Landscape Design and Ecological Restoration in Westchester County, NY, and the Tri-State Area
Merge Your Greatest Outdoor Dreams With Our Environmentally Sustainable Strategies and Solutions
At Green Jay Landscape Design, we design for the planet. Beyond your plant and material preferences, this landscape design serves a greater purpose, one that will outlast us all. By creating habitat, restoring soil health, and using native plants that thrive in our eco region, we're building landscapes that support abundant biodiversity while reducing personal stress and toxic exposures. This is possible whether you own acres of land or a cozy backyard space in Westchester County, New York.
Imagine your landscape transformed into a fully functioning ecosystem. How do we achieve this? Starting with soil remediation, we cultivate soil microbes which provide a multitude of benefits: they improve plant immune systems and access to nutrients, while enabling storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil (see Carbon Smart Landscaping), plus, they are linked to improved mood and cognitive function in humans! Soil amendments also enhance soil structure and water holding capacity. In conjunction with landscape drainage solutions, a healthy soil allows stormwater to return to the hydrologic cycle without collecting pollutants as runoff and contributing to erosion. Our ecological planting designs create year-round wildlife habitat that strengths ecosystem resilience through abundant biodiversity unique to our ecoregion. In short, your landscape is healthier and actively fighting against climate change and biodiversity loss.
For even more samples, please browse our
Read More
We specialize in regenerative landscape design, wetlands restoration, outdoor living, natural stone patios and walkways, permaculture, erosion control, pollinator gardens, and more. Every project is rooted in a desire to produce the healthiest biological environment possible while meeting your outdoor goals and preferences. We want you to know what to expect throughout our process, so we provide a number of high-end design presentation materials to help you visualize your landscape. Upon your approval, this master plan will guide our installation crew as they take a low-impact, organic approach to building your new space.
Our project management process keeps complex outdoor projects organized, efficient, and environmentally responsible. Working with a trusted network of skilled professionals that we can refer you to, we help coordinate specialized services such as irrigation and landscape lighting while maintaining clear communication and ecological standards throughout the project. We also offer ecological consulting and a Residential Sustainable Stewardship program for properties over five acres. For smaller projects, we can recommend organic maintenance providers after your landscape design and installation is complete.
Sustainable landscape design is good for the planet—and it's good for you. These re-wilded outdoor spaces are exquisitely beautiful and full of life. Fill out our contact form today to learn more about landscape design in Westchester County, New York, and throughout the tri-state area.
Green Jay Receives Two APLD Awards
Green Jay Landscape Design is the proud recipient of two 2025 design awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). We are beyond thrilled at this recognition and want to extend our thanks to the APLD judging committee. GJLD will take home a Silver Award in the Specialty Projects category and a Bronze Award in the Residential Category III ($100,000+).
Why Work With Green Jay Landscape Design
After a detailed property site analysis, Green Jay Landscape Design puts together a master plan to guide your project. With color renderings, a plant matrix, photos, and more, you'll be able to visualize your finished landscape and proceed with confidence. Our landscapes provide all the necessities for a healthy life with plants supporting soil microbes which contribute biofilm for our bodies. We have years of experience in Westchester County, New York, and the surrounding area with a variety of project types:
Landscape Design
- Planning That Supports Long-Term Growth
Design decisions are made to support how the landscape will develop over time. Plant groupings are selected for durability and adaptability, allowing the property to become more stable and visually cohesive as it matures. - Access That Expands How You Use Your Property
Well-placed paths can open up areas of your property that are otherwise overlooked. These routes follow the natural shape of the land and are built with materials that feel appropriate to Dobbs Ferry’s setting, creating a seamless experience as you move through the landscape. - Turning Challenging Areas Into Valuable Features
Low-lying or poorly drained sections of a property can become functional and visually appealing parts of the landscape. Through careful grading, planting, and water management, these areas are reshaped to support both usability and environmental health. - Planting That Serves Multiple Purposes
Each planting decision is made with intention. A single group of plants can provide seasonal interest, support pollinators, improve soil stability, and help manage water movement. This layered approach creates a landscape that works more efficiently while maintaining a refined appearance.
