​ These clients had a dream of a pool in their backyard. When they contacted Tussey Landscaping for a design and build, our Team put together a comprehensive pool and patio design; integrated into the natural slope of their backyard. Complete with a paver stone pool area, outdoor lighting, and landscaping, their swimming pool dream turned into a backyard paradise! 

Our crew arrived the first day to this grassy slope, waiting transformation. With a design in hand and a vision in mind, our experienced construction crew began excavation for what would become the pool area. 

This Rosetta wall was the foundation for the entire project. This Faux stone wall would shape the lower edge of the pool deck. Once this lower retaining wall was in place, the excavation for the pool could be finalized, and the fiberglass pool could be set. 

With the pool in place, work moved to shaping the upper walls of the pool area and incorporating steps, walkways, and patios. Rosetta steps were used to create the stairway ascending from the pool area to the house. The pool deck was created using Techo Bloc Blu 60 pavers. These Harvest Gold colored pavers were accented with Techo Bloc Villagio pavers. The Pool coping was made using Techo Bloc York Cap. This wet cast product has a smooth top, with a chiseled stone face. 

After weeks of work, the hardscape was finally completed, and it was time to focus on tying all the softscapes together. Trees, shrubs and perennials would be planted in the flower beds around the pool area. Amp low voltage LED lighting was incorporated into the entire area, allowing the pool to be used day or night.  Our crew hydroseeded the new lawn areas around the pool. This was the final task, to repair the lawn first torn up over a month ago. When our crew left, this paradise was ready to be enjoyed!

If you want to learn more about this project, or are interested in starting a conversation about your own backyard paradise, contact us today. 

This home was constructed beside a meandering mountain stream. Years ago, another contractor created a pond beside the house and created waterfalls in the stream beside the house. When the homeowners contacted us, the pond and stream were badly needing an upgrade. The pond needed dredged, and the stream was beyond repair; the liner was deteriorated, and all waterfalls needed rebuilt. Tussey's team arrived to remove all remnants of the old stream and start again at the beginning. 

Our team faced numerous rainstorms during this project; some quite severe. From beginning to end mud was an obstacle to be overcome. However, the team pushed on, and in spite of the muck and rain, demolition was soon complete and it new construction could begin. The stream was diverted away from the work area, and boulders, rock and liner were brought in to begin building. 

Soon, we had created a solid base for the last waterfall, that would fall into the pond. A pump vault was created to house three Aquascape pumps. These pumps would recirculate water from the pond back through the waterfalls beside the house. This would give the owners the capability increase the natural flow of water streaming past their house. If rains brought the water level in the stream up, or if they wanted to quiet the brook outside their windows, a flip of the switch would stop these pumps. 

While our goal was to make this natural stream more beautiful, or crew also knew that it had to be able to handle a high volume of water that comes with the downpours of this area. As construction moved forward, these two requirements of function and beauty were the two guideposts of the process. Machines were brought in, and rock after rock was placed in the new stream. These sandstone giants would frame the waterfalls, and the meandering of the stream itself. 

​As this project started to fall together, everyone was excited with the final product. The new waterfalls were visible from the house, and projected the peaceful sound of water up to the house. With the pumps running, this newly created babbling brook became its own instant attraction. Our team also dredged out the years of accumulated silt in the pond. Sandstone boulders were placed around the perimeter of the pond to shape and define its edges. 

With the pond finished, there were only details to be completed. Underwater lights were added to all the waterfalls and stream areas. Landscape details were finished up around the pond and stream, and grass was replanted. The only thing that was yet to be discovered, was the question of the new stream's ability to handle the flood waters of a Pennsylvania rain storm. We were able to watch firsthand the effects of a washout on the new construction. 

This project took over two weeks to complete, but our crew enjoyed the challenge of transforming this aged water feature into an new paradise. 

If you want to learn more about this project, or are interested in starting a conversation about your own backyard  paradise:

Clear Ridge Event Center had its beginnings as an elementary school. When the owners began creating an the school-turned-events center, they wanted to create someplace special for the weddings that they hoped to attract. ​So when they turned to Tussey Landscaping for a design and build, our team knew they had to create something one of a kind special. 

The design centered around a Pavilion, which would be the focal point of the project. But there had to be more. The sound of running water, the textures of stone underfoot, the fragrance and colors of tasteful landscape; all these were incorporated into the design. 

The final project hit the mark; a photograph destination for capturing the moments and event that shape a lifetime!

If you have any questions about this project, or want to start a conversation about your own project, contact us today. 

Our clients of today' project wanted to create their own little backyard retreat. With a dream and a patch of grass, they contacted Tussey Landscaping to help bring their backyard to life

Despite the constant weather related setbacks, our crew doggedly continued, and the project continued to take shape. As the patio, steps, and walkway took shape around the water feature, the vision of a backyard became traceable through the mud and chaos of construction. 

The new water feature, muddy but running, encouraged everyone that we were progressing towards the Goal. 

