniformity of paving stones as color and style will be consistent throughout the product. You also have a lot of customization opportunity with mixing colors.

Patios built from pavers are highly durable, and some homeowners to elect to seal pavers to resist the slight fading that happens over time. Others, however, love the effect. Pavers are a bit easier in terms of labor intensity and therefore the cost to install a paver patio is typically less, though there are a number of factors that affect price.

The property itself could even dramatically affect the cost of any patio project. Some factors that could increase price include required demolition work (such as demo on an old deck or existing patio), major grade transitions that require the construction of additional retaining walls, or even challenging site access.

Cost Breakdowns to Install a Patio

To give you a realistic sense of the cost to install a patio, we ran some numbers. Bear in mind this is for the patio alone and does not take additional expenses into account such as site restoration, plantings, mulching, or lighting.

In addition, these numbers were calculated for a flagstone patio. You can anticipate that the cost of a paver patio could be lower (approximately 20 percent less) in some cases since it typically requires less installation time. But choosing a high-end paver could level the playing field in terms of cost.

Here are some realistic cost breakdowns to consider.

$11k-$16k: 200 sq ft patio
$20k-$25k: 400 sq ft patio
$28k-$33k: 600 sq ft patio
$40k and Up: 1,000 sq ft patio and walkway

Understanding Value Vs. Patio Install Cost

We’ve already touched upon the importance of value, but let’s delve deeper into why you should seek out patio contractors in Lancaster or Reading, PA that get you the most bang for your buck. As you begin to shop around for someone to install your patio, you may find a drastic variation in pricing. This is where you really need to explore what you’re getting for your investment.

For example, you might compare two different patio design proposals and find that one is a whole 20-30 percent less. They might appear to be the same patio - but are they really? The less expensive patio might be cheaper because it was slapped together by workers who weren’t properly trained. A company might be able to charge less because they’re paying their employees less. But that often means a lack of training and experience which can lead to problems on your end.

A patio is a major construction undertaking that requires skills and expertise that not all companies possess. A lot is taking place underneath the surface that is critical to the integrity and lifespan of the patio. For instance, it would not be uncommon that when builders were digging out for your home that they just filled in loose soil where the patio will ultimately be going. If a patio is built overtop of that, it can start sinking over time. But a reputable company will do proper base prep to ensure that the ground is solid to build upon.

Site grading is also incredibly important. The installation of a large patio can change how stormwater flows through your property. You want the builders to not only ensure water isn’t pooling on your patio but that it’s draining properly throughout the rest of the property. If the installation of the patio is going to make changes to stormwater flow, a reputable company will make necessary changes to remedy this.

Two patios may look alike on the surface but be drastically different. Unfortunately it’s something that homeowners might not even recognize until down the road, when the patio fails or maybe even when they see a better design and recognize what they could have had.

Every single step of the process counts. Even if working from a design, if installers make “creative tweaks” or their pursue their own interpretations during the installation process, you could wind up with changes such as strange cuts or wider joints that alter the overall look. Installing a patio is so much more than just slapping stones together. There is an art to the installation process and little touches can make a big difference. That’s why you want a hardscaping contractor that pays attention to even the finest details and uses skilled installers.

Delivering Value

At Earth Turf & Wood we not only have the experience and the know-how but we think about all those little things that many other companies do not. There are so many fine details and considerations that go into the design and build of a patio project. Everything from creativity to how cuts are made to site grading are all factors that really matter to the finished product.

Our expertise starts from the very beginning during the design phase. Unlike many other patio companies in Reading and Lancaster, PA, we have an in-house Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) with nearly four decades of experience. The process of having a patio built with Earth Turf & Wood begins with a detailed meeting with our RLA that will result in an original, professional design.

We always make sure the project is done right and we stand behind our work by offering an extended warranty guarantee of up to 5 years on patio builds. That alone sets us apart from the crowd that typically only offers 1-2 years of warranties. When you have a patio built with Earth Turf & Wood you can feel confident you will end up with a top quality result that will be enjoyed for years to come.

If you’d like some inspiration for a patio in your Reading or Lancaster, PA backyard, check out our idea gallery . If you’re ready to chat more, schedule a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Smart Design Steps When Working with Pool Contractors in Lancaster, PA or Reading

Tue, 23 May 2017 09:01:04 GMT

You’ve made the decision you want to build a pool. Now that you’ve decided the project is a “go,” you are about to embark on an exciting journey that will end with your brand new swimming pool.

But it is your next steps, in selecting from pool contractors in Lancaster and Reading, PA, that will be critical in the outcome of that process. Choosing the right pool professional to carry out your vision will make all the difference.

Like most homeowners, you might already be getting tunnel vision with your focus solely on the pool itself. That is probably leading you to explore various pool builders in the Reading and Lancaster, PA area. But we invite you to think outside the box and also consider working with a landscape design professional to assist with the process. A Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), in particular, is an expert in actually knowing how to bring a complete backyard vision to life.

A lot of pool companies are aggressive about getting the sale of your pool, plunking in a concrete patio, and moving on to the next job as soon as they can. The pool building season in our region is short and understandably they want to sell as many jobs as they can. But a pool builder like this is only focused on the pool itself.

After your pool is installed, they don’t really stand to have repeat business from you or a long-term relationship throughout the years. They aren’t thinking about the rest of your landscape, and that can wind up being a huge detriment for you. At the end of the day, it’s the total package (the patio, the plantings, the lighting, the pavilion, etc.) that will help you fully enjoy the space. These are features that an RLA is going to take into account and why it’s so important that a design expert is part of the project.

The Path to Your Dream Pool in Reading and Lancaster, PA

If you really want the full package, the backyard that has the outdoor kitchen under a pavilion, beautiful plantings, and a highly functional patio surrounding your pool, then you need to consider working with a company that has a design expert on staff. An RLA will think about all those items that most pool builders in Reading and Lancaster, PA will overlook in their focus on getting the pool in quickly.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in wanting the pool done but overlooking these other features can be a deterrent from your enjoyment of the space. Yes, you can add those items later but it’s a lot more of a hassle, and a lot more expensive if you didn’t account for those features during the design phase.

Pool contractors in Reading and Lancaster, PA might also entice you with a lower price, but you have to consider what you’re actually getting for that investment. You’re probably just getting the pool itself, maybe a cheap concrete patio surrounding it. Oftentimes once the pool is complete, homeowners realize that the space needs so much more to be the complete backyard living area they’d dreamed about. When adding those features in after the fact, the cost may skyrocket and that cheap pool is suddenly costing a lot more than had you just planned for those items in the original design.

Phasing your Reading or Lancaster, PA Pool Project

If your budget doesn’t currently allow for all the features you want your outdoor living space to have, that’s okay. By working with an RLA, the project can be phased to be completed over a period of time that your budget allows. The only smart way to phase a project is to work with a design professional who really knows all the small details to account for along the way.

For example, here is what should be done in each step for a complete outdoor living project that is spread out over three phases.

Phase One

Phase one is when you want to do as much necessary excavation as you can so that your yard does not have to be torn up again in future phases. By planning ahead you will have everything in place that will be needed down the road without having to bring equipment back on site. During phase one your pool and patio will be completed. Using dry-laid pavers is the most forgiving when it comes time to remove small areas of them in future phases.

Phase Two

Because you planned ahead, phase two does not require any underground work. When it’s time to add in your pavilion and fireplace, the dry-laid pavers can be removed and the rough-ins for water, electric, or gas are already ready and waiting underground. In this stage, we’re building up and not excavating anything.

Phase Three

Similar to phase two, in phase three you can continue to build above ground with everything you need already in place. Phase three might be when you add an outdoor kitchen . Space has been appropriately accounted for during the design phase so your kitchen won’t be too small or not be able to fit all the features you wanted. Because everything was planned for in advance, it will be just right.

With smart planning and design, one of the best things about each of these phases is that nobody can tell that the project is incomplete during that phase. Only you will know that it’s not actually the fully finished project (and we’ll keep your secret).

Working With Pool Contractors in Reading and Lancaster, PA

hile there are definitely some pool companies out there that are all about getting the job done quickly (and hastily!), there are also some really wonderful pool builders in Reading and Lancaster, PA that Earth, Turf, & Wood has proudly partnered with. We believe strongly in partnering with the pool company and each focusing on what we do best. It is that partnership that helps us succeed.

While the pool company will focus on the installation, we’ll help them with the design and layout aspects of the project. That means accounting for all the small details that come into play as well as phasing the project if necessary.

By working together we’ll ensure that you get the complete backyard you’ve been dreaming about- not just the pool. A great pool area is so much more than just the pool itself. It’s part of an entire outdoor living space that meets all your family’s needs.

If you’d like some pool ideas for your Hershey, York, Reading or Lancaster, PA home, you can check out pictures of pool designs in our gallery. You can also schedule a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447 to talk more.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Unexpected Landscape Lighting Features That Will Blow Your Mind

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 09:10:32 GMT

There are a lot of companies out there that do landscape lighting . But only a select few really get into the latest trends or install products that offer highly specialized capabilities. While a basic package might be enough for some projects, outdoor living designs that have all the bells and whistles might warrant a lighting system that matches its high caliber.

If you’re looking for landscape lighting services in Reading, Lancaster, PA, or nearby areas like York or Hershey, that truly deliver a wow factor, then you probably want something more than the standard package of path lights and spotlights.

The more high tech landscape lighting gets, the more possibilities there are of what to do with it. In fact, the options are virtually endless when you begin to understand some of the design capabilities available today.

Amazing Landscape Lighting Ideas

The most amazing landscape lighting features all come back to the ability to customize. We install professional grade FX Landscape Lighting along with the FX Luminaire Luxor ZDC automated system, which allows for all kinds of specific customization. With this system, the lighting can be customized to your precise wants and needs.

Within this system, we can give each light their own identification number, allowing them to all be controlled individually. We might program some to dim or others to change colors all based on what areas you want to have lighting and what kind of lighting you desire. You control the ultimate design possibilities.

