Jersey Landscaping: Choosing Among New Jersey Landscape Designers

There are a lot of New Jersey landscape designers advertising on TV and on the Internet, so we understand it can be hard to choose. Do I choose the local guys? Do I choose by price? Do I choose the most established team?

When it comes time to narrow down your list of New Jersey landscape designers to just one company, ask your candidates some of these questions:

1.       Are you licensed and insured? Any company offering landscaping services in NJ worth its salt will be both. You want to choose a company that has gone through the proper channels to obtain a license and insurance, which protects you and them.

2.       Who will be working on my yard? Many landscapers in New Jersey hire sub-contractors to do their work. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it may even save you a few dollars — but it’s best to know who’s doing your landscaping work. Before hiring ANY landscaping services in NJ, ask your potential candidates who you will be dealing with, and how often you should expect to see those exact people.

3.       Do you handle installation and maintenance, too? There are a lot of New Jersey landscape designers who do just that — design.  But whether you’re looking for a new sprinkler system or a brand new backyard, you’ll want to hire a company that offers you more option. For residential landscaping needs, seek out a company that will walk you through the process.  If you need commercial landscaping, ask the designer to work up a schedule for inspecting your space.

4.       Is there anything you DON’T do? Some landscapers in New Jersey will only care for your lawn; others will build complete structures.  Some aren’t prepared to work around gas lines; others may be licensed to install cooking and heating features that utilize those lines.  Once you figure out which landscaping services your NJ home needs, you can eliminate companies that are less experienced (or inexperienced) in providing those crucial elements.

5.       Where do you get your materials? Not all landscapers in New Jersey will use locally-sourced flowers, plants and stone, and some won’t use anything but that.  The types of plants and trees you want can affect the price of your design, too, so it’s important to know all of your options beforehand.

 

Choosing the Right Landscaping Services from NJ Companies

Now that you’ve chosen the right company for your commercial or residential landscaping needs, it’s time to get to the “fun” stuff: the actual design itself! As it turns out, we designers have some pretty important questions for you, too. Every home and business owner is different, of course, and we know that you probably want something reflective of your unique needs and spaces.  But we also know that the type of space you have plays a part in designing the best space for you.  That’s why the best New Jersey landscape designers will probably ask:

·       What kind of space are you looking for? What is it you want to do? Someone who wants a rolling green lawn will have different requirements than someone who needs a retaining wall.

·       How do you wish to use your space? Maybe you’re envisioning an outdoor kitchen area for entertaining, or a butterfly garden to induce tranquility.

·       Are you interested in security features? It might seem odd that landscaping services in NJ include a measure of security, but it’s pretty commonplace.  If you have a lot of large trees or shrubbery, or if you have walkways or an uneven yard, lighting fixtures like solar patio lights, hanging lamps or uplights can make your yard safer for guests, lower your risk for home intrusion and add an air of sophistication. (They also make it easier to find your keys when you’re coming home later at night.)

·       What’s your budget? We know that talking about money isn’t easy, but it’s important. Once our New Jersey landscape designers know what the budget is, we can easily work within it to create an outdoor space in the style you want.

Landscaping services in NJ are as varied and as unique as you are.  If you’re looking for some ideas, check out the photo gallery at Jersey Landscaping for some ideas.  We’re always ready to answer any questions you might have to choose the best design for you.

Jersey Landscaping: The Benefits of Custom Landscaping

The best kinds of custom landscaping designs aren’t necessarily the ones with the most flair or the wildest structures: they’re the ones that highlight the beauty that already exists. That’s not to say that brand new custom landscaping isn’t a lot of fun, because it absolutely is — for homeowners and designers alike. But the key to a great NJ landscape design is working with your outdoor space to create something fresh that will give you a yard you’ll love.

How NJ Landscape Design Enhances Natural Beauty

There’s more than just grass and trees to your outdoor spaces and landscaping companies know it. Instead of the more traditional flowerbed, why not try:

·         Natural “fencing.” It can be hard to stand out if you live in a development with specific model homes. To set off your outdoor space, designers may recommend planting bamboo or hedges around the property.  It’ll give you the privacy you want while creating a more natural-looking environment.

