The GardenOwl Audits

Deep-dive diagnostics, design critiques, and visual master plans to solve your toughest landscape challenges.

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Privacy Screen

How to Hide a Two Story Neighbor: Why Specimen Trees Fail and What to Plant Instead

Trying to hide a massive neighbor's house? Learn why planting isolated specimen trees is a mistake and how to use staggered evergreens for a true privacy screen.

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Foundation Drainage

Fixing the 'Brick Bathtub': How to Plant a Foundation Nook Without Rotting Your House

Got a built-in brick planter trapping water against your foundation? Learn how to cap the 'bathtub,' fix the drainage, and add year-round architectural structure.

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Driveway Maintenance

Why Digging a Gravel Trench Will Ruin Your Driveway (And What to Do Instead)

Tired of dirt and leaves swallowing your long asphalt driveway? Learn why digging a gravel trench is a costly mistake and how to regrade the edges for good.

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Concrete Porch

Stop Painting Your Concrete Porch: How to Upgrade an Entryway Slab the Right Way

Thinking about painting your ugly concrete porch? Stop. Learn why exterior paint peels on slabs and how to use thin brick or penetrating stain instead.

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Hardscape Design

Clicking Pavers and Hazy Joints: How to Rescue a Botched Walkway Overlay

Are your new stone pavers clicking when you walk on them? Learn why winter mortar installs fail, how to fix hazy joints, and the right way to pave over concrete.

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Privacy Screen

Restoring Woodland Privacy: How to Block a Bad View Without Using Bamboo

Did your neighbor cut down their trees and expose an ugly view? Learn why bamboo is a trap and how to build a native evergreen screen that thrives in wet soil.

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