Gaithersburg MD – East Coast Landscape Design

Landscape Design Gaithersburg, MD

In Gaithersburg, MD, landscape design in the hands of a professional has increased the value of numerous properties. A well thought-out design brings an eye-catching appeal to a home and yard. And that is what gets the attention of homebuyers.

Curb Appeal

When it comes time to sell a home, every property owner learns the value of curb appeal. This is intangible “Wow” that gets prospective buyers driving through the neighborhood to stop and inspect the home.

The right yard design will do that. When buyers are enchanted with the look of the property, they are willing to pay more for it. And they tend to finalize the sale more quickly, because they know other buyers are also interested.

All of this means money in the pocket of the current homeowner. Since a person’s house and yard is often his biggest investment, it makes sense to put money into a service that pays such high dividends. That’s the biggest reason that people in Gaithersburg, MD, hire landscape design.

Functionality

But it’s not the only reason. Homeowners know that a skilled professional can help them get more use out of the yard for many years before they even consider selling. The right selection of plants and hardscapes, placed strategically throughout the property, can make it more attractive, more fun to use and more accessible.

A seasoned landscape design pro in Gaithersburg, MD, knows how to tie together the look of a yard with a comprehensive design. He might add a garden wall and pathway to bring a consistent look to different areas.

Designers have the skill and training to make previously unusable areas accessible. They might add a retaining wall or other erosion control method, or perhaps use natural landscaping to help reduce erosion, By grading hilly areas, the designer can make them usable for patios or even for gardens.

Designers understand how to create zones of use on a property. This helps families make the most of the land. Certain spots are for games, others for gardening. Areas are available for relaxing, dining and socializing.

Work with Professionals

At East Coast Landscape Design, the emphasis is on functionality and beauty. The team of professionals on staff understands soil types and the demands of specific terrains. They work closely with each client to create a yard that is useful, soothing and attractive.

Designers work one-on-one with each family. They known how to listen, so they understand exactly the expectations and needs of the owners. This close collaboration involves choosing plants, and adding walkways, walls, patios and other structures, that enhance the yard and the house.

East Coast Landscape Design handles a variety of outdoor projects, including:

Landscape design
Patios, walkways and driveways
Outdoor kitchens and lighting
Firepits and fireplaces
Erosion control and drainage solutions

For an estimate for landscape design in Gaithersburg, MD, call the pros at East Coast Landscape Design today.

August 1, 2017August 8, 2017adminGaithersburg MD, landscape design

Fire Pits Gaithersburg MD

Fire pits are becoming common sights on Gaithersburg, MD properties. While the design and size can change, adding a fire pit to an outdoor space can create a warm and inviting place for family and friends to gather. Since 1979, Mark Simpson and his team at East Coast Landscape Design have been designing and installing fire pits for their Gaithersburg, MD clients. They understand that adding a fire pit to a property is a big decision, which is why they have put together this list of their customers’ most frequently asked questions.

1. Is it necessary for the landscaping company to be licensed and insured?
Whenever a landscaping project is done on a property, the contractor should be licensed and fully insured. If an accident occurs the property owner is financially responsible for any damages if the landscaping contractor is not carrying insurance. East Coast Landscape Design is proud to be the premier licensed landscaping company in the Washington D.C. metro area, and their contractors are fully insured.

2. Where should the fire pit be placed?
Fire pits built in Gaithersburg, MD should be placed at least 10 feet away from any building, including neighboring fence lines. Some counties require this by law, while others simply suggest it as a safety recommendation. The fire pit should also be placed away from low hanging branches and eaves. The talented design staff will help home owners find the perfect location for their fire pit.

3. Are there safety issues home owners should be aware of?
Before East Coast Landscape Design leaves the property, they will make sure that their clients know how to safely use their fire pit. Some of their safety tips include not burning soft woods in fire pits on Gaithersburg, MD properties, and refraining from wearing loose fitting or flammable clothing near an open flame. East Coast Landscape Design also wants to stress that pets and small children should always be keep at least three feet away from a fire pit when it is being used.

