The Vision: A Multigenerational Canopy

The goal of this project was to move away from fast-growing, short-lived "filler" trees and instead plant for the next century. The client requested a naturalized woodland border that would provide habitat, shade, and a sense of permanence to their Menlo Park estate.

Project Challenges & Site Analysis

• Soil Compaction: Years of construction traffic had left the subsoil severely compacted, requiring deep-soaking and specialized aeration.
• Solar Competition: Working around existing mature structures meant carefully mapping sun patterns to ensure young Dogwoods received filtered light.
• Hydration Logistics: Establishing large-scale heritage stock requires a dedicated deep-watering plan during the first three years.

The Roger Reynolds Solution

1. Specimen Selection: We hand-selected four Heritage White Oaks, known for their structural integrity and long-term health.
2. Soil Reclamation: We integrated 20 cubic yards of our screened topsoil and organic compost blend to revitalize the planting zone.
3. Mycorrhizal Inoculation: Every root ball was treated with beneficial fungi to enhance nutrient uptake and speed up establishment.

Project 2: Contemporary Living Privacy Wall

Short Description:To provide year-round privacy for a modern architectural home, we installed a dense perimeter of our quality-cultivated Skyward Thuja evergreens. The project included custom-blended nutrient-rich topsoil for rapid growth.

The Vision: Green Architecture

Modern homes often feature expansive glass that requires a privacy solution as sleek as the building itself. We designed a "living wall" that provides a dense, emerald-green backdrop while buffering wind and noise from the street.

Materials & Cultivation Focus

• Skyward Thuja: Chosen for their narrow footprint and rapid vertical growth without the need for constant shearing.
• Premium Soil Conditioners: To ensure the hedge grew evenly, we replaced the native backfill with a 50/50 mix of our nursery-grade conditioner.
• Automated Hydration: We integrated a drip irrigation system specifically calibrated for the high transpiration rates of dense evergreens.

Technical Implementation

• Structural Alignment: Each tree was laser-leveled during planting to ensure a perfectly straight architectural line.
• Root Flare Protection: Despite the dense planting, we ensured every trunk flare was visible to prevent the rot often seen in "big box" hedge installs.
• Mulch Barrier: A 3-inch layer of premium cedar mulch was applied to regulate soil temperature and maintain a clean aesthetic.

Project 3: Sustainable Meadow & Perennial Sanctuary

Short Description:Transitioning a high-water turf area into a drought-tolerant pollinator haven. This project featured a vibrant selection of our locally acclimated perennials, native shrubs, and premium organic leaf-mold mulch.

The Vision: Ecology Over Irrigation

The client wanted to eliminate a thirsty, underused lawn in favor of a dynamic, seasonally shifting meadow. The focus was on attracting local pollinators while significantly reducing the property's water footprint.

The Planting Palette

• Nectar-Rich Perennials: A curated mix of Salvia, Echinacea, and local Milkweed varieties for year-round color.
• Understory Texture: Drought-tolerant native shrubs were used to provide "winter interest" and structural bones when perennials go dormant.
• Organic Leaf-Mold: We utilized our specialized leaf-mold mulch to suppress weeds while slowly feeding the soil biology.

Sustainability Benchmarks

• 70% Water Reduction: By replacing turf with acclimated perennials, the site’s irrigation needs dropped dramatically.
• Zero-Chemical Maintenance: The diversity of the planting naturally keeps pest populations in check, eliminating the need for synthetic sprays.
• Soil Carbon Sequestration: The deep-rooted nature of the selected meadow plants helps build organic matter deep into the Woodside soil.

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