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Beyond daily use, outdoor kitchens offer strong returns on investment. Homebuyers are increasingly drawn to homes with usable outdoor space — and outdoor kitchen ideas that are well executed become standout features.

Why it matters:

•     Enhances curb appeal and lifestyle branding
•     Increases functionality without a full remodel
•     Can recoup up to 100% of installation costs in resale

When done professionally, your outdoor kitchen doesn’t just look good — it becomes a long-term asset to your home’s value.

The post Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Year-Round Entertaining appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Winter is the perfect time to plan your dreamscape.  Think about what your family would benefit from most. Could it be an outdoor kitchen? Or a patio with a fireplace to extend your outdoor season? Perhaps a swimming pool with a separate shaded area for dining and entertaining?

Despite the freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow in the forecast, now is a great time to start planning a major backyard makeover. It is easier to assess the space that you would like to transform your when your plants are dormant. Planning now makes a difference. It may be too late to make plans to renovate your outdoor space  when your grass starts to turn green because landscapers in your area could be completely booked up with their spring and summer projects.

Taking the First Step

Keep in mind that large scale projects take months to plan correctly. There are three major phases before work can begin: Designing, Planning, Permitting. Needless to say, each phase takes time and consideration.

Meet with A Designer and Discuss your Dreamscape

Once you make a decision about the functionality of your project, it’s time to sit with a designer and discuss the its practicality. Joe Klufts, our Landscape Designer, will view your outdoor living area and sit with you to discuss your ideas. Then he will provide you with a set of landscape renderings to help you envision the results.

Review the Plans for your Dreamscape

Usually there are a few rounds of edits to the design plans. Typically we will use the first couple of appointments for discussion and a general conceptual sketch of the project. Then, there may be a few edits after that. For most scenarios it is not uncommon to have several appointments before we can provide a price for your project.

There are many variables that could influence your final design. Supply chain issues are real – you may find that the blue stone that you want for your patio won’t be available until August. Or perhaps the kind of shade trees that you like won’t grow well in your backyard environment. Maybe you will decide to have the work done in stages according to your budget.

Permits Require Time, too

More likely than not, your project will require permits. This is especially true if architectural elements or engineering plans are part of the job. When you have a project that requires surveying, plumbing, or electrical specialties, coordinating early in the season will help you avoid delays when you begin to break ground. Schedules fill up quickly, so it’s best to make your major decisions in the winter.

All in all, the more time you give yourself to plan your landscape design, the more confident you will be when the project is underway in the spring.

Schedule your Appointment Today

Weâ€re gearing up for the “22” landscape season and we are excited to once again be creating some amazing outdoor spaces –  pools, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and more.  How can we help you transform your outdoor living space? Reach out to us for a free consultation.

#colelandscape #colelandscaping #landscapedesign #outdoorliving #thepossibilitiesareendless #backyardmakeover#buildingbackyards #outdoorlivingarea #outdoorrenovating #backyardrenovation

The post Your New Dreamscape Takes Months of Planning appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Preseason is upon us! Just as pitchers and catchers are packing up their gear for Spring Training, Team Cole is preparing to get your property in shape for your home opener. Here at Cole Landscaping, we understand the importance of your landscape. We are wholeheartedly committed to clients’ needs. We’re talking about Major League Landscaping. With our Signature Services you will never have to worry about your landscape. Our Core Values motivate us to ensure a winning season for your property. Making your property our priority drives our team. This is the reason for our continued growth.

A Day in the Park – We Make Work Fun!

When you do what you love every day, it’s never a chore. Whether installing a new hardscape or tackling Spring Cleanup, you can be assured that the Cole Crew will have all hands on deck to make you look good. We believe in having fun at work. We especially take pride in making your property stand out from the rest. Preseason is a great time for us to get our players in scoring position.

Staying Ahead in the Count

Perhaps you may have noticed our new trucks on the road. We are proud our state-of-the-art fleet. The right equipment gets the job done. From our 3-D design models to our powerful Bark Mulch Blower, the newest technology enables us to work cohesively and efficiently, like a well-oiled machine.

