Frequently Asked Questions — JHL Landscape Design

FAQ Hub — /faqs/

---

About JHL Landscape Design

→ What is JHL Landscape Design and where are you located? We're a design-build landscape firm with two offices in the Philadelphia suburbs: West Chester (701 S Franklin St) and Newtown Square (12 Smedley Ln). We design landscapes, and we install what we design.

→ What areas does JHL serve? Our West Chester office serves Chester County: West Chester, Kennett Square, Exton, Downingtown, Chadds Ford, Malvern. Our Newtown Square office serves Delaware County and the Main Line: Newtown Square, Bryn Mawr, Wayne, Haverford, Gladwyne, Narberth, Wynnewood, Paoli, Devon, Villanova, and more.

→ Is JHL licensed and insured? Yes. PA Home Improvement Contractor license #PA035784. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office. Full liability and workers' compensation insurance.

→ What is ICPI certification and why does it matter? ICPI is the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute — the industry body that certifies paver and hardscape installation competency. ICPI-certified contractors are trained to industry-verified installation standards for base preparation, drainage, and edge restraint. Not all contractors are certified.

---

Landscape Design Process

→ What is 3D landscape rendering? A photorealistic digital visualization of your proposed landscape — produced before installation begins. You see every element (patio, plantings, lighting, structures) in context with your actual home, from multiple angles, before any material is purchased or soil moved.

→ How long does the design process take? From initial consultation to 3D design presentation: typically 2–4 weeks. Larger master plans: 4–8 weeks.

→ Do you do design only, or do you also install? Both — together. Our design-build model means the same firm designs and installs. Design-only engagements are available, but the best results come from the team that designed a project also installing it.

→ What's included in a landscape design engagement? At minimum: site analysis, 3D concept rendering, planting plan, and one revision round. Projects moving to construction add construction documentation and material specifications.

---

Project Costs

→ How much does landscape design cost in Chester County? Standalone design engagement: $1,500–$3,500 depending on scope. Design-build projects: design cost is incorporated into project total.

→ How much does a patio installation cost in West Chester? Typical residential patio (400–800 sq ft): $15,000–$40,000 installed depending on material and site conditions.

→ How much does a retaining wall cost? Segmental block: $30–$60 per square foot of face area. Natural stone: $50–$100+ per square foot.

→ How much does landscape lighting cost? Basic system (path and accent): $3,000–$6,000 installed. Comprehensive system: $8,000–$20,000+.

---

Hardscape

→ What hardscape materials work best in Chester County's climate? Concrete pavers (EP Henry, Techo-Bloc) and Pennsylvania bluestone both perform well in our freeze-thaw cycle. We recommend based on aesthetics, budget, and application.

→ Why do pavers shift and sink? Almost always: inadequate base depth, wrong aggregate type, insufficient compaction, or missing edge restraint. Base preparation failures. ICPI standards address all of these.

→ Do retaining walls need drainage? Yes. Always. Hydrostatic pressure behind a wall without drainage aggregate and drain tile will fail the wall within years. We install drainage on every retaining wall.

---

Project Planning

→ Do I need a permit for a patio or retaining wall in Chester County? It depends on the municipality and the scope. Most townships require permits for retaining walls over 4 feet. Some require permits for impervious surface additions. We advise on requirements for your specific location.

→ How long does installation take? Typical residential patio: 1–2 weeks. Complete backyard transformation: 3–6 weeks. We provide project-specific timelines in the estimate.

→ Do you offer maintenance after installation? Yes — custom maintenance programs for properties we've installed, and selective maintenance for existing landscapes.

---

PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured West Chester: 701 S Franklin St | Newtown Square: 12 Smedley Ln

---

JHL Landscape Design | PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured West Chester: 701 S Franklin St, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19382 Newtown Square: 12 Smedley Ln, Suite 101, Newtown Square, PA 19073 HBA Member | BBB A+ Rating