We’ve worked with Barlo and Associates on several projects. Here, Paul Barlo discusses his experience hiring GreenWorks Environmental.

This project is a great example of GreenWorks’ commitment to providing exceptional design & value, working with the environment and materials conservation. The project design was broken into phases to accommodate the Client’s budget and provide economies which, when completed, exceeded our client’s expectations and launched them into being advocates of green.

The 20 year old pool was rehabilitated, grading corrected, natural bluestone coping custom cut and old decking recycled to provide patio base material or re-used. What started out as an eye-sore that the client wanted “filled-in”, became the focal point of the project. In fact, using feng shui principles, a sun-spot area was identified that was also incorporated into the layout to serve as the Client’s landing area for their lounge chairs adding fire-energy to the water landscape.

Pool Rehab and Transformation

The patio area was designed to accommodate gatherings, entertaining and cooking yet preserve the wild / natural feel provided by mature dogwoods and native landscapes. To accomplish this, pavers with blue stone edge accents were used to tie into the pool area + irregular blue-field stone was used to break up lines posed by excessive paver use and complement the natural feel of the site.

Bringing Together the Pool, Patio and Entertaining Areas

The terraced steps from the rear yard to the front were laid out to double as access to raised planting and vegetable bed borders, working with the natural grade and space constraints posed by the mature landscape.

Terrace Steps & Pathway with Raised Plant and Vegetable Beds

Whenever possible, GreenWorks adds value and strives to exceed our client’s expectations. In this case, we were able to restore a hidden rear yard shed area into a garden-prep area complete with potting benches and storage. The decking area was accomplished by re-using found tables where the old 70’s masonry pool bricks were once acid-washed added to the charm of the space.

Well, spring is just a few weeks away! For those folks who still can’t see the ground due to all the snow, we promise…relief is coming soon! Temperatures are starting to inch upwards, a few of the very first spring buds are appearing and GreenWorks is ramping up its spring schedule. If you’re interested in spending more quality time in your backyard this spring and summer, now is the time to start planning. We’ve done initial consultative visits at a number of local homes in Monmouth and Ocean counties and have found a few common challenges in getting backyards ready for the spring and summer seasons.

1. Drainage – The grade of a plot of land has major impacts on drainage issues. Of course, drainage and moisture issues can have a major impact on dampness inside the home, maintaining a green, robust lawn and a healthy, vibrant backyard property. The bottom line: get the water away from the home. Unfortunately, gutters and other basic drainage and water-handling systems have been stressed to the max this winter which means some of those systems that just needed maintenance now need to be replaced. Such failures lead to escalating water and moisture issues that can turn into expensive headaches for homeowners. Avoid long-term structural issues involving moisture by checking your drainage system before spring hits and heavy rains come.

Finished Pool & Backyard in Monmouth County

2. Patios – Let’s face it – people spend a lot of time relaxing, entertaining and simply enjoying their backyard patios. That simple pleasure usually goes beyond the design quirks we usually see on-site. Many homeowners are not getting the most enjoyment our of their backyard surroundings due to improper space planning, recreational and entertaining activity not correctly accounted for or just a design and layout that doesn’t make sense for the homeowner, their property or the patio’s intended use. For instance: does someone who cooks outside 2-3x during the summer need a fully-installed backyard kitchen? Probably not. Does someone who has no kids and often entertains in the backyard need more pavers? Quite possibly.

3. Pools, Ponds & Water Features – Nothing says “Ahhhhhhhhh” like the sound of moving water or a cool dip on a hot summer day. Whether you’re thinking of a pool or already have one, GreenWorks can help. If you have a pool that’s a bit tired, worn-out, needs a new liner or some concrete restoration, asses and begin to address the situation when we come and open your pool for the season, making sure it’s ready to go when the summertime fun heats up. Want a pool? Then let’s sit down and show you how to plan for that perfect backyard oasis. No one does water like GreenWorks!

Front Yard at a Home in Allenwood

4. Overgrowth – It’s easy to let trees, shrubs and hedges get overgrown without noticing. After all, they don’t grow very fast! The collective impact of such overgrowth can be hard for some homeowners to see or fully appreciate. Typically, when we conduct a spring backyard cleanup, overgrowth is one of the biggest issues we face. It leads to backyards that appear crowded and untidy, but for the overcrowded plants, it could be much worse. Typically, overcrowded plants fight for sunlight with neighboring plants, end up with portions of the plant getting choked out and grow unevenly and unattractively. Allowed to continue, such overgrowth will eventually lead to the death of many plants, an unkempt and ugly yard, and, in many cases, complaining neighbors. Don’t let it come to that this year. Call GreenWorks today.

Keeping your backyard and property properly drained, ensuring it is correctly designed for your needs and desires, having the perfect oasis and planting and maintaining greenery in such a way that it provides coverage, shade and enjoyment without being a burden are only a few of the reasons to call GreenWorks soon. Spring will be here before you know it. Enjoy it in a backyard you love!