More importantly, we spend preseason “sharpening our blades of knowledge.” Our Spring Training includes breakout sessions for our team and seminars to keep up with what’s “cutting edge” in the industry. We have certifications from ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute), NCMA (National Concrete Masonry Association), CLT (NALP-Certified Landscape Technician) and Techo Bloc – Pro installation, just to name a few. Our staff is made up of experts in landscape design, construction, tree and plant care, lighting/electrical, irrigation, mechanics/welding and more.

Preseason Lineup

Team Cole

Meet our team of professionals. We have a passion for our brand that enables us to put our clients’ needs first –always. Our spring lineup assures that you are getting the best service possible.

• Greg Cole – our Ace. As President and CEO of Cole Landscaping, Greg’s focus is creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction.

• Barbara Cole, VP of Business Development. Barbara works closely with the administrative aspect of the company, allowing her to maintain a balance between clients, staff, and managers. Being involved in marketing allows her to use her creative side to help grow the business and the team.

• Shaun Powers –MVP, Senior Account Manager. Shaun works with his squad to develop new service approaches and processes that streamline operations to ensure a win for the team.

• Jackie Guyotte, Office Manager. Jackie is busy running the bases handling all the day-to-day needs to run the Front Office.

Our Starters

• Ken Burke, LHC/PHC Manager. He is a certified arborist with deep knowledge of plants and turf grass, their environments and growth habits. Ken’s responsibilities include overseeing all lawn renovation work, conducting service calls, and more!

• Shawn Fenerty, Account Manager DB Construction.  Shawn organizes production schedules for all landscape construction clients, assesses projects and provides clients with estimates.

• Chris Sidebottom, Account Manager for Maintenance. Chris monitors the activity of our crews, working closely with the production team regarding training, scheduling, quality control, and customer service.

• James McInnis, Irrigation Manager. James maintains, and installs irrigation and lighting equipment and systems for clients.

Go Team!

• Kacey Anderson, Project Administrator.  Kacey runs the clubhouse. She’s your go-to person for project administration, construction communications, client liaison and material purchasing.

• John Tassinari, Commercial Sales Manager. John has the best RBI in our sales department – he’s always hitting homeruns. He is the point of contact for commercial clients and handles all transactions from the initial contact through the project completion. John goes beyond the scope of the project/contract by proactively presenting site enhancement ideas.

• Joel Tyack, Field Operations Manager DB Construction. Joel handles both residential and commercial jobs for the team. He is our jack-of-all trades with certifications in refrigeration, auto & diesel mechanical equipment, and structural welding.

The post Gear Up For Preseason appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Winter is for planning outdoor projects, despite dipping temperatures and the imminent threat of snowfall. While youâ€re bundling up every time you leave the house perhaps the furthest thing from your mind is a new landscaping project. But there are several reasons why winter is the ideal time for planning your next big home improvement.

Assess Your Needs

First and foremost, your family’s yard  is an extension of your home. Just as you would make necessary updates indoors, winter is a great time to assess the needs of your outdoor living space. Improvements to your property have a high return on investment and remain one of the top ways to increase the value of your home.

Think of your backyard as your outdoor living room. What would it take to transform your property into that dreamscape that you have always wanted? Itâ€s time to make a list and prioritize.

Examine Your Winter Softscape

Take a good look around your property. Aside from evergreens, most plants are dormant, and the bones of your garden are exposed. For this reason, itâ€s a great time to see what may be out of balance. Is your landscape lacking visual interest? Is there a focal point? Perhaps new plants would boost your homeâ€s curb appeal as well. Do you have enough plant variety to provide visual interest all year long? Interesting ornamental trees with distinctive bark, like birch trees, and colorful shrubs with berries, like holly, provide great color and texture during winter months. Learn more about winter landscaping.

Examine Your Exterior Structures

Would your property benefit from a new structure or hardscape? Critically assess all of the existing surfaces that lead to your homeâ€s entrances. Are any of your walkways or stairs in disrepair? Does your driveway drain well? There are many benefits to permeable pavement if you have water issues. Look for any safety issues that need to be addressed.

