Erica - Poughkeepsie's Local Landscapers

Many overgrown shrubs in our area can be saved with expert rejuvenation pruning. Erica assesses the plant's health and structure to determine the best approach. For healthy shrubs, she uses selective cuts over several seasons to reduce size and encourage new growth from the base, restoring a natural shape without the 'hacked' look. If a shrub is diseased, severely woody, or simply the wrong plant for the location, she can advise on removal and suggest native, lower-maintenance alternatives suited to Poughkeepsie's climate.

Absolutely. Soil compaction is a very common issue here due to our clay-heavy soil and seasonal foot traffic. When soil is compacted, water, air, and nutrients can't reach grass roots, leading to thin, weak turf. Erica addresses this with core aeration, which removes small plugs of soil to relieve compaction. She often combines this with overseeding and top-dressing with compost to introduce healthy organic matter, dramatically improving your lawn's density, resilience, and drought tolerance for the Hudson Valley seasons.

The key is consistent, proper maintenance. After an initial rejuvenation, Erica recommends establishing a seasonal pruning schedule. For most flowering shrubs in Poughkeepsie, a light shaping right after they bloom and a more thorough pruning in late winter keeps them in check. She can also help you choose the right plant for the right place—selecting shrubs with mature sizes that fit your space—and provide guidance on proper watering and fertilization to promote healthy, controlled growth rather than excessive, leggy expansion.