Complete Entryway Landscape Design in Scotch Plains, NJ: From Overgrown to Outstanding
When a homeowner in Scotch Plains, NJ reached out to us for a full front yard transformation, they wanted more than just a cleanup—they wanted a fresh start. Our landscape services team was tasked with a complete entryway redesign from top to bottom. The goal: clean, modern curb appeal with practical drainage, layered plantings, and eye-catching hardscape elements that would thrive through the seasons.
Here’s how we brought it to life:
Project Planning & Plant Selection
A successful landscape redesign starts with smart planning—and that means choosing the right plants for the New Jersey climate and the specific conditions of the property. At PHR Landscapes, we guided the homeowners through every decision, using our local expertise to select plants that thrive in the region’s seasonal changes while standing up to the challenges of the space. One major consideration: deer. The owners had dealt with deer damage in the past, so we prioritized deer-resistant plantings without sacrificing color, texture, or year-round interest.
On the left side garden bed, we went with a striking Blue Atlas tree as the anchor, paired with Gold Spirea, Gold Cypress, and Laurel for contrast and structure. Low-growing Pacific Juniper and Vinca Myrtle filled in as tough, attractive ground-covers. Natural boulders and goose-egg stone added both drainage and visual weight.
On the right, we used flowering Dogwood and Crape Myrtle trees to frame the space, surrounded by Gold and Burgundy Burberry for bold foliage. Bluestar Juniper and Daylilies rounded out the base with ground-level coverage that’s both hardy and deer-resistant. Every choice was intentional—designed to grow well, look good, and last.
Clearing the Canvas – Removing Old Plants
With the new landscape design finalized, we begin plant removal for a clean slate to begin our restructuring of garden beds.
The first step in any serious front yard makeover is removal. This property had overgrown shrubs, aging bushes, and several small trees crowding the entryway. We began by cutting back and removing all existing plant material. This opened up the space and gave us a clean slate for new landscaping.
Rebuilding Garden Beds with Fresh Topsoil
The homeowners wanted to keep their existing brick retaining structure, so we worked around it, reconfiguring the garden beds within its borders. We reshaped the beds for better symmetry and flow, then added high-quality screened topsoil to prep for healthy plant growth.
Our landscape design plan factored in sun exposure, drainage, and plant maturity, ensuring the beds wouldn’t just look good now—but would thrive long-term.
Installing Major Plant Materials
Next, we staged all the trees, large shrubs, and bushes according to the pre-approved landscape design. Each plant was carefully positioned for balance, height variation, and seasonal interest. We made sure all root systems were planted at the correct depth, with plenty of room to grow, and properly backfilled and watered everything in.
Building Boulder Accents & Stone Drainage
With the main plant materials in, we moved on to the hardscape accents. Using natural boulders, we created a focal point on one side of the entry bed. At the base of the design, we installed a goose egg stone area—not just for visual impact, but for functional drainage. This helps prevent water pooling around roots and keeps the beds low-maintenance during storms.
Ground-Cover Planting & Mulching
To fill out the beds, we added layers of perennials, ornamental grasses, and low-maintenance ground covers. These add texture, color, and help keep weeds down naturally. Once all the plants were in, we finished the beds with a rich, dark mulch applied to the proper depth to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
We also gave each garden bed a sharp, curved edge—clean lines that make a big difference in curb appeal.
Lawn Repair & Finishing Touches
All disturbed lawn areas were repaired with new topsoil, premium seed, and pen mulch to encourage fast, healthy growth. We left the site clean and polished—ready for the homeowners to enjoy a brand-new front yard.
Overgrown to Outstanding: Entryway Transformation Complete
This front yard redesign in Scotch Plains, NJ gave the homeowners a clean, modern landscape that’s both beautiful and functional. With the right plant selections, improved drainage, and crisp, defined beds, the space is now built for long-term success. It’s a complete transformation that delivers lasting curb appeal with minimal upkeep.
PHR Project Tips
Smart Tricks for a Front Yard Landscape Makeover
If you’re thinking about redoing your front yard landscaping in Scotch Plains or nearby Union County, here are five tried-and-true tricks to make it worth your while:
1. Start With a Blank Slate—Don’t Be Afraid to Remove Everything
It’s tempting to keep some of the old stuff, but that can limit your design potential. Clearing the area completely helps you see the space for what it can be, not just what it was.
2. Use Boulders and Stone for Both Form and Function
Strategically placed boulders and gravel areas (like goose egg stone) not only look great, but they help manage water flow and reduce soil erosion. They’re low-maintenance and long-lasting.
3. Layer Plants by Size and Season
Use taller shrubs and trees in the back or center, medium plants in the mid-section, and ground covers or flowering perennials up front. Think about how the space looks in spring, summer, and fall—diversity matters.
4. Mulch Smart—Right Depth, Right Material
Don’t overdo mulch. Two to three inches is ideal. Anything more can suffocate roots. Use quality mulch that decomposes well and stays in place. Re-mulch annually for best results.
5. Edge It Clean for Instant Curb Appeal
Clean garden bed edges make even a simple design look polished. Use a spade or edging tool to create sharp, curved lines. It’s a small detail with big visual payoff.
Final Thoughts
This front entryway makeover project in Scotch Plains, NJ, showcases how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can transform outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your front & back yard or add functional beauty to your landscape, investing in professional landscaping and hardscaping services ensures a stunning, long-lasting result.
If you’re ready to upgrade your front yard, we offer expert landscape design and installation services right here in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. From beautiful garden beds to full outdoor renovations our team brings both creativity and craftsmanship to every job.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or see more of our work.
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Phone: (908) 322-6500
Email: [email protected]
1590 E. 2nd Street, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076