Fixing Common Landscaping Problems in Martha’s Vineyard

Landscaping can be tricky here. Salt air, sandy soil, wind, and changing weather all mess with your yard. Good news? You don’t have to put up with patchy grass or soggy spots. With expert Martha’s Vineyard landscaping, you can fix the mess and get the yard you want. Let’s walk through the most common problems—and how to deal with them.

Patchy Grass That Won’t Grow

Your lawn is a patchy mess. One side is green. The other side looks like straw. Sound familiar?

Most folks throw down more seed. Then they wait. Nothing changes.

The real issue might be the soil. Too much sand means the water drains too fast. Roots dry up. No root, no grass.

Instead of tossing seed again, test the soil. Add compost to hold moisture. In some spots, raised beds work better than lawn. Local landscapers in Martha’s Vineyard often use soil blends to give roots a fair shot.

Pro tip: pick grass that handles salt and wind. Regular mixes won’t last long near the coast.

Drainage Problems That Ruin the Yard

Water pooling near your steps? Muddy mess under the deck?

That’s a drainage issue. Some yards sit lower than the street. Some have compact soil that doesn’t let water through.

Grading the land can fix the slope. That means shaping the soil so water moves away from the house. In other cases, a French drain—just a gravel trench with a pipe—works fine.

If you wait too long, mold and damage start to creep up. Mushy soil also kills trees and shrubs.

Weeds That Keep Coming Back

You pull them. They grow back. You spray them. They come back again. It’s like yard whack-a-mole.

The fix isn’t just about killing weeds. It’s about stopping them from showing up.

Mulch is your best friend here. It keeps the soil moist and stops sunlight from reaching weed seeds. Lay it thick—two to three inches. Cheap mulch will break down too fast. Spend a bit more, and you won’t have to redo it all summer.

And don’t forget to edge. That sharp line between beds and lawn isn’t just for looks. It stops weed creep.

Organic options work too. Vinegar sprays, boiling water, and even flame torches can control weeds without harsh chemicals. A smart crew of landscapers in Martha’s Vineyard can guide you on the best mix of tools.

Trees That Look Sick or Unsafe

A healthy tree adds beauty and shade. A sick one becomes a hazard.

Dead limbs, cracked trunks, leaning growth—don’t ignore them.

The wind on the island is strong. One storm can send limbs flying. That’s bad news for roofs, fences, and people.

Have your trees checked twice a year. Remove dead wood. Trim back growth away from power lines and roofs.

Tree roots may push up walkways and clog nearby drains. Sometimes you can prune the roots. Other times, the tree needs to go.

Don’t DIY it. Big trees can fall the wrong way in seconds. Call a pro crew who knows how to handle the job without wrecking the yard.

Shrubs That Won’t Shape Up

Some yards are filled with wild, tangled bushes. You cut them back, and they grow back worse. Or you prune too much and kill the whole thing.

Every shrub has a right time to prune. Some need shaping in spring. Others bloom better if cut in late summer. Prune at the wrong time, and you lose all your flowers.

Too much fertilizer can also mess things up. You get fast green growth but no blooms. Dial it back and stick to a basic feeding schedule.

A smart layout helps too. Don’t crowd plants. Give them air and light. That alone will keep half the diseases away.

Hardscaping That Cracks or Shifts

Stone walls, patios, and walkways take a beating here. The freeze-thaw cycle cracks mortar. Tree roots push stones out of place.

If you notice wobbling stones or sinking spots, don’t wait. One wrong step and someone’s ankle is done.

Loose stone paths may need new base gravel. Walls might need re-pointing or even a full rebuild. Choose the right stone, and it’ll last decades. Go cheap, and you’ll be fixing it every spring.

Sealing helps too. It keeps water from seeping in and cracking the joints. Ask your landscape crew if it’s time to seal things up.

Gardens That Struggle

Everyone wants a garden on the island. But not every plant loves the salt spray.

Hydrangeas, beach roses, lavender, and native grasses are tough. They hold up better than tulips or pansies. Pick the wrong plants, and you’ll be replacing them every few months.

Sun and wind matter too. A sunny spot can roast tender flowers. A windy slope will break weak stems.

Raised beds with wind breaks can help. So can proper spacing. Cramming too many plants together causes disease to spread fast.

Don't forget to mulch and feed. Even the hardiest plant needs support in harsh spots.

Lighting That Doesn’t Do Its Job

You installed lights. They worked for a month. Now half are out, and wires are showing.

Cheap kits don’t hold up in salt air. Moisture creeps in. Metal rusts. Wires crack.

Go for solid low-voltage systems with sealed fixtures. Bury the wires deeper. Keep lights aimed low so they don’t blind your guests.

Well-placed lighting does more than look nice. It keeps paths safe, deters animals, and adds security.

A few lights in the right spots go a long way. No need to turn your yard into a runway.

One Last Thought

Fixing yard problems takes time. But don’t just treat the symptoms. Look at the big picture.

Sometimes what seems like a simple issue—like dead grass—is really part of a bigger problem with drainage, shade, or soil.

That’s why it helps to bring in a local crew who knows what works here. Martha’s Vineyard landscaping isn’t like anywhere else. The wind, salt, and seasons change how you have to treat the land.

Conclusion

Bilzerian Tree and Land Services brings deep knowledge, skilled crews, and a hands-on approach to every yard. From clearing tangled trees to solving drainage messes, they’ve helped homeowners across the island fix their biggest landscaping headaches. When you're ready to solve your outdoor issues for good, their team is just a call away. They’re your go-to experts for reliable, long-term care in Martha’s Vineyard landscaping.