Knollwood Estate: A Masterclass in Landscape Care
Project Overview & Challenges
This large, upscale estate is one of our longest-standing maintenance clients. Over the years, our team has managed a comprehensive landscape program across roughly 1.43 acres, maintaining a high standard of beauty, precision, and resilience.
From the beginning, the biggest challenge has been consistency and attention to detail. Because the property includes multiple landscape zones — a manicured front lawn, trellised walls, dense ivy screens, and specimen trees— every weekly visit requires a full walk-through, keen observation, and proactive maintenance. Our team member overseeing this property, describes how he checks every plant, edge, and trellis before crews arrive, often coordinating with the house manager about upcoming events or special needs. The client demands a “perfect green look,” so there’s no room for sloppiness.
One of the most technically challenging features is a massive ivy wall at the pool house, which took years to establish. Because it has become so dense and heavy, weight control and structural integrity are constant concerns. Before any hard freeze, the wall must be protected; after, it must be inspected for damage or tipping. Twice a year, the ivy is carefully sheared to keep it from encroaching, maintaining crisp edges and preventing structural strain.
Another ongoing difficulty is freeze protection and plant resiliency. The larger garden demands regular active measures to shelter sensitive plants during cold snaps. The maintenance team dedicates a full week each year to covering and protecting vulnerable specimens. Because of the client’s high expectations, any sign of stress or decline needs to be addressed swiftly — whether by adjusting irrigation, pruning, or applying deep root fertilization or soil amendments.
Sourcing is also more specialized than typical maintenance accounts. For this client, only premium plant material will do. The team uses high-end nurseries, and occasionally sources trees or shrubs from out-of-state growers to meet size and quality specifications. The fertilization program is rigorous: turf care, micro-life soil amendments, and deep root injections are used to sustain health, vigor, and the high visual standards demanded.
Because this has been one of our earliest and most loyal clients, the relationship rests on clear communication, trust, and responsiveness. The client knows her vision and expects the team to deliver precisely. The maintenance staff has learned to anticipate her needs, particularly when events or special outdoor occasions require flawless presentation.
What makes this property special is the boldness of its features: the ivy wall is a standout focal point; the trellises, arcades, and star jasmine vines give architectural character; a massive live oak anchors the landscape. Because the client views her outdoor spaces with pride, every corner is scrutinized.
In short, our work at this property is more than routine maintenance — it’s a carefully managed, high-stakes horticultural performance. We balance continual vigilance, technical protection, elegant pruning, and premium sourcing to keep the property always at its peak and ready for any moment.
Landscape excellence is built over time.
At Hogue Landscape Services, we believe thoughtful maintenance is as important as great design. Connect with our team to explore how we care for exceptional landscapes.