Roots Landscape specialists offer everything needed for backyard oases. The company's own 'roots' are in Landscape By Terrain, part of Philadelphia-based lifestyle company URBN, which is behind brands Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People. Roots is led by owner/president Dan Burt, who launched the business after managing many large-scale landscape and hardscape design efforts.
"Roots has a unique take on outdoor living, landscape design and client experience when enjoying the spaces we create," says Roots' marketing director Nate Tuno, also a lead landscape designer. "Our designers and staff bring an unparalleled aesthetic. Not one to shy away from a challenge, our team works tirelessly to bring exceptional design ideas, materials and service to every project."
In addition to custom landscaping, says Nate, Roots offers custom decks, patios and walks, custom fencing, outdoor lighting and fully-operational irrigation systems. Their fine gardening team headed by Susan Driver, formerly of Terrain, creates custom planters, containers and green walls.
Roots is committed to client service throughout the design-build process, starting from their initial client interaction when they learn their goals, likes and dislikes, Nate explains. "It’s important from the beginning to get the ‘feel’ of what they're looking to accomplish." Once they research the property and develop an approved design plan, building begins.
"Our team of construction supervisors, masons and horticulturists have been in this business for countless years and have the knowledge to complete the job above and beyond what's expected," adds Nate.
Close communication helps ensure success. "The process can be complex depending on the project size and scope, so when the designer/client relationship is present, everything is smoother," explains Liz Converse, Roots' design assistant who assists with project details, from design options to logistics, such as permitting.
While Roots' origins are in commercial design, their primary passion is residential design, the elements of which inspire each space. Says Dan, "The landscape design process should yield an outdoor living experience unique and useful to the setting and the people enjoying it. No one likes 'cookie-cutter' outdoor spaces."
"Our end goal," adds Nate, "is to make it look as if what we created was always there and fits right into the setting."
So, what plants are hot for spring? "Anything flowering," Dan says. "Most people are sick of the winter grey and can’t wait for color." While Boxwoods, hydrangeas and perennial grasses are always good choices, he says it depends on the space and how everything works together.
Roots has evolved over the years, adds Dan, seen by their growing staff, enhanced confidence and outside-the-box ideas. They also continue seeking ways to minimize interfering with clients' daily lives during longer-term projects.
Having long served Bucks County, working in and around Washington Crossing, Newtown and nearby Princeton -- Roots now has an office in Newtown, where Dan resides. "It's great to finally have an office space to welcome potential design/build clients for in-person meetings and project reviews," he says, "especially for new home construction projects when on-site meetings aren't possible."
Recent work includes the new Terrain's landscape and hardscape design and installation on the Delaware Valley University campus in Doylestown. Additionally, they are sponsoring local events and launching their new website, a comprehensive resource for design inspiration, project updates and photos of Roots-designed spaces.
"To see a project you designed for your client come to fruition is totally gratifying. The only thing better is when clients see it and are wowed," says Nate. "It’s also not rare for them to comment on the site's cleanliness or politeness of our staff."
Adds Liz: "Designers take a sometimes-unused space and bring new life to it, which shows from the responses we get with completed projects," she says. "Hearing the clients' excitement and joy makes the hard work feel in every way worth it."
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