4. What type of fuel can fire pits on Gaithersburg, MD properties use?
East Coast Landscape Design is proud to be able to offer their customers the choice of gas or wood burning fire pits. They are also capable of designing and installing a dual fuel fire pit. This allows their clients to find the perfect fire pit to fit their lifestyle and budget.

For more than thirty years East Coast Landscape Design has been meeting the needs of residential and commercial property owners. Their skilled staff will work closely with their clients to create a fire pit that they will enjoy for years.

April 22, 2017June 8, 2017adminfirepits, Gaithersburg MD

Patio Design Trends for Gaithersburg MD

Time to think beyond the plain concrete slab – here are some great patio design trends for Gaithersburg MD.

Planning Your Patio
Patios have come a long way from a plain white concrete square or rectangle shaped slab.
Patios can be designed for any shape, size, color, pattern, or type of flooring you might want at your Gaithersburg MD home. Think about your wants and needs; then budget accordingly.

Patio Flooring
Concrete – While concrete is still the most popular type of patio flooring, how it looks and is used has changed. It’s now treated a flooring option that can be stamped into any pattern you can imagine, and there is a huge variety of stain colors to choose from.

Paver Stones – interlocking paver stones have grown in popularity over the years. Pavers are four times stronger than concrete, come in a variety of colors, and can be installed to create patterns. Unlike cement, if there is a problem with a paver or pavers, there’s no need to tear up the patio – the pavers can be easily replaced. If you have issues with flooding around your patio area, water permeable pavers may be your best bet. Made of porous materials, water drains down through the pavers when it rains.

Other Materials – There are other patio flooring materials that you may also want to consider. These materials include classic wood, natural slate, sandstone, granite, brick, a wood composite and even porcelain.

Patio Edging
Patios need edging – they just don’t look “finished” without edging. Edging also keeps weeds and grass from growing over the patio flooring. Edging can be made of cement, bricks, pavers, gravel, or other stone. You have so many choices, really – so just say “no” to black rubber edging. You’ll be glad you did.

Looking for information about a new patio design in Gaithersburg MD? Please contact the experts East Coast Landscape Design. The East Coast Landscape Design team has over a quarter century of experience in the design, installation, and care of beautiful patios in Gaithersburg, MD, as well we the rest of suburban Maryland.

April 30, 2016May 4, 2016mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, patio design

Heated Patios in Gaithersburg MD

Heated patios – who wouldn’t want them in Gaithersburg MD?

Heated patios are used more often, and some homeowners even use their heated patios year round.
Heated patios are safer than non-heated in Gaithersburg MD; no snow or ice to slip and fall, and no back pain from shoveling.
Heated patios are eco-friendly; they don’t need salt or other de-icers, which hurt the environment (including our Chesapeake Bay).

How are patios heated in Gaithersburg MD?

Electric cables or mats are installed underneath patios to warm up the surface of the patios. These plug into a junction box, and often can be controlled remotely.
Hydronic heating – a much more involved process – uses copper tubing or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) with a liquid treated with antifreeze to warm the driveway or walkway. A boiler, circulating pump, and manifold are required to run hydronic heating.

Can existing patios be heated?

Yes – in some situations, electric cables can be laid in grooves of existing slabs or pavers.
No – homeowners in Gaithersburg MD usually wait until they are installing new patios to include radiant heating systems.

For more information on heated patios in Gaithersburg MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. The experienced professionals at East Coast Landscape Design work with homeowners to design dream patios that can be used year-round Gaithersburg MD.

November 21, 2015December 11, 2015mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, patios

Uplighting: Part of the Outdoor Lighting Design for Your Gaithersburg MD Home

Uplighting, as a part of your overall outdoor lighting in Gaithersburg MD, can add so much to your landscape design.

