While at various job sites throughout the summer build season, it is a privilege on occasion to work alongside different trades. The collaboration of a temporary on-site partnership often yields amazing results, increasing the prospect of repeating such an alliance.
Earlier this summer, the beautiful work achieved by Fontaine Landscaping Inc. is certainly worthy of featuring.
Owned and established by J.P. Fontaine in 2004, the company has grown into quite an enterprise since its inception. By that time, Fontaine had already been immersed in the landscaping industry for over four years. Venturing out on his own seemed to be the next step of a natural progression.
“We typically run four to six crews all summer,” Fontaine states proudly. “Being so busy, we provide almost exclusively new construction and renovation landscape construction projects, and have very little time for maintenance, other than some select tree and shrub care-related activities.”
During the late months of spring, Fontaine and his crews had been engaged by the same homeowner for which I was erecting several lumber-related structures on site, adjacent the newly installed in-ground pool.
The landscaping tasks involved several locations of set patio blocks, a walkway that leads from the front driveway to the backyard, and numerous shrubs and greenery strewn within an array of river rock fill that would negate any backyard lawn.
The crews diligently prepped and completed each area, and their progress was visibly tangible day by day. In very little time, the disarray of a dug-up backyard during the pool installation phase had become a picturesque canvas upon which the new deck, pergolas and shed could be built, seamlessly merging to create the sought-after backdrop for a spectacular backyard oasis.
Due to the late start this spring (cause by abnormally high amounts of precipitation), my projects had also been subjected to delays. When asked, Fontaine reveals: “Our season typically commences mid-April and continues through to mid-November for our landscape projects.”
Although certain projects could be achieved into the winter months, both the materials and the frozen ground are less forgiving. “During the winter, we engage in snow removal, tree planting and specialty construction projects. We typically run up to two dozen employees during our peak season and lessen to about eight over the winter months,” Fontaine adds.
During one of the last days on our collaborative job site, Fontaine noticed I tend to build my projects on my own, whereas he taken a more supervisory role.
When asked if he still enjoys hands-on activities, Fontaine admits: “I personally am engaged in all facets of our operation. However, in April, May and June, I am typically providing quotes, visiting job sites and completing administrative work. As the season wears on, I will engage the tools of the trade, and do everything from driving trucks, operating heavy equipment, laying sod, and climbing trees.”
It is easy to see his passion for his work.
“I can honestly say that I love my job, meeting new people, and being challenged by customers’ interesting scenarios they often find themselves in with their respective landscape… Helping them (to the best of my ability) is what I enjoy, and truly find so fulfilling,” Fontaine says.
“During my 22 years in this industry, I’ve seen the introduction of so many new and exciting products, plant materials and installation methods — I’m always looking forward to all the new products and services we will be able to offer our customers in the years to come.:
The finished product speaks for itself.
Landscaping is an art form, and requires a keen eye for the idiosyncrasies of topography. Landscaping can border on grandiose but should never be overpowering. Fontaine’s designs are perfect for each specific scenario: timeless and extremely functional.
Coupled with the longevity inherent to the products and materials used by Fontaine Landscaping Inc., customers will enjoy its achievements for years to come.
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