Coastal landscapes like those found across Cape Cod require plants that can handle salt air, sandy soils, strong winds, and occasional drought—all without sacrificing visual appeal. At Outerland, we focus on selecting a mix of native and regionally adapted species that not only thrive in these conditions but also elevate the beauty and function of the space in addition to some of the Cape Cod classics like hydrangeas and roses.
Our team often recommends salt-tolerant shrubs such as inkberry holly, bayberry, and beach plum, which provide structure and resilience against wind and salt spray. For ornamental interest and movement, grasses like switchgrass and little bluestem are ideal—they’re hardy, low-maintenance, and well-suited to sandy soil. When it comes to perennial color, we favor drought-tolerant varieties like catmint, coneflower, yarrow, and sedum, all of which perform reliably with minimal watering once established.
To enhance seasonal color, we often layer in annuals such as salvia, zinnias, and angelonia. These selections not only bring bold color and extended bloom periods, but also help support pollinators and overall landscape vitality. Every plant is chosen based on your property’s unique exposure, soil conditions, and design goals to ensure a landscape that’s not just beautiful, but ecologically appropriate and long-lasting.
Because many of our clients are second-homeowners or have limited time for upkeep, we also prioritize low-maintenance selections that offer maximum impact with minimal intervention. The right mix of plants not only boosts curb appeal but creates a space that feels inviting, intentional, and uniquely tailored to Cape Cod living. With thoughtful design and strategic plant selection, we’re able to deliver coastal gardens that are both resilient and refined.
The optimal times to plant shrubs and trees on Cape Cod are early spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October). These windows offer the most favorable soil temperatures and rainfall to help root systems establish before the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
Fall tends to be particularly effective for root development, as plants can focus on below-ground growth without the stress of summer foliage demands. At Outerland, we always take your property’s specific conditions into account—such as sun exposure,
drainage, and coastal wind—before planting. We also provide post-planting care guidance to ensure the investment in your landscape flourishes.
Sandy soil drains quickly and doesn’t hold nutrients well, which means Cape Cod lawns need a specialized approach. Healthy turf starts with soil improvement: we recommend routine aeration and top-dressing with compost to improve structure and moisture retention.
Choosing the right grass variety is also crucial. Blends containing fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial rye are typically well-suited to the region. Outerland’s lawn care programs include seasonal fertilization tailored to sandy soils, proper mowing practices, and strategic irrigation to prevent drought stress. Over time, these practices build up a healthier root zone, creating a lush lawn even in the most challenging conditions.
Salt damage and wind exposure are two of the most common threats to Cape Cod landscapes, especially those closer to the shoreline. Salt from ocean spray or road treatments can dehydrate plant tissues, while constant wind causes desiccation and physical damage.
We design protection into our landscapes by selecting salt-tolerant plants, using natural windbreaks like hedges or fencing, and situating sensitive plantings in sheltered zones. Applying anti-desiccant sprays during winter, mulching generously, and maintaining healthy soil all help reduce damage. If your property is particularly exposed, we may suggest wrapping evergreens in burlap or using structural plantings to shield your garden and stabilize conditions over time.
Cape Cod’s mix of sandy soils and fluctuating weather makes efficient irrigation a necessity. The best systems are those that are both water-wise and responsive to environmental changes. We typically recommend drip irrigation for beds and gardens—it targets root zones directly, reducing evaporation and runoff. For lawns, smart sprinkler systems with moisture sensors or weather-based controllers adjust watering schedules in real-time based on rainfall and temperature.
Outerland designs and installs fully customized irrigation systems that account for plant types, sun exposure, and soil conditions. We also offer seasonal maintenance (including startup and winterization), so your system stays efficient and trouble-free throughout the year.
A healthy lawn in Cape Cod typically needs about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. However, sandy soil drains quickly, so during dry spells, your lawn may require more frequent watering in shorter bursts to avoid runoff and ensure moisture reaches the root zone.
Morning watering is ideal—it minimizes evaporation and helps prevent fungal diseases. A properly programmed irrigation system makes this process effortless, and Outerland can design a system tailored to your soil, sun exposure, and turf type. As part of our maintenance programs, we also monitor lawn conditions and adjust watering as needed to maintain lush, stress-free turf.
Our seasonal cleanups go beyond simple raking. In spring, we clear winter debris, raking all leaves together and removing them from your property. We prune back perennials and any winter damage, and we de-thatch your lawn to get an optimal sun-to-soil ratio for your lawn.
In fall, we remove leaves and dead material, cut back plants as appropriate. We provide one last mow to 2″ to make sure your yard is prepared for the winter chill. Leaves and debris are removed from the property, not just blown into a native area.
Both services are customized to your property and are designed to promote long-term plant health and curb appeal. Both services can be done exclusively, but they do play a role in how much cleanup needs to be done in the fall or spring.
Choosing between sod and seed depends on several factors, including your timeline, budget, property conditions, and expectations for long-term maintenance.
