Resources can certainly be understood as money, and they can also include energy and time. Nobody wants to spend endless weekends toiling away at a project, making very slow progress on back-breaking and frustrating work, coupled with frequent trips to the big box hardware stores to pick up supplies or tools—more and more supplies! You get the picture. Heck, you’ve probably even seen the picture! This article was created to help you avoid this scenario by providing solutions for popular landscape problems we experience here in Upstate, NY.

Some outdoor projects are indeed straightforward, but others do require an experienced landscaper with the skill, knowledge, machinery, and equipment to get the project done effectively. Below are examples of common landscape issues that we see every year. If any of these “pro project” types of solutions resonate with you, we’d be happy to come out and discuss the project with you.

Let’s take a closer look: 

1. Grading and Leveling a Sloped Yard - This is a challenging task that requires a significant amount of skill and effort. The process involves removing soil from high areas and filling in low areas, all while carefully considering the drainage needs of the property. It's important to ensure that the final grade is stable and won't cause erosion or other problems in the future. Oftentimes this work is best accomplished with tractors and precision survey instruments. Dirt is heavy and when you have to move it for a second you will swear that the same cubic yard of dirt weighs at least twice as much!

2. No Grass? Fix Your Lawn by Installing Sod - Laying sod may seem simple at first glance—hey, just roll it out, right? There are several factors to consider to ensure a healthy, long-lasting lawn. Soil preparation is critical, as the sod must be laid on a smooth, level surface with plenty of organic matter to support root growth. Watering and fertilization are also key to establishing healthy turf.

3. Creating retaining walls to prevent erosion - Retaining walls are an important component of many landscapes, as they can help prevent erosion, create terraced gardens, and add visual interest to a property. Proper construction is critical, as a poorly built wall can be unstable and even dangerous. A professional landscaper will consider factors such as soil type, drainage, and the height of the wall to design and build a structure that will be both functional and attractive. Add to that the necessity of permits and inspections. A good-looking wall takes incredible skill to make. A beautiful wall takes a real artist. As a focal point in your yard, it has to look terrific or else you might resent it.

4. Building raised beds in areas with poor soil - Raised beds can be a great way to grow vegetables, flowers, or other plants in areas with poor soil. However, they require careful construction to ensure good drainage and prevent rot. A skilled landscaper will consider factors such as the materials used, the height and width of the beds, and the location of the beds to create a structure that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. While raised beds do not take artistic skill to create, they can often hold thousands and thousands of pounds of rocks, dirt, and soil. Building a raised bed is not as much fun as planting carrots.

5 . Got Puddles? Drainage systems for wet yards - Drainage systems are critical for preventing water damage and other problems on a property. A professional landscaper will consider factors such as the slope of the land, the soil type, and local regulations to design and install a system that will effectively channel water away from the property. Water must flow downhill, even when areas of your yard may be flat. A survey is critical. Rochester is known for its weather, be it heavy rains or snow by the foot. This weather can wreak havoc on your lawn and landscaping, especially if there isn’t a drainage solution. It is often missed, but drainage is one of the best investments if you expect to avoid water issues. And proper drainage is an absolute must if you’re installing a pool or patio. 

6. Modernize with Concrete Hardscaping - Concrete is a popular choice for outdoor features such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. However, it requires careful planning and skilled construction to ensure a long-lasting, attractive finish. The hardscape team at Josh Landscape will consider factors such as the design of the space, the type of concrete used, and proper curing techniques to create a structure that will withstand the elements and look great for years to come. Plus… this is huge: these improvements around your pool, patios, and walkways, can have a clean modern look that is very much in style.

7. Build it to Last: Installing Paver Patios or Walkways - Pavers are a versatile alternative to concrete or asphalt for driveways, walkways, and patios. However, they require careful preparation and placement to ensure a stable, attractive finish. A Josh Landscape designer will consider factors such as the type of paver used, the base material, and the joint filling material to create a surface that is both functional and visually appealing. Preparation of the areas underneath the pavers is key to the project. It requires compaction equipment, different layers of base material, and a ‘restrained edge’ around the pavers to tie everything together. Josh Landscape is well known for being an amazing installer of paver patios.

8. Not Getting Outside? Extend Time Outdoors with a Covered Deck or Patio - Covered decks and patios can be great ways to create additional outdoor living space and protect against the elements. However, they require careful planning and construction to ensure safety and durability. A professional landscaper will consider factors such as the size and location of the deck, the materials used, and proper structural support to create a structure that will provide years of enjoyment. Landscape architects are critical here as they design the plans needed to allow the pulling of permits.

9. Never Shovel Snow with a Heated Walkway – Creating heated walkways can be a great solution for snowy or icy climates but require knowledge of heating systems and proper installation techniques. A professional landscaper will consider factors such as the size and layout of the walkway, the type of heating system used, and the power source to create a safe and effective solution for winter weather.

Just Imagine that it’s December and a snowstorm is on its way. With a flip of a switch inside your home, you can turn on your walkway’s heating system, melting the snow before it accumulates. The melted snow is diverted to the drainage system, avoiding both the accumulated snow and any resultant flooding. It’s the ultimate upgrade that almost nobody else in the area has even considered—and Josh has the experience.

10. Brighten Up Your Landscape with Outdoor Lighting – Installation of outdoor lighting can add a great deal of visual interest and functionality to a landscape. However, it requires knowledge of lighting design and electrical installation. A professional landscaper will consider factors such as these. The Josh design team always considers the safety aspect of outdoor lighting. It is one of the best ways to improve safety and visibility around your home, year-round, especially for the darker months of the year. And in the summer, the value of your outdoor lighting really “shines” as it illuminates your walkways, plants, and home exterior. 

Interested in learning more or have specific questions about your Project? Get in touch with us!

Josh Landscape Co wants to be your resource when you need or want it, but we also want to encourage you to be active and involved in your home’s outdoor environment. DIY is wonderful and can be very fulfilling. However, taking on the wrong projects for your skills can sour you on the great outdoors. We’ll provide a collaborative experience that focuses on your budget, style, and desired functionality.