When grouping lights into zones you have three options, each getting more in-depth. You can just have lights grouped into zones with on/off control for that zone. You could also have lights grouped in zones with on/off control as well as dimming capability. And finally, you can have lights grouped into zones with on/off, dimming, and color changing capabilities.

Landscape lighting can also be programmed to run different features at different times. For instance, we can set up your system to have colors changing throughout the night to specific pre-set selections. We can also set up different programs to run for different days of the week. You might have one lighting setup that runs Sunday through Thursday but something completely different for the weekend.

Perhaps come Friday night you want your landscape lighting to stay on longer, have varying intensities, or even have different colors based on which of your favorite sports teams is playing that weekend. It can all be automated in advance so that you don’t have to do a thing.

Your landscape lighting setup should also suit the exact needs of your unique property. For instance, if you let your dogs out in one specific wooded area of your property you might have lights on those trees that you turn on with your phone only when the dogs go out.

Or, if you watch movies on your outdoor television you might have a movie lighting setup in which the lights are perfectly pre-set for movie viewing and come on with just a push of a button as you get cozy on your couch. Or you could program this function to automatically change as soon as the television is powered on.

We also have a lot of clients that install fire features in their outdoor living area and while they sometimes want built-in lighting around the retaining wall turned on, other times they just want to see the glow of the fire. With just a push of a button on your smartphone, everything can shut off. All of these examples demonstrate how each and every job is custom designed for that property’s niches.

Landscape Lighting as Part of Smart Home Automation

Amongst all of the landscape lighting services in Reading or Lancaster, PA, we get asked most frequently about smart home automation. Outdoor lighting can absolutely tie into your smart home capabilities and be controlled by a phone. In fact, the FX Luxor system can be linked with Lutron, a system known for its smart home capabilities which includes wireless control over indoor lighting.

Other smart phone controls can also be added through app technology including the control of the pumps in your outdoor pond or swimming pool as well as sound control for your outdoor audio. Your entire outdoor living area can be fully automated making everything as easy as pushing a button when you want it on or off.

That includes color control as well. If you’re planning a party or a special event you can have color changing lighting pre-set to coordinate with the theme of your celebration. This high level of automation means you don’t need to be running around the morning of your party to set everything up. Push a few buttons and it’s all ready to go.

Landscape Lighting Contractors in Reading or Lancaster, PA

As you can imagine, sophisticated lighting of this caliber isn’t installed by too many landscape lighting companies in Reading Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas like York, Lebanon or Hershey. It’s also not the kind of lighting product that you can purchase from a big box store on your own. There is a high level of planning and know-how involved in both the design and the installation.

While talking about the technology might give you some ideas, there is nothing better than actually trying it for yourself. We offer a try-it-before-you-buy-it option that will actually allow you to see what your property would look like with landscape lighting as well as what kinds of options might work best for you.

Even if it’s something you’re just considering, it’s worth exploring the possibility. We often find that our clients don’t actually realize just how transformative landscape lighting can be until they actually see it on their property. WIth no obligation to try it out, it’s worth taking a look at what outdoor lighting can do for your property.

If you want to see more amazing landscape lighting features for your property in Reading, York, Hershey, Lebanon or Lancaster, PA, check out our landscape lighting ideas for inspiration. You can also schedule a free consultation or get in touch with us by calling (717) 276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

11 of the Hottest Fire Pit and Outdoor Fireplace Ideas and Pictures

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:17:21 GMT

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are an incredibly useful addition to your outdoor living area. That’s because they add both light and heat to your outdoor space.

Plus, because everyone is drawn to fire, adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace also helps transform your space into a gathering place, enhancing everyone’s overall enjoyment.

When it comes to outdoor fireplace ideas and fire pit designs, there are so many directions you can go.

From size, to material and even storage capabilities for the wood, there are a multitude of design decisions to be made, all of which will make the fire pit or outdoor fireplace truly your own. Because we know narrowing down the possibilities might feel a bit overwhelming, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest outdoor fireplace pictures from our portfolio of work to help get the ideas burning.

1. Pay Attention to the Orientation of Your Outdoor Fireplace

The orientation is where the outdoor fireplace design really counts. An outdoor fireplace cannot just be plunked anywhere in the yard. Attention must be given to its placement.

This particular outdoor fireplace can be seen from strategic areas of the property, including a bench seat in the nearby pool. That means the family can be right by the kids while they swim while also still getting a straight shot view of the gorgeous roaring fire--and its mounted television. If you’re going to invest in a beautiful outdoor fireplace, you surely want to enjoy it as often as possible!

2. Include Ample Hearth and Mantle Space

The decorative possibilities run wild with both the mantle and hearth space available in your design. In this particular case, the hearth also provides functional space to keep the tools needed for this rustic wood-burning outdoor fireplace.

This is also a great example of the fact that a television does not have to be mounted to the chimney. Instead, it can also be mounted to a beam, as it is in this pavilion. In this particular example, the chimney is not a structural part of the pavilion as in other designs.

3. Consider the Surroundings of Your Outdoor Fireplace

This is a great example of how important it is for an outdoor fireplace design to take into account the rest of the property. That’s because every single element makes a difference in the overall look and feel of your space.

In this case, the chimney complements the brick that is on the main home. Taking design features from your home into account ensures that a new feature on your property doesn’t look completely foreign. It’s important that is blends with its surroundings as though it was always there. Because of the attention given to this chimney, the pavilion makes a seamless blend into the existing landscape.

4. Make it a Destination

The beautiful curved hearth of this fireplace draws you in. For this client, like so many others, they had their kids in mind in their goal of creating a “hang-out spot” by their fireplace area.

By creating a destination in your backyard, you’re creating a space where your kids, even as they get older, want to be. In this particular outdoor fireplace design, there was also a wood storage cove created in the back so that wood could be stored out of sight.

5. Create Privacy with Your Outdoor Fireplace

Any structure can also be used to help create some privacy. In this outdoor fireplace image, you can see how the fireplace itself helps in terms of privacy screening from the neighbors.

On this property, where houses are close to one another and space is at a premium, a cozy fireplace blocks some of the view into the neighbor’s yard while creating a comfortable seating area off of the outdoor kitchen. With a good design, you can maximize even a smaller space to its full potential.

6. Go for Freestanding

While a lot of our outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are built within pavilions, a freestanding outdoor fireplace is also a beautiful addition to your space. Because there is no mounted television dictating any dimensions, the chimney can be narrower in a design like this.

This seating area also ties in a lot of natural elements with the boulder rock wall flanking the fireplace. A small storage area was built into the side of this structure to store the wood.

7. Opt for Curves Beyond Your Fire Pit Wall

This is another great example of a design that works with the specific area to customize a finished product. Because this is a long and narrow lot, the space was somewhat limited.

The curved walls not only create some unique seating areas but also add some aesthetic appeal in an area that was spatially limited. Like all of our fire pit designs, this one includes a stainless steel liner to help dissipate heat. That is a custom element that is part of all our designs and not something you would get with a store-bought fire pit.

8. Integrate Lots of Seating Space

This combination of a concentric retaining wall with seating built in provides more than enough space for people to sit. Imagine gathering around the fire pit to roast marshmallows, share stories, or simply cozy up with your family and friends.

With ample seating space, everyone can have a comfortable place to sit by the fire. Make sure that your outdoor fireplace or fire pit design takes plenty of nearby seating into account.

9. Use Your Fire Pit Design to Create a Cozy Nook

This seating wall is pulled into a curve that is just a tad over 180 degrees in order to provide ample seating space and a cozy little nook for family and guests. The lights built into the wall provide added functionality in getting around the space at night.

While not pictured here, this client (like many) added beautiful and comfy cushions to the area that not only add to the comfort level but create a colorful visual during the day.

10. Don’t Afraid to Go With a Square Fire Pit

There’s no rule saying that your fire pit has to be circular! A square fire pit is unique and even a bit more modern in its appearance.

In this case, the square fire pit was incorporated into a modular wall built at various heights. It creates a lot of visual appeal while also providing plenty of space for family and guests to gather around and enjoy the comfort and warmth of the fire.

11. Think Outside of the Box

Who says your fire pit need only have fire? In this unique fire-and-water feature, it almost appears as though the water itself is on fire. It creates an incredibly unusual showpiece that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Combining fire and water was the client’s idea in this case! We always encourage our clients to dream big and work with their ideas.

Fire Pit and Outdoor Fireplace Designs

If you thought that adding a firepit or outdoor fireplace was simple, you might feel a bit differently now. Sure, anyone could build an outdoor fireplace from a prefabricated kit or plunk a cheap fire pit in your yard. But a custom design and a high quality end result takes much more forethought.

The possibilities are truly endless in terms of what you can create with a good outdoor fireplace design. But good design are the key words. Without the help of a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), your project may not take into account all of those little details that really do make a difference. From exactly where to build it to what materials will help it best complement the surrounding property, it’s those small details that can count the most in the end.

With the help of a RLA, you’ll feel comfortable walking through all of the outdoor fireplace ideas from choosing the best material, to wood versus gas, or even other design considerations such as the size of the mantle, whether to mount a television, and adding storage. Every single decision matters and is one step closer toward the fire pit or outdoor fireplace truly being your own.

Earth, Turf & Wood can help you through every stage of the process. From the design phase to its completion, we will ensure that your fire pit or outdoor fireplace is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. We have created hundreds of custom outdoor fireplaces and fire pits for our clients over the years. Whether it’s a small project or something much larger, we can help you bring your outdoor fireplace and fire pit ideas to life.

If you would like to see more outdoor fireplace pictures, visit our idea gallery . Or, if you’re ready to start talking about your ideas, give us a call at (717) 276-9447 or schedule a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

How Much Does Landscape Lighting Cost? Upfront and On-Going Costs for Your Lancaster, PA Home

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 06:41:44 GMT

There is a great amount of value in adding landscape lighting to your Lancaster, PA home. Not only does it improve the aesthetic appeal but there are other key landscape lighting benefits to consider as well.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or you’re just enjoying time with your family, landscape lighting will enhance the experience. Whether you reside in Reading, York, Hershey, or in Lancaster, PA, there are so many great reasons to add lighting to your outdoor living area.