Sod is the right choice if you need instant results. It provides a fully green, mature-looking lawn within a day or two of installation and is especially helpful for controlling erosion on slopes or in areas with heavy foot traffic. Sod can also be installed almost any time during the growing season, as long as irrigation is available.
Seeding, on the other hand, is more cost-effective and allows you to customize your turf with specific grass varieties well-suited to Cape Cod’s conditions, such as fine fescues and perennial rye. However, seeding requires patience, typically taking several weeks to establish, and ideal conditions including cooler temperatures, proper watering, and protection from foot traffic during germination.
Timing is critical: fall is generally the best time for seeding because of cooler nights and more consistent moisture, while sod offers more flexibility year-round. Whichever route you take, having a reliable irrigation system in place is essential for establishment. Outerland helps assess each client’s site, including slope, sun exposure, irrigation readiness, and lifestyle preferences, before recommending the best approach for your lawn.
We also provide expert installation and follow-up care to ensure your new lawn, whether seeded or sodded, becomes a healthy and thriving part of your landscape.
Yes. Many Cape Cod homeowners opt for native plants, gravel paths, drought-resistant groundcovers, and drip irrigation systems to create beautiful yet self-sustaining landscapes. We also recommend incorporating mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds, and automated irrigation to keep your property hydrated without frequent visits. Outerland can also monitor and maintain your landscape while you’re away.
At Outerland, landscape design starts with a discovery meeting to understand your vision, lifestyle, and goals. We then assess your site, noting sun patterns, soil type, drainage, and architecture. Our design team develops a detailed plan with sketches, plant selections, and materials. Once approved, our skilled crew executes the plan, followed by ongoing care to ensure your investment thrives. Our process is collaborative, creative, and rooted in decades of local expertise.
Some projects—especially those involving hardscaping, irrigation, retaining walls, or properties near conservation land—may require local permits. We help identify which elements need permitting and manage paperwork and timelines so your project moves forward smoothly and legally.
Curb appeal is a powerful first impression. It’s the visual handshake your property offers the world, and it’s especially important in a place like Cape Cod where natural beauty and home aesthetics go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply take pride in its presentation, strategic landscaping upgrades can significantly increase your property’s perceived value and charm.
Start with the fundamentals: a lush, green lawn, clearly edged beds, and healthy, pruned shrubs. A clean foundation creates a canvas for more expressive design. Consider these effective enhancements:
- Layered Foundation Plantings: Use a combination of evergreen and flowering shrubs to provide year-round interest. Hydrangeas, boxwoods, and native grasses offer structure and seasonal color.
- Seasonal Displays: Flowering annuals or container gardens at the entryway can add personality and warmth. We rotate seasonal displays so your property always feels fresh and welcoming.
- Elegant Pathways: Replacing dated walkways with natural stone, brick, or gravel can transform the approach to your home. Add soft path lighting for ambiance and safety.
- Mulch and Bed Edges: A sharp bed edge and fresh mulch layer can make even a simple landscape feel polished and intentional.
- Tree Framing and Pruning: Properly framing your home with well-pruned trees can guide the eye and highlight your architecture. Remove or reshape any overgrown trees that may block light or views.
- Lighting: Landscape lighting extends enjoyment into the evening hours and creates a luxurious, secure feeling around your home. We focus on soft, strategic lighting at entries, trees, and architectural features.
At Outerland, we look beyond curb appeal as a static visual. We design your entry experience—from driveway arrival to front door—with harmony, texture, and scale in mind. Our expert team ensures that each element enhances not only how your home looks, but how it feels to approach.
Whether you need a small refresh or a full redesign, we create custom solutions that fit your property’s character and your personal taste. With the right landscaping, your home’s exterior becomes a reflection of the care, style, and pride within.
Local landscapers know the microclimates, soil conditions, and plant species that thrive in the area. At Outerland, we bring years of experience working specifically on Cape Cod properties, from shoreline estates to inland summer homes. We understand permitting nuances, seasonal timing, and how to design for both aesthetics and durability in a coastal setting. We also have the experience of having been on the Cape for more than 3 decades, and that means that we can provide excellent services, knowing what works and what doesn’t.
Plus, our team lives here—we’re truly invested in the community.
Begin by clearing out leaves and debris, then prune shrubs and perennials as needed. Loosen the soil and amend it with compost or organic matter. Check your irrigation system, edge your beds, and apply mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
Outerland offers full-service bed preparation to ensure your garden is ready to thrive from day one of the season.
Erosion is a common issue on Cape Cod, especially on properties located near the shoreline or sloped terrain. The combination of sandy soil, wind exposure, storm surges, and heavy rainfall means landscapes need smart, stable solutions to stay intact over time.
The first step in preventing erosion is stabilizing the soil. This can be done using deep-rooted native plants such as American beach grass, bayberry, juniper, or switchgrass. These plants not only anchor the soil but also blend beautifully into a natural Cape Cod aesthetic. For steeper slopes or areas prone to water runoff, groundcovers like creeping phlox or pachysandra can provide additional coverage and support.
