Front Yard Transformation
Elegant Front Yard Transformation & Structural Retaining Wall Replacement in Downtown Bel Air, MD
This comprehensive outdoor living project in Downtown Bel Air (21014) brought together multiple core services offered by Harvest Outdoor Living, including hardscaping, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, and retaining wall replacement. The homeowners reached out with two primary goals: solve long-standing drainage issues in their front yard and driveway, and address a serious safety concern with a failing 7-foot concrete retaining wall behind their home.
Our family is so happy that we hired Tom Kiley- Harvest Outdoor Living to design and create two major hardscaping projects to enhance the established landscape of our home this Summer. The entirety of our projects were handled with knowledge and expertise from conception to execution. The craftsmanship displayed in every aspect of the creation is the combination of experience and great skill. Tom Kiley is a Hands - On business owner, ensuring that the entire project was completed flawlessly ,exceeding both his and our expectations. Despite the extreme heat, the Harvest Outdoor Living crew worked long hours from early morning until evening, always respectful, friendly and pleasant, keeping the work site neat and tidy after each shift. God Bless the Three Amigos ! While we were looking for a simple sidewalk solution, Tom's inspired vision of a bi-level enclosed garden, featuring large boulders and flowering trees and plants ,illuminated at twilight intrigued us. We asked for a curving, hand cut heated bluestone sidewalk across our front yard that wraps around our existing front porch. This sidewalk, combined with another constructed with Cambridge Paving Stones adds a luxurious curb appeal. The second, more difficult project involved a combination of many skilled professionals ,including demolition experts, engineering plans and permits and a tremendous amount of hard physical labor. This project was also completed above and beyond our expectations and has solved our water issues. All plantings and replanting's were professional and successful. Ultimately, we have been given the landscaping improvements we always needed and wanted, yet never imagined could possibly exist ! Everyone comments on how beautiful our new landscape looks. We could not be happier with the results.
Front Yard Hardscape & Garden Design
We completely redesigned the front yard with a pair of distinct walkways that balanced function and style. One path, leading from the driveway to the front door, was crafted using Cambridge Ledgestone 3-piece pavers in Onyx Natural, replacing an outdated, narrow concrete sidewalk. The second walkway showcased true craftsmanship—each piece of thermal bluestone was hand-cut from large slabs and shaped with flowing curves to create a custom natural stone path that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.
To accommodate the sloped grade and manage stormwater runoff, we installed a deep French drain system beneath the new walkways, tying in the home’s downspouts and sump pump. The entire drainage system exits to daylight on the far side of the property. Above the walkways, we built a two-tier garden bed using natural stone dry stack walls, complete with boulders, perennial plantings, and full landscape lighting. The finished garden is not only functional, but adds dramatic curb appeal and nighttime ambiance.
Backyard Structural Retaining Wall Replacement
In the backyard, the existing CMU wall behind the walk-out basement was badly cracked and leaning—posing a major structural hazard. Because the wall was over 7 feet tall and close to the home, we secured engineering plans and obtained all necessary county permits for the demolition and rebuild.
Working in tight quarters—just 4 feet from the house—we carefully removed the old wall using a mini excavator, ensuring no damage to the foundation. On the opposite side, a cherished 60-year-old southern magnolia tree added complexity to the project. To protect it, we worked with the engineer to develop a custom excavation strategy that included root pruning, allowing the tree to remain healthy and undisturbed.
We then installed a new Allan Block Classic wall in Limestone, complete with a concrete ramp, new handrails, and an integrated drainage system that ties back into the sump system. The client received detailed 2D plans and 3D renderings before any work began—ensuring full confidence in the design and layout.
Client Outcome & Testimonial
The homeowner now enjoys a safer, more beautiful, and highly functional property from front to back. The new garden paths and plantings add welcoming charm, the French drain system keeps the yard dry year-round, and the backyard wall is now structurally sound and built to last. The client left a glowing review on Google praising the professionalism, care, and attention to detail throughout the entire project.
Inspired by This Project? Let’s Build Something Beautiful Together
Whether you're dealing with drainage issues, crumbling retaining walls, or simply want to boost your home’s curb appeal, Harvest Outdoor Living is here to help. We proudly serve Bel Air, Abingdon, Fallston, Forest Hill, Churchville, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream outdoor space.
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