In terms of how much you wind up spending will vary depending upon whether you stick to the bare bones or you upgrade to some of the special features available today.

Though there are a lot of factors that can cause the cost to vary, if you’re looking for an idea of how much is landscape lighting going to cost you, we have some general cost breakdowns that can help. Starting from the basics and working upwards to some higher end systems, here we will explore LED landscape lighting costs.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Landscape Lighting Transformation!

How Much Does Landscape Lighting Cost?

Outdoor lighting has come incredibly far. As a result, it’s important to recognize that LED landscape lighting costs are a little more of an investment upfront than older technology once was. The newest technology, however, outperforms old landscape lighting so that in the long run, you’ll be saving money in electricity bills and maintenance expenses.

Bear in mind that while even the minimum investment might be a little bit more than you anticipated, in the grand scheme of a total outdoor living budget, landscape lighting is only a small percentage for how much value you receive in return.

When you are investing heavily on an outdoor living project, it makes sense to add a little bit more onto the project for what you receive in return. Lighting will allow you to utilize the space not only during the daytime, but in the evening hours as well.

In addition, even at the bare minimum investment, you’re still getting high-end fixtures and the latest technology. It’s worthwhile to pay for better fixtures that you can feel confident will last and perform as expected. Compared to constantly buying and replacing cheap fixtures, investing in something quality upfront is ultimately more cost effective.

It will also save you a lot of hassle. This is not landscape lighting that you can purchase from your local box store. These are professional level products being installed in a thoughtfully designed landscape vs. cheap product that is just slapped in the ground. Without an artistic approach, a row of pathlights can easily look like an airport runway. Your investment is not only for the high-quality material but for a high-quality design.

Basic Investment: $3,000 to $6,000

For the bare minimum investment of $3,000, you would be able to get the transformer and a few lights around your property. This cost also factors in an installation charge, which is important as lighting should be installed by a professional who puts safety as a top priority.

Double that investment to $6,000 and you could add some extra path lights, spotlights, and maybe an uplight or two on some plant material or interesting features of your home. The bulk of the bare minimum price is coming from the transformer itself. Once you invest in that, it makes sense to add more lights as you’ve already paid the largest cost.

Mid-Range Investment: $8,000 to $11,000

This range is a bit more on par with an average investment for landscape lighting for your Lancaster, Reading, York, or Hershey, PA home. In this cost range, you’ll get much more of a complete package.

An example of what you could get within this cost range would be: 5 path lights, 2 spotlights highlighting a special feature like a statue or fountain, 6 uplights on your plant material, and 6 spotlights on your home highlighting an entrance or architectural features.

With a transformer that is zone-able, you’ll also be able to program special features such as having pathlights come on at a set time. And, you can always set yourself up to be able to add more lights later.

Upgrades Investment: $11,000+

In most cases, an investment over $11,000 can get you a variety of possible upgrades, depending on your property. That might mean more lights that really go above and beyond in highlighting special features around your home. It could be specialty lighting within your outdoor kitchen such as in-cabinet lights, lighting under a bar countertop, or built-in lighting in a retaining wall.

Or maybe it’s going to be color-changing LED landscape lighting which can be programmed to change colors based on the season or for special events and celebrations. There are a lot of really exciting lighting features that can be added to your outdoor living project as you begin to invest more in your project.

The Labor Variable

While these price ranges should give you a ballpark idea of how much landscape lighting costs, there are always variables as no two properties are alike. The labor is really the biggest variable in the LED landscape lighting cost.

If your property has a lot of obstacles to work around, installing lighting could be a bit more expensive. Or perhaps if someone else had done your outdoor living project and you’re adding lighting in at a later date, the labor can become costly as it will likely require some digging- not to mention the fact that we will be working blindly in terms of knowing where the conduit is located.

If you’re just starting an outdoor living project, now is the time to also install lighting, or at least prepare your property to add it on at a later date. By doing it all at once you will save on some of that installation labor expense.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re working with a professional Registered Landscape Architect- which for a large outdoor living project, we would hope you are- then there will also likely be a design charge associated with the overall cost. Landscape lighting design is included within that. However, in Earth, Turf, & Wood’s case, that design fee is credited back to the client once they follow through on the project with us.

Cost to Run Landscape Lighting at Your Home

Of course there is also some cost associated with running your system, but with the latest technology, that cost is nominal. Whereas older landscape lighting systems required changing bulbs every couple of years and often generated high electricity bills, LED landscape lighting is a lot more cost effective.

In fact, when compared to old incandescent bulbs, LED lighting can decrease your lighting system’s energy consumption by 80 percent. Plus, an added benefit is that LED light bulbs aren’t hot to the touch like incandescent light bulbs.

You will also spend less on maintenance. While LED bulbs are about three times the cost of incandescent, they are advertised to last 10 to 15 times longer, which could equate to a decade without requiring changing. In the long run, this is an overall cost savings and also less of a hassle to forgo the ongoing maintenance.

Investing in Landscape Lighting for your Lancaster, PA home

While landscape lighting is certainly an investment, we believe it’s a wise one. It’s more than just the icing on the cake. Landscape lighting is a necessity if you truly want to get the most function and enjoyment out of your outdoor living space as possible. With landscape lighting, you’ll be able to use your outdoor space at any hour as opposed to just using it during the daylight hours.

You just designed and built a wonderful patio and pathway and a delightful entertainment area. If it’s truly an outdoor living area, why not be able to live in it at any hour?

Lighting is what makes it all useable and helps you to get the most out of the space. We believe it’s definitely not an area where you should skimp. Even if you opt for the bare minimum right now, you can set yourself to upgrade lighting features in the future by planning ahead. We’re ready to help you with those ideas and plans to get you on your way to a brighter and more beautiful space.

If you’re ready to start the conversation about landscape lighting, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447. You can also check out our pictures of landscape lighting projects for more inspiration.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

The 10 Hottest Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas for Your Dream Backyard

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 07:09:22 GMT

Gone are the days when an outdoor kitchen consisted of just a grill, sink, and at most, also including a refrigerator. These days, outdoor kitchens are more elaborate and customized than ever before.

We believe that Outdoor kitchen plans should be personalized for you and your specific lifestyle whether it’s how you like to entertain or what your family regularly enjoys your backyard oasis.

For instance, we had one client who loved to entertain every week with family and friends each bringing crockpots of soups, sides, and chilli to share. That’s why we designed a long countertop with enough outlets to plug them all in. They called it “crockpot alley.” We had another client who wanted to be able to swim right up to their bar, from their nearby pool. We designed a swim-up bar area just like you might see at a tropical resort.

When it comes to your outdoor kitchen in Lancaster or Reading, PA dream BIG. Jot down anything that comes to mind and don’t assume that it can’t be done. During the brainstorming phase, your imagination is your only limit.

As you dream up some big outdoor kitchen ideas, here are 10 to consider:

1. Make it an Outdoor Kitchen Entertainment Destination

The amenities that you incorporate into your outdoor kitchen can help make it easier and more enjoyable to entertain. Whether it’s that countertop with enough outlets to plug-in a bunch of crockpots or incorporating drop-in trays to fill with ice for your salads and perishable foods, these are just two of the ways you can create food serving areas for entertaining. Plus, if you’re planning on having a lot of your kids’ teenage friends hanging out, don’t forget enough electrical outlets for them to charge their phones too!

But your outdoor kitchen can be even more of an entertainment destination with the addition of a bar area, an outdoor television and audio system, seating areas, and so much more. Put some thought into how you like to entertain and how your outdoor kitchen plans can make it even more enjoyable.

2. Consider Options for Refrigeration and Freezing

Drawers can be really convenient for storing beverages and frozen goods in your outdoor kitchen. You might have refrigerated items in a top drawer and frozen items in a bottom drawer. If you like the idea of glass side-by-side doors, you can also display your beverages that way.

Whether it’s your kids grabbing a freeze pop while playing outside on a hot day or guests being able to help themselves to a cold beverage without having to dig through a cooler, outdoor refrigeration and freezers are a great outdoor kitchen upgrade.

3. Add a Sink to your Outdoor Kitchen

A basic sink would just run cold water and be just large enough to rinse utensils. But you can upgrade to something larger that would you allow you to wash dishes.

A small, self-contained water heater will also allow you to have both hot and cold water. This is a nice amenity that helps you keep your outdoor kitchen as a self-contained unit. By being able to wash dishes outside you can also store them outside rather than having to travel back and forth from your home.

4. Install an Outdoor Pizza Oven

If you’re building a large outdoor kitchen which you plan to use for entertaining or time with your family, something like an outdoor pizza oven can turn your time outdoors into an event. These outdoor pizza ovens mimic the original wood-fired pizza ovens like you'd find in an authentic Italian eatery.

It takes a while for the fire to heat up in these large outdoor ovens but during that time your family or friends can be rolling the dough and making up their personal pizzas.

It puts a whole new twist on a pizza party. Chopping up ingredients, and creating culinary works of art can make preparing a meal a group or family experience or even competition. After all, almost everyone loves pizza!

5. Incorporate Ample Storage

Storage space is so important to your outdoor kitchen plans so that you and your guests don’t have to be going in and out bringing things from your indoor kitchen.

If you’re going to be storing any valuable or liquor in your outdoor kitchen, you should also consider locks. You might also want to use a cabinet as your “control center” where you can hide away audio visual equipment and keep it both safe and waterproofed.

6. Upgrade your Outdoor Kitchen Grill

Today, grills come in all shapes and sizes. You can quickly fill a grill with 20 hamburgers or hotdogs, so make sure your grill can easily accommodate a larger crowd if you intend on inviting larger groups.

Keep in mind grills can also be used as outdoor ovens, great for cooking your gourmet potatoes and secret baked beans recipe. You may even want a grill with upgraded features like a rotisserie or one with a view window.