Consider Maintenance and Services

Don’t forget to plan for maintenance.  When choosing your materials and plants, think about the amount of time and energy that will go into the upkeep. What is your level of motivation? Consider hiring a professional with comprehensive landscaping services. As a result you won’t have to worry about year-round maintenance like pulling weeds, watering and pruning, and replacing of dead plants. Ideally you should plan a landscape that will suit your lifestyle. Use a professional that will customize your landscape to suit your needs. You shouldn’t dread the upkeep; rather you should enjoy the process. At Cole Landscaping, our Signature Services ensure you have the best possible experience. Our team of professionals will tailor your landscaping project from the start to finish and beyond.

Prioritize your Needs

After assessing your needs, be realistic with your budget. Have a solid idea of what you are willing to spend. Landscaping projects can be done in stages, and if need be, over the course of a few years. Identify your goals and make sure each stage of your plan aligns with your goals. Use landscaping planning guides and home improvement magazines to find the information appropriate for your project. A well-thought plan keeps you on track and ensures consistency in your landscape design.

Avoid the Rush

Winter is the perfect time of year to reach out to a professional landscape designer because you will have their undivided attention. Since plants are dormant, designers are not as busy and they will have more time to discuss your project with you. Besides having more time for lateral communication, you wonâ€t be rushed in choosing your design and materials. Once the materials are ordered, you will have a jump-start on scheduling. Donâ€t forget about work permits. Since it takes time to ensure that all paperwork has been filled out, turned in and approved it is better to apply for permits in the off-season.

Following the above steps can make a difference in weeks, or even months for your new landscaping project. If you are organized and get an early start you could be entertaining in your new outdoor space in the early summer months, rather than have a yard under construction.

Cole Landscaping is here to help!

Here at Cole Landscaping we know the importance of streamlining the landscaping process for customers. We take pride in our Signature Services. One point of contact managing the landscaping from project installation through maintenance means peace of mind for the customer for years to come.

If you’d like a consultation or want to know what we can do to help you in the 2020 Landscape Season ~ give us a call at 978-356-1004 or contact us to arrange an on-site meeting with one of our Landscape Professionals.

We are your “Outdoor Living Professionals.”

The post Winter Is For Planning appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Our Hamilton client wanted a warm and welcoming walkway for their home. Originally they had and old lackluster clay brick pathway that was buckling and in need of repair. They wanted a new upgrade, but they were concerned about preexisting conditions in the layout of their land. First of all, there were flooding issues in front of the house, so we had to regrade the area. There was a brand new septic system and we had to relocate three large trees growing on top of underground utilities. Needless to say, we had to be very careful throughout the entire excavation process.

Our Approach to the New Walkway

The old walkway was just a straight path from the door to the driveway. Our client’s favorite spot on their property is the front entry because of the beautiful sunrise on that side of the house. At their request, we designed an inviting area where they could sit and enjoy morning coffee. The walkway is winding and there is a spacious seating area to accommodate early risers.

The Process

We removed old clay brick and upgraded to Techo Bloc Blu Shale 60 mm with 6×6 onyx border. Techo Block stone is known for its durability over natural stone. You don’t have to worry about our harsh winters –Techo Bloc can take straight salt and ice melt. You can use a shovel on it without scraping and it is guaranteed for life.

In order to move water from the front yard and eliminate flooding, we created a swale. We also installed a fair amount of low voltage landscape lights. At night time this place looks phenomenal, with the trees, the walkway, and the house all lit up.

It was fun seeing the transformation from start to finish in this project. Our client was especially pleased to have the water issues dissipate. From the colors of the stone to the curvature of the walkway and slope of the land, there was so much value added to the aesthetics of the property.

If you have a challenging issue for your landscape that needs some attention, one of our experts will be happy to design a clever solution that will add real value to your property. Contact Cole today for your free consultation.

 

The post A Welcoming Walkway in Hamilton appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Landscape Design for The Community House

284 Bay Road, South Hamilton, MA 01982

November 15, 2018

7:00–9:00 PM

Order Your Tickets Today

Register: $20/person

All proceeds go directly to The Community House.

