Backyard challenges- who to call?
I think landscape architect is probably right, and then a mason to implement the hardscape solutions. @Oldstone ? Isn't this your area now?
Dean Weiss did a great job envisioning a new design for our back yard, then installed everything at a reasonable price. Super smooth project. I'll be calling him soon for the front yard!
Another local landscape designer, though I have no personal experience: http://kensingergardendesign.com
We used Interstate Landscaping for our yard (on a corner; on a very steep hill) and are really happy with the outcome. You should definitely come see it. I know they do paving and all that as well.
Joan Piasecki is another local landscape designer who does great work http://acergardendesign.com/
One thing I've been considering which might be relevant to you is a permeable turf driveway. Our driveway like most in Maplewood extends all the way to the rear of our property. It widens in the last 1/4 to a two car garage. Since our backdoor is a sliding door with no key-lock we tend to park in just the first 1/4 of our driveway. Basically, 1/2 of our driveway is unused asphalt. Replacing the back half with a permeable turf system would give us much more lawn, while preserving the structural integrity of the parking area in case we need it.
One thing I've been considering which might be relevant to you is a permeable turf driveway. Our driveway like most in Maplewood extends all the way to the rear of our property. It widens in the last 1/4 to a two car garage. Since our backdoor is a sliding door with no key-lock we tend to park in just the first 1/4 of our driveway. Basically, 1/2 of our driveway is unused asphalt. Replacing the back half with a permeable turf system would give us much more lawn, while preserving the structural integrity of the parking area in case we need it.
Definitely an interesting thought!! Our challenge is that we're on a corner so the position of our house and yard lends itself to being out in the open. But, we're also up against the maximum amount of "covered space" we can have on our lot, so replacing our 2-car driveway with something permeable could allow us to build a structure elsewhere if that makes sense. These are things I'm hoping a pro can help us think through!
I've been looking into those "grass driveways" as well! Do you know of a contractor out here who does that? Acer? Just searching the internet, wasn't able to find anyone.
I have this exact issue - small yard, no privacy, way more driveway than I need.
I have this exact issue - small yard, no privacy, way more driveway than I need.
@narabear--i don't know local contractors who do this, but I know someone who does. South Orange used a material like this for their New Waterlands park parking lot. stay tuned.
Aug 12, 2014 at 8:04am Edited
this "permeable turf driveway" sounds intriguing... anyone have pics? I am in the same boat of too much unused driveway....
hmm - googled those search terms, and found this - pretty good!
http://www.sbprojectcleanwater.org/uploadedImages/sbprojectcleanwater/What_You_Can_Do/driveway%20summerland.jpg
hmm - googled those search terms, and found this - pretty good!
http://www.sbprojectcleanwater.org/uploadedImages/sbprojectcleanwater/What_You_Can_Do/driveway%20summerland.jpg
Here are some that look great. Basically just looks like more lawn, but you can drive over it.
http://www.invisiblestructures.com/grasspave2_grass_driveways.html
http://matthewhague.com/tag/grass-driveway/
http://www.invisiblestructures.com/grasspave2_grass_driveways.html
http://matthewhague.com/tag/grass-driveway/
...and, I might actually be able to answer my own question by calling those people from the first link 
We have a gravel "patio" off our driveway that we use to turn the car around, but the way our property is situated it's basically in our yard. This is an excellent solution.... Definitely following this with interest. I hope someone does it soon so we can all learn from the experience!
I wonder how that works with snowblowing? Does it make it more difficult, or no difference?
I had an interesting meeting with Birch Hill today, who had some good ideas. It may cost a small fortune though, we'll see Gets the wheels turning, at least. They told me they work with our across the street neighbor, who has a beautiful yard, so I know they do excellent work.
Gets the wheels turning, at least. They told me they work with our across the street neighbor, who has a beautiful yard, so I know they do excellent work. 
TarheelsInNj said:
But, we're also up against the maximum amount of "covered space"
Does anyone have a link to this for Maplewood? We don't have a driveway and it causes us numerous headaches, but may actually have found a legal workaround. It depend on how much space needs to remain open.
Love the look of pavers with grass growing between them, have you looked into those?
TarheelsInNj said:
I had an interesting meeting with Birch Hill today, who had some good ideas. It may cost a small fortune though, we'll see
Barry and Vince from Birch Hill are awesome. They did several serious projects for us (diff houses). For structural stuff (regrading, weird yards, hardscapes, et al) they are great. For more of an aesthetic touch and more intimate designs, I also second Joan Piasecki. Good luck!
Would this be good for a utility strip/berm? I can't find anything that will stop the incessant weeds.
I wanted to follow up on my own thread to say that Birch Hill has completed some extensive work for us and we couldn't be more pleased. They really helped us re-think the utility of our yard, and did some major drainage work as well. The patio is beautiful and overall we're very very pleased! They were responsive to a few issues we weren't happy with as well and resolved them quickly. I would highly recommend.
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