An upgraded grill isn’t just about added features, but about improved cooking results and a variety of cooking options.There’s even a grill out there that is half gas-powered, half charcoal, so that everyone’s cooking styles and preferences can be accommodated! There is truly something for everyone when it comes to grills nowadays.

7. Add a Smoker

Prefer the taste of smoked meat to grilled? Products like the Big Green Egg produce a unique smoky flavor that many people say they prefer.

While it takes longer to prepare smoked meat, when it comes time to eat, you’ll find it was worth the wait. Incorporating a smoker into your outdoor kitchen design is a delicious investment that gives you alternative ways to cook for your family and friends.

8. Make Life Easier with a Roll-Out Serving Cart

If you love entertaining, a roll-out serving cart is a great way to take prepared food to another area of your outdoor living space. Whether it’s making and delivering delicious beverages for guests swimming in the pool or taking all of the grilled items over to the eating area, a roll-out cart will make it easy to go from prep time to party time.

Even if you’re just eating dinner with your immediate family, it makes serving simple. And when it’s built right into the countertop, it’s easy to put away and store.

9. Consider a Power Burner for your Outdoor Kitchen

Power burners are a popular addition to outdoor kitchen plans because they make cooking even more efficient.

Imagine quickly boiling a huge pot of corn on a burner that is not only built right into your countertop, but is recessed and at the perfect height to keep an eye on the cooking.

Power burners are also incredibly handy if cooking something smelly. Instead of stinking up the house with your famous fish chowder recipe, you can cook it outside on the power burner.

These specialized, commercial-grade burners are far superior to those self-contained in free-standing grills you'd buy at the local hardware store. These side burners pack a whallop with plenty of BTUs to get your food cooking at the ideal temperatures.

10. Light it all Up

There’s no question that you want to enjoy your outdoor kitchen to its fullest. Lighting should be an essential part of your outdoor kitchen design ideas. Well-planned lighting will allow you to use the space even after the sun goes down. With the right lighting you won’t have to be fumbling around to see if your steaks are cooked just right or to find something in a cabinet.

Lighting can even be installed on the cabinet interiors when they open to make things easy to find. In addition, landscape lighting can also add a tremendous amount of aesthetic appeal. You can add uplighting to highlight stone at the base of your countertops, install pendant lighting that hang over your bar area, or even add color-changing LED lighting to set a mood or decorate for a party. Today’s high-end lighting offers endless possibilities.

Let us Help You with your Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

At Earth, Turf & Wood, we have done all of these ideas and then some!

We love it when our clients dream big and come up with ideas that they know will make their outdoor kitchen even more enjoyable for their family and friends.

While a lot of these ideas are big, we work with clients on projects of all sizes. Whether it’s a small outdoor kitchen with the basic necessities or a large project with all the amenities, we have the expertise and the experience to bring those ideas to life.

If you’re dreaming about outdoor kitchen ideas, check out our outdoor kitchen gallery for more inspiration. You can also schedule a free consultation or call us at (717) 276-9447 so we can talk more about your ideas.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

The 3 Best Ways that Landscape Lighting Can Improve Your Property

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 07:33:53 GMT

There’s no question that landscape lighting can seriously boost the curb appeal of your property. By lighting up key architectural features of your home and some of your beautiful plant material or trees, you can transform your property in the evening hours. The right outdoor lighting contractor will know how to make your property truly spectacular.

While the curb appeal factor alone brings tremendous value and makes landscape lighting services worth the investment, there are some other key reasons to consider it as well.

Here are three of the best ways, aside from aesthetics, that landscape lighting can improve your property in Reading, York, Hershey or Lancaster, PA.

1. Landscape Lighting Extends Your Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor living has been the single hottest trend in landscaping since 2009 and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. With so many homeowners adding outdoor kitchens and living rooms, it makes sense to also incorporate outdoor lighting in order to make those spaces more functional and extend their use well into the evening hours.

With so many different types of niche products on the market, we can light up your outdoor space to make it work best for you. That might mean incorporating cap lighting under kitchen counters or in bar areas or adding downlighting from within roofed structures like pergolas or pavilions .

Your landscape lighting system can even be setup with different zones, all which can be controlled by your smart phone. That way if you’re having a big party you can have the place lit up but if you’re spending some quiet time with the family, you can keep the lighting more subtle for some ambiance. It can be catered to your needs with the controls literally at your fingers.

2. Landscape Lighting Provides Safety & Security

According to the FBI, home invasions are the most common household threat, with a burglary occurring every 13 seconds.

A well-lit property is an easy way to deter those intruders as they’ll simply move on to a home that does not have strategic outdoor lighting. In the suburban and rural areas that we service, many homes do tend to be in darker, more secluded (sometimes even wooded) areas and adding lighting provides a critical layer of protection.

Landscape lighting also increases safety by lighting up walkways, stairways, and driveways and reducing trip and fall accidents. In addition, it can be strategically used to light up and line walkways, leading guests safely to your home or to line driveways making a difficult-to-navigate drive easier to see.

3. Landscape Lighting Enhances Smart Home Capabilities

These days automation is making our lives easier and it’s no different with outdoor lighting. With smartphone technology, landscape lighting can literally be controlled at the push of a button, making it simpler than ever to be enjoying time outside rather than spending time getting things ready. Lighting technology has come so far that we can give every single light on your property its own identification in the system, allowing you to control each and every light individually.

That means you no longer have to go around and make changes to the lighting to get things set up for a party or to enjoy time outdoors with your family.

We can preset all the controls on your phone so that all you need to do is push a button to control various zones, change the intensity of dimming lights, or even change the light colors. The latest lighting technology has color changing capabilities allowing you to create themes for parties or holiday decorating. That kind of customization provides an extreme dose of wow factor.

It’s also worth noting that modern LED landscape lighting is extremely energy efficient. As many as 150 fixtures at a single property only costs about $40 each year to light areas from dusk to dawn.

These fixtures aren’t just about trees and shrubs anymore either! Similar low-voltage outdoor lighting can also be installed within pavilions, walls, pergolas and other outdoor hardscape elements.

Custom Landscape Lighting Design

Adding landscape lighting is a wise investment whether you have an existing outdoor living area or you’re planning to add one. In the grand scheme of things, it is a small add-on that carries a huge return on enjoyment.

Earth, Turf, & Wood installs professional grade FX landscape lighting along with the FX Luminaire Luxor ZDC automated system. This system allows more customization than any other systems you’ll find on the market today. See this system featured in the video below:

Having outdoor lighting installed on your property means working with a highly skilled landscape lighting contractor. True outdoor lighting is so much more than installing a few spotlights in your yard. It’s about strategic placement, artistic design, and access to the latest technology and products.

It is this combination that provides the biggest impact on value, one you won’t find with most landscape lighting companies in Lancaster, York, Hershey or Harrisburg.

When it comes to outdoor lighting services, we aim to provide the same level of excellence and ingenuity as we offer with our other services. We also provide a try-it-before-you-buy-it option if you’d like to see what your property will look like with outdoor lighting!

If you’re looking to light up your outdoor living area, check out our pictures of landscape lighting projects for some more inspiration. You can also schedule a free consultation or get in touch with us at (717) 276-9447 to get the conversation started.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Landscape Design Case Study: York, PA Outdoor Kitchen and Pavilion

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 07:47:38 GMT

When a retired couple in York, PA wanted to have an outdoor family entertainment area completed, they knew they had to find the right professional for the job.

Retired professionals themselves, this couple came from the engineering and metal fabrication industry and already had a lot of ideas on exactly what they wanted done.

The key was to find a landscape contractor in York, PA that could tackle the large-scale design ideas they had in mind, but also had the professional skills and expertise make it come to life.

Their quest led the couple to Earth, Turf, & Wood and we worked very closely with the couple throughout the process in order to incorporate their ideas into a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space.

The property had an existing pool and an adjacent spa, but the couple wanted hardscaping both around these elements and to create an elaborate outdoor entertaining area. They had a lot of pre-determined ideas about the outdoor kitchen, a unique fire feature, and a sitting area that they wanted to create.

Creating the Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens remain one of the hottest trends in landscape design right now. With the couple’s engineering background, they had a lot of specific ideas on what they wanted their pavilion-covered outdoor kitchen to look like.

One such unique idea was creating curved cabinet doors that produced some visual interest. We worked closely with a custom cabinetry company to create one-of-a-kind cabinets in the same mahogany that would match the proposed and existing ceilings.

Other outdoor kitchen features included:

Built-in grill
Two side burners
Warming drawer
Icemaker
Refrigerator
Pull-out trash can
Custom roll-out drawers for storage
Locks on drawers where valuable items would be stored

Outdoor Lighting

Lighting within the roofed structure was also important as this couple entertained frequently and often into the evening hours. With this beautiful project, it made sense to highlight the stunning architectural features by utilizing LED accent lighting.

The client requested that we incorporate a style of LED lights that they had in their finished basement. So, we installed the micro LED lights into the bottom of several beams.

In the cantilevered bar sitting space, we used undercap lights to shine down and highlight the stone. But the kitchen also required full lighting inside in order to provide good visibility for prepping and cooking food.

We perfected the design to find the ideal balance between ambiance and function. The final product is both highly practical and beautifully aesthetic, both day and night.

Travertine Patio

In addition to the outdoor kitchen, this project also included a very large travertine patio that was made to surround the couple’s existing pool and also lead over to a sitting area.

With such a huge span of hardscaped areas, one challenge was to come up with paving patterns within the design that would break it up, without compromising unity. This added some interest while also defining rooms without walls.

Fire Pit + Fountain = Awesome

The patio area also featured a truly original fire pit with a fountain where water and fire came together.

This was one of the couple’s ideas and the team at Earth, Turf, & Wood designed and constructed this amazing feature by stacking a pyramid of solid bluestone and then working gas jets into the filtrated water so that it actually appears as if the water is on fire.

Similar to the request to incorporate unique LED lighting into the pavilion, this client requested that we incorporate LED rope lighting under the fountain’s cap … and we did, along with adding them under the planter caps, as well.