Like other outdoor lighting, uplighting draws the eye to areas in your landscaping that you want others to focus on, but in a specific direction – up – hence the name, “uplighting.” Mounted below or at ground level, uplights are usually placed so that they are not noticeable during the day.

There are many reasons to use uplighting: to add drama with shadows, to show off your best plants and trees, to create a magical view of your water features, to demonstrate depth and dimension of outdoor walls, fences, or other flat surfaces, to add to safety and security, and to draw attention away from eyesores.

There are four main types of uplights:

Bullet/spotlights: a narrow spot beam, used to focus on a particular tree, bush or small cluster of plants.
Wash lights: a wash of light, perfect for adding visual interest in plants lower to the ground, shrubs, and wall surfaces. These are also great for lighting pathways or walkways, when when you want soft safety lights.
Well lights: installed below grade, and used to light the underside of plants, benches, or the lower part of walls.
Flood lights: used for both uplighting and downlighting, flood lights are brighter, and have a wider beam than bullet lights. They are used for illuminating house facades or extremely large trees.

For more information on using uplighting as a part of the overall outdoor lighting for your Gaithersburg MD home, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. East Coast Landscape Design will provide everything to complete your project, from engineering design to wire and fixtures. Let one of our East Coast landscape design specialists show you how a well-designed outdoor lighting system can add to the beauty and safety of your Gaithersburg MD home and landscape.

August 30, 2015September 1, 2015mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, outdoor lighing

The Effects of Frozen Irrigation Systems in Gaithersburg MD

In our area, pipes can freeze during the winter, and that includes irrigations systems in Gaithersburg MD. Homeowners who fail to have their irrigation systems winterized can expect the following effects of frozen irrigation systems in Gaithersburg MD:

Cracked or burst pipes: if any water is left in your irrigation system, it will freeze and cause cracked or burst pipes. Replacing cracked or burst pipes is the most costly of all irrigation system repairs.
Broken or missing sprinkler parts: if any water is left in a sprinkler, the head can pop off or break and the supply tube and sprinkler body can crack as well. Any missing or broken parts will need to be replaced before you turn on your irrigation system in the spring.
Broken manifolds: as the heart of your sprinkler system, the manifold is the main pipe that has several valves to control the flow of water. If water freezes in the manifold, the pipe and valves can crack. Replacing the manifold – or parts of the manifold – takes a lot of time and labor.

For more information on frozen irrigation systems in Gaithersburg, MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has designed and installed irrigation systems and other landscape projects. Please contact East Coast Landscape Design today for a consultation on irrigation systems in Gaithersburg, MD.

November 30, 2014mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, irrigation systems

Outdoor Living: Enjoy Year Round Patios in Gaithersburg MD

Outdoor living – enjoying patios year round – is becoming the norm for some Gaithersburg MD families. Year round patios are designed to be suitable and reliable for use during most Gaithersburg MD weather – heat, snow, rain, and wind. Hardscaping, landscaping, and outdoor kitchens all play a role in making patios in Gaithersburg MD enjoyable all through the year.

Hardscaping – Patios designed and built with radiant heating prevent snow and ice, and keep your family comfortable during colder temps; stone fire pits and fireplaces provide extra heat; stone fountains and other water features can help keep your patio cooler in the summer.
Landscaping – in general, the more greenery around your patio, the cooler it will be. Shade trees provide cover and cool things off in the summer; bushes can be a wind breaker; herbal gardens provide seasoning to your food; perennial and annual flowers are a feast for the eyes, and can bloom through most of the year.
Outdoor Kitchens – prepare and enjoy most meals (and drinks) outdoors; covered dining tables and bars protect from the sun and rain.

For more information on year round patios in Gaithersburg MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. The experienced professionals at East Coast Landscape Design work with homeowners to design dream patios that can be used year-round Gaithersburg MD.