·         Stone walls to add depth. Let’s say you have a hill — a steep one — in your yard.  A natural bluestone wall or rock wall design can purposely set off the hill, creating a multi-tiered look to your yard.

·         Creating your own seaside resort. Planting in sandy or marshy soil can be tricky. But a NJ contractor experienced in this kind of outdoor spaces landscaping knows which plants will thrive, and which will barely survive. And by using plants and bushes local to the area, you not only create a sustainable space, but you’ll have a custom landscaping design that looks and feels more natural.

·         Water features with exotic fish. When you want a twist on the traditional look, it’s time to get fishy. Koi ponds are not only beautiful, but they add a touch of the exotic to your NJ landscape design.  Depending on your space and your budget, you can add a small pond to a corner of the yard, or create a more designed water feature which runs the length of your yard. They’re especially beautiful in yards with lots of trees, though a good outdoor space designer ensure that your pond is beautiful no matter the type of yard you have.

What About When You Love the Outdoor Spaces Landscaping You Already Have?

Not interested in changing your space? Love the yard you have? Consider giving it a facelift. You can use custom landscaping services even if you won’t want to change your yard at all. Talk to your NJ landscape designer about:

·         Adding a stone path from one living space to another

·         Installing uplights along an existing walkway for a more intimate look

·         Adding solar lights to existing decks to extend their nighttime use

·         Planting new flowers in existing beds designed to attract birds or butterflies

·         Creating a pool patio that matches your back patio

·         Lining front porches with berry bushes or cucumber plants (which will “crawl” in a less invasive way than ivy)

Whether you want a brand new yard or you want to enhance what you already have, there’s a design that’s right for you.  Give JerseyLandscaping, LLC a call to see what works for you. You’ll always speak with an outdoor space design contractor who works with you to create the space you want. Because when it comes to custom landscaping, we’ve always got you covered.

Jersey Landscaping: NJ Lawn Service Vs. Landscaping: Learning the Differences

For many home and business owners in NJ, lawn service is necessary fact of life. Whether you hire a neighborhood kid or a professional NJ lawn service company, someone’s gotta mow that lawn and water those flowers.

At Jersey landscaping, LLC, we offer more than just basic lawn care. For our clients in and around New Jersey, our landscape services help enhance the natural and constructed beauty of their yards. 

New Jersey Landscape Services Go Above and Beyond

Still not sure about the difference between New Jersey landscape services and lawn care services?  Don’t worry: we’ve created a list for you:

Basic NJ Lawn Service:

·         Adding seed

·         Adding fertilizer or mulch to flowers

·         Watering flowers

·         Eliminating pests and weeds

Enhanced New Jersey Landscape Services:

·         Irrigation design installation

·         Garden and water feature design and installation

·         Lighting design and installation

·         Paver design and installation

·         Patio design and installation

·         Outdoor kitchen and dining area design and installation

·         Landscape maintenance

As you can see, there’s a pretty big difference between lawn care and landscaping. And while landscape maintenance for New Jersey clients is certainly part of the package, you get a lot more bang for your buck when you choose landscaping over basic lawn care.

Monmouth County Landscaping:
Behind the Scenes at a Professional Landscape Design Company

The biggest difference between hiring a Monmouth County landscaping company and lawn care service provider is the people. Unlike lawn care companies, professional landscapers have a bevy of contractors and architects at their disposal.  New design and landscape maintenance in New Jersey requires:

·         Designers. The whole point of hiring a landscaper is that you get to work with someone who can create something unique and special for you.  While a law service company can maintain a yard, it’s the designer who unleashes its potential.

·         Installers. New Jersey landscape services include the licensed contractors who, essentially, put the yard together.  Whether you need an automatic sprinkler system or an extended gas line for an outdoor kitchen, the installer literally lays the groundwork for your new yard.

·         Local suppliers. A good Monmouth County landscaping company works with stone and plant suppliers who are local to the area.  By using flora that is found in the local environment, we create a more natural-looking and feeling design.  By using locally-sourced stone, we can ensure that your new patio and pavers will hold up to elements.  And best of all?  It keeps your budget down, too.

