Written by Chad Ochnich, Blue Tree's co-owner and ICPI-certified hardscape lead, and reviewed by James Gonczkowski, Production Manager and ICPI-certified hardscape installer.
Jacob and Jose did a wonderful job refurbishing our patio over the past two days. We will absolutely use them again in the future!
Blue Tree gave us the outdoor room we have been dreaming of for years! The design, all phases of work, and the finished patio demonstrated a high level of quality. We will be enjoying this space for years to come!!
Truly an excellent experience working with blue tree. Have used them several times now. Pool, landscaping, and now a beautiful stone patio. Strongly recommend
Blue Tree Outdoor Living designs and installs patios, walls, walkways, and outdoor living features across Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Berks, and Philadelphia Counties. Our crews bring 43 years of Southeastern Pennsylvania experience to every project. Explore the towns and communities we serve below, or visit our service areas page for the full coverage map.
For a town-specific starting point, explore Blue Tree's hardscape design page for Blue Bell.
Hardscape refers to the non-living structural elements of your outdoor space: patios, walkways, retaining walls,
outdoor kitchens, fire pits, driveways, and pergolas. Landscape refers to the living and organic elements: plants,
trees, lawn, garden beds, and soil. The two disciplines work together. Hardscape defines the structure and
layout. Landscape provides the texture, color, and seasonal character. Blue Tree Outdoor Living designs both as one integrated
plan.
Blue Tree Outdoor Living provides a 2-year workmanship warranty on all hardscape installations: patios, walkways, retaining
walls, outdoor kitchens, and fire features. The warranty covers installation quality. If an issue arises, Blue Tree
writes a work order and schedules the repair.
Retaining walls are designed for slopes. Blue Tree Outdoor Living builds three types: manufactured block walls (fast, cost-effective, engineered for structural loads), boulder walls (natural stone, quicker installation for moderate grade
changes), and veneer walls (premium aesthetic over cinder block core). Wall selection depends on the height,
the load, the aesthetic, and the budget. Your designer recommends the right approach for your specific grade
conditions
Yes. Blue Tree Outdoor Living designs landscape and hardscape as one integrated plan. The planting beds that frame your
patio, the trees that shade your outdoor kitchen, and the ground cover between your walkway and lawn are
planned alongside the hardscape, not added after the fact by a different contractor. Landscape Design and Installation
Hardscaping can be built nearly year-round in Southeastern PA. Spring and fall are the busiest seasons, so booking a design consultation in winter or early spring secures your place before the peak build months. Excavation and base work proceed in any season the ground is workable, and severe frost or saturated soil are the main delay factors.
A retaining wall holds back soil to create level, usable space on a sloped property. It also manages grade changes and controls the runoff and erosion that would otherwise wear a yard down over time. Blue Tree Outdoor Living builds structural retaining walls in manufactured block or natural stone, sized for the load and the grade, with drainage built in behind the wall so water moves through instead of building up.
Request a free on-site consultation. A designer visits your property, assesses conditions (grade, drainage, soil, existing structures), discusses your vision, and provides a transparent estimate. No obligation. Request a Free Consultation
Chad joined Blue Tree in 1995 and leads the hardscape division. ICPI-certified, he oversees every patio, wall, and walkway for proper base, drainage, and lasting structure.
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