Gardens
- Plantings and Pollinator Gardens: Welcome the bees and butterflies back to your land with specially designed gardens that support local wildlife.
- Xeriscaping: Reduce your water usage and your maintenance demands with a xeriscaped yard.
- Native Landscaping: By using plants that naturally thrive in the tri-state / Eco Region 59 soil and climate, we reduce water usage and maintenance concerns while supporting the local ecosystem.
Photo Galleries
Landscape Installation
- Landscape Boulders: Create boundaries and visual interest with boulders and natural stone.
- Water Features and Fountain Installation: Elegant and soothing, a water feature increases your property value and creates a welcoming atmosphere.
- Decks: We can refer you to our trusted network for a custom deck to meet your outdoor living needs. Choose from a range of materials, colors, and textures to match your aesthetic and maintenance concerns.
- Outdoor Living: Spend more time outdoors with cozy spaces that invite connection, relaxation, and offer unique entertaining areas.
- Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces: Center your outdoor living experience around the warmth of the fire with custom fire pits that complement your other outdoor features. If outdoor fireplaces call to you, our trusted network can design and install them.
- Fencing: From privacy fence to white picket and more, our trusted network of fencing installers will help you create the boundaries that enhance the appearance of your property, provide privacy, or keep the pets in.
- Invasive Species: More than just "weeds," invasive species can out-compete other plants and reduce biodiversity on your property. Let us take care of your invasive problem holistically and responsibly. Learn more on our Invasive Species page.
Artistic Masonry & Hardscape
- Hardscaping: Our talented craftspeople take pride in every detail.
- Natural Stone Patios, Walkways, Stairs, and Paths: As the foundation of your outdoor living experience, paver and natural stone patios, paths and stairs guide you through your property and provide the setting for built-in seating, fire pits, and so much more.
- Boulder Rip Rap Retaining Features: Functional and aesthetically pleasing, these cement-free walls can improve soil stability and support the foundation of your home, help turn a slope into a level, usable space for plantings or hardscaping, and create permanent seating areas for you and your guests.
Stormwater Management & Grading
- Stormwater Solutions: Stormwater management, including rain gardens, French drains, bioswales, and other stormwater solutions are essential for protecting your buildings, hardscaping, plants, and soil. Learn more on our Stormwater Management page.
- Erosion Control: Top soil is a non-renewable resource in our lifetime and deserves protection! Erosion control devices (jute netting, compostable socks, structural soil) installed on steep slopes along with designed plantings can have a significant impact in combating soil erosion. Learn more on our Erosion Control page.
- Grading: We can manipulate landscape elevations to create level play areas, spaces to recreate or entertain in, or garden terraces to interrupt a steep slope and assist with erosion control.
Organic Sod & Turf
- Lawn Installation: We start with soil remediation to reduce compaction and support soil microbial communities – essential to the success of an organic lawn! We use over twelve varieties of seed to form a dense turf grass and out-compete weeds.
- Low Mow Lawn Installation: Looking for a low-maintenance lawn option? Try our slow-growing lawn mix, that only requires mowing once a month!
- Sod Installation: For immediate results, often around sensitive areas like pools, we install sod, often with clover included in the mix to reduce fertilizer inputs.
Custom Irrigation, Lighting & Sound
- Irrigation: Our trusted network of irrigation providers set up custom zones tailored to the landscape. We stage irrigation installation to ensure new plants are adequately watered as soon as they are planted. Smart irrigation sensors interact with live weather data to adjust water schedules.
- Landscape Lighting: Custom lighting to highlight your favorite features, create ambiance, or enhance visibility on your property. Our trusted network of lighting providers can install downlighting for minimal wildlife disturbance.
- Outdoor Sound: Complete the ambiance of your new entertaining spaces with discrete, state-of-the-art outdoor sound systems. We can refer you to our trusted network of outdoor sound professionals.
Driveways
- Stone Driveways: Elevate your home’s curb appeal with a gravel driveway and design features like a Belgium Block curb or apron.
- Driveway Resurfacing: We coordinate with our trusted network to stage driveway resurfacing as the last step in any installation.