September 30, 2014mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, patios

Brick Patio Design Options for Gaithersburg MD

If you are considering a brick patio, you should know that there are more than a few options for your Gaithersburg MD home. For instance:

Basket Weave Pattern – also known as checkerboard pavers – this pattern is laid in the form of a checkerboard.
Herringbone Pattern – each course of paving bricks are laid at an angle of 45 or 90-degrees, and the angle rotates with each sequence.
Circle Design – a very popular, but difficult patio design to install.
Stack Bond – bricks placed on top of each other in a straight line – they can also be placed at a 45 degree angle.
1/3 Running Bond – each subsequently each row of pavers overlaps its predecessor by one-third its length, creating a slightly staggered look.
Half Running Bond (also known as Running Bond) – each row of pavers overlaps the last row by half its length (or width).

For more information on brick patio design options for Gaithersburg MD, please contact the experts at East Coast Landscape Design. The experienced professionals at East Coast Landscape Design will work with you to design the brick patio that best compliments the style of your Gaithersburg MD home.

January 31, 2014mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, patio, patio design

Landscape Design in Gaithersburg, MD: Fall is a Great Time for Planting Trees and Shrubs

Fall is an ideal season for planting trees, shrubs and other assorted plants as a part of the landscape design for your Gaithersburg, MD home. Why?

The cooler, wetter weather is the perfect time for tree planting. This is because the soil stays warm even after the air temperature cools, and that encourages root growth. During shoot dormancy, trees grow to establish roots in new locations before warm weather stimulates top growth.

Therefore, planting trees and shrubs in fall enables the root systems to grow before the hot summer returns. Trees planted in the fall are better equipped to deal with heat and drought in the following season. Your smaller plants will be established before winter sets in, and get a head start over shrubs in the spring. Larger plants will also get a head start since a general rule of thumb is one year per one inch of trunk diameter.

Another great reason to plant in the fall is because you can pick your trees and shrubs by the fall color they produce. Some tree species that are recommended for fall planting include the maple, buckeye, horse chestnut, alder, catalpa, hackberry, hawthorn, ash, honey locust, crabapple, spruce, pine, sycamore, linden and elm.

Planting can begin in September through November, but should not go too late into the fall, since the shrubs and trees won’t have as long to grow their root systems before the first hard freeze.

For more information on adding trees and shrubs to your landscape design in Gaithersburg, MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. A successful landscape installation begins with a solid design that includes a balanced choice of plants, shrubs, and trees for your Gaithersburg, MD property. Every East Coast installation is completed with the utmost care and attention that you expect from a professional landscape company like East Coast Landscape Design.

August 30, 2013mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, landscape design

Irrigation Systems: Important to Landscape Health in Gaithersburg, MD

Irrigation systems can be very important in keeping landscapes healthy in Gaithersburg, MD. If you are tired of a lifeless looking landscape, or the hassle of watering your Gaithersburg, MD lawn yourself, a good automatic irrigation system is the solution.

Consider these benefits:

Maintaining a beautifully healthy landscape all season long, with your irrigation system delivering the right amount of water according to the specific needs of your landscape. Plus, irrigation systems can be adjusted to accommodate seasonal changes in Gaithersburg, MD.
Conserving water – irrigation systems that are properly installed and maintained will use less water than watering by hand.
Save time – automatic irrigation systems will do all the watering for you, no work required on your part.
Save Money – since irrigation systems conserve water and keep your plants healthy, your Gaithersburg, MD water bills will be lower, and you won’t have to replace your plants due to over/under watering.

For more information on irrigation systems in Gaithersburg, MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has been Gaithersburg, MD’s leading licensed landscape design company. Located in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1979, the company has designed and installed irrigation systems and other landscape projects. Please contact East Coast Landscape Design today for a consultation on irrigation systems in Gaithersburg, MD.

April 30, 2013mdlandscaperGaithersburg MD, irrigation systems