Water Is One Of The Essential Elements Necessary For Life.
We are blessed by the abundance of pure, clean water in our local environment.
Conservation of this precious natural resource starts with accounting and accommodating for stormwater for on-site infiltration and storage.
The goal is to recharge the subsurface aquifer before runoff offsite becomes contaminated by contact with polluted roadways, dumping into streams and drinking water reservoirs. It is more effective and efficient to clean up stormwater before it becomes part of our aquatic systems.
We Are Experts In Ecological Stormwater Management
We design landscapes for aesthetic charm and beauty, but also to efficiently utilize all available resources. Actions such as simple tree planting or creating landforms for berms and planting beds will increase stormwater infiltration on-site. Stormwater management options include:
Bioswales
Rainwater Harvesting
Downspout Planters
Rain Gardens
Trees
Cultecs, Drywells, French Drains, Perimeter Drains, Infiltration Trenches, Catch Basins, etc.
Pond & Lake Management
Organics
Bioswales
Bioswales
A bioswale is a bioengineering technique to intercept stormwater and increase percolation. Native planting and natural vegetation turn the swale into a beautiful landscape feature.
Beautify your gutter downspout with a garden that makes use of all that water! We use structural soil that improves the microbiology in the soil and water absorption, contributing to sustainable growth. This is an example of passive (non-electric) irrigation.
Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens can add a colorful focal point to your property. We plant with plants appropriate to the soil hydrology and eco-region. Particularly, we plant facultative plants that can withstand both flooding and drought, allowing rainwater to gather, infiltrate, and avoid erosion elsewhere. Rain gardens are a great instance of the permaculture theory of “stacked functions,” for they create habitat for local pollinators and treat storm water.
Trees
Trees
Trees are nature’s master mechanics. The substantial biomass and extended fungal network of our native trees are the glue that holds together our natural landscapes. Nothing manages water better than the wide diversity of trees from mature majestic oaks and stately pines to the rich pioneer species such as birch, beech, and sassafras that contribute to a highly-functioning ecosystem that makes our landscape environment whole.
Cultecs, Drywells, French Drains, Perimeter Drains, Infiltration Trenches, Catch Basins, etc.
Cultecs, Drywells, French Drains, Perimeter Drains, Infiltration Trenches, Catch Basins, etc.
These standard engineering systems and devices serve as essential parts of stormwater management systems. With innovation and creativity, they can be utilized and integrated into a more progressive landscape design.
Pond & Lake Management
Pond & Lake Management
Streams, ponds, lakes, and all water bodies, large or small, should be protected, as they are essential to the health and well-being of our terrestrial landscapes. We take careful consideration of stormwater flow paths, riparian borders, and point-source pollution, to ensure the health of our freshwater resources and ecosystems. Learn more about pond & lake management on our blog.
Organics
Organics
The best way to preserve water quality is to eliminate contaminants! All Green Jay Lanscape Design properties are 100% organic, meaning there are no toxic pesticides or fertilizers leaching off our landscapes into natural water systems.
Green Jay Landscape Design employs the principals of low-impact development (LID) and Sustainable Site Initiative (SSI) during all projects, especially in ecologically-sensitive areas.
We also use state-of-the-art site protection methods during our construction and restoration practices, such as stream bank stabilization, tree protection, and erosion control devices to conserve soil and improve water quality.
Get started on a sustainable landscape design that will transform your property and your experience with nature. Contact us today.
Landscapes That Inspire
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:
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:
Step 1- Get in Touch
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.
Step 2- On-Site Consultation
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
Drainage Flow Paths
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.
Step 3- Landscape Design Contract
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. Architectural drawings, 3D renderings, and construction drawings and permitting are available upon request.
Step 4- Initial Design Visit & Site Analysis
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.
Step 5- Design Presentation
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.
Step 6- Installation
With our horticultural expertise, master masonry 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.
Step 7- Final Walkthrough + Ongoing Maintenance
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.
Eco-Solutions for Landscape Design
We specialize in regenerative landscape design and full-service installation. As general contractors, we can work with multiple architects, engineers, and specialty contractors to complete complex projects. Take a closer look at what we can do for you:
Stormwater Management
Left to its own devices, stormwater can gather pollutants and erode your landscape. Green Jay Landscaping can design creative drainage solutions for your property.
Wetlands are Mother Nature's filtration system! We can turn your wetland burden into an asset – meeting local wetland regulations with beautiful design.
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.
We face many challenges from steep slopes to stream bank failure. As our climate shifts, it increases the need to anticipate and design sustainable systems that will withstand flooding and serve storms.
Slope Landscaping for Erosion Control [VIDEO] Dobbs Ferry, NY
Another unique and challenging site involving a steep slope on a highly visible area, with years of erosion degrading the soil quality. Green Jay Landscape Design was hired to beautify the slope with a functional...
Jay Archer to Present on Stormwater Management in January 2025
If you want to learn more about stormwater management strategies that take a holistic approach, you’re in luck! Jay Archer will be presenting on landscape drainage at two industry trade conferences this January. [caption id="attachment_8365"...
Why Spending Time in the Landscape is Good for Your Mental and Physiological Health
Spending time outside has long been associated with feeling better…but why? Does fresh air really do us good, or is there a more at play in our interaction with the natural world? At GJLD, we...
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:
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. Contact us today to get started.