Structural solutions are often necessary as well. At Outerland, we frequently use natural stone retaining walls, dry creek beds, and strategic grading to redirect water and reduce pressure on erodible surfaces. Terracing can help slow water movement, and the use of permeable pavers or gravel paths encourages absorption rather than runoff. In some cases, installing erosion control blankets or fiber logs during planting helps protect new vegetation until it is established.
Each solution must be adapted to your unique property layout, exposure to wind or tides, and overall design preferences. We take time to assess the site’s conditions and collaborate with you to develop a customized strategy that blends functionality with visual appeal.
Our goal is to protect your property while preserving the natural beauty of the Cape. Whether you’re facing minor washouts or serious coastal erosion, Outerland has the experience, tools, and local knowledge to deliver lasting, effective results.
We use a mix of manual and organic methods. Hand-pulling and mulching are foundational. and minimize impact on beneficial plants. Preventative techniques like pre-emergents and soil health improvements reduce future weed pressure. Other services, like aeration, will decrease the likelihood of certain lawn weeds from thriving on your lawn by decreasing the compaction.
For ongoing control, Outerland offers weed management as part of our maintenance programs. We have a range of solutions, ranging from fully organic to non-organic targeted solutions.
Design and maintenance pricing depend on your property’s size, complexity, and service frequency. Every property is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the price is determined by the amount of work needed as well as the expectations of the client. At Outerland, we have a certain standard that we have when maintaining our client’s landscapes and we make sure to provide our field staff with an adequate amount of time to deliver a high-quality result. We provide detailed, customized quotes after an on-site consultation.
Yes. Our estate plans are completely tailored. We assign a dedicated Account Manager and provide a schedule that includes weekly or biweekly maintenance, garden enhancements, fine pruning, irrigation checks, plant monitoring, and seasonal installs.
Estate clients appreciate the consistency, attention to detail, and proactive communication that comes with a long-term partnership with Outerland.
A comprehensive year-round landscaping maintenance plan is the key to keeping your property looking polished, healthy, and well cared for throughout every season. It ensures that no aspect of your outdoor space is neglected and helps protect your investment while enhancing curb appeal.
At a minimum, your plan should include the following core services:
- Spring Cleanup: Clearing winter debris, selective pruning and dethatching lawns.
- Bed Preparation and Mulch Installation: Removing all weeds from beds and any excess mulch from the previous year, adding preventative vegetation control to the bed to add an extra layer of protection against weeds. We re-edge all the beds to provide a crisp appearance and provide differentiation between the beds and the lawn. We then add a layer of premium mulch.
- Weekly or Biweekly Maintenance: Regular mowing, weeding, and general grooming to keep the landscape neat and healthy.
- Seasonal Planting and Enhancements: Fresh annual installations, seasonal containers, or color updates to reflect spring, summer, and fall themes.
- Pruning and Deadheading: Ongoing plant care to maintain shape, health, and blooming potential.
- Irrigation Management: Spring startup, seasonal adjustments, and fall winterization to ensure optimal watering efficiency.
- Fertilization and Lawn Health: Scheduled lawn feedings, core aeration, overseeding, and organic treatments tailored to Cape Cod’s sandy soil.
- Weed and Pest Control: Preventative and spot treatments using organic or selective methods, depending on your preferences. We also provide hand weeding services when needed.
- Fall Cleanup: Leaf removal, final pruning, and bed preparation for winter to reduce plant stress and disease risk.
- Snow Removal (if applicable): For clients who remain on the Cape year-round, timely plowing and walkway clearing can be included.
Outerland’s year-round plans are fully customizable. We tailor the frequency, services, and level of care to match your property’s scale, usage, and design goals. Whether you have a high-profile estate or a seasonal home, our proactive, professional team ensures that your landscape remains a standout feature—season after season.
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden on Cape Cod is not only a beautiful addition to your landscape but also a meaningful way to support the environment. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a vital role in plant reproduction and ecosystem health, and many native species are in decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
To build a garden that attracts and sustains pollinators, we recommend using native flowering plants that bloom in succession from early spring through late fall. Great choices for the Cape include milkweed, bee balm, goldenrod, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and Joe-Pye weed. These provide nectar and pollen throughout the season and are well-suited to the region’s climate.
Clustering similar plants together helps pollinators find food more easily, and planting in sunny locations boosts flower production. Including host plants like milkweed for monarch caterpillars or parsley for swallowtails helps complete the life cycle support.
Avoiding pesticides—especially neonicotinoids—is essential, as even small traces can harm pollinators. Use organic pest control methods or introduce beneficial insects when necessary.
Providing water is another important component. A shallow birdbath with pebbles, or a small dish with fresh water, gives pollinators a safe place to drink.
At Outerland, we can help you design and install a pollinator-friendly landscape that balances ecological responsibility with refined aesthetics. Whether it’s a formal garden, wildflower meadow, or mixed perennial border, we’ll ensure your space supports biodiversity while enhancing the beauty of your property.