Raised Planters

The couple also had us design and install some raised planters and a gorgeous urn centerpiece as a transitional piece between their parking courtyard and the entertaining area.

The design not only added visual interest and a touch of formality but also provided the opportunity to use natural stone in this side of the yard. This natural stone assisted as a unifier of materials throughout the project. The layout of these planters also served the functional purpose of controlling pedestrian traffic by cordoning off the parking area.

Collaborating with a Landscaping Contractor

There are a lot of choices when it comes to hiring a landscape contractor for your York, Lancaster, Hershey, or Reading, PA landscaping project.

While this particular project was an elaborate design, at Earth, Turf, & Wood we have tackled projects both big and small. Whether it’s a small patio or a massive undertaking like this one, we bring the same level of attention to detail and the same experience and expertise to the table.

This project is a very good example of the client/contractor trust that is established on all of our jobs. While this couple had many specific ideas of their own they also trusted our expertise when it came to bringing the project from concept to life.

And that’s how it is on all of our projects. Whether it’s a landscape design in York, PA, or one of our other service areas, we work very closely with our clients to combine their ideas with our expertise. The end result is the creation of an outdoor living area unique to your dreams.

Feel free to check out even more of our landscape design projects . When you’re ready, let’s talk about how to bring your dream landscape to life with a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Outdoor Kitchens: Pictures and Ideas for Your Reading or Lancaster, PA Property

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 08:02:18 GMT

Outdoor kitchens are a sizzling hot trend in outdoor living. Studies continue to show that outdoor kitchens remain the most requested outdoor feature of a home in Reading and Lancaster, PA, and beyond. But, resale value aside, an outdoor kitchen is a destination location for you and your family to enjoy. It is a space that will help you truly capture the full potential of your outdoor living area.

After all, there’s nothing quite like cooking and dining al fresco and an outdoor kitchen allows you to do just that. You’ll be able to entertain and enjoy time with friends and family in a unique way.

Finding a company that knows what it takes to put together a complex building project like an outdoor kitchen is incredibly important. Outdoor kitchens have become a hot trend nationwide, but there aren’t a lot of companies in the Reading or Lancaster, PA areas that are considered to be expert outdoor kitchen builders. In fact, many companies might only do one or two of these projects per year.

At Earth Turf & Wood, 50% of the outdoor living projects we take on, include an outdoor kitchen design. It’s a project that we not only love to do for our clients but have a lot of experience doing.

Outdoor Kitchen Designs: Something for Everyone

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to an outdoor kitchen. It can be as simple or as high-end as your style and your budget allows. A basic outdoor kitchen design will start with the key necessities, such as a grill built into a countertop and a simple storage unit. The counter overhang can provide some bar seating next to the chef. A basic outdoor kitchen starts at $15,000.

From there, the add-ons and the budget can run the gamut. Naturally, the more features you add, the more it will cost. It’s also important to remember that outdoor kitchen appliances and materials can range dramatically in price, just as they do for indoor kitchens.

Some of the most popular add-ons for outdoor kitchens include a built-in refrigerator, a pull-out trash container, lighting, and a sink with running water. But an outdoor kitchen can include anything that your indoor kitchen has. The highest end, dream kitchens can feature pavilions, fireplaces, audio/visual capabilities, and other customized features that suit your exact wants and needs.

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Just as your Reading or Lancaster, PA outdoor kitchen can be as small or large as you wish, it can also have any look that you desire. Oftentimes, an outdoor kitchen is designed with your home’s interior in mind.

Since an outdoor kitchen is typically viewable from the family room, it’s nice to tie the looks together so that it is unified with its surroundings. A beautiful stone fireplace in the family room, for example, might be replicated as part of the outdoor kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen design can also take on various shapes such as U-shaped, galley, or L-shaped. Each of this is not only a very different look but also has a different functionality in terms of moving around and in and out of the space.

Materials are also an important consideration with your outdoor kitchen design. Granite is far-and-away the most popular countertop choice given its durability and appeal. But color must be given some thought. Though black is a popular choice, if your outdoor kitchen is in the sun, a black countertop will get very hot. An earth tone or even a white granite or other natural stone countertop might be a better choice.

In addition, outdoor cabinetry comes in a variety of materials ranging from waterproof polymer materials to bamboo, teak, or reclaimed lumber. But perhaps most popular of all is stainless steel both for its classic kitchen look as well as its durability in the elements.

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

The appliances truly make the outdoor kitchen functional and complete. At the very least, an outdoor kitchen will have a built-in grill. Of course, there are many choices in grills and cost can vary dramatically based on its size and features.

Some homeowners are requesting an outdoor kitchen side burner, separate from the grill. This might be used in conjunction with the grill such as boiling a side dish, or it might be used entirely on its own. It can come in handy even on nights you’re not grilling. Instead of cooking a seafood dish indoors where the smell can linger, it can be cooked outside.

Outdoor kitchen appliances may also include a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, beer kegerator, or an ice maker. Any appliance that you have in your indoor kitchen can be part of your outdoor kitchen.

But that’s not to say you should use appliances made-for-the-indoors in your outdoor kitchen. That’s because outdoor appliances are specially built to be more durable in order to deal better with temperature fluctuations and be able to withstand the elements. While that can make them a bit more costly, it’s not an area where you should cut corners.

Finding an Outdoor Kitchen Builder & Designer for Your Reading, Harrisburg, York or Lancaster, PA Home

If you’re going to invest in an outdoor kitchen, you want to make sure that it’s done right. Even the smallest outdoor kitchens should be designed in a way that you will get the maximum use and enjoyment. In order to achieve that, it’s incredibly beneficial to choose a company that has a Registered Landscape Architect on staff.

There are so many details that come into play that seem small but can tremendously impact the functionality of your outdoor kitchen. For instance, imagine you might be carrying a tray of food from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor one. What outdoor kitchen design will work best for you spatially so that you can seamlessly walk from one space to the next? Where will your young kids be playing while you cook so that you can ensure you have eyes on them at all times? Will you be mostly cooking for your family or do you frequently entertain guests?

These are just a few of the dozens of questions a Registered Landscape Architect would ask in the design phase that others could easily overlook. It’s important that even the smallest details are accounted for in the design.

At Earth, Turf, & Wood, outdoor kitchens are frequent projects for us, but that’s not to say that every project isn’t unique. In all of our years of completing outdoor kitchens, no two projects have ever been identical. We don’t do cookie cutter, but we do have the experience and the know-how to get you the most value for your investment. With a Registered Landscape Architect on staff, we do take every single detail into account with our designs. And with a team of meticulous craftsmen, you can be sure that the same level of detail will go into your outdoor kitchen construction.

We know that an outdoor kitchen is an investment and want you to truly fall in love with the finished project just as our other clients have. We have a portfolio full of outdoor kitchen ideas that we have brought to life for our clients over the years and look forward to working on yours next.

Want to see some of those outdoor kitchen ideas for your Reading, Harrisburg, York, or Lancaster, PA home? Check out our idea gallery . Or get in touch with us at (717) 276-9447 to start the conversation on bringing your outdoor kitchen dreams to life with a free consultation .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

11 of the Best Pergola and Pavilion Design Ideas for Your Backyard

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:16:12 GMT

There’s nothing quite like spending time outside. Now imagine spending even more time outdoors, in virtually any weather and during any hour! This can be achieved with the addition of a structure on your property. Pergolas and pavilions are two such structures that can help enhance your outdoor living experience.

Both pergolas and pavilions are free-standing architectural structures that can add detail and functionality to a landscape. They’re spaces where your family can dine and entertain guests, or you can sit to read a book, or watch the kids play nearby. But there are some key differences that might make one a better fit for your needs over the other.

A pergola has on open roof, allowing you to see the layered beams above whereas a pavilion is like a house with no walls. It has a roof and sometimes even has a finished ceiling. While both can provide shade, the covered aspect of a pavilion will also protect you from rain.

Oftentimes, a pergola design is appreciated for its charming architectural detail while a pavilion design is considered a bit more in terms of functional space. While pavilions tend to be larger and a bit more expensive than pergolas, that’s not always the case. There is so much customization involved that either structure can be what you want it to be.

Here are a few ideas to get you started on considering which is the best option for you.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Backyard Transformation!

Best Pergola Design Ideas

A pergola can be a wonderful addition to your Lancaster, PA home. Pergolas often have a sense of romanticism about them that a pavilion doesn’t quite provide. The exposed beams add a lot of interest and appeal.You can make a pergola as low or as high maintenance as you’d like.

A pergola wrapped in aluminum or constructed out of PVC is virtually maintenance-free but many prefer the look of stained or painted wood. The material selected will play a role in both the overall look and the level of maintenance involved. At the end of the day, it really comes down to a personal preference in finding the material that suits your wants and needs.

Here’s the first five of the eleven ideas, all if you are considering adding a pergola.

1. Add Even More Shade to Your Pergola

If you want to create extra shade from your pergola, consider a creeping vine or even a retractable canopy over top of it.

Flowering vines growing up and over a pergola add a lot of interest and appeal of their own. But in terms of creating shade, orientation is the key factor. A design that takes into account when the sun shines its brightest is critical.

2. Build a Pergola Over a Walkway

A garden walkway or backyard path is made much more elegant with a pergola arching overtop of it. A small, decorative pergola might be all you need to add some unique architectural appeal to your space.

Or, you might even add a small seating area where you can enjoy a book or just take in the beauty of your landscape.

3. Use Lighting on and Around Your Pergola

Whether it’s stringing decorative lights around the beams or adding some LED landscape lighting on or around your pergola, these efforts can add a lot of appeal while also allowing you to enjoy the structure in the evening hours.

It’s also possible to add small, built-in lights within the pergola itself. Or, to make the space more elegant, consider a hanging a chandelier.

4. A Pergola with Privacy

While most people view pergolas as architectural eye candy and want to show off the entire structure, you can make your pergola feel a bit more like a room and add some privacy with draping curtains or even tall plantings around its perimeter.