In progressing stages, the patio, steps, and walkways came together. For the walkways, we used a small Techo bloc paver called Antika. This small, random sized paver created an aged "cobblestone" look, while still giving a smooth walking surface. Black Hills natural stone slabs were used to continue the natural look of this landscape. 

​Thankfully, nearing the end of the project, the rain finally stopped. Our crew planted a mix of shade plants around the tree and water feature. After all the planting was completed and mulch was put down in all flower bed areas, the full beauty of this area became apparent.  The sight and sound of water incorporated with the calming aesthetics of landscape create the atmosphere of relaxation for which the patio was created. 
  After all construction work was completed, the crew regraded the lawn, patching up all areas disturbed by construction; hydroseeding a new lawn behind us as we left. the final day of cleanup was dusty! Nobody complained though, for everyone was relieved just to be free of the mud. 




​The final project was nothing short of stunning. Check out our slideshow of the completed project. 

Check out the video of this project coming together, in spite of the rain and mud our crew endured. 

If you have questions about this project, or if you want to begin a conversation about creating you're backyard paradise, contact us today 

These clients reached out to Tussey for help with their aging koi pond. built over a decade ago, their small water feature was in need of extensive troubleshooting. Unfortunately, It was not effectively constructed, and had chronic operating problems. Over the years numerous "fixes" had left this pond struggling. It was time for our construction crew to do some pond work!

  Rather than attempt more corrective measure on the pond, our crew decided it would be best to start over. It was agreed to remove the entire pond and stream system and install our 7'x10' Simplicity Series Pond Kit. 

We also added an eight foot stream to the pond kit. Our team of builders knew that a correctly constructed stream and waterfalls, would greatly enhance the beauty of this water feature. 

The old pond system had a complicated plumbing system that was difficult to service and maintain. The lighting system had exposed fixtures and wires running everywhere in and around the pond, and many of the fixtures were no longer working well. The improved skimmer and pump hook up system of the simplicity series pond makes the pump much more accessible. Easy to install Low voltage LED lighting would be installed to transform the night time views of this pond. 

  There was a few challenges to be overcome for this pond construction. A narrow gate was an obstacle that almost barred the use of equipment from the project. Luckily, our machine was able to literally squeeze in. Layers of older liner and underlayment from previous ponds, along with unstable soil conditions made it necessary for our crew to fill in and compact the entire area before they could begin sculpting the new pond. However, these difficulties were dealt with, and soon a new pond was on the way!

Our finished project completely transformed this backyard. The new Simplicity Series pond features improved circulation and filtration; both will improve water clarity and ecological health in this pond. The new skimmer box allows the pump to be easily accessed for maintenance, and the skimmer basket easily removes floating debris from the water flow. The carefully disguised biofalls provides extra filtration. Our Underwater Low Voltage lights are carefully hidden among the rocks, illuminating the pond with  their effects. 

Watch this video to see more of the construction process, and the stunning transformation of this pond! 

If you're interested in learning more about our Simplicity Series ponds, or if you want to talk about your ideas for your home, contact us today!

This project features one of our smallest and simplest Ecosystem ponds.  But small doesn't mean different. This ecosystem pond was constructed following all the same steps used to build any size pond, and upon completion it functions exactly like its larger relatives. In just a few hours our experienced crew transformed this patch of grass into a living koi pond!

Digging the pond proved easy. Our procedure for making this pond is the same regardless of size. after excavation, our crew set the skimmer and biofalls where they will be positioned by the pond. Once these foundational parts are placed, underlayment, and then EPDM liner could be put into the pond. 

With a motivated team of experienced builders, this rock work for this pond was completed in an hour! Our team installed the pump and plumbing work. Aquatic plants were added to help create a functioning ecosystem that koi fish could thrive in. After the rock work was completed, our team rinsed out the pond to remove excess dirt from construction. The pond was filled, and when the pump was plugged in, an new ecosystem koi pond was born before the owners eyes. 

The relaxing sights and sounds of this little pond transformed these homeowners backyard patio into a relaxation station. This little pond brings all the delights of nature right to the edge of their living space. Watch this video to learn more about this tiny gem. 

If you want to learn more about our ponds, or want to talk about pond or landscaping options for your property, contact us today!

The owners of this project showcase approached Tussey Landscaping looking for a contractor to help them create the landscape of their dreams. They wanted something natural, that would incorporate and enhance the living beauty of nature. Our Mountain Stream 16' pondless waterfall was the fit. 

Weathered Limestone boulders were used to frame and create the waterfalls. the aged boulders bring timelessness to a newly constructed water feature.

An old stump was added. The aesthetic  properties of the stump are obvious, but the aged relic also becomes a host for very biologically diverse collection of life. insects, moss, plants, and other tiny lives will call this home. 

Winter hardy plants like this Chameleon Plant add color and life to this water feature. 

These artistic waterfalls are more than just rocks and water. The winding stream, slow and ponderous, then cascading through itself, is the music and heartbeat of the landscape. 
​

A Healthy ecosystem waterfalls attracts and breeds life on many levels. 

