CONQUERING CHALLENGES
Merging Modern and Traditional Elements Into a Cohesive Landscape
By Jill Odom
WHEN A CLIENT CONTACTED Environmental Management Services, Inc. (EMI), based in Plain City, Ohio, they wanted a residential landscape renovation that seamlessly integrated a contemporary design with a luxurious, functional outdoor environment.
EMI delivered all this while preserving the homeowner’s century-old oak tree. In addition to earning a Gold Award
Photos: EMI Enter for the
Awards of Excellence here.
of Excellence for the overall project, EMI also received an Exceptional Feature Award for the granite wall and granite firepit they installed. The wall features a fitted-joint granite
veneer, while the firepit anchors the outdoor living space. Judges noted the intricacy of the granite wall and how well-executed the firepit was. The space includes a pool, spa,
outdoor kitchen, custom firepit and a diverse array of plants. The client desired clean-lined geometries with a variety of hardscape materials.
The main challenge of the project was
protecting the mature oak tree, which was precariously close to the pool and pool deck area. Its location put the tree’s health and the integrity of the new land- scape features at risk. A comprehensive preservation strate- gy was developed, including air-spading to assess the tree’s root system before construction. Selective root pruning, dead-wooding, and fertilization were carried out to ensure the tree’s health throughout the construction process. Retaining and feature walls were placed outside the critical root zone, and all grades within the tree drop line were maintained where possible. When it was not possible, the roots were airspaded and deep fertilizations were applied. Granite steps were added that lead
to a lawn panel ‘alter,’ which accents the tree’s presence but protects it from po- tential damage. EMI was able to preserve the tree’s vitality and maintain its visual prominence in the new design. EMI also had to integrate the new
features with the existing architec- ture, blending traditional and modern elements together into a cohesive landscape. They utilized large-format porcelain pavers and ashlar granite walls
36 The Edge //May/June 2025
to create a contemporary look. The crushed bluestone chip aggregate and custom granite features provided a classic touch to the space. The plant palette included Little Lime
hydrangeas, white-striped Hakone grass, Quick Fire panicle hydrangeas, fragrant sumac, Lady-In-Red fern and Boston ivy. During the installation, EMI encoun-
tered difficulties coordinating with the pool contractor, who was not part of their contract. This made it hard to manage quality control and ensure smooth communication. Heavy rainfall during the initial installation also caused complications. The pool contractor had not filled the pool with enough water to ballast it, causing the fiberglass shell to float and it required a reset. The issue delayed EMI’s ability to work, but despite this, they completed their scope of work on schedule. TE
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