This gives you some privacy when dining with friends or taking an outdoor nap. Curtains also allow you to add a bit of privacy on an as-needed basis.

5. Combine a Pergola & Pavilion

If you really want the functionality of a covered roof but don’t want to lose the romanticism and interest of a pergola, you might consider both.

Your landscape design could add a pergola attached to the end of a pavilion to get the best of both worlds. This gives you the architectural appeal of exposed beams along with the benefits of a more complete outdoor room, in which you are protected from the elements. A small pergola coming off of your pavilion roof can be the icing on the cake of a beautiful design.

Best Pavilion Design Ideas

A landscape that incorporates a pavilion design is really going to maximize your outdoor living space. Pavilions are an extension of the home, allowing you to take some of your favorite indoor activities to the outdoors. Since the roof structure protects you from the elements, you can comfortably read a book, dine, or even watch TV all while also enjoying the great outdoors.

Here’s ideas six through eleven, all relating to building a pavilion in your backyard:

6. Build a Pavilion with a Finished Ceiling

A pavilion with a finished ceiling creates all kinds of possibilities such as mounting a ceiling fan or adding recessed lighting.

Of course, some appreciate the unique look and architectural appeal of an open beam pavilion. It all comes down to personal preference and is why the ability to customize is so important.

7. Complement the Details of Your Home with Your Pavilion

A pavilion is often thought of as an extension of your home and therefore makes a more seamless addition when some of the architectural details align.

Does your home have stone? Certain accent colors? Round columns? All of this should be taken into consideration.

8. Add Outdoor Heating to Your Pavilion

An outdoor fireplace can truly complete the pavilion look not only with something aesthetically appealing to enjoy, but by adding heat.

If not adding a fireplace, it’s also possible to incorporate overhead heaters. This helps you extend the use of your space into the cool evening hours or the colder months.

9. Add Steps Up to Your Pavilion

To set your pavilion a bit apart from other outdoor areas, perhaps you want to elevate it a bit higher with steps leading to it.

Raised up, it might overlook a pool or an area of the yard where the kids play. This adds a sense of elegance and makes it more of a showpiece in your backyard. It may also make it more functional by allowing you to see more of your property.

10. Install Outdoor Retractable Blinds

Even with the most thought-out placement, the rising or setting sun can be blinding for a couple hours a day. Likewise, sometimes a light wind or blowing drizzle can try to invade your pavilion.

Installing retractable blinds or sunscreens can help to remedy these issues and allow you to continue to use your pavilion in challenging conditions.

11. Incorporate an Outdoor Kitchen in Your Pavilion

Outdoor kitchens are one of the hottest trends right now and make a great addition to your backyard pavilion. You can have the kitchen and the eating area all under one roof, allowing you to fully enjoy your outdoor living space.

Today’s outdoor kitchens are often more than just a grill. They may include granite countertops, built-in refrigerators, and maybe even running water. It’s truly the complete experience.

Pavilion Companies, Pergola Builders or a Landscaping Contractor: Which is Best?

There are a lot of companies that claim to build pergolas and pavilions, but you must consider what you are really getting. Anyone can purchase a pavilion or pergola kit and plop it in the backyard. But will it withstand the test of time?

While there are pavilion and pergola companies in Lancaster, Pa who specialize in this work alone, their expertise ends with the structure itself. That’s not to say they don’t create beautiful projects. But they also don’t have a Registered Landscape Architect on staff that takes the entire outdoor living area into account.

After all, a pergola or pavilion is just one part of an overall landscape design, and you want everything to blend and work together. Conversely, many landscape contractors do not build structures and may outsource that kind of work (potentially to a pavilion or pergola builder) or use pre-fabricated kits which often utilize cheap materials and eliminate the customization.

A company with a Registered Landscape Architect will create a pergola or pavilion design that is based on all possible factors from prevailing winds to sun exposure. All of these details become very important when it comes time to use the space. The last thing you would want is to have a pergola that is put in for shade only to find it doesn’t provide any, or a pavilion without enough shade late in the day. A Registered Landscape Architect will analyze the site conditions and ensure the structure fits in as it should.

Whether it’s a pergola or a pavilion design, a Registered Landscape Architect will also ensure that it blends with its surroundings. A key part of the job is to make the structure look as though it was meant to be there—not that it was plopped there as an afterthought.

Let’s Get Started!

We would love to help you with your Lancaster, PA pergola or pavilion project.

Many of our projects include building structures such as pergolas and pavilions and we can design and build your project from start to finish.

This will ensure that it fulfills all of your specific wants and needs.

We pride ourselves on providing unique solutions that will help make your outdoor living dreams come true.

Want to see more pergolas and pavilions? Check out our idea gallery . Ready to chat? Contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

How Much Does Residential Landscape Design Cost in Lancaster, PA?

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 08:33:33 GMT

If you’re looking in your backyard and dreaming about its potential, it may be hard to imagine how it can go from blank canvas to completed look. But that’s the science and the art of good design. A talented landscape designer or Registered Landscape Architect will create the plan that is essentially the blueprint of a total transformation.

If you’re serious about having a project done, you’ve probably already done your research and narrowed down the best landscape contractors in Lancaster, PA or nearby areas. You have some basic project specifics in mind, and now you’re probably asking the big question: How much does a landscape design cost?

Like any service, the costs are going to vary. In order to truly understand the value of what you’re receiving through any given company’s design offering, you must first understand what goes into that company’s process. It may be like comparing apples to oranges and what might be included in one company’s “design fee” could be totally different from another.

Watch this Case Study Video About a Backyard Transformation!

Why Pay for Landscape Design?

In most cases, there is no cost for a landscape design consultation, as this is typically a brief initial meeting to discuss general ideas and a ballpark price range for the desired project elements. You’ll likely then utilize this information to begin weighing your options and narrowing down your choices.

But when you decide you want to move forward with the project and a landscaping company , that’s when you’ll move into the design phase, and should expect to likely pay something for high-quality design work.

A landscape design cost can differ tremendously even within the same marketplace. Landscape design in Lancaster, PA, can range anywhere from being free to costing several thousands of dollars. A good design can take many hours, days, or even weeks of professional work. By paying for this service, you’re receiving professional work, meticulous planning, and expert insight, all of which will ensure that your project is a unique success.

Paying for a good design is worth the expense. It could save you thousands of dollars and headaches down the road when it comes time to actually construct the project.

When Things Go Wrong

Of course, not everyone charges for design work. While “Free,” might sound good at the onset, you must consider the value of what you’re receiving with a free landscape design. Be wary of companies that say they do design work for free.

You must ask yourself: What am I really getting? More often than not, the truth is that the company is not working from any design at all, and that can be troublesome. Agreeing to major construction without having seen any sort of professional design is a gamble on your part. What will you really get in the end?

You wouldn’t build a house without a detailed set of blueprints. Likewise, don’t recreate your backyard and spend tens of thousands of a dollars without a professional to properly set you up for success with a detailed plan. Elevations are also key for a correct drainage plan to keep water away from the house. If a landscaping contractor doesn’t do this as part of their process, it’s a sure sign they don’t know what they are doing and are asking for major problems.

In other cases, a landscape company may outsource their design work. While this is better than working from no design at all, it can still raise problems if the concept doesn’t end up to become a practical possibility. There is tremendous value in a company that can offer both a design and it’s construction in-house. It means a seamless transition from the design phase to the building phase instead of your project having to change hands.

How much Does a Landscape Designer Charge?

As mentioned, the cost of design fees can really run the gamut. But for a professional company with an in-house professional Registered Landscape Architect, you know that your money is going toward the time and expertise of a highly experienced professional.

In terms of what you can expect to pay, nationally, the numbers can climb pretty high. In looking at national averages, we found:

The national average cost for a landscape design ranges from $2,600 to $4,600
Some Registered Landscape Architects charge upwards of $11,000 for larger residential projects.

The cost charged by landscape designers in Lancaster, PA can vary as well. A simple design of a few planting beds could only cost a couple hundred dollars, whereas an elaborate, five-star residential backyard design can reach design fees up to $3,000. The cost is largely dependent upon the size of the project and the amount of work that must go into the design. Laying out a few planting beds requires much less time than designing a project with multiple facets such as hardscaping, pavilions, fire features, an outdoor kitchen and more.

When you’re ready to pay for an expert design, it means that you’re serious about your project. That also provides value as it gives your project priority over other homeowners that might not yet be ready to proceed. Your Registered Landscape Architect will dedicate their time to your design over prospective clients that may never move forward. Instead of your landscaping company being spread too thin over dozens of prospective projects, they can give you the serious attention you deserve.

What You Get with a Landscape Design

Paying for a landscape design with Earth Turf & Wood gives you great value both in the originality and the thoroughness that goes into the designs we create. In all of our years of doing this, no two designs have ever been exactly alike.

In this cookie-cutter world where so many houses look like exact replicas of the others around them, the ability to have a backyard project that is truly one-of-a-kind will give you a great return on investment.

In considering landscape design cost, you must weigh the level of professionalism and experience you can expect to receive. At Earth Turf & Wood, we have an in-house Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) with nearly four decades of experience. Beginning the design process with us means a detailed meeting with our RLA that will result in an original, professional design. We also can offer an optional 3D rendering that will allow you to see what your project will look like when it’s complete.

It’s important to realize that when you have design work completed through Earth, Turf, & Wood, you’re not getting an afternoon sketch or something that was thrown together hastily. Like any investment, you get what you pay for.

design phase, our RLA will analyze your site to collect measurements, grade variations, and other pertinent factors that will drastically impact your project. This data will allow them to spend the many hours designing a detailed plan that will not only look amazing but will be practically functional.

Because of how much value we see in an expert design, we will not quote a competitor’s design. That’s both out of respect for the other company (after all, we know how much time goes into good design!) and because we want the opportunity to create our best possible design for your property.

We’ve been creating unique designs for decades. The process is truly dynamic and we sometimes meet with homeowners that have had a design created prior, that has missed important elements to meet their needs.

