Complete Yard Renovation in Scotch Plains, NJ: A Multi-Stage Landscaping and Hardscaping Project
Transforming your outdoor space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a functional extension of your home that reflects your lifestyle. At PHR Landscaping, we recently completed a full front and back yard renovation for a family in Scotch Plains, NJ, and the results speak for themselves.
This project took place over several years working with the client in well-planned stages, with thoughtful upgrades to both landscaping and hardscaping features to enhance curb appeal, usability, and long-term sustainability.
Project Planning: A Dream Yard in the Making
Every successful landscape transformation starts with smart planning. For this Scotch Plains, NJ client, we began by understanding their vision:
- A backyard to host up to 30 people comfortably
- A front yard that offers a warm, elegant welcome
- Easy-flow walkways connecting parking to leisure areas
- Deer-resistant, low-maintenance planting
- Defined beds and crisp transitions between lawn, beds, and hardscape
From there, we broke the project into manageable phases—starting with structural changes and ending with detailed planting and finishing touches.
Back Yard Renovation: Designed for Hosting, Built to Last
This backyard began as a blank slate with potential—and the homeowners had a clear vision: a functional, stylish space that could comfortably host 30 people. That meant smart hardscaping, thoughtful landscaping, and practical planning.
Planning the Layout
We began by meeting with the client to map out key zones—dining, lounging, play, and circulation. We spray-painted outlines to confirm dimensions and traffic flow. The goal was to build a seamless transition between the driveway, new home addition, and the entertainment space, while maintaining enough open lawn for casual use and visual balance.
Patio & Walkway Construction
Once the layout was locked in, we installed a custom Techo-Bloc Blue 60 slab patio, chosen for its modern texture, color, and durability. Excavation was precise, with a compacted gravel base and sand bedding layer that ensured the surface would shed water properly. The patio includes:
Wide walkway connecting the backdoor to the driveway and side yard, facilitating smooth movement for guests
Dedicated dining zone for large gatherings
Lounge area for casual seating and fire pit use
Lawn and Irrigation Installation
To bring life back to the yard, we installed a new irrigation system and rough-graded the soil to promote healthy drainage. We brought in high-quality topsoil, shaped it to the finished grade, and applied a specialized seed blend suitable for the regional climate and sun/shade conditions. Salt hay was spread across the area to protect the seed and retain moisture during germination.
Defining Spaces with Mulch & Beds
A cedar mulch border and deep-edged garden beds create a crisp separation between lawn and the children’s play area. These visual lines don’t just add definition—they make mowing easier and visually anchor the entire landscape. Beds were filled with a curated mix of shrubs and perennials, handpicked for seasonal color, durability, and ease of care.
Front Yard Renovation: First Impressions Done Right
The front yard renovation was all about curb appeal with lasting performance. Between the custom drainage system, reworked turf, and layered planting beds, the home now makes a striking statement from the street while solving long-term functional issues.
Turf and Drainage Overhaul
Years of water pooling and poor grass growth prompted us to start with custom drainage upgrades, including channeling roof runoff through downspout leaders and routing it out underground to the street. We followed with complete lawn returfing, leveling the surface with new topsoil and applying a premium seed mix.
Mailbox Presentation Bed
The homeowner wanted to enhance the mailbox area without compromising accessibility. We created a compact, low-maintenance mailbox garden bed, featuring:
- Golden and burgundy pygmy barberries
- Dwarf golden cypress
- Bunny grass
The bed was finished with goose-egg stone, adding clean contrast and reflecting sunlight to brighten the space naturally.
Walkway Entrance Bed & Lamp Post Area
We built a stone-accented garden bed along the main walkway, using deep edging to give the plants room to grow without spilling over into the path. We installed a new lamp post to provide warm evening light, surrounded by:
- Vinca ground cover for a year-round green carpet
- Crape Myrtle for vertical interest and seasonal bloom
- Ornamental grasses for motion and texture
This design keeps visual interest high without requiring high maintenance.
Main Walkway Bed
The final stretch of the path leading to the front steps features a stunning layered composition:
- A central Crape Myrtle as a visual anchor
- Foundation boxwoods for structure and evergreen texture
- Holly tree, juniper ground cover, and ornamental grasses for variety
- Stone accents to break up greenery and echo the home’s hardscape finishes
The bed flows organically toward the entryway, guiding the eye and elevating the architecture of the home itself.
The End Result: A Cohesive Outdoor Space That Balances Beauty and Function
From the moment you arrive to the moment you step into the backyard, this Scotch Plains, NJ property now delivers a complete and cohesive outdoor experience. The front yard offers a polished, welcoming entrance with structured beds, rich color, and clean lines that guide the eye—and the guest—toward the home. Thoughtful choices in planting, lighting, and edging create a sense of order and charm without overwhelming the space.
Step into the backyard, and the atmosphere shifts seamlessly to comfort and versatility. The new patio layout easily accommodates large gatherings, with zones that feel natural and connected. Durable materials, proper grading, and integrated irrigation ensure this yard doesn’t just look great—it performs flawlessly through the seasons.
What was once a disconnected lawn and overgrown borders is now a fully unified landscape, built to grow with the family’s needs. Every element—from the custom hardscaping to the smallest plant—was chosen not just for appearance, but for long-term resilience, function, and care.
A yard that isn’t just transformed—it’s elevated. Balanced. Smart. And built to be enjoyed for years to come.
PHR Project Tips
5 Smart Strategies for a Full Landscape Overhaul
If you’re thinking about adding a stone walkway to connect your landscape, here are five tried-and-true tricks to make it worth your while:
1. Design in Phases
Splitting a project into phases lets you manage budget, seasonality, and priorities. It also gives you time to adjust the plan as your lifestyle evolves.
2. Invest in Drainage First
Before laying pavers or planting grass, fix drainage issues. Water mismanagement can undermine even the best landscaping work.
3. Use High-Impact, Low-Maintenance Plants
Go for deer-resistant, low-maintenance varieties that deliver year-round visual interest with minimal upkeep. It saves money and time long-term.
4. Plan for Scale and Use
Designing for capacity (e.g., 30+ people on the patio) ensures your outdoor spaces serve real-life needs—not just aesthetics.
5. Define Edges for a Professional Look
Deep bed edging, stone borders, and mulch transitions are small details that elevate the entire property. They also make mowing and maintenance easier.
Complete Yard Renovation in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and Surrounding Areas
Ready to reinvent your outdoor space with expert landscaping and hardscaping in Scotch Plains, NJ? Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing yard, PHR Landscapes delivers smart, beautiful solutions built to last.
👉 Contact us today to start planning your transformation.
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Phone: (908) 322-6500
Email: [email protected]
1590 E. 2nd Street, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076