Third Stone Design: Professional Landscaping Serving Asheville, NC 28806
50 Knob Hill Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Business Offerings
- Tree care services
- Landscape design
- Landscape maintenance
- Greenscape design
Our Story
Third Stone Design is a landscaping and tree care service in Asheville, NC, founded by Jeff Harris. Jeff combines formal education in environmental studies and soil science from UNC Asheville with practical expertise as a certified permaculture designer. His approach is deeply influenced by a decade living in Osaka, Japan, where he studied traditional Japanese gardening techniques, including stone placement and tree care, under the guidance of local master gardener Masashi 'Mike' Oshita. This unique background informs the company's commitment to creating environmentally sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor spaces. As an active member of the Aesthetic Pruners Association and The North American Japanese Garden Association, Jeff ensures that every project, from stone paths and walls to ponds and edible landscapes, is built with a focus on soil health, ecological balance, and timeless design.
FAQs
How does your landscape design approach address common Asheville yard issues like standing water?
Our design process starts with a soil science assessment to understand drainage patterns. For yards with standing water, we use sustainable permaculture principles and Japanese-inspired grading techniques to create natural drainage solutions. This often involves strategic stone placement, building permeable paths and walls, and selecting water-tolerant native plants to redirect moisture and protect your shrubs' root systems, transforming a problem area into a functional, beautiful part of your landscape.
What does your tree care service include, and how is it influenced by Japanese techniques?
Our tree care goes beyond basic trimming. Influenced by Jeff's study under a Japanese master gardener and his membership in the Aesthetic Pruners Association, we practice thoughtful, structural pruning that respects the tree's natural form and promotes long-term health. This technique enhances beauty and vitality, reduces future maintenance, and helps trees better withstand Western North Carolina's weather. It's a careful, artful approach that considers the tree's role in the overall landscape design.
Can you incorporate edible plants into a low-maintenance, Japanese-inspired garden design?
Absolutely. Our certified permaculture design training allows us to seamlessly integrate edible landscaping into aesthetic Japanese garden principles. We can design fruit trees as focal points, use berry bushes for natural hedging, and incorporate perennial herbs into rock gardens. The goal is to create a productive, beautiful space that requires minimal upkeep, aligning with the Japanese philosophy of harmony with nature and our commitment to sustainable, functional landscapes.





