Our Plan for Landscaping in Bel Air, Harford County MD

When it comes to landscaping Harford County, every property tells a story. Yesterday, we walked through the “before” stage of this Bel Air home — overgrown beds, tangled vines, and an exterior that had lost some of its shine. Today, we’re sharing the plan to bring it all back to life.

This week’s project is more than a simple touch-up. It’s a full property reset that blends yard cleanup services, exterior cleaning, mulch installation, and tree/weed removal into one coordinated transformation. The homeowner’s goals are simple: reduce maintenance, refresh curb appeal, and create a backyard that’s open, clean, and easy to enjoy.

Here’s how we’re going to make it happen.

Step 1: Prepping the Property

Exterior Cleaning:
We’ll start with a full soft wash of all four sides of the home and the backyard patio. Unlike traditional high-pressure power washing, soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with eco-friendly cleaning solutions. This method safely removes dirt, mildew, and buildup without risking damage to siding, paint, or delicate surfaces. It’s the best way to restore a fresh look while keeping the home protected.

Tool of the Week: Soft Wash System

This week’s tool of choice is our Soft Wash System.

Soft washing is a professional cleaning method that delivers results just as dramatic as pressure washing, but without the risk of stripping paint, damaging siding, or harming landscaping.

Here’s why it matters:

• Safe & Effective: Gentle on siding, roofing, patios, and fences.
  
  

• Deep Cleaning: Specialized solutions break down mildew, algae, and grime at the root, keeping surfaces clean longer.
  
  

• Boosts Curb Appeal: Restores brightness to the home’s exterior, making the landscaping look even better.
  
  

By using a professional soft wash system, we’ll ensure the exterior is refreshed and protected, perfectly complementing the new landscaping work.

Front Yard Beds:

• The front right bed (15’ × 4’) is being completely removed and converted into grass. This change alone will save the homeowner hours of upkeep each season.
  
  

• The front left bed (20’ × 4’) will be fully gutted and refreshed. We’ll reshape the bed lines, lay down new weed fabric, and install fresh mulch for a clean, crisp look.
  
  

• Around the shed and gate area, we’ll haul away junk and debris so the entrance feels welcoming rather than cluttered.
  
  

Backyard Cleanup:

• A large grapevine and its lattice support will be removed entirely, opening up the yard and preventing future overgrowth.
  
  

• Two long beds along the fence (4’ × 17’ each) will be gutted, the old railroad ties pulled out, and the areas converted into grass. This not only simplifies maintenance but also gives the backyard a more open, family-friendly feel.
  
  

• An overgrown tree/weed by the shed will be removed, and vines along the right side of the house cleared to prevent damage to siding.
  
  

• Finally, a large tree limb hanging over the fence line will be trimmed back for safety and appearance.
  
  

Step 2: Installing Materials for Lasting Results

Once the property is cleared and prepped, we’ll move into installation. The biggest changes here come from mulch installation and new grass seeding.

Mulch in the Front Left Bed:
We’ll install fresh mulch to lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and provide a rich, clean look that frames the front of the home beautifully. The dark contrast of mulch against green grass and shrubs instantly makes the property look cared for.

Grass Installation in Former Bed Areas:
Where the old beds used to be — the front right bed and the two backyard fence beds — we’ll prepare the soil, seed, and stabilize the areas so grass can grow evenly. This is a big win for the homeowner, who wanted a more open, low-maintenance yard instead of endless weeding.

Finishing Touches:
Every cleared, edged, and mulched area will be raked clean and finished with professional detail so the transformation looks seamless.

Material of the Week: Brown Bark Mulch

For this project, the spotlight material is Brown Bark Mulch.

Why did we choose it?

• Classic Look: Its rich, chocolate-brown color creates a warm, polished contrast against grass and plants.
  
  

• Weed Suppression: A proper 2–3” layer blocks sunlight, reducing the growth of unwanted weeds.
  
  

• Moisture Retention: Mulch helps the soil stay cool and hold onto water longer, which means healthier plants.
  
  

• Curb Appeal: A simple mulch refresh can make a home look like it’s worth thousands more.
  
  

In the front left bed, this mulch will act as both a design element and a practical layer of protection, keeping the landscape tidy and easy to maintain.

Tool of the Week: Power Washer

This week’s tool of choice is the Power Washer, and it’s doing some heavy lifting.

Power washing is one of the most underrated parts of landscaping Harford County projects. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Instant Transformation: Years of grime, mildew, and weather stains disappear in minutes.
  
  

• Prevents Damage: Clearing buildup helps protect siding, patios, and walkways from long-term wear.
  
  

• Boosts Appeal: A sparkling-clean home exterior pairs perfectly with freshly landscaped beds, giving the property a complete refresh.
  
  

By using professional-grade power washing, we’ll ensure every surface looks crisp and new — something DIY equipment often can’t achieve.

How This Plan Solves the Homeowner’s Problems

Every part of this plan ties directly back to what the homeowner wanted: a yard that looks great without constant maintenance.

• Problem: Overgrown beds full of weeds and old ties.
  Solution: Gutting and converting them into grass for easier upkeep.
  
  

• Problem: Grapevine and clutter making the backyard feel cramped.
  Solution: Removing the vine, lattice, and junk for a wide, open yard.
  
  

• Problem: Dirty siding and patio dulling curb appeal.
  Solution: Power washing the exterior to restore its original brightness.
  
  

• Problem: Tree limbs, weeds, and vines creating hazards and mess.
  Solution: Trimming, clearing, and hauling everything away for a safe, neat property.
  
  

By the end of the project, the homeowners will have a refreshed exterior, simplified landscape beds, and a backyard they can actually enjoy without endless chores.

Conclusion: A Fresh Start for This Harford County Home

This Bel Air property is about to undergo a total transformation. From the front curb to the backyard fence, every detail is being planned, cleared, and refreshed with professional landscaping services.

👉 Want a personalized plan for your property too? Book your free digital estimate today at https://jslandscapingmd.com

And don’t forget — this is only the plan.

Tomorrow, we’ll share how the transformation is unfolding — complete with progress photos.