Tree Services
- Forest & Woodlot Management: By monitoring native tree species, keystone and indicator species, understory biodiversity, and the overall health of the forest, we can manage woodlot resources to create resilient habitats. We can coordinate tree removal with our trusted network of arborists.
Get started on a sustainable landscape design that will transform your property and your experience with nature. Contact us today.
A Reputation for Responsible Land Stewardship and Low-Impact Development
We are humbled when our clients trust us with the re-imagining and rewilding of their landscapes, and it brings us joy to know you love these vibrant outdoor spaces as much as we love creating them.
Ecological Landscape Design FAQs
Ecological design is a framework for design that seeks to improve the health of our environment and maximize ecosystem services. Ecological design works toward sustainable longevity of landscapes, by selecting beneficial species in both plant and animal life to increase biological diversity and ensure resilient landscapes that are adaptable to changing conditions.
Simply put: "the benefits people derive from ecosystems." The definition arose from the United Nation's Millennium Ecosystem Association's need to evaluate the effects of ecosystem change on human society and to better quantify the value of ecosystems in human terms, in order to curb environmental degradation. Ecosystem services can be divided into four major categories. (Derived from The Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity.)
Regulating Services
- Air Purification and Temperature Regulation – This is provided by trees and vegetation – particularly valuable in urban environments to mitigate Urban Heat Island Effect.
- Carbon Sequestration and Storage – Carbon is sequestered and stored by vegetation, particularly trees and prairie grasses – extremely important in our fight against climate change.
- Water Filtration – Wetlands are our natural water treatment systems, protecting water quality and absorbing water during storm events.
- Erosion Control – Plants with established root systems help stabilize soil, preventing erosion. This is extremely important as it can take hundreds of years to create just one inch of top soil!
- Pollination – This is essential for food production and maintaining both plant and animal biodiversity.
- Biological Control – A healthy ecosystem can regulate pests and diseases with adequate populations of predators and parasites.
Provisioning Services
These include material outputs from the environment, such as:
- Food
- Water
- Raw materials (lumber, biofuels, oils, fibers)
- Medicinal plants
Habitat Services
- Adequate food, water, and shelter to support a diversity of species. The more biodiverse an ecosystem, the more resilient, healthy and valuable it is.
Cultural Services
- Space to recreate
- Nature tourism
- Artistic inspiration
- Spiritual experiences
- Create habitat to support a diversity of insects, pollinators, and animals. Support threatened species and create a healthier ecosystem through biodiversity. The National Wildlife Federation certifies habitat gardens based on their provision of food, water, shelter, places to raise young, and sustainable land practices.
- Treat and reuse water on-site. Reduce impermeable surfaces and implement water treatment / recycling systems such as rain gardens, rain water harvesting, and passive irrigation.
- Implement layered planting with a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover to regulate climate and temperature, sequester carbon dioxide, and filter air pollutants. Reduce your lawn area to accommodate more garden beds and reduce maintenance emissions.
- Grow your own food – reduce the energy and emissions associated with food production by growing your own locally!
We have extensive documented experience in landscape design and construction throughout the tri-state area. Jay Archer has over thirty years’ experience designing and constructing ecological landscapes, honing his expertise in holistic stormwater management, steep slopes, wetland restoration, and native plant habitat gardens.
All plants secrete carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, but soil microbes are the key player in converting that CO2 to organic matter and storing it in the soil. Thus, fostering a healthy soil microbial community is essential in creating 'carbon sinks' on your property. Soil microbes evolved alongside our native plants; some microbes are specialists and are only hosted on the roots of specific local plants. Other microbes are generalists and can forge a relationship with a variety of plants. Landscape chemicals like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are known to kill soil microorganisms and are therefore never used in Green Jay Landscape Design land management. Instead, we amend the soil with organic compost and biochar to inject microbes into the soil, boost plants' immune systems, and improve the soil's water-holding capacity, thereby reducing overall resource use. Among the many native plant choices, trees secrete by far the most carbon dioxide (given their size), and prairie grasses are the second-best option due to their deep root systems. To summarize, to make your landscape carbon-positive, choose native plants that are suited to your site conditions and maintain your property organically.