Our landscape design process is very comprehensive and covers all the factors that leads to a successful outdoor space. That can only be accomplished by starting from scratch with a plan that utilizes our unique expertise and meticulously incorporates your desires with practical, yet beautiful solutions.

Let’s Get Started!

If you’ve researched landscaping contractors in Lancaster, Reading, Hershey, York and the surrounding areas and are finally ready to meet, your first step will be a free consultation to discuss general costs and ideas.

From there, if you’d like to move forward with the design phase, we have a detailed landscape design process to uncover all the information we will need. Whether it’s a simple re-design of your plantings or an entire transformation of your outdoor space, we want to help you make your landscape design dreams come true. With the ability to tackle your project from start to finish, we cater to your needs every step of the way and create a stunning design in the process.

Needing inspiration? Check out our comprehensive idea gallery . When you’re ready, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

3 Reasons Why Other Landscape Companies Cost Less....And why it will ultimately cost YOU more.

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 09:42:49 GMT

#1. Substandard construction practices = Failed projects

Many landscape firms cut corners to lower their price. They get the job. Then 3 years later, your project starts to fall apart. We have dozens of photos and stories of projects that we have had to repair or redo properly because a landscape firm did substandard work or didn’t know proper construction techniques.

The oldest saying in the book is “You get what you pay for.” When it comes to outdoor projects, that statement could not be more true. There are NO shortcuts to a quality project that will last for years. It’s SO tempting to save a couple of bucks when picking your landscape/hardscape contractor. But there’s ALWAYS a reason the other guy’s price is lower. As they say, you either pay now, or later. We have NEVER had a project fail for any reason. And we’ve been doing this for over 15 years.

#2. Lack of preplanning = Awkward and unusable outdoor spaces

True story... A local landscape company built a patio for someone and when it was finished, the table and chairs that were purchased for the patio DID NOT FIT. The company never measured the table. Unfortunately, we hear stories like this all too often. We are known for our up-front planning processes. You will know the budget and that the design works for YOU. We make sure you are getting exactly what you need and desire for your outdoor space. We listen to you, review designs and make adjustments BEFORE any dirt is moved. There will be no surprises when the last patio paver is laid.

#3. Not having high hiring standards or ongoing training = Not being able to trust the people working in your back yard

Since the business was started, we have held to the highest standards for our crews. As the owner, I have one ultimate filter... Would I trust my crew to be working in my home around my children? That filter has resulted in years of comments from our clients as to the quality of our workforce and our work. We drug test, train, and train some more. No loud music. No swearing. Great communication and quality work that lasts. Does that cost a little more? Sure. But what is that worth in today’s poor customer service/shoddy work environment?

At the end of the day, you are putting your hard-earned money on the line, trusting that you will get a back yard living environment that you can enjoy for years. Don’t waste your money. Whether it’s a basic patio project with a limited budget or an over-the-top outdoor masterpiece, we take our commitment to your project and your trust VERY seriously. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your next outdoor living project !

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

A Journey of Growth

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:51:52 GMT

Reflecting back on the last 15 years of growth, we’ve really transformed as a landscaping company . When I first came on board five years into the company’s existence, we were a total grounds care company, mowing grass and doing smaller hardscape projects.

As the sizes of our projects continued to expand, we began to acquire people with backgrounds in construction, masonry, and natural stone installation to meet this need. As we continued to grow, we decided to concentrate on what we were passionate about, and outdoor living environments became our focus. This led us to eliminate grounds maintenance from our services. About ten years into the company, we took the big step of bringing a registered landscape architect (Mary Dresser) on board. We look back and wonder how we survived without one for so long, as it makes meeting the needs of our clients so much easier.

We’ve transitioned to three crews, making sure we are keeping our focus on excellent customer service and the exceptional quality of our work. With this infrastructure, we are able to continue to create larger and more complex jobs. These jobs include outdoor kitchens , fireplaces , fire pits, pergolas , pavilions, multiple level patios , pools , and much more.

We consider ourselves to be the area leaders in creating outdoor living environments. We tell our customers we are taking the inside of the house and moving it outside for their enjoyment. Because of the increased complexity of these outdoor environments, we choose to handle all of the project management ourselves and have control when sub-contractors, if needed, appear on-site. This minimizes stress for the client, knowing that the project will run smoothly and they will not have to worry about coordinating things.

With all that is involved with coordination of projects and crews, I have moved into the office to alleviate the workload of Jarod and Mary so they can focus on their responsibilities. We still remain a company with three crews, which strives to make the experience exceed the expectations of the client. I look forward to helping make your experience with Earth, Turf, & Wood a fulfilling and rewarding one.

Written by Art Nafziger, Operations Manager

Outdoor Living: Considering Texture in Your Landscape

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:54:04 GMT

Planting plans provide the “icing on the cake” to all of our Earth, Turf, & Wood outdoor living spaces. Plants must serve multiple purposes: screening, erosion control, providing shade, directing views, space definition, balance, seasonal color, organic texture, filling in difficult spaces, providing an architectural feature, providing a barrier or safety feature, absorbing rainwater runoff, sun/shade orientation, accommodating pets, etc., etc. As landscape architect and professional designer , my task is to meld all of my clients’ desires and their site’s specific criteria along with plants’ criteria to create a beautiful picture.

Although bloom color is often the focus for plant choice, another important detail to consider is plant texture. One of my favorite textural plant combinations for semi shaded understory areas of a project are two low growing perennials that prefer a part shade environment. The photo above provides an example of successful juxtapositioning of two plants. A Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Mrs. Moon” (botanical name) otherwise known by its common name: Mrs. Moon Lungwort; combined with a groundcover: Galium odoratum otherwise known as Sweet Woodruff. These two plants offer contrasting textures, colors, and shapes that maximize beauty and interest in the landscape. And there’s more … the added bonus with these two plants is that the Lungwort blooms in early spring (April – May) with intensely blue, pink, and purple bell shaped flower sprays; whereas, the Sweet Woodruff produces tiny, fragrant, singular, regular, white flowers in early summer(mine is still blooming now in July). With texture plus bloom, these two plants offer multiple forms of contrast over nine months of the year!

Similar juxtapositioning is available for your yard – just call me if you would like me to enhance “the icing on your cake” in your back yard environment.

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Outdoor Lighting: Try it Before You Buy It!

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 09:57:03 GMT

The one area of design and installation that can literally transform a very nice outdoor environment into a spectacular, never-want-to leave-it, kind of backyard space... is outdoor lighting.

Not only will outdoor lighting add a tremendous amount of visual appeal, but it will also open up a whole new world of enjoyment as you will be able to utilize your outdoor space into the night.

With our new low-voltage lighting demo kit, we now have the ability to bring a lighting demonstration right to your patio, sidewalk, landscape or outdoor area and test different effects and lighting positions.

The demo kit contains 15 fixtures with pathlights and uplights. You’ll be able to see first-hand the dramatic difference lighting can make to your outdoor environment. We can show you various placements and design ideas to highlight different features, provide drama, provide lighting for safety or just neat ways to use lights that you’ve probably never even thought of.

We can then put a plan and budget together so you know not only what you’ll be getting, but how it will look. Give us a call to schedule your lighting demo today !

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

Ten Ways to Save Yourself Time, Money and Aggravation!

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 10:00:34 GMT

Last year we celebrated our 15th year in business. Over that time we’ve grown to become the premier hardscape design/build firm in the region. Reflecting on our experience, we thought it might be helpful to share some industry secrets that, if implemented, can save you a lot of aggravation and money!

We hope you find value and useful wisdom in this top 10 list.

#10 – Use Correct Foundation Backfill

When building a new addition or house, backfill the foundation with clean stone, NOT dirt. It’s very inexpensive to do this, and is cheap insurance for avoiding problems down the road. Stone backfill eliminates any future settling or possible water issues. Plus, if you ever want to install any hardscape project up against the foundation, you won’t have to dig the dirt back out to stabilize it correctly. Too often we’ve seen water issues in basements because the dirt has settled up against the foundation and water pitches towards the house.

#9 – Don’t Pave Your Driveway

Don’t seal coat or pave your driveway before doing any hardscape or major construction on your property. Most clients don’t realize the amount of material that has to come on site.

Driveways are often the only means of access and can easily be damaged. Pave and seal coat at the very end of the project.

#8 – Begin Making Plans Now

For you to thoroughly enjoy your outdoor living area in the summer, you should be contacting a reputable company in the fall or winter. Remember, the companies that are booked 2-4 months out are precisely the companies you want to work with. They are busy for a reason. If you want the project done right and you wait to the last minute to begin planning, you are not going to have your project completed when you want it.

#7 – Prune your Landscaping

Stay on top of annual pruning. Plant material is a living, growing thing. It isn’t meant to be a “plant it and forget it” thing. Doing routine annual pruning can make a huge difference in the look of your landscape long term. This can be as simple as 1-2 days, twice a year of pruning by one of our experienced crews. This will save you significant money. Otherwise, 10 years from now you will have landscape that has to be torn out and redone because it’s overgrown and to the point of no return.

#6 – Install a Pool... When?

People often ask us when we think the best time of the year is to install at swimming pool. They are often surprised by our answer: Summer through September. Why? When you install a pool then, the drier weather makes hardscape and landscape installation easier. (No freezing or weeks of rain.) Late summer and into the fall is a great time to plant and establish lawns before the cold weather hits. When spring comes in April, your plants are established and the pool is ready for use immediately.

#5 – Use good topsoil

Using good amended topsoil for plantings and future lawn installation is key for not struggling for years to come. To often we’ve experienced the site soil that is scraped off the top before building is simply not of good enough quality to create a good looking yard or landscaping. Make plans to bring in good topsoil. It’ll be well worth it in the end.

#4 – Be Patient

Good projects take time. They NEVER happen as fast as you would like. To alleviate stress, good communication is key. We pride ourselves on that here. There can be a lot of anxiety in the early stages of a project, especially with the mess we will make. Things can look pretty bad until the project is in its later stages. That is to be expected but we will be with you through every stage, letting you know what to expect. Don’t plan parties or events until the project is completed. We are in a weather related industry that can result in delays out of our control.

