Find Solutions for Your Yard’s Toughest Problems
There are a variety of landscape problems that New Jersey homeowners face, and almost every property has at least one problematic area that needs solving. Whether it’s something aesthetic, such as a rocky area or a slope, or something that’s health related, like a severe drought or drainage issues, these problems can become extremely frustrating and eye-sores if not addressed. Thankfully, we’re here to help offer tips and solutions for your toughest landscaping dilemmas.
Common New Jersey Landscape Challenges & Solutions
- Problem: An eroding slope
Solution: Don’t fight the hill; befriend it! Terrace the slope with stones or retaining walls to gradually flatten the incline, stop erosion and slow drainage. Retaining wall systems are typically used to bind soils between two different elevations, often when terrain has troublesome slopes. They restrain saturated soil that could otherwise slump and slide away from a foundation or damage the surrounding landscape. These innovative barriers also make inviting spots to sit, and can be used to increase functional yard space.
- Problem: A drought-plagued area
Solution: If rock gardens don’t appeal to you or match your home’s architecture, consider building a xeriscape. A xeriscape is a landscape that’s specifically designed to withstand dry conditions, through special plant selection and placement. Best of all, xeriscapes utilize low-cost, low-maintenance, drought-resistant perennials—allowing you to save time and money, while still getting the beautiful property you dreamed of.
- Problem: Wet areas
Solution: Install a French drain. These drains are similar to a dry creek bed, except the water flows underground and away from the wet area through a drainpipe that’s enclosed in a gravel-filled trench. How is it effective? Water flows through gravel much more quickly than through soil, so your area will quickly dry after rainy periods. If you don’t have an area for the water to go, such as with a sloped side yard or a sandy area, then consider a dry well. A dry well is a hole that is constructed to allow water to collect and permeate under the earth or rise up into an outflow pipe.
- Problem: A shady spot
Solution: Any homeowner who has tried to grow a lush lawn or a colorful garden in the shade knows just how difficult it can be. Fortunately, there are beautiful plants that will flourish in the shade. It just requires some knowledge and careful selection for your specific needs. So, to get greenery in the shadiest parts of your landscape, consult a professional landscape designer and plant a shade garden that uses a combination of shade-loving shrubs and a garden path. This will fill in a shady, barren area, while adding beauty and elegance to your landscape.
New Jersey Landscape Solutions for Your Home
No landscape, no matter how perfect it might appear, is void of a few challenges. At Parker Homescape, our team is here to get to the root of the problem, and then provide custom solutions that suit your needs and your budget. Whether you have a heavily shaded area, a hilly landscape, or a wet, muddy mess, we have the expertise and resources to help. To tackle your landscape dilemmas, contact Parker Homescape, New Jersey’s award-winning landscape design and construction firm.