Landscape Design Master Plans (LDMP) FAQs
Landscape Design Master Plans are full color, labelled planting plans for the entire property. They include layouts for stonework, stormwater management, and grading. LDMPs come with a Proposal with scope of work, plant lists, and pricing, as well as a Plant Palette to visualize the gardens, Hardscape reference photos, a Plant Matrix indicating bloom time and color, and a Beneficials poster detailing what wildlife and insects your new landscape will attract. For examples of design plans, see our blog.
If you are interested in working with us, please fill out the form on our Contact Page. A member of our team will contact you for your free 15-minute Discovery Call to understand your landscape goals and assess if our company is a good fit. If we align, we’ll schedule a professional consultation at your property ($300). The purpose of the consultation is to assess existing conditions of the property, determine the scope of work for the design, and understand client priorities, timelines, budget, and capacity for landscape management. GJLD will then send an Ecological Landscape Design Agreement (ELDA), our contract for designing your landscape. We complete additional site visits during the design phase to gather measurements, site data and photos. Once the design is complete, we present to you in person or virtually.
Design time typically ranges from 6-8 weeks from receipt of signed design contract and payment. The timeline depends on our design queue, but we always offer a current design time estimate when sending an Ecological Landscape Design Agreement (ELDA). If the design involves coordination with architects, engineers, permitting, or other contractors, that may complicate and lengthen the time for completing the design.
Yes, if the partial zone is large or complex enough to meet our $25,000 project minimum. We generally discourage a piecemeal design approach, but we are open to phasing design and project work to meet our clients’ needs.
One set of revisions is included in the design fee.
Landscape Master Plan Designs
Beauty and sustainability go hand-in-hand. The people behind these properties enjoy a wealth of wildlife and pollinators, minimal maintenance requirements, and peace of mind in knowing their outdoor space supports biodiversity and is built to last. Take a closer look:
How We Turn Compromised Landscapes Around
Over our years of experience in the Westchester County, New York tri-state area, we've refined our process to ensure outstanding results for our clients. This is what to expect when you work with us:
Fill out our contact form to book a 15-minute call at your convenience. We'll discuss your project to determine if we're the best fit for you. If so, we'll schedule your $300 on-site consultation to define the scope of work and budget.
Before the consultation, we'll send you a questionnaire. Your responses will give us a better understanding of the project so we can arrive prepared. During the consultation, we consider:
- The path of the sun
- Soil types
- Stormwater management
- Existing vegetation
- Viewsheds
- Potential for habitat
- Invasive Species Control
- And more
As we discuss your vision for the space, we'll take photos and annotate your survey to develop a plan and budget. We'll share our ideas, as well, and point out options you might not have considered. Within three business days, we'll provide your landscape design agreement.
Upon contract acceptance and receipt of the design fee, we'll add you to our design queue. We'll schedule the initial site visit to start working on the design. 3D renderings, detailed construction drawings, and permitting services are also available upon request.
This is when we'll take detailed measurements and fully assess the property. Please be prepared to discuss any new ideas or revisions to your goals. We'll let you know when you can expect to receive your finished landscape design.
We'll schedule another visit to review the master plan, which includes:
- Conceptual drawing
- Planting plan
- Plant palette photos
- Materials list
- Scope of work
- Cost
- Suggested installation phases
- Estimated start and end dates
Your project can be completed in phases. After the design presentation, we'll meet with you on-site or remotely within the week to discuss any revisions you might have and how we intend to proceed. When you approve the design, we typically accept a 50 percent deposit and put you on the work schedule.
With our horticultural expertise, master stonework and craftsmanship, and superior project management, we'll bring your design to life. This includes advanced site development, open communication, and regular updates. All plants are installed according to Green Jay Landscape Design's organic gardening specifications.
When the project is complete, we'll walk the property with you to make sure everything meets your expectations. We will collect the remaining balance due on your investment, request a review, and schedule a professional photography session.
We’ll assist you in learning how to take care of your new garden. If your property is larger than five acres, we'll invite you to join our Sustainable Stewardship Program. For smaller projects, we can refer you to local, organic maintenance providers.
