It’s August — But It’s Not Too Late to Start Planning the Backyard of Your Dreams

Late summer in the Lakes Region has a magic all its own. Golden light dances across the water, cool evening breezes roll in from the lake, and homeowners are soaking up every moment outdoors. If you’ve spent this season wishing your backyard felt more like a true retreat — whether that means an expanded patio, a full outdoor kitchen, or improved lakefront access — here’s the good news: August is the perfect time to start planning your dream outdoor space.

At Landscapes by Tom, we specialize in creating high-end landscaping and hardscaping for homeowners in the Lakes Region. From the initial concept to final construction and ongoing maintenance, we manage your entire project from start to finish, ensuring a seamless process and stunning results. And starting now means you’ll be ready to enjoy your new space by next summer — or even sooner.

Why August Is the Perfect Time to Start Planning

Many homeowners assume that once summer hits, it’s “too late” to begin a major outdoor project. In reality, August is ideal for three big reasons:

1. Get Ahead of the Spring Rush
2. By finalizing your design and securing your place on our schedule now, you’ll avoid the springtime scramble when everyone wants work done at once.
3. Perfect for Fall Builds
4. In the Lakes Region, early fall offers excellent conditions for construction. Cooler temperatures mean materials set well, allowing us to complete your project before winter arrives.
5. Time for Thoughtful Design
6. Without the pressure of an immediate start, we can refine your vision, choose the right materials, and ensure compliance with local and lakefront regulations.

Our “Soup to Nuts” Project Management Approach

When we say we handle it all, we mean it. Landscaping and hardscaping projects require dozens of moving parts — permits, material selection, excavation, skilled labor, and design precision. At Landscapes by Tom, we coordinate every detail so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors.

Our process includes:

• Initial Consultation & Site Evaluation — We visit your property to understand its unique terrain, proximity to the lake, and your lifestyle goals.
• Custom Design Plans — Tailored to your needs, whether it’s entertaining, relaxing, or preserving shoreline integrity.
• Permitting & Compliance — We navigate state and local rules, including DES shoreline permitting for properties on Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake, and Ossipee Lake.
• Expert Construction & Installation — From stonework to lighting, our team ensures precision craftsmanship.
• Ongoing Care & Maintenance — We help keep your space looking its best year-round.

Popular Late-Season Landscaping & Hardscaping Projects

If you start in August, there’s still time to complete specific projects this season — or line them up for an early spring start. Some of our most-requested designs include:

• Paver Patios & Driveways — Elegant and durable, perfect for lakeside entertaining.
• Outdoor Kitchens — Fully equipped spaces for cooking and dining al fresco.
• Fire Pits & Outdoor Fireplaces — Enjoy your yard well into the cool autumn nights.
• Retaining Walls & Lakefront Steps — Functional solutions for erosion control and shoreline access.
• Shoreline Restoration — Protect Your Investment and Enhance the Natural Beauty of Your Waterfront.
• Landscape Lighting — Extend your evenings outdoors with subtle, energy-efficient illumination.

The Lakes Region Advantage

Designing for the Lakes Region isn’t the same as working in other parts of New Hampshire. Here, we must account for:

• Waterfront Regulations — Different lakes and towns have unique permitting requirements.
• Seasonal Weather — From icy winters to humid summers, we select materials that are built to withstand local conditions.
• Natural Aesthetics — Our designs blend with the surrounding beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake, and Ossipee Lake.

By combining high-end materials with thoughtful placement, we ensure your outdoor space complements both your home and its natural surroundings.

How We Customize for Your Town or Lake

Every community in the Lakes Region has its own character, and we design with that in mind:

• Meredith & Center Harbor — Perfect for elevated patios and panoramic lake views.
• Laconia — Versatile designs for both year-round homes and seasonal retreats.
• Gilford — Upscale outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces for family gatherings.
• Wolfeboro & Tuftonboro — Lake access solutions with elegant stonework and erosion control.
• Moultonborough & Alton — Expansive backyards transformed into multi-use living areas.

Our in-depth local knowledge ensures your project not only meets town regulations but also integrates seamlessly into the neighborhood’s aesthetic.

Seasonal Durability & Local Expertise

A landscaping investment should last — and in New Hampshire, that means building with the seasons in mind. We plan for:

• Frost Heaving Protection — Proper base preparation and drainage to prevent shifting.
• Salt & Snow Resistance — Choosing pavers and finishes that withstand harsh winters.
• Lake Impact — Designing to handle water level changes, ice movement, and boat wake erosion.

Because we’ve been serving the Lakes Region for decades, we know how to engineer for longevity while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

Why Landscapes by Tom Is the Trusted Choice

Homeowners choose us because we bring:

• Experience — Decades of managing complex, high-end projects.
• Expertise — Knowledge of local terrain, lakeside regulations, and material performance.
• Craftsmanship — Attention to detail that makes your project stand out.
• Trust — A reputation built on satisfied clients and long-lasting results.

We don’t just create landscapes — we create spaces for living, relaxing, and making memories.

Ready to Start Your Dream Backyard?

August is your opportunity to turn ideas into action. By starting your planning now, you can:

• Beat the spring rush
• Lock in preferred materials and finishes
• Ensure a smooth design and permitting process
• Be ready to enjoy your new space by next summer — or even earlier

Whether you’re on Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake, Ossipee Lake, or in a nearby town like Meredith, Laconia, Gilford, Wolfeboro, or Alton, Landscapes by Tom is ready to bring your vision to life.

Call us today at 603-279-0376 to schedule your consultation.