Meet the Contractor: Designscapes

Adding “curb appeal” to our homes is one of the best ways to increase property value while getting the most out of our exterior spaces. While typical gardening can often be handled by the do-it-yourselfer, larger projects that require heavy equipment to reconfigure the land often requires the help of a landscape professional. When driving through Lynnfield (and surrounding towns) you have probably passed by many properties that have been beautifully transformed by . I recently posed a number of questions to owner, Chris Drislane, for my Meet the Contractor series.

How long have you been in the landscaping business and how did you get started?
 
I have been in the green industry for 30 years. I started working at Northeast Nursery when I was 15 years old, through high school and in college. It was something that I really enjoyed, learning about plants and trees, and that fit into my love of the outdoors. During and after college, I worked at a garden center/landscaping business on Nantucket Island. For six years, I learned more about the business, and different styles of landscaping. When a small landscape operation from Saugus came up for sale in 1993, I took the plunge for the opportunity to work for myself doing something I thoroughly enjoy.
 
What type of educational background do you have?
 
I have a BS in business from St. Michaels College in Vermont. When I knew I wanted to work in the green industry, I continued onto Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass where I received an AS in Science. What I enjoyed at Stockbridge was that we could physically see what we were learning about. In addition, job experience has been the greatest teacher – learning what works in different landscape situations makes such a difference in how a property can be utilized and enjoyed.
 
What type of projects does Designscape typically work on?
 
We work on new construction, landscape renovations of existing yards, and landscape features like patios, walkways, irrigation systems, and new plantings. We also have a maintenance division which mows, trims, mulches, and does cleanups.
 
What type of landscape problems have you been asked to solve?
    
Property use can be a landscape challenge. If done right, a home’s exterior spaces can be much more enjoyable and usable. Recently we were called to do a site visit for a new planting. When we arrived, we saw the property had three vehicles parked behind each other in a single wide driveway. The homeowners had to shuffle cars around whenever someone wanted to come or go. We casually suggested an added peastone circular parking area off the existing driveway. Not only did this solve the car shuffle problem, but gave the property such a nice feel. We usually try to look at how the property should be used, and then go with that thought process to make it flow. We start with the driveways, pathways and patio areas. Then the planting areas are designed off of those hardscapes and structures.
 
What are some of the latest trends in landscape design?
 
Some of the latest trends are outdoor firepits and fireplaces. Almost every patio we install includes a firepit. It is a great year-round gathering spot for adults and kids.
 
When is a good time to start a landscaping project, like a stone patio for example?
 
Anytime that there is no frost in the ground, a patio or walkway can be installed. If you are considering phasing a landscape project, the hardscapes, in most cases, should be installed first. Lawns do best installed in the spring or fall, and planting can be installed anytime as long as they are watered correctly.
 
What “green” advantages does proper landscaping achieve?
 
With irrigation projects, we always install rain sensors that interrupt the program when enough moisture is detected. It’s kind of crazy to see a sprinkler system operating in a rain storm. Also, the use of drip irrigation which waters through emitters, is an excellent way to put water just where and when you need it with virtually no wasted runoff.
 
What do you like most about working here in Lynnfield?
 
Lynnfield is my hometown and any project here seems to get an extra flair. When we drive by the finished product or get a compliment from someone who saw the job, there is definitely a feeling of pride.
 
What landscaping feature do you like best in your own “backyard?”
 
We like the use of natural stone boulders in the planting areas. Anything that mimics nature, using curves and eliminating straight lines. The use of boulders in the beds, with evergreens and perennials, gives such a feeling of boldness, anchoring the landscape in summer and winter.

To contact  for your next landscaping project, call 781-593-1705.