Each ticket holder will be eligible to win a Gardening Gift Basket including a $250 certificate towards landscape design services at Cole Landscaping

Meet Mara Robinson, ASLA at Wine & Design

Come to Wine & Design and learn about landscape design. Grab a glass of wine and settle in for a fun and informative charrette on the exciting process of designing outdoor living space. Meet Mara Robinson, ASLA, Cole Landscapingâ€s own landscape designer. Mara is a graduate of the UMass Amherst School of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning. With over 18 years of experience in the field of landscape design and construction, Mara will provide us with insight into the process of design. She will also discuss how you, the homeowner, are an important contributor to the creation of your dream landscape.

What is a Charrette? (pronounced /SHaâ€ret/)

In the world of architecture, Merriam-Webster defines a charrette as the intense final effort made by architectural students to complete their solutions to a given architectural problem in and allotted period of time. Outside of the industry, it simply means a meeting devoted to planning a project or solving a problem relevant to all stakeholders. It’s safe to say that here won’t be any assessments at the eveningâ€s workshop, but collaboration and conversation are highly encouraged. The charrette will focus on the Community House Front Garden Project.

The Tools of the Trade

Landscape Design is about shaping functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces where we can create long-lasting memories with family and friends for generations to come. The landscape designer really needs to understand their clients†needs and ask all the right questions. Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, and it should reflect the same level of beauty and comfort as is within. At our Wine & Design event, you will learn the value of having a landscape designer to guide you through each phase of your project.

Important Considerations

Who will use the space and how will the space be used? At the Wine & Design event Mara will review the importance of scale and proportion. She will address minimum requirements for setbacks, driveway widths, walkway widths and patio sizes. The focus of this charrette will be to create a sustainable space for the Wenham/Hamilton community. This community space will be inclusive of all ages, cultures, economic and social groups. The goal is to create an area that is beautiful, meaningful and engaging for the people that will use it. Below is an example of steps involved in a particular detail for a client project.

The Process

As Mara walks you through the redesign of the Community House front garden, you will get an idea of how you as a homeowner could collaborate on your own dreamscape. You will learn to ask the right questions to ensure that your project will fulfill its intended purposes.

The post Wine & Design Charrette Series appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

The Plan

To begin the project, Cole professionals jack-hammered out the old cement stairs to make room for the new 8-foot-long split faced granite steps. With utmost precision, the Cole crew replaced nine 6” steps with eight 7” granite steps, therefore allowing the walkway to perfectly align with the new granite.

Next, Cole designed a natural stonewall veneer (to match the home’s front wall) using the existing retaining wall as its base. Our team covered the dull, cement wall with Colonial Tan Mosaic. Colonial Tan is quartzite that consists of radiant brown, beige, tan, light gray, and other earth tones. Gold and silver speckles capture the essence and shine of natural sunlight. These earthy neutral colors match well in both modern and traditional designs, giving your project a fresh, unmistakable look. The stone is native to upstate Maine and is true veneer stone hand cut for a beautiful custom look.

The People for the Project

Ultimately, a project like this requires a landscape architect or a very capable design-build company that can provide construction drawings. By the same token, these professionals must know how the dimensions of each wall design change according to pressures caused by climatic extremes. The quality of labor is equally important. Therefore, Cole employs masons who master the art of manipulating stone. They understand the complexity of creating mosaic patterns required to build a natural stonewall. Mosaic pattern veneer consists of irregular pieces of natural stone for siding, facing, and cladding. The shapes consist primarily of triangles and stop sign shapes and the pattern is similar to the mosaic dimensions created from broken ice.

Building the Natural Stonewall

To construct the natural stonewall, first Cole cut the left side level to match right side with a demo saw. Next, our team installed a metal lathe throughout the complete veneer area. They secured it into concrete wall using self-tapping screws. To ensure that the new veneer isn’t compromised by the old stucco and adheres directly to the concrete wall, Cole applied a skim coat of cement between the two walls for its entire length. Furthermore, on top of the wall, Cole installed limestone caps to match the homeâ€s front wall. However, for a more polished look, Cole masons custom cut 16” wide limestone to accommodate a 2” overhang. In total, Cole installed 15 linear feet of corners and an area of 230 face feet of veneer. The end result is a beautiful stonewall running the length of the property that seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape.

Are you considering a new natural stonewall somewhere on your property? If your grounds could use a professional “pick-me-up”, our designers will work with you to re-imagine the possibilities. Contact Cole Landscaping to learn more.

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