New Jersey landscape maintenance isn’t always challenging, but it has a lot of “moving parts,” so to speak. As the design architects, we know how each part of your landscaping is supposed to function within the whole of the design. We look at outdoor spaces and see the potential for beauty.  But we also work closely with the people we serve. Unlike NJ lawn service companies who offer you set packages, landscaping companies take your vision and make it a reality. It’s about enhancing the landscape you already have, or creating a new design from scratch that’s unique to your space, personality and needs. When you’re ready for more than just a green lawn in front of your home or business in New Jersey, the landscape services of Jersey Landscaping, LLC are only a phone call away!

Jersey Landscaping: Extend your Nights with an Outdoor Fireplace

The Right Outdoor Fireplace Design Makes All the Difference

Summertime is all about being outside for as long as possible — and the right outdoor fireplace design can add a few more precious hours to the mix. A fire feature like a custom outdoor fireplace not only adds value to your home: it lets you extend your day for as a long as you’d like. And at Jersey landscaping, LLC, we make sure you’ll get to do it in style.

Extend Your Summer Hours in Style with a Custom Outdoor Fireplace

Aesthetics are important to any outdoor living space, of course.  But the functionality of a custom outdoor fireplace is just as important. The best outdoor fireplace designs create cozy nook for you and your loved ones to enjoy during any time of the year.

There are innumerable benefits to adding fire features in your yard. We’ve got a few of them right here;

·         Let there be light. The most obvious benefit to any fireplace is the added light it creates. If you live in an area where the street lights are spaced far apart, or where there is a lot of tree coverage, a fireplace can brighten up the yard. We landscapers in NJ know that the brighter yards means more livable yards, so we’re sure you’ll spend more time in yours if you have a spot that’s more brightly lit.

·         Baby, it’s cold outside. Even summer nights can be a bit nippy. Both portable and built-in outdoor fireplaces will keep you warm as the temperature drops.  Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of spending time outside long after the mosquitos have gone to bed.

·         The sky’s the limit. The backs of homes aren’t always as architecturally exciting as the fronts: it’s a fact. But the right outdoor fireplace design can break up the monotony of a long back wall with the help of a chimney. The elongated chimney adds a nice focal point to any outdoor space design.

·         Blowin’ in the wind. During our many years as landscapers in NJ, we’ve noticed that the one pitfall of fire features is that on windy nights, the smoke can be a bit much. But with a built-in outdoor fireplace, the smoke is directed upwards to the chimney. That means that you can extend your time outside on windy evenings, too, because you can sit closer to the fire without getting smoke in your eyes. (This is especially nice if you wear glasses or contacts.)

The cool thing about outdoor fireplace designs is that they can work for any space — and on any budget.

·         Portable Outdoor Fireplaces. Have a smaller yard? Aren’t sure if you want to commit? Consider a pre-fabricated fireplace. The portability means that you can move it around the yard to find the best spot. Good landscapers in NJ will tell you, though, that’s it’s probably best to keep it on a patio: patios are more even, and you wouldn’t want it to tip over.

·         Built-in Outdoor Fireplaces. Have a larger yard? Looking to create an outdoor living area? These permanent structures are a great place to start. You can build one yourself, of course, but it’s best to let a licensed contractor do it. We can create a wood-burning fireplace or one that hooks into your main gas line.

·         Custom Outdoor Fireplaces. Designed for every budget, a custom fireplace is the perfect choice for new homeowners or those with existing landscaping. By customizing your fire features, you’re guaranteed to get exactly what you want — and guaranteed to be the only person on the block who has it.

The right outdoor fireplace design adds depth to any yard and value to any home. But the best part is that it allows you to keep using your yard long after the sun has gone down. If you want to get the most use out of your yard throughout the year, give us a call. Our landscapers in NJ will help you choose the best fireplace for your needs.

Jersey Landscaping: Landscape Design in Monmouth County, NJ

Starting fresh with your landscape design for your Monmouth County home or business can prove to be a little intimidating at first. With any space you are trying to design, whether inside or outside of your home, envisioning how the end result will turn out can be a bit of a challenge. But at JerseyLandscaping, LLC, one of our central Jersey landscaping designers can help you design your backyard oasis in no time. There are many landscaping ideas you can use in your backyard. Why not consider some of these?