# 3 - Commit to One Contractor

One thing we have seen a few times over the years is potential clients doing a design with us, then jumping to several other contractors to have designs done, getting frustrated, confused, and ultimately not doing their project. Here's our key piece of advice: Interview several Landscape/Hardscape companies. Pick one that you feel comfortable with, commit to them, and stay with them throughout the process.

Things to look for include:

An on-staff designer/ Landscape Architect with significant experience in this field
In-house construction experience to build what they design
Project sample photos of projects like you want to build
Testimonials

When you’ve made a decision, stick with them through the process. Building an outdoor living environment is a complex process and it takes time. If you jump around to various contractors trying to “save money,” you will just get frustrated and it will probably end up costing you more. By committing to the process with one contractor, you will love the end results and they are going to love working with you.

#2 – Don’t Shop Price

There are a lot of things in life you can price shop and save some money. Hardscape and outdoor living projects are not one of them. Simply put, you truly do get what you pay for in the landscaping industry. We have a huge photo file in the office of cheaper, incompetent contractor’s projects that failed. We involve ourselves in very few of those “can you fix my project” jobs because we just don’t want to go there. If you are going to do it once, and only once, never let price be the deciding factor. Pick a landscaping contractor you are comfortable with (See point #3). You don’t want to end up in our “heartbreak” photo file!

And the #1 piece of landscape wisdom:

#1 – DO A MASTER PLAN

Develop a master plan on everything before starting any work. This includes building a house, pool, structures, patio work, outdoor kitchens, etc. Take time to really think through EVERYTHING YOU WANT ON YOUR PROPERTY and have a professional design it. You will be amazed at the amount of money this will save you! A few examples: You can pre-run utilities to different places, plan landscaping to fit future projects, and avoid having to dig up and move structures or patios. Take elevations, exact measurements, check township criteria before designing, and think of how you are not only going to use it now, but in the future.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Notes from Jarod: "The 5/10 Rule"

Fri, 15 Jul 2016 10:07:11 GMT

One of the things I've instilled in my staff here at ETW that means a lot to all of us is what I call "The 5/10 Rule." It's a simple yet powerful rule.

Here's how it works. If a client calls, email, texts, etc. one of our staff after 10:00 am, our staff must respond back by 5:00 pm that business day. If the correspondence comes in after 5:00 pm, it must be returned by 10:00 a.m. the next business day.

We have this rule taped to all our computer monitors in our offices as a reminder. Even if we don't know the answer we need to COMMUNICATE with our clients. For those clients that have used us over the years you know that we hold to this. Poor communication is something that is in short supply in today's society, is a sign of so many problems, and leads to so many issues.

So many times I hear clients or vendors say, "We never heard back from the other landscaper we called, or the car dealership we contacted, or the supply yard we contacted...etc." We WON'T to be one of those companies. We work hard every day to make ETW a better place, we're the best at what we do, but we aren't perfect. As we continue down this road of improving, I will assure you that if you reach out to us on anything, you'll get a prompt response. It makes a huge difference! We’re not just landscapers... We are Landscape Professionals .

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Form Follows Function: How to Avoid Disappointment in your Outdoor Patio Design

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 10:10:04 GMT

This past spring, I spent several Saturdays chatting with patrons of Bowman Stove and Patio in Ephrata. Quite honestly, my purpose for spending time meeting with outdoor furniture shoppers was primarily to generate new design business for ETW.

Much to my surprise I spent most of my time listening to descriptions of patios, newly constructed by other hardscape companies, that were not designed to adequately function as outdoor rooms. I witnessed several looks of buyers’ remorse on people’s faces when the outdoor table and chair set they loved and purchased at Bowman was too large to fit on their new patio. These patios had been designed and built without regard to how they would be used. I listened in amazement to stories of undersized or miss-shaped patios not constructed to accommodate things as basic as circulation around seated tables or that failed to take advantage of distant views. The patios were not designed with flexibility to transition from a family dinner for four to accommodating larger gatherings.

So, the moral of this story is to plan and prepare for your outdoor spaces in the same way interior rooms are planned. Spend time looking at furniture styles first so that sizes, shapes, dimensions, number of pieces, etc. can be used, in template form on paper, to ensure that your new patio suits your lifestyle and anticipated use thereof. Get out onto the grass area that is to become your patio and use existing furniture or simulations of proposed furniture (cardboard boxes), garden hoses, and/or spray paint to assist in determining patio size and/or shape. Such “homework” and planning ahead will prevent later regret.

If you need help planning your patio or outdoor living area, we’re always here to help .

Written by Mary Dresser, RLA ALSA

What is Overdig Stabilization, and Why Should You Care?

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 10:12:48 GMT

What Over Excavation Can Mean for Your Patio, Hardscape, and Foundation

At Earth, Turf & Wood, we’ve been designing, building, and rebuilding hardscapes since 1999. Over the years, we’ve seen hundreds of patios and walkways that needed repair, not because the surface work was bad, but because the ground beneath them wasn’t properly stabilized. One of the most common issues we encounter is overexcavation, also known as overdig.

Over excavation occurs beneath the finished surface, making it difficult to detect until problems arise. Over time, it can lead to a patio that settles unevenly, gaps opening near the house, or water draining the wrong way. Knowing the signs of overexcavation helps you protect and enjoy your outdoor space without worry.

What Is Over Excavation?

Over excavation happens when soil next to a home’s foundation is disturbed and isn’t properly stabilized before a patio, walkway, or other hardscape is built.

When a paved outdoor space is added, the ground near the foundation is excavated to set grades, edges, and base material, then backfilled afterward. That backfill often includes mixed material or loose soil that isn’t compacted to the same density as the surrounding ground.

In practical terms, “over” excavation usually means digging deep or close enough to the foundation that the soil’s natural stability is affected . Once excavation reaches several feet down or extends several feet out from the foundation, that area needs extra attention. If those conditions aren’t managed properly, it can cause the hardscape above it to shift or sink.

Over Excavation vs. Overdig: Different Terms, Same Issue

Over excavation and overdig mean the same thing.

Over excavation is the more formal term you’ll see in plans or technical discussions. Overdig is the shorthand many contractors use for work near a foundation. Both refer to soil disturbed during construction and never fully stabilized before hardscape work began.

How Overexcavation Problems Typically Happen

Over excavation is often one of the underlying reasons homeowners later encounter paver patio problems , including settling and joint separation. Common contributors include:

Loose or mixed backfill placed around the foundation, often a blend of soil, clay, small stones, or excavated material that isn’t well compacted
Clay-heavy soils , which expand and contract with moisture, are more prone to movement
Hardscape elements built close to the foundation , where disturbed soil hasn’t fully settled
Rushed hardscaping projects , where grading and backfilling are done quickly to keep projects moving

When a patio or walkway is built over these conditions, it may look fine at first. Over time, moisture and seasonal weather cause the ground beneath it to settle, leading to uneven surfaces or drainage issues.

When Do You Typically Start to See Signs of Overexcavation?

For many homeowners, the first signs typically show up three to five years after construction , though timing can vary based on soil conditions, drainage, and how close the hardscape is to the foundation. Water from heavy rains and freeze-thaw cycles often make these issues more noticeable over time.

Common Signs Homeowners Usually Notice

A patio or walkway that no longer feels level , even though it was installed flat
Gaps opening between the hardscape and the house , foundation, or steps
Water draining toward the house or pooling near the foundation during rain
Edges of pavers or concrete sinking while other areas still look intact

Subtle Clues That Point to Movement Below the Surface

Having to re-level furniture repeatedly in the same area of a patio
Steps or landings that feel slightly off , even if they still look straight
Mulch or soil washing out along the foundation after heavy rain
Repairs that don’t seem to hold for more than a season or two

When several of these signs start showing up together, it often points to an issue below the surface, which is why identifying the cause and working with experienced professionals is important to protecting your home and outdoor space.

How Earth, Turf & Wood Addresses Overdig Stabilization

Seeing settling or drainage issues near your patio doesn’t automatically mean a major teardown. In many cases, overdig stabilization is best addressed early as part of a thoughtful landscape design process that looks at grading, drainage, and how the space will function long term.

Our approach follows a clear, methodical process:

Start with an on-site evaluation. We review the hardscape, the area closest to the foundation, and how water moves through the space to understand what’s actually causing the issue.
Identify the affected area. Over excavation typically impacts specific zones near the foundation, not the entire yard.
Address unstable soil where it matters. Loose or mixed material that can settle over time is removed rather than built over again.
Stabilize the base. We use clean aggregate and base materials that compact evenly and support drainage. When needed, we also install separation fabrics, such as geotextile fabric, to help keep the surrounding soil from mixing back into the base.
Confirm grading and drainage. Final slopes are set so water moves away from the home, not toward it.

Experience matters with issues like overdig stabilization, and it’s something not every contractor consistently identifies or addresses before building.

As Bill Albertson, territory manager for EP Henry has noted, only a small percentage of contractors routinely recognize overdig conditions or take the steps needed to address them properly before hardscape installation.

Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late

If you made it this far, you now understand what many homeowners never do: what overexcavation is, how it shows up, and why it matters. That awareness puts you in a better position to protect your patio, your foundation, and the long-term enjoyment of your outdoor space.

At Earth, Turf & Wood, we believe informed homeowners make better decisions. If you’re starting to notice early signs, having an experienced team take a look can help clarify what’s happening before minor issues grow into bigger repairs.

Written by Jarod Hynson, President

Backyard Pergola and Patio Area in Lancaster, PA

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 10:16:21 GMT

Project Cost Level $$$$

Project overview:

Patio, pergola, stepping stone walkway, landscape planting and landscape lighting.

What client wanted the space to accomplish:

Filtered shade area for spending time with family. Additional outdoor living space was also desired.

Innovative ideas/concepts Earth, Turf, & Wood brought to the table:

As the clients were from the south, pine straw mulch and southern plant material were incorporated into the design to give a sense of a southern environment.

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