Homes with eye-catching softscape and hardscape features are the result of more than great design sensibilities. These properties result from high-quality materials, appropriate construction methods, and detailed site preparation.
At Landscape Solutions, we know each of these factors needs to be strategized before breaking ground on any project. In consultation with our clients and using state-of-the-art 2D and 3D design tools, we develop a tailored plan to ensure a project’s foundation is in place so we can best execute the vision. Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of your outdoor space is exactly the way you want it, aligns with your home’s architecture, and complements your lifestyle.
Here are the factors we consider when selecting landscape and design materials, construction methods, and site prep processes as we embark on each new project.
Why Site Preparation Is the Most Important Step (That Nobody Talks About)
Before a single stone is placed or a single tree is planted, the homeowner’s property must be ready to support what it will bear. Across Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, College Grove, East Nashville, and beyond, that means contending with our region’s defining characteristics: dense alkaline clay, shallow limestone bedrock, and summer storms that unleash serious amounts of rainfall in short periods of time.
When a home is built, the native topsoil is almost always stripped away during construction. What’s left is subsoil—compacted, nutrient-poor, and often difficult-to-work-with dirt. That’s why every project we take on begins with a detailed site assessment, including surveying, utility mapping, and elevation analysis.
From there, we move into rough and fine grading using heavy earthmoving equipment to establish proper drainage, sloping all terrain away from your home’s foundation. Because Middle Tennessee clay holds water, French drains and dry creek beds are often integrated to redirect excess stormwater away from foundations and high-traffic lawn areas. We also install silt fencing, straw wattles, and polymer soil stabilizers early in the process to combat the region’s high-intensity rainfall and prevent erosion. These Best Management Practices (BMPs) are essential for environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
We also dig through compacted clay to a depth of at least 12 inches before any planting. This deep decompaction is essential for long-term root health, and we know many contractors skip it (to the detriment of every plant installed afterward).
The Right Methods Make the Difference
Designing a high-end outdoor space is not just about knowing what to do but also how to do it. The construction methods our team uses are field-tested, industry-certified, and refined over years of working in Middle Tennessee’s specific conditions.
When it comes to soil, wholesale tilling destroys its natural structure. This is why we incorporate a 2- to 3-inch layer of high-quality organic matter worked into the top 6 inches of the clay. This preserves the soil profile while dramatically improving drainage and soil health over time.
When it’s time to plant, we place trees and shrubs a few inches above the surrounding grade to encourage root expansion and prevent the crown from drowning in the dense clay during heavy rains. It’s a small detail with a major long-term payoff on plant health and your property’s appearance.
For hardscape construction, our crews install crushed gravel sub-bases compacted with heavy equipment, followed by a screened sand layer to stabilize pavers. Pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and masonry walls are anchored with poured-in-place or precast concrete footings to handle substantial loads and withstand our region’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Quality Materials That Look Great and Last
The materials we specify for landscape design services aren’t chosen for aesthetics alone (despite being undeniably beautiful). They’re chosen because they perform in Middle Tennessee’s climate, complement the architecture of our clients’ properties and estates, and age gracefully over time.
For patios and walkways, we like natural stone: Bluestone, Travertine, and Flagstone, which consistently outperform standard concrete in both appearance and longevity. We source our pavers from top manufacturers, so you are guaranteed the very best materials.
Retaining walls, which are a necessity on many sloped properties across Franklin and College Grove, are built using local limestone, segmental retaining blocks, or custom stonework that mirrors the character of the natural bedrock beneath the property.
For structural edging, raised planters, water features, and outdoor kitchens, we recommend Corten steel for the rich, warm patina it develops over time and its distinctive, elegant aesthetic.
For planting beds, we use compost and custom bioretention soil blends to break up dense clay and create conditions where plants will thrive. And for mulch, we apply double-ground shredded pine bark at a 3-inch depth with no volcano mulching! As we’ve said before, piling mulch against tree trunks is one of the most common landscaping mistakes that come with devastating results, as it can kill your trees.
Native Plants and Ecological Design: The Smarter Choice for Middle Tennessee
At Landscape Solutions, we’re big on ecological designs using native plants. While it’s part of our philosophy as stewards of the environment, this is also a practical choice that results in better-performing, lower-input landscapes. Native species like Eastern Redbud, Oakleaf Hydrangea, and Little Bluestem grass are naturally adapted to our clay soils and rainfall patterns, which means less water, fewer amendments, and stronger root systems over time.
There’s also another benefit to ecological design: native plantings support our pollinators and increase the biodiversity of your property. In an era when landscape value is increasingly tied to sustainability, environmentally conscious decisions like these can increase your property’s appeal.
One Team, Committed to Your Vision
When you partner with Landscape Solutions, you’re working with a full-service team that handles every phase of your project, along with a single point person who keeps you up to date and is always available to answer any questions. Our landscape services are designed for property owners who want exceptional results without the hassle of managing multiple vendors.
We believe the best outdoor spaces are built on trust, expertise, and a genuine passion for transforming properties into the resort-style retreats homeowners dream of enjoying.
From Construction to Care: Comprehensive Landscape Maintenance
A well-built landscape doesn’t end once we’ve completed the installation. Instead, it evolves. Our landscape maintenance services reflect our thorough understanding of what was installed, how it was installed, and what it needs to thrive season after season.
This continuity is something our clients consistently tell us they appreciate. With no handoff to an outside crew, your property will be cared for by the people who know what’s best for it.
Ready to build something exceptional? Schedule a consultation with the experts at Landscape Solutions for the peace of mind and luxurious results you deserve.