After a storm brings down a beloved tree, a replacement takes shape.
In 2003, after hurricane Isabel blew down a stately tree in this Williamsburg, Virginia backyard, the owners were left with a big gap in their yard, and in their hearts. The old tree was almost a part of the family. For years, it’s spreading limbs provided a shady place to relax and watch the grandchildren playing on a rope swing. The owners could have replanted a new tree, but it would be years before it was big enough to provide real shade. As an alternative, Hertzler & George suggested building a wooden arbor that they could use immediately. The structure was designed to support a rope swing and chair, and an open-framed roof provides support for vines to grow on.
A MISSING PIECE
BEFORE – After the storm, the loss of the shade tree made the backyard unwelcoming.
DURING – A 3d model of the house and arbor allowed the clients to see how it would relate to the house.
NOW YOU SEE IT
DURING – The 3d model allowed the clients to see exactly what the arbor would look like.
AFTER – The finished structure.
A GREEN CEILING – Plantings around the base of the arbor will eventually grow up into the roof to provide welcome shade.
HAVE A SEAT – A swing bench and simple bluestone landing provide the perfect afternoon getaway.
Just a short note to thank you for all the help you gave us with our garden this year. Jonathon again did a wonderful job doing the bed detailing this summer, as did the mulching crew in the spring. I don’t know the name of the woman who supervised the mulching crew, but I want to let you know how professional she was. In fact, the entire crew was pleasant to work with, especially to experience the care that they took with their work.
Thanks also for being so flexible with the changes we requested for our mowing schedule.
E.L. - Ford's Colony
Always Helpful
Brian came out last week to try to assess a problem we are having in our yard. He arrived on time, was extremely courteous and took a considerable amount of time analyzing our situation. While he was unable to reach a solution, he did take the time to research and recommend another business that might be able to help us. That kind of customer service will make us more likely to call on Hertzler & George if other issues arise. Thanks, Brian!
JA
Five Stars All Around
We hired H&G to help us re-do our landscaping after a different local landscaping company did a sub par job with plant selections and installations. That company also was very hard to deal with. H&G stepped right up with Jennifer creating a new planting scheme comprising of native plants with some we had never seen before and which we love! She is extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to work with – a true landscaping charm! Jon did the installations and also did a fantastic job. He was very meticulous on planting and finishing the job neatly with mulch. Unlike that other company’s installer, Jon left us extremely happy with the job done. Customer service on the phone – pleasant, patient and helpful. The only, and ever so minor aspect of their work, is they don’t offer a guarantee on the plants or install. I suppose that’s becoming industry standard. However, now looking over all the plantings with a bit of time passing, I am confident that there won’t need to be any replacements. Watering is of course the key element. Thank you H&G, the country cottage landscaping we’ve wanted is now ours – FIVE STARS!
Chris Dombrowski
Ford's Colony | Homeowner
True professionals
Had these guys build a surface-grade patio in May 2023. They looked at the project, sent me a proposed scope of work and contract via email, took a deposit of 1/2 the total via bank transfer. They set a date weeks later to start the job. They showed up on time, worked professionally and cleaned up at the end of the day. Whole job took 3 days, and they even replaced all the patio furniture on the last day. The final product was precisely what I asked for, done in a high-quality, workmanlike way.
H&G are not the cheapest guys out there, but for the extra money you get a professional product, professionally executed, on time, on budget. Honestly: I don’t think it gets any better than that.
Ken Blakely
Beyond Satisfied
We had an ugly uneven weedy patio and a driveway that needed reshaping and gravel. The transformation is stunning. Your representative Brian was patient and helpful in designing repairs to our satisfaction and your work crew was exceptional. Edwardo the work site foreman was extremely knowledgeable and professional and created a beautiful patio. His crew was superior.
