Question

Hello,

Hi there!  Hopefully I'm asking the right person this question...

We recently moved to a beautiful house on a partially wooded lot.  I'm wondering how to go about improving our back yard so the kids can play and we can possibly plant some sun-loving plants.  We're in PA, so we've yet to really see what the property will be like during the spring and summer, but it seems pretty evident to me that we are dealing with very poor drainage and a lot of shade.  The existing yard is basically all mud with some moss patches - very swamp like!
What type of professional should we consult first to get a plan down to help improve the yard?  We may have to remove some trees to allow a bit more sunlight in (there are also some old trees that look like they may fall down!), and I assume we may have to install some sort of drainage tile or improve the soil in some way to improve drainage.  I just don't know what type of person to call first!  A tree removal company?  A landscape design firm?  Just someone from a local nursery?  Any advice???

Thanks in advance!
Maggie  

Answer
Hey, Maggie.

The resolution to your situation is much more involved than what I can provide here, especially without visiting your property or at least having some good quality pictures.

Your best bet is to consult with a landscape design firm. Many of them will provide you with a free consultation, and some of them will even give you some general ideas of what to do. Since we're in the middle of winter, those "old trees" might just be hardwoods that will come back to life when spring arrives. Trees can be very valuable and add a lot of value to a property, so don't take them down without consulting with a good landscaper first about what kind of trees they are and whether or not they can be pruned, trimmed, and cleaned up to provide value yet sunlight at the same time.

Go to some plant nurseries, friends, and business associates and ask for some recommendations for landscapers. That's the best way to get someone good.

Hope that helps.