Here’s how Virtuoso Landscaping can take your outdoor space on a journey to stunning

By Patricia Nugent

vir•tu•o•so—noun, “a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit.”

For more than 20 years, the design team at Virtuoso Landscaping has followed its own artistic pursuit, conceptualizing grand-scale outdoor spaces that are architecturally relevant and fit the style and taste of homeowners all over Northeast Ohio. The living areas they develop look as if they’ve always been there, reflecting a home’s esthetic and flowing with its unique natural setting.

From paver patios and pavilions to pergolas, courtyards, walkways, decks, landscaping, outdoor kitchens, fences and retaining walls, owner Rod Costa says their jobs are getting more elaborate, as people are choosing to spend a bigger part of their lives outdoors.

“We are seeing an increased desire for multifaceted outdoor living spaces,” says Rod. “Fireplaces, grill islands, water and heat elements are often part of our designs. But when it comes to the surrounding landscaping, we’re finding people are in less-is-more mode, so we incorporate low-to-no-maintenance ornamentals that complement outdoor spaces without adding work for the customer.”

Rod explains the secret to their success lies in the staff.

“For years we’ve had a very tight-knit crew, many of whom started working with us at a young age and developed into knowledgeable and proficient landscapers and crew leaders,” he says. “We’ve become like a family, both to each other and to customers, who have been enthusiastic in spreading the word about us. They tell us we are ‘refreshingly different’ in every way, and that means a lot.”

A Customer First Approach
According to Rod, the focus of his company will always be people first—then landscaping.

“If you treat people as you would have them treat you, seek to perform each job to the best of your ability, and are upfront and honest with your customers, business growth will come,” he shares.

Rod also puts value in respecting the budget of his customers. “We are interested in jobs of all sizes,” he says. “We treat each customer the same and don’t push an agenda. I want to deal honestly with people and provide quality service regardless of the size of the job.”

A good example of staying in touch with a customer’s budget and taste is the retaining wall shown in the photo at top right, which was recently honored as the “Wall of the Year” by Frank Brothers Landscape Supply in Lodi.

“The homeowners of the ultra-modern home in Hartville gave us freedom to create a three-level wall scheme for the sloping land that was both functional and stunning,” he adds.

Budget-Friendly Mulch Services
In keeping with the low-maintenance trend, Rod notes some of their clients are opting for decorative stones instead of mulch. “When installed with a commercial-grade landscaping fabric, stone basically eliminates the hassle of keeping weeds under control. However, there isn’t the beneficial effect of adding nutrients to the soil like mulch can,” he says.

Unlike other companies that use bulk equipment to blow mulch into beds, the crews at Virtuoso take an old-school approach and spread it by hand.

“We don’t mind doing things the hard way if the alternative compromises the quality of the finished product,” says General Manager Kristi Ensminger. “Sometimes those machines leave behind an uneven surface level and a big mess. Our goal is to achieve the ideal thickness—which is 2-3 inches—to help prevent weeds and retain moisture without choking the soil.”

Headquartered in Wadsworth, Virtuoso Landscaping beautifies homes and businesses within a 45-minute radius of the city. Visit VirtuosoLandscapes.comor call 330-419-1527 to get on the company’s busy spring mulch schedule or start planning the outdoor living space of your dreams.