There is infinite beauty in nature. On every level, from the roaring Niagara to the single sphere of water,  there is a discovery of beauty waiting to be found. 

It is more than just a waterfall. It is the centerpiece of the landscape, and of nature. from the tiny moss creeping along the waters edge, through the gentle flowers that grow beside the stream, to the trees that shade all below, the entire landscape integrated itself to water. 

Check out this quick video of this natural beauty running in all its glory! 

If you're ready to create beauty and life in your backyard, contact us today. 

These State College Homeowners had a pond and waterfalls constructed in their backyard several years before we met them.  The Team from Tussey Landscaping was called in to remedy several design and construction problems. After evaluating the existing stream, Tussey agreed to remove the existing stream and surrounding landscape and rebuild the Waterfalls. 

This pond had water clarity issues that stemmed from an improperly designed ecosystem. To address the water quality issues, the crew from Tussey increased the filtration capabilities on this pond. Also, a dosing system was added to maintain healthy levels of beneficial bacteria in the pond's ecosystem.
Raw Limestone rocks in the previous stream were leaching, raising the PH of the water. this contributed to the water quality issues that needed corrected. 

By using weathered sandstone boulders and rocks in the new waterfalls, the crew diminished the alkaline affects of the raw boulders. These aged Pennsylvania transfer a look of timelessness to the new waterfalls. 

After the stream rebuild was done, our crew landscaped the surrounding areas, adding some River Birch trees for some mixed shade. Our crew installed low voltage lighting in the landscape beds. Underwater lights were added to both the stream and the pond. After shrubbery and perennials were planted, the beds were mulched and all disturbed lawn areas were reseeded.

This Water feature and landscape renovation brought new life and beauty to this backyard. If you have dreams for your home, or want ideas on how to bring beauty to your backyard, begin the process today

For this project, We returned to one of our outstanding clients, to extend their outdoor living space to a new dimension; a fire pit. This Fire pit area design was to meet several requirements. Obviously, an easily accessible fire pit was the center of this project. But the owners wanted a function as well as beauty. a fire to cook over as well as  to socialize around. These goals were integrated into a formal fire pit and seating area, which seamlessly connected to the existing outdoor living space. The construction of this project followed suite, and the final project delivery followed... 

This project construction was a hubbub of activity. After the fire pit was constructed, our mason began lining the inside of it with heat resistant firebrick and mortar, to protect the block, while another crew began building the base of what would become the seating wall. 

As the patio and fire pit design became a reality, our team recognized some needed changes. The mature landscape, that once was a backdrop to the pond area, was now blocking the view of the waterfalls from our newly installed fire pit seating area. So we incorporated some landscape renovations into this project. We needed the surrounding landscape and lighting to flow together as seamlessly as the walkways and patios did. After removing some of the mature shrubbery that was blocking the waterfall view, our team replanted the surrounding areas with a mix of lower plants that would compliment the patio seating area, while still encouraging easy viewing of the pond and waterfalls beyond. 
When the final details to this project were completed, the results were stunning. The fire pit and seating area hold a distinctly defined and formal look, yet they still combine the colors and textures of the corresponding kitchen and patio areas. the complementing landscaping and lighting create a natural aura to enhance the sights and sounds of the Aquascape pond and waterfalls. This entire backyard is an integrated haven of function and beauty, earth and stone, fire and water. 

If you want to watch this fire pit and seating area come together, check out our video of this project from beginning to completion.

If you have questions about this project, or if you want to start a conversation with us about your next outdoor project, contact us below 

In a matter of a few days, what started as grass, weed-infested gravel walkways, and a tree stump were beautifully transformed into what you see in the photo above. 

After discussion with the homeowner our project plan was as follows: 

1. Remove the problematic walkways.
2. Remove the tree stump.
3. Build a patio, fire pit, seating wall, steps, and walkways (where walkways and stump had been).
4. Build a wall enclosing the bottom of the gazebo. 

About halfway through the job, our project manager was reviewing the project's progress with the homeowner. In the course of that conversation, the project manager couldn't help but mention that he felt like something was missing - the sound of water.

The homeowner loved the idea and was very grateful for the suggestion. Later, they drove up to Tussey Mountain Mulch Landscape Center where we have a number of water feature displays. They decided on the Appalachian Run, which is our Premiere Collection 10' Pondless Waterfall. 

Project Photo Gallery

​At the end of the project, the homeowners were thanking us profusely for the suggestion and for adding the water feature to the project. It is their favorite aspect of all the work that we did. The waterfall is the centerpiece of their backyard. They mentioned later how they love to sit on the patio in the evenings and listen to the relaxing sound of the water.

This space wasn't big, but we were able to gracefully accommodate a patio, firepit, waterfall, landscaping, seating wall, steps, retaining wall, and walkways. This project is a testament to the fact that it doesn't take a massive budget to create a very inviting outdoor living space that you'll love. 

​Check out the project video below!