As the vibrant colors of autumn are about to sweep across the Adirondacks, many homeowners begin preparing their homes for another North Country winter. Roofs are inspected, heating systems are serviced, water systems are shut-off and boats are put away.
Yet one of the most valuable investments on your property is often overlooked—your landscape. Your trees/plants, patios, retaining walls, shoreline, drainage systems, gardens, and outdoor living spaces face months of freezing temperatures, snow/ice, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Without proper preparation, small issues today can become costly repairs in the near future. Fall is not the end of the landscaping season—it’s one of the most important seasons for protecting your investment.
The Hidden Damages Winters Can Cause
Winters can be beautiful in Upstate New York, but they are also very demanding on each property. Water that seeps beneath paver patios, stone walls, or walkways can expand as it freezes and cause heaving and cracking.
Many of these issues develop gradually, making them difficult to notice until significant damage has already occurred. A thorough fall inspection can identify potential problems before winter has an opportunity to make them worse.
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Why Proper Drainage Matters
One of the biggest threats to any landscape isn’t snow—it’s water.
Rainfall, melting snow, cause runoff that needs to be properly managed on every property to prevent erosion. Stormwater management protects both your property and the surrounding environment. Properties that lack proper stormwater measures can allow sediment, fertilizers, and pollutants to travel into nearby waterways.
At DeFranco Landscaping, every drainage solution is designed to work with the natural contours of your property, moving water safely away from structures while protecting the surrounding landscape and Lake George.
Proper drainage isn’t just about preventing puddles—it’s about protecting your entire property.
Permeable Pavers: Beautiful, Functional, and Environmentally Responsible
Today’s homeowners are looking for outdoor spaces that are as sustainable as they are beautiful. Permeable paver systems allow rainwater to filter naturally into the ground instead of rushing across these hard surfaces into our lakes and streams.
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Permeable pavers help:
- Reduce stormwater runoff which can minimize erosion on a property.
- Recharge groundwater naturally
- Protect nearby lakes and streams
- Extend the life of hardscape installations
When professionally installed and properly maintained, permeable pavers can provide exceptional durability while supporting healthier ecosystems.
Protecting Lake George Begins One Shoreline at a Time
Every property surrounding Lake George plays an important role in preserving one of America’s most treasured lakes. Uncontrolled runoff, shoreline erosion, and sediment entering our Lake can reduce water clarity, negatively impact aquatic habitats and ultimately affect the water quality.
Responsible landscaping practices—including shoreline stabilization, native shoreline plantings, proper grading, stormwater measures like rain gardens, and professionally designed drainage systems—help protect our remarkable natural resource for future generations.
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Environmental Stewardship begins at Your Lake Home
Why Hiring Professionals Matters
Not every landscaping project is simple, especially on a body of water like Lake George. Working with an experienced landscape contractor ensures that your investment is designed for long-term success—not just immediate curb appeal.
At DeFranco Landscaping, every project reflects upon past experiences, craftsmanship, and a commitment to protecting both our clients’ shoreline and Lake George at the same time. From custom designed permeable patios and shoreline stabilization, drainage improvements, landscape design with native plantings, and outdoor living spaces, our team understands what it takes to build proper landscape features around the Lake that withstand the winter climate.
Protect Today. Enjoy Tomorrow
Whether you’re protecting your shoreline from scour, installing permeable pavers, improving drainage, or preparing your landscape for another Adirondack winter, investing in professional expertise today can help preserve your property for years to come.
For more than 40 years, DeFranco Landscaping has been creating exceptional outdoor living spaces. Combining quality craftsmanship, environmentally responsible practices, and decades of local experience, the DeFranco team specializes in custom landscape design, drainage solutions, shoreline protection (one shoreline at a time), permeable paver installations, retaining walls, outdoor living spaces, and year-round property stewardship.
Protect your investment. Preserve Lake George.
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