Landscaping Services That Put Nature First
We specialize in regenerative landscape design and full-service installation. Through our trusted network, we work with multiple designers, engineers, and specialty contractors that we can refer you to, helping complete complex projects with clear coordination and communication. Take a closer look at what we can do for you:
Landscape Design
Our ecological landscape design and eco consulting services result in exceptional outdoor spaces that meet your vision for your landscape while supporting the natural world. Visit our Landscape Design page for more information.
Native Gardens
We prioritize using native plants in all of our garden designs. Whether you’re looking for a pollinator garden, a wildflower meadow, a permaculture landscape, or new foundation plantings, our seasoned designers can craft your naturalistic landscape.
Landscape Installation & Site Development
We build what we design. From initial site development to crafting custom landscape features, we focus on quiet installations following the Sustainable SITES Initiative.
Artistic Stonework & Hardscape
We can install a variety of hardscaping ranging from natural stone walkways, paths and steps to patios and boulder retaining features.
Stormwater Management
Erosion control is essential for the protection of your soil, plants, buildings, and hardscaping. Our stormwater management solutions include bioswales, rain gardens, dry streams, and more, customized to the needs of your property.
Organic Sod and Turf
From soil remediation to compost and sod installation, we can reinvigorate a tired yard and create a healthy natural space for you and your family to enjoy.
Irrigation, Lighting & Sound
We can refer you to quality irrigation system providers for design and installation based on planting zones to maximize water conservation and efficiency. Our trusted network can add custom lighting and sound to further enhance your outdoor living space.
Driveways
We’ll coordinate driveway resurfacing and stone driveways with our trusted network in the Westchester County, New York area to help you create a welcoming entrance to your home.
Tree Services
Ensure the trees on your property are healthy and contributing to the ecosystem. We can plant new ones for you or refer you to our trusted network to remove those that are sick, damaged, or threatening to interfere with buildings or underground cables.
Check Out Our Blog
Cottage Garden Blends European Style with Northeast Natives for an Impactful Scarsdale Landscape
Setting the Standard for Ecologically Responsible Landscaping Companies in Westchester County, NY, and the Tri-State Area
We offer regenerative design and ecological restoration in the Eco-Region 59, the Northeast Coastal Zone, which includes communities in Westchester County, New York, and within an approximate 50-mile radius of White Plains. Below is a selection of the towns we work in. For a more detailed list, visit our Service Area page:
Westchester County, New York
- Bedford, New York (including Bedford Hills)
- Chappaqua, New York
- Croton-on-Hudson, New York
- Dobbs Ferry, New York
- Hastings-on-Hudson, New York
- Katonah, New York
- Irvington, New York
- Larchmont, New York
- Lewisboro, New York
- Mamaroneck, New York
- North Castle, New York
- Pound Ridge, New York
- Rye, New York
- Scarsdale, New York
- South Salem, New York
Bergen County, New Jersey
Essex County, New Jersey
Fairfield County, Connecticut
- Fairfield County
- Greenwich, Connecticut (and surrounding neighborhoods)
- Darien, Connecticut
- New Canaan, Connecticut
- Ridgefield, Connecticut
Putnam County, New York
Enhance Your Environmental Expertise While Earning Competitive Pay and Working With a Supportive Team
We offer excellent career opportunities for passionate, hardworking professionals who have a love of nature and a desire to work outdoors. Expand your knowledge and grow as a landscaping expert with paid training and education, as you help us improve the environment and encourage interaction with the natural world. Visit our Careers page to learn more and apply today.
Discover What Responsible Land Stewardship Can Do For You
A sustainable landscape design supports biodiversity while reducing your water usage, maintenance chores, and personal stress. It's the first step toward reducing your exposure to toxins and living a more joyful life at home, knowing that your decision to install a rain garden, plant trees, or build a natural stone patio and fire pit is supporting the natural world as it creates a welcoming, beautiful space for you to enjoy in Westchester County, New York. We design landscapes for better living, for health and healing of the land and water, our bodies, minds and souls.
Landscape design is a collaboration that puts your vision at the center of our work, and challenges our environmental expertise to ensure we bring it to life in a way that's lovely and lasting. Get started today.
