Top Landscaping Services in Ghent, NY, 12037 | Compare & Call
Ghent Landscape LLC is a locally-owned landscaping business founded in 2009 by Ghent resident Karl Thomas. With over 30 years of horticultural experience, Thomas and his team of local staff provide re...
Adam Dreher Contracting
Adam Dreher Contracting has been a trusted provider for Ghent and the surrounding Columbia County area since 1988. We specialize in landscape construction, light excavation, and reliable septic system...
Q&A
We want to reduce mowing and support pollinators. What should we plant?
Transitioning turf areas to a native meadow matrix of Little Bluestem, Common Milkweed, New England Aster, and Joe-Pye Weed is a forward-looking strategy. These plants are adapted to Zone 5b, require no irrigation once established, and provide critical habitat. This shift also reduces dependency on gasoline-powered equipment, aligning with evolving noise ordinances and biodiversity goals for 2026.
How can we maintain a healthy lawn while being responsible with municipal water?
Smart Wi-Fi soil moisture controllers are essential. They schedule irrigation based on actual evapotranspiration (ET) data and soil readings, not just a timer. This prevents overwatering the Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue mix, conserving water even under Stage 0 restrictions and protecting the root zone from saturation that exacerbates our area's high water table.
Our yard has persistent soggy areas each spring. What's a long-term solution?
This is a classic symptom of Ghent's seasonal high water table and poor infiltration in silt loam. Regrading to create subtle swales that direct water away from foundations is the first step. For patios or walkways, using permeable concrete pavers or open-joint bluestone installations increases ground absorption and can help projects meet Columbia County's stormwater runoff standards.
Our lawn struggles in Ghent despite fertilizer. Could the soil itself be the problem?
Ghent's older homes, averaging 70 years since construction, have soil that has become compacted and depleted. The prevalent acidic silt loam naturally holds moisture but lacks pore space for root growth. This soil profile benefits from core aeration in fall and amendments like composted leaf mold to improve permeability and microbial activity, directly addressing the legacy of construction and decades of standard maintenance.
Why does the contractor need a specific license for our regrading project?
Significant earth moving and grading on a 1.25-acre lot in Columbia County often triggers stormwater permitting from the Department of Planning. The New York State Department of State requires specific licensing for this work to ensure adherence to erosion control and runoff regulations. Hiring an unlicensed operator risks project stoppages, fines, and potential property damage from improper water management.
We've spotted invasive Japanese Knotweed. How do we handle it without harming the lawn?
Japanese Knotweed requires persistent, targeted treatment. For ecological safety and compliance with NY's Nutrient Runoff Law, we use precise cut-stem applications of approved herbicides in late summer, avoiding spring phosphorus blackout dates for lawn care. This method minimizes soil and water impact while effectively targeting the plant's root system to prevent regrowth.
We need emergency storm debris removal to meet HOA deadlines. What's your response protocol?
Our electric fleet allows dispatch during standard quiet hours. For a Ghent Hamlet address, the primary route from the Ghent Town Hall staging area is via the Taconic State Parkway. We allocate for peak traffic, targeting a 45-60 minute arrival for urgent compliance or safety-related cleanup, ensuring debris is processed according to local yard waste regulations.
Is bluestone or a composite deck better for a new patio in our fire-prone area?
Bluestone or permeable concrete pavers are superior for longevity and fire resilience. They provide a non-combustible, durable surface that meets the Moderate Fire Wise rating requirement for 30 feet of defensible space. Unlike wood or composites, stone requires no sealing against moisture decay and offers greater permeability, directly addressing our local drainage and wildfire mitigation priorities.