·    Stone Pavers: Not all backyard designs have to require a lot of maintenance. With stonepavers you can design a low maintenance, rustic ambiance for the ideal outdoor living area. One of the best parts of stone pavers, is they fit virtually any budget. If you are trying to watch your outdoor space project’s budget, traditional mason brick is budget friendly and offers a warm touch. And when it’s installed by licensed New Jersey landscape contractors, you have the added protection of knowing they’ll be done right.

·    Fountains and water designs: There is nothing like relaxing after a long day by an outdoor fountain. The gentle trickling of water on river rock will carry you off to a place of serenity and balance. Or to add a little extra nature to your backyard, consider a Koi pond, where you can watch the magnificent multi-colored fish swim for hours and lure you into their world for a little while.

·    Entertaining: The best part about living where we do is the access to all four seasons, If entertaining guests outdoors for a barbeque or a few cocktails is your summer ritual, consider installing a large deck with an outdoor kitchen. Add some energy efficient outdoor lighting for a relaxing vibe when entertaining in the evenings. If you’re a secret snow bunny, think about adding an outdoor pizza oven or fire pit. When it comes to landscape design in Monmouth County, NJ, you can create a yard that’s perfect in every season!

·    Hedges: Hedges, trees, shrubs or bamboo! Oh my! These are all magnificent ideas if you want to fill in large areas or create natural outlining sections to your outdoor living space.  If Central Jersey landscaping is the location in question, hedges and the aforementioned foliage is perfect because it will survive the colder climate.

·    Flowers: Why not add a little color to your yard? While you’re at it, you can plant peony, purple coneflower, petunias and many other that will attract butterflies into your new backyard. Flowers bring a wide array of colors and help increase your mood and overall well-being.  You can also add to the aroma of your backyard living space by planting roses, honeysuckle and many other fragrant flowers.

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Know the Area Best

Because of the unique layout of Monmouth County, you’re better off seeking the professional help of a central Jersey landscaping company, as opposed to one that serves the north or south.  The soil in this part of the state varies from town to town — and sometimes from development to development!  If you live closer to the shore line, a sandy mix in your soil may make certain designs more difficult (or more expensive). And some parts of Monmouth County have rocky soil, which can be tougher to work with if you’re trying to plant larger flora in your yard. 

Your best bet is to always seek the help of professional New Jersey landscape contractors.  We know which towns have the highest water tables, which developments may need more trees to anchor the soil, and which boroughs are best for planting delicate flowers as opposed to hearty bamboos. So if you’re looking for fresh new landscaping in Monmouth County, NJ, turn to the pros.  This way, you’re guaranteed to have an exciting new look that not only works for you, but also works for your home.

Jersey Landscaping: Vacation at Home: Upgrade your Outdoor Landscaping

The ultimate vacation is only as far as your backyard — so it’s time to take a look at your outdoor landscaping. Is it up to par for your “staycation,” or is it missing that something special? If you’re ready to make your backyard pop, we’ve got some terrific ideas for fresh, new outdoor space designs that offer both flair AND function.

The perfect staycation landscape design installation can involve:

·         Building an outdoor kitchen

·         Installing a natural stone patio around the pool

·         Creating a butterfly or bamboo garden

·         Adding a water feature like a pond or fountain

·         Placing footpaths around the yard for leisurely strolls

·         Building a rock wall or a man-made lagoon for the ultimate in luxury

By upgrading your outdoor landscaping to include features that you’ll actually use, you’re making sure your home-based vacation can continue year ‘round.

Your Outdoor Space Design Makes All the Difference

A good outdoor space design is one that can be used easily and fluidly. The very best designs let you utilize your entire yard without making you feel overwhelmed. Any landscape design installation should consider the following:

1.       The size and shape of your yard. You want to create an outdoor living space that fits — not just in terms of acreage, but also in terms of your natural landscape.  If you yard has hills, natural stone walls and pathways can add some structure.  If your yard is a bit small, you may want to scale down a larger idea to fit your space.  Instead of a full-blown outdoor kitchen, consider a brick fire pit with comfortable seating around it, to create a cozy conversational space.

2.       Where your gas and water lines are. Of course any landscape design installation involves marking the lines to avoid breaking them – but it will also influence where your new structures may go.  If your gas line runs next to your home, it could be expensive (and time consuming) to put your new grill on the opposite side of the yard.  If you want to incorporate a lot of trees into your new outdoor landscaping, you’ll need to make sure the roots won’t harm your water lines.

3.       What your favorite outdoor activities involve. If you hate to grill, then an outdoor kitchen might not be a good idea.  Instead, think about adding a pizza oven to your outdoor space design.  Now you can have dinner and a show right in the comfort of your backyard.  If you’re looking to decompress, a garden with comfortable seats can allow you to escape from the everyday without ever leaving your yard.

4.       Who will use the yard the most? Is your staycation a solitary affair, or do you plan on inviting friends and family to stay?  Does your family involve small children, or will there be teenagers lounging out back?  When you create an outdoor living space, it’s important to think about who will benefit from it. If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation, consider adding features the whole group can use.  If you’re looking to entertain large groups, make sure you have enough space for people to move comfortably. And if you’re looking for time to simply decompress, choose a design that soothes and inspires you.

This year, treat yourself to the ultimate home-based vacation in your very own yard. Your outdoor landscaping should offer you everything a resort would: a fun, friendly place where you can forget about your job and your errands, and relax in any way you want.

Jersey Landscaping: Increasing Home Values with Outdoor Kitchens

Now that the economy is starting to turn around, home owners are giving serious thought to the increasing home values — and what they can do, as sellers, to get in on the action. For homeowners looking to sell during the nicer months, adding custom outdoor kitchens could be the difference between homes that sell quickly, and homes that don’t sell at all. But superior outdoorkitchen construction is best done by the professionals, and finding a contractor who fits your needs should be the most important part of the process.

If increasing your home’s value with an outdoor kitchen is on your mind, then we have some tips and tricks that are bound to help you out.

The Merits of Custom Outdoor Kitchens: What Every Home Seller Should Know

Outdoor kitchen construction isn’t a weekend project – especially if you’re looking to increase the value of your home.  There are some simply outdoor kitchen design ideas that can be done in a few days, but you still want to speak with a licensed and insured contractor about installing one.  The benefits of an outdoor cooking space can’t be denied.

1.       It’s a great spring and summer selling point. New Jersey homeowners are lucky, because we get to enjoy all four seasons. But if you’re selling your home in the winter, an outdoor kitchen might not help you.  If you’re considering an upgrade, think about when you want to put your home on the market first, before starting the project.

2.       It can be cheaper than a new indoor kitchen. Depending on what you’re planning, you may be able to build a new outdoor kitchen for less money than it would costs to redo your entire indoor kitchen.  If you have the budget, consider outdoor kitchen design ideas that involve a pizza oven: it looks great, and watching the cheese bubble up can be pretty entertaining – especially for kids.

3.       It should match your landscaping. If your yard is decorated with bamboo and natural wood, then a brick outdoor kitchen will look out of place. If you’re really concerned about increasing your home value, build a kitchen that blends with your design — although we recommend concrete or stone for the countertops, regardless of what your yard looks like.

4.       It needs the basics. You’ll still need a refrigerator, a sink with running water and a cooking space. But the greatest thing about custom outdoor kitchens is that they’re designed with your needs in mind.  You can add a bar sink, extra grilling spaces – even a dishwasher. You can even direct the run-off water into your flowerbeds, providing that you don’t use detergents in the sink.

5.       It’s supposed to be fun. Remember how much fun barbeques were when you were kids? Our door eating spaces are supposed to be fun! It doesn’t matter if it’s just you and a loved one or a yard filled with people: the best outdoor kitchens are the ones that invite games, storytelling and a well-cooked meal — just like the indoor kitchen you remember from childhood. If your outdoor space has the same amount of warmth and personality as your home, no seller will be able to resist it.

In short, outdoor kitchen construction can do a lot for increasing your home’s worth on the market, provided you plan accordingly.  Hiring the services of a trusted local construction company is the first step in building the outdoor space you want. Consulting with a landscape designer can ensure that your new kitchen not only blends with your yard, but also with your neighborhood. You’ll be on your way to increasing your home’s value in no time!