Landscape Architect Articles

A Natural Transition03-01-16 | Department

A Natural Transition
By Michael Miyamoto, LC/DBM

The backyard of this home in Summit, N.J., made for a challenging landscape architecture project for Michael Todd, of The Todd Group, and Deborah Cerbone, of Deborah Cerbone Associates, both of Far Hills, N.J. Not only was it perched on a steep hill, the backyard was filled with diseased trees and shrubbery that sloped upward. All the hardscape materials came from a quarry in Pennsylvania. The retaining wall was made of a mixture of snap-face, bluestone and Karney Wallstone, which is a registered trademark for a brownish-green bluestone. Wicki Stone, Independence, N.J., was the hardscape materials supplier. A large vein of granite was discovered on the whole slope and had to be removed before the backyard renovation could begin. It took four days to "bust out" the granite with a huge jackhammer on an excavator, Todd said. Trees planted in the background include redbud, serviceberry, Chinese dogwood, southern magnolias and Green Giant arborvitae.
Photos: Creare Marketing

The backyard of this home in Summit, N.J., presented plenty of obstacles for landscape architects Michael Todd, of The Todd Group, and Deborah Cerbone, of Deborah Cerbone Associates, both of Far Hills, N.J.

Not only was it perched on a steep hill, it was filled with diseased trees and shrubbery that sloped upward.

It contained very little usable living space, Todd said. "This made it nearly impossible for the family to entertain or for their children to play."

The yard had countless drainage issues and would often flood, even the basement. Also, the driveway was in the backyard and that was where most people would enter the home.

"This "perfect storm,' if you will, created challenges only seasoned landscaping and masonry professionals could overcome," Todd said.

The retaining wall helped solve a problem with flooding, and also gave the backyard a homey, "curbside" feeling, Todd said.

On top of this, a large vein of granite was discovered on the whole slope. "We had to bust out the granite "?u four days to do so "?u with a huge jackhammer on an excavator," Todd said.

Hardscape features included an enlarged bluestone patio broken up into living and dining areas, an outdoor fireplace and retaining stone wall complete with lighting, both custom-designed and built.

A bicycle shed that replicated the style and structure of the home was also installed, as well as a bluestone walkway to enhance the design and architecture of the home.

The retaining wall took care of both the drainage and erosion issues, and also added a sort of "curbside" appeal to the backyard, Todd said.

A drainage system was also custom designed for the home to solve the ongoing flooding issues. This included leveling the lawn to spur good drainage, and making it so it would serve as a play area for children as well.

A brand new irrigation system to make water maintenance easier, and new trees, shrubs, plants and flowers completed the landscaping plan for this home.