A well-designed landscape does more than improve curb appeal. It creates outdoor spaces your family enjoys, increases property value, and solves practical challenges like drainage, privacy, and accessibility. Those improvements also need to stand the test of time, which comes down to proper planning, quality materials, and experienced installation.
During his recent Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) Commercial Craft Talk, Robert Ott, owner of Robert Ott Landscaping, shared the story behind one of Ocean County’s most respected landscaping companies and explained why experience continues to matter in an industry where shortcuts often lead to costly repairs.
A Family Business Built One Lawn at a Time
Robert’s landscaping career started long before he owned a company.
After his family moved to the Jersey Shore in 1969, his parents landscaped their own property instead of hiring a designer. As a young boy, Robert helped select plants, carry them home from the garden center, and install them himself. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong interest in landscape design.
By high school, he was mowing neighborhood lawns to earn extra money. One job quickly became several, and before the end of the summer he and a friend had more than 100 recurring lawn customers in Holiday City.
Working weekends for a local garden center gave him another valuable education. He learned which trees, shrubs, and flowers performed well in New Jersey’s coastal climate, knowledge that continues to guide his recommendations for homeowners today.
Every Landscape Is Designed for the Property
Robert explained that no two properties are alike.
Some homeowners enjoy helping choose every plant, while others simply trust his experience. His approach is to bring together plants, shrubs, flowers, and hardscape elements that fit both the home and the owner’s goals.
His projects range from modest foundation plantings to complete landscape renovations costing well into six figures. The size of the project is less important than delivering a finished result that complements the home and performs well for years to come.
Creating Privacy That Grows Better Every Year
One of the most common requests Robert receives is privacy.
New pools, new construction, neighboring homes, and commercial properties often leave homeowners looking for a natural screen without installing another fence.
Robert frequently recommends carefully selected evergreen trees that provide year-round privacy while enhancing the appearance of the property. During his presentation, he shared an example of a homeowner whose backyard overlooked a junkyard. By installing large Green Giant Arborvitae, the unwanted view gradually disappeared as the trees matured into a dense living screen.
Quality Hardscaping Starts Below the Surface
Robert’s company expanded from landscaping into hardscaping decades ago after a customer needed a paver walkway installed.
Today, custom paver driveways, walkways, patios, retaining walls, pool decks, porches, and outdoor living areas make up a significant portion of the company’s work.
One point Robert emphasized repeatedly was that homeowners often judge a finished project by how it looks on day one. Professionals know the real test comes years later.
“The secret is the base,” he explained.
Just as a house depends on a strong foundation, pavers depend on proper excavation, grading, and base preparation. When corners are cut beneath the surface, driveways and walkways eventually settle, separate, or sink. Robert noted that many of his projects involve removing failed installations completed by other contractors before rebuilding them correctly.
Outdoor Living Spaces Designed to Last
Modern landscaping has evolved well beyond shrubs and flower beds.
Robert Ott Landscaping designs and installs outdoor spaces that become natural extensions of the home, including:
- Custom paver patios
- Fire pits
- Pool decks
- Retaining walls
- Decorative stone edging
- Walkways
- Front entry improvements
- Landscape lighting
- Privacy plantings
Each project is tailored to the homeowner’s property, style, and budget while focusing on long-term durability.
Restoring Beauty After Storm Damage
One memorable project Robert shared was the reconstruction of fellow OCBA member Bobby Kostrewa from Tranz Connection’s property after Hurricane Sandy.
After the home was elevated, Robert’s team rebuilt the landscape with custom paver driveways, Belgian block curbing, walkways, and new plantings designed to complement the raised home.
The project demonstrated how thoughtful landscape planning can completely transform a property after major construction or storm recovery.
A Project That Honors Those Who Served
Among the many residential projects Robert has completed, one stood apart.
Robert was selected to design and install the landscaping for the Protectors of Freedom Memorial at Bay Lea Park.
The project included grading, drainage, paver walkways, irrigation, lighting, trees, plantings, seating areas, and carefully positioned landscaping surrounding sculptures honoring veterans from multiple American conflicts.
The memorial remains one of Robert’s favorite projects because of its lasting impact on the community and the opportunity to contribute to a place of remembrance and reflection.
Long-Term Employees Make the Difference
A recurring theme throughout Robert’s presentation was the value of experienced people.
Several members of his team have been with the company for decades. That experience translates directly into better workmanship, greater consistency, and a higher level of professionalism for customers.
It also allows Robert Ott Landscaping to complete projects efficiently while maintaining the quality standards that have built the company’s reputation over many years.
The Value of Relationships Through OCBA
Robert also reflected on how the Ocean County Business Association has benefited his business over the years.
As a longtime OCBA member, he has worked with accountants, printers, insurance professionals, financial advisors, technology providers, contractors, and many other fellow members. Those relationships have created trusted referral partnerships that continue to benefit both his company and the businesses around him.
His experience illustrates one of the core values of OCBA: building relationships that strengthen local businesses and create opportunities through trust rather than transactions.
Contact Robert Ott Landscaping
If you’re planning a landscape renovation, installing a new paver driveway, adding a patio or fire pit, improving your home’s curb appeal, or creating more privacy in your yard, Robert Ott Landscaping has the experience to help bring your vision to life.
Call Robert Ott Landscaping today at 732-929-3520 to request a quote at ottlandscaping.com
Grow Your Business with OCBA
The Ocean County Business Association connects business owners, professionals, and community leaders through twice-monthly networking meetings, educational programs, referrals, and lasting business relationships.
If you’re looking to expand your professional network while supporting the local business community, we invite you to attend an upcoming meeting and discover why so many successful Ocean County businesses choose OCBA.
Learn more about membership or request a guest invitation today