In Sharon, MA, Land Design Associates was brought in by a first-time client to resolve a complex landscape restoration challenge. Following the construction of a new home, the builder had cleared more forest than permitted by the town’s Conservation Commission. To remain in compliance and gain final approval, the homeowner was required to restore a portion of the property using native plantings that would reestablish a woodland edge and meet strict ecological standards.
Client Vision
The homeowners were seeking a thoughtful, naturalistic redesign of their existing lawn that would meet the Conservation Commission’s specifications while reflecting their own vision for the space. At the heart of the design, they envisioned three Sugar Maple trees to anchor the planting area. Around these, they wanted a diverse selection of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to create an ecologically balanced and visually appealing woodland garden.
Site Challenges
The site presented several challenges:
Regulatory Requirements: The Conservation Commission required a new native woodline to be established with at least a 75% plant survival rate after two years.
Deer Pressure: Located in a wooded part of Sharon, the property was susceptible to deer browsing, posing a threat to young plants.
Budget Constraints: The clients were working with a modest budget, which influenced plant selection and sizing.
Design Approach
Our design team began with a conceptual plan that laid out the framework for the woodline restoration. This initial plan served as the foundation for collaboration with the homeowner and the Conservation Commission. Regular communication ensured that all stakeholders were aligned on plant choices, layout, and compliance criteria.
We selected a native plant palette tailored to the local ecology and Commission requirements, including:
Trees: Sugar Maple, Eastern Red Cedar
Shrubs: Winterberry
Perennials & Groundcover: A mix of native wildflowers and understory plants
Given the deer presence, we incorporated species known for their resistance to browsing and planned for potential protective measures. To stay within budget, we sourced smaller-sized plant material and focused on strategic placement to ensure long-term visual impact as the landscape matures.
Implementation and Solutions
Deer Management: Species with natural deer resistance were prioritized. We advised the client on temporary protective measures, such as repellents or fencing, during the establishment period.
Budget-Conscious Planning: By selecting smaller trees and shrubs, and emphasizing native perennials that could be planted from seed or plugs, we remained within the client’s financial goals without sacrificing design integrity.
Growth-Focused Layout: The plan considered long-term plant growth and spacing to ensure a full, natural look over time, even with smaller initial plantings.
Despite a tight budget and ecological challenges, we successfully delivered a planting plan that satisfied the town’s regulations and brought the client’s woodland vision to life. The result is a cohesive, native garden that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and sets the stage for ecological resilience.
This project reflects the importance of thoughtful design, adaptability, and collaboration. By balancing regulatory demands with aesthetic goals and environmental stewardship, we created a native landscape that will thrive for years to come. We’re proud to have helped this homeowner restore their property and look forward to seeing the space evolve with time.
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