Hear from Our Customers
You know that feeling when you look at your pool area and think “this could be so much better”? Most Oakdale homeowners do. The good news is your pool doesn’t have to sit there looking basic forever.
Professional poolside landscaping turns that underused space into your family’s favorite spot. Picture stepping outside to natural stone pathways that don’t shift or crack. Plantings that actually thrive in our coastal climate instead of struggling through each season. Proper drainage that handles Long Island’s unpredictable weather without creating puddles or erosion issues.
Your pool becomes the centerpiece of a complete outdoor living experience. Morning coffee by the water. Evening gatherings that naturally flow from pool to patio. Weekend relaxation that feels like a vacation without leaving home.
Stone Escapes has been creating poolside landscapes in Oakdale and throughout Suffolk County for years. We’re not some big corporate outfit that treats every project the same.
Owner Iain Traynor brings real masonry and construction experience to every estimate and project. He understands what Oakdale’s sandy soil, coastal moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles do to outdoor installations. That’s why our standard prep includes 8-10 inch excavation, proper base layering, and drainage systems that actually work.
We’re licensed in Suffolk County and certified by Cambridge, Techo-Bloc, Unilock, and other premium manufacturers. But what matters more is that we stay involved throughout your project. No handoffs to random crews or disappearing after the sale.
First, we meet at your property for a real consultation. Not a quick sales pitch, but an actual assessment of your space, drainage, and what you want to accomplish with your pool area landscaping.
Then we create a design that works with your property’s natural layout and Oakdale’s specific conditions. Material selection comes next – choosing stones, pavers, and plants that can handle coastal exposure and our weather patterns.
Installation starts with proper excavation and base preparation. We’re talking about the foundation work that prevents shifting, cracking, and drainage problems down the road. Every stone gets leveled and locked. Corners are cut to distribute pressure evenly so frost can’t break things loose.
Final phase includes plantings selected for Long Island’s climate, integrated lighting if you want it, and a complete walkthrough to make sure everything meets our standards and yours.
Ready to get started?
Your poolside landscaping project includes everything needed for a complete transformation. We handle excavation, proper base installation, drainage systems, and material installation using techniques proven to work in Oakdale’s conditions.
Plant selection focuses on species that thrive in our coastal environment without constant maintenance. Natural stone and paver options are chosen for durability and slip resistance around water. Integrated pathway lighting can be included for safe evening use.
Oakdale’s unique challenges get specific attention. Our sandy soil requires deeper foundations and specialized backfill materials. Coastal moisture means selecting materials that resist corrosion. We plan drainage to handle everything from summer thunderstorms to nor’easters without creating erosion or standing water issues.
Every project includes direct oversight from experienced crews who understand Long Island construction requirements. No subcontractors learning on your property.
Most poolside landscaping projects in Oakdale take 5-10 days depending on size and complexity. Weather can extend timelines, especially during Long Island’s unpredictable spring and fall seasons.
The timeline breaks down roughly like this: 1-2 days for excavation and base preparation, 2-3 days for hardscape installation (pavers, stone work), 1-2 days for planting and final details. Water feature installation adds time depending on complexity.
We don’t rush installations to meet artificial deadlines. Proper base preparation and material installation take the time they take. Cutting corners on prep work leads to problems later, which is why we stick to proven processes even if it means a slightly longer installation period.
Natural stone and quality pavers are your best options for Oakdale pool areas. Travertine, bluestone, and concrete pavers handle our freeze-thaw cycles better than most alternatives. They also provide good slip resistance when wet.
Avoid materials that retain heat excessively or become slippery when wet. Some decorative stones look great but become uncomfortably hot under summer sun or dangerously slick during morning dew.
For plantings around pools, stick with salt-tolerant species that can handle occasional splash-out and coastal air. Ornamental grasses, certain perennials, and carefully selected shrubs work well. Avoid plants that drop excessive leaves or attract bees to swimming areas.
Absolutely. Drainage is actually one of the most critical parts of any poolside landscaping project in Oakdale. Our sandy soil drains well naturally, but poor grading or inadequate base preparation can still create problems.
We install proper drainage systems during the base preparation phase. This includes gravel layers, perforated drain pipes where needed, and grading that directs water away from both your pool equipment and home foundation.
Oakdale gets hit with everything from summer downpours to coastal storms. Your poolside landscape needs to handle that water flow without creating erosion, standing water, or undermining your pool structure. We plan for these conditions from the start rather than trying to fix problems after installation.
Plant selection for Oakdale pool areas requires understanding both our coastal climate and the specific conditions around swimming pools. We choose species that tolerate salt spray, occasional chlorinated water exposure, and Long Island’s temperature swings.
Native and adapted plants work best because they’re already suited to our soil and weather patterns. Ornamental grasses, certain perennials, and selected shrubs provide year-round interest without excessive maintenance requirements.
We avoid plants that drop messy leaves, attract stinging insects, or have invasive root systems that could interfere with pool equipment or hardscape installations. The goal is creating attractive plantings that enhance your pool area without creating maintenance headaches or safety concerns.
Complete poolside landscaping includes site assessment, design development, all excavation and base preparation, hardscape installation, planting, and cleanup. We handle permits when required and coordinate with utility marking services.
Material costs cover stones, pavers, plants, base materials, and any specialized drainage components needed for your specific site conditions. Installation includes proper excavation (typically 8-10 inches for hardscape areas), compacted base installation, and precise material placement.
We also include a final walkthrough and basic maintenance guidance so you understand how to care for your new landscape. Any warranty information and care instructions are provided in writing. Follow-up availability if questions arise during the first season after installation.
Poolside landscaping costs vary significantly based on project size, material selection, and site conditions. Basic pool deck installations might start around $15-20 per square foot, while complete landscape transformations with premium materials and water features can reach $50+ per square foot.
Oakdale projects often require additional drainage work or specialized base preparation due to our soil conditions and coastal location. These factors can affect pricing but are necessary for long-term performance and durability.
We provide detailed estimates after assessing your specific property and understanding your goals. This includes material costs, labor, any required permits, and cleanup. No hidden fees or surprise charges during installation. Payment schedules are structured around project milestones